Welcome to the most charming region of England, The Cotswolds. If you’re planning a visit to this gorgeous area, use this 2 day Cotswolds itinerary to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
It can feel a bit overwhelming to try to decide which of the many towns of The Cotswolds to visit. But this 2 day Cotswolds itinerary is the best of The Cotswolds in an easy to plan itinerary.
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The Cotswolds can easily be visited in addition to a trip to London, or as part of a larger England itinerary. Either way, this 2 day Cotswolds itinerary will help you plan to see the best of the Cotswolds in a short trip.
Use this map as a reference for every point of interest mentioned in this itinerary!
How Long Do You Need To Visit The Cotswolds?
Any amount of time is a wonderful amount of time to visit the Cotswolds! It’s better than no time at all…
However, one day might feel quite limited, and a week may feel like too much. I think somewhere in between is the best option.
In my opinion, if you’re doing a larger trip through England, 2-5 days is enough to get a feel for the spirit of The Cotswolds while leaving time for some of the country’s other amazing regions.
A 2 day Cotswolds itinerary is the perfect amount of time, whether it’s for a weekend getaway from London or part of a larger England trip. In just 2 days, you’ll get a really good idea of what this gorgeous area is like. It’s enough time to see the cutest little towns, and enjoy the best of the English countryside.
What, And Where, Are ‘The Cotswolds’?
The Cotswolds are a region of central England known for picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and rolling hills.
Dedicated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it covers almost 800 square miles West of London. The Cotswolds is an area of rolling hills and small towns, making it the perfect English countryside destination.
Stretching from Bath to Stratford-upon-Avon, there is no shortage of amazing places to visit and gems to discover in The Cotswolds.
But, that can make it can feel a bit overwhelming when trying to narrow down which places are worth visiting. So, this itinerary will help you narrow down where to visit in the Cotswolds and exactly how to do it!
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How To Get Around The Cotswolds
There are two main ways to get around The Cotswolds – by renting a car, or using public transportation.
But, for the most part, this itinerary will be rental car friendly.
Getting Around The Cotswolds With Public Transportation
While it’s totally possible to use public transportation to get around in The Cotswolds, it does take a bit more planning and reliance on bus timetables.
If you plan to visit The Cotswolds by public transportation, you’re likely going to first arrive by train from London. To do so, catch the train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh. There are lots of time options throughout the day, and the journey should only take about 1.5 hours.
I use Trainline to find, book, and manage all of my train journeys in the UK!
Once you’re in The Cotswolds, the best way to get around is by bus. However, the buses don’t run that frequently here. So this option would take a bit more planning to make sure you don’t miss any stops!
If you decide to explore The Cotswolds by bus, just be sure to always note the last bus of the day to not get stuck. And keep in mind that taxis are always an option in a pinch! I always use Flixbus to find and book bus routes.
Two other options for getting around once you are in The Cotswolds are by foot or by bike! Because these methods don’t rely on timetables, they may provide you with a bit more flexibility in your schedule.
Actually, many of the towns in The Cotswolds are close enough to walk from one to the other. Depending on the distance, it may be 30 minutes to a few hours. And, there are tons of adorable walking paths that connect towns and are popular for getting around by foot!
Renting A Car To Get Around In The Cotswolds
The most efficient and customizable way to get around The Cotswolds for a 2 day itinerary is renting a car.
I get questions all the time about driving in England as an American. Or just as someone who is from a country where they drive on the right side! But, I promise it isn’t as intimidating as it seems to switch over to driving on the left!
The beauty of having a rental car in the Cotswolds is freedom in your itinerary. You’ll also be able to visit smaller, quieter places and design an itinerary that works best for you.
The best tip for renting a car in the Cotswolds? Rent the smallest car you feel you can manage. The roads in The Cotswolds are very narrow, parking spots are small, and bridges are tight. You’ll feel better in a smaller car and it will be much easier to manage. Of course, keep in mind having enough room for your luggage, though!
I always use Rentalcars.com to book my rental cars and look for companies with ratings of 8.0 or better!
Best Time For A 2 Day Cotswolds Itinerary
The Cotswolds is one of those destinations where there is really no bad time to visit.
In Winter, snow covers the charming towns of The Cotswolds and gives major cozy vibes!
