🏡 Day 1 | Arrival in Broadway: Gateway to the Cotswolds
Begin your Cotswolds 5 Day Itinerary by arriving in the postcard-perfect village of Broadway. Known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds,” Broadway’s wide High Street is lined with honey-colored limestone cottages, boutique shops, and quaint tea rooms. Take a leisurely stroll, stopping for cream tea at a historic inn as you soak in the timeless English countryside ambiance.
Visit Broadway Tower, a striking 18th-century folly perched on a hilltop offering panoramic views across 16 counties. As the sun dips behind rolling hills, enjoy dinner at a traditional gastropub, sampling classic dishes like slow-braised lamb with rosemary and a pint of locally brewed ale.
🏰 Day 2 | Chipping Campden’s Market Charm & Historic Walks
On the second day of your Cotswolds 5 Day Itinerary, head to Chipping Campden, renowned for its historic wool trade and beautifully preserved architecture. Stroll along the High Street, admiring the medieval market hall and thatched-roof cottages.
Walk part of the Cotswold Way, a scenic trail offering sweeping views of fields and dry-stone walls. Visit Hidcote Manor Garden, one of England’s finest Arts and Crafts gardens, bursting with vibrant blooms and secret pathways. For dinner, savor a plate of roasted pheasant with elderberry sauce in an intimate candlelit setting.
🌿 Day 3 | Bourton-on-the-Water & the Slaughters
Your Cotswolds 5 Day Itinerary continues with a visit to Bourton-on-the-Water, often dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds” for its low stone bridges arching over the River Windrush. Explore charming attractions like the Model Village and Birdland Park & Gardens.
After lunch at a riverside café, venture to the neighboring twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. Walk the peaceful country lane connecting them, surrounded by gently flowing streams and storybook scenery. End your day with a hearty beef and ale pie at a rustic coaching inn.
🎨 Day 4 | Stow-on-the-Wold’s Antique Treasures & Village Hopping
Start the day in Stow-on-the-Wold, a bustling market town famed for its antique shops and historic market square. Browse for unique finds, from vintage jewelry to centuries-old maps. Visit the ancient St. Edward’s Church with its iconic door framed by twisted yew trees, said to inspire Tolkien’s Doors of Durin.
In the afternoon, hop between nearby villages like Snowshill and Winchcombe, each offering its own charm and hidden gems. Join a cooking workshop to learn traditional English baking, crafting scones served with clotted cream and jam.
🌅 Day 5 | Castle Combe & Farewell Countryside Moments
Conclude your Cotswolds 5 Day Itinerary in Castle Combe, often hailed as England’s prettiest village. Wander cobbled lanes lined with medieval cottages and take photos from the stone bridge for a quintessential Cotswolds scene.
Enjoy a farewell lunch at a Michelin-starred country inn, relishing delicate seasonal dishes like wild mushroom risotto or Cornish sole. Before departure, sip English breakfast tea in a sunlit garden, reflecting on five days steeped in history, nature, and rural charm.
🚗 Transportation Tips
- Getting there: Trains from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh take about 90 minutes.
- Getting around: Renting a car is the best way to explore villages and countryside trails at your own pace.
💰 Budget Recommendations
- Meals: £35–60 per day for cozy pubs and fine dining.
- Accommodation: Boutique hotels and country inns range from £90–180 per night.
- Transport: Car hire approx. £40–70 per day; train tickets from London £25–50.
- Activities: Entry fees to gardens and museums £5–15.
- Estimated Total: Around £800–1,100 for an enchanting five-day getaway.
💡 Explore more about England’s countryside, heritage trails, and official visitor guides on the Visit England website.
👉 For more awe-inspiring itineraries, check out our 🌟 Epic Lofoten Islands 5 Day Itinerary and explore Norway’s raw and wild beauty.