In Summer, dip your toes in the river and cool down with ice cream as you meander through the most beautiful towns in England.
And in Spring or Fall, you’ll experience the countryside in bloom or the autumn leaves beginning to fall. We visited in May and had such nice weather with smaller crowds.
It really depends on what sort of experience you are looking for that will determine the best time for you to visit The Cotswolds.
Which Towns To Visit On A Cotswolds Itinerary
If you’ve looked at a map of The Cotswolds, you may have gotten a bit overwhelmed and confused about just where to go and in what order.
Personally, I think that there are no wrong answers when asked the question of which towns to visit in The Cotswolds.
But, while many of the towns offer similar experiences, there are a few that really stick out and are worth the stop on a Cotswolds weekend trip:
– Moreton-in-Marsh
– Bourton-on-the-Water
– Bibury
– Stow-on-the-Wold
– Castle Combe
– Upper & Lower Slaughter
– Chipping Campden
– Tetbury
– Cirencester
Even still, there are many to choose from for a narrowed down 2 day Cotswolds itinerary, so I’ve done the work for you! You’ll find out which towns I recommend and in which order below.
Where To Stay For Your 2 Day Cotswolds Itinerary
There is no shortage of adorable and unique stays in The Costswolds. And there are also lots of price options ranging from boutique luxury experiences to more budget stays.
I recommend you stay somewhere in the middle, as the two days of this itinerary are broken up into north and south. This will cut down on your driving times a bit!
Wild Thyme & Honey
A downright cozy boutique hotel designed for a relaxed and comfortable stay in the heart of The Cotswolds, located just outside Cirencester. Enjoy the hotel’s many outdoor spaces meant to encourage you to take in the beauty of the countryside. With just 24 rooms, you’ll have a unique and bespoke experience in your beautiful and cozy room.
Lords Of The Manor
A classic in The Cotswolds, this former 17th century rectory is set on 8 acres of secluded gardens and is one of the top 200 hotels in the country. Every bedroom is uniquely designed with comfort in mind, and two restaurants on property provide award winning food experiences. It’s also in a great location, located in the town of Upper Slaughter, making it a great base for your Cotswolds weekend getaway.
The Swan Hotel Bibury
This boutique, ivy covered hotel located in the heart of Bibury village is a dream stay in The Cotswolds. Just a short walk away from Bibury’s most famous sites, you would be hard pressed to find a better location to base yourself from on your Cotswolds itinerary. Each of the 22 rooms are beautifully designed with large bathrooms and cosy bathrobes.
The Perfect 2 Day Cotswolds Itinerary
Here it is – the best 2 day Cotswolds itinerary with all the details you need to plan the perfect Cotswolds trip!
I recommend you stay in a central location in The Cotswolds, then head out each day to a different area in the region.
Keep in mind that, depending on where you choose to stay, any of the days of this itinerary can be shifted around to meet your needs!
Day 1: Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway Tower, & Daylesford Organic
Spend day 1 of this 2 day Cotswolds itinerary exploring the northern part of The Cotswolds. You’ll stop into a famous and adorable farm shop, walk around the cutest towns, and visit an impressive 18th century tower.
Moreton-in-Marsh
A well known market town in The Cotswolds, Moreton-in-Marsh is popular for its lovely high street and Tuesday markets.
Moreton-in-Marsh is often the landing spot for those arriving in the Cotswolds by train, so it’s also a good spot to base yourself in the north of The Cotswolds.
The best part of town is located on the historic High Street. Here, you’ll find shopping, good restaurants, and a few pubs worth stopping into as well. The Bell Inn is a fun stop for readers and Tolkien fans. The pub is known for having inspired JRR Tolkien’s ‘Prancing Pony’ in Middle Earth. There are also a few other spots in town that are said to have inspired Tolkien as he wrote The Lord of the Rings.
While in town, head over to the Cotswold Falconry Centre for a really unique experience. You’ll find over 50 species of birds of prey in this center focused on rehabilitation and breeding. They also offer daily flying displays of their birds of prey, so you can see these hunters in action!
There are also some special experiences you can book at the Falconry center to get some one-on-one time with owls or hawks.
Check out the Cotswolds Falconry Centre official site for more information.
Stow-on-the-Wold
A quaint town on the larger side in The Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold is where we decided to base ourselves for our Cotswolds itinerary. Because there were more options for restaurants, shopping, and it’s centrally located, it worked well for us!
Even if you decide to stay elsewhere, Stow-on-the-Wold is definitely still worth a stop on your Cotswolds itinerary. While in town, walk over to St. Edward’s Church and the Doors of Durin. It felt like stepping into a fairytale novel! And the church has beautiful grounds and a cemetery that were very peaceful to walk through.
Be sure to also make your way over to Market Square for some shopping and history. This square has been hosting markets since 1107, making it quite the historic center of town. Now, you’ll find a bunch of shops from bookstores to galleries and tearooms.
If you wander around town outside of the Market Square area, you’ll find even more shopping with antique stores and art galleries all around town.
Restaurant Recommendation: eat in the cosy pub of The Bell while in Stow-on-the-Wold for some traditional English fare like bangers and mash.
Cafe Recommendation: pop into Stow Town Coffee for delicious sweet treats and some caffeine for a boost.
Daylesford Organic
One of my personal favorite places we stopped on our trip to The Cotswolds was the Daylesford Organic farm shop. Inside, you’ll find a home decor shop, award winning restaurant, deli, tea shop, greenhouse, coffee shop, and more.
It’s a perfect stop to do some shopping! And you can either sit down for lunch or grab something to go for a quicker meal. In the deli, they have a hot bar, snacks, and grab and go meals and drinks.
Broadway Tower
This 18th century tower is an iconic landmark in the hills of The Cotswolds. At 65 feet tall, it offers the best views of The Cotswolds – you can see up to 16 counties from the top!
Decide to visit just the outside of the tower for a quick stop, or plan to go up inside and get the best views.
One of the more unique and curious aspects of the Broadway Tower is its nuclear bunker. Today, it is an old relic of the Cold War 15 feet below ground. When it was built, it it was part of a system across the UK built to study the effects of nuclear explosions and radioactive fallout.
There is also a wonderful park area and walking paths, plus the Morris & Brown cafe for a light lunch or coffee.
Day 2: Castle Combe, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, & The Slaughters
On the second of your 2 day Cotswolds itinerary, you’ll see some of the prettiest towns in all of The Cotswolds! You’ll enjoy the shopping, bakeries, and beautiful riverside views of these three must visit towns in The Cotswolds.
The day begins as far south as this itinerary takes you – in Castle Comb. I recommend starting here for the day as it will likely be the furthest from your accommodation.
Castle Combe
Castle Combe is often called the ‘prettiest town in England.’ And it isn’t hard to imagine why!
The town itself is quite small, but it is certainly very charming. The most popular spot in town is Water Lane, the iconic photo spot in Castle Combe.
And this is where most of the crowds gather throughout the day. So, if you want the best photo chances here, definitely visit first thing in the morning.
While in Castle Combe, be sure to also walk over to the Manor House. It’s an iconic manor and hotel in The Cotswolds that boasts a golf course, Michelin Star restaurant, and elegant rooms and cottages. And if you’re in the mood, you can also stop for a wonderful afternoon tea in their tea room.
But, even if you aren’t planning to stay or play at the Manor House, the grounds are worth a quick stop during your time in Castle Combe.
The Manor House is an iconic and luxurious place to stay in The Cotswolds, however it isn’t very centrally located. That’s the main reason I did not list it above in my recommended places to stay. But, if you wanted to stay here and drive just a bit further, it is certainly NOT a bad idea!
Bibury
Bibury is another beautiful town of The Cotswolds known for it’s little cottages and picture perfect spots.
The most popular thing to see in Bibury is Arlington Row. This row of houses is one of the most photographed streets in England, and it’s easy to see it’s charm.
The row was originally built as a monastic wool store, and later transformed into weaver’s cottages. Today, the houses are owned by The National Trust and are home to private tenants.
Because Arlington Row is a very popular photo spot, you’ll likely not have it to yourself unless you arrive first thing in the morning. But, it’s still a very nice bit of old English architecture to admire while in Bibury.
I’m not sure there is a view in The Cotswolds more beautiful than the River Coln gracefully flowing in front of the ivy covered Swan Hotel.
Spend some time strolling along the Coln River while in Bibury to really take in the beauty of this village.
Take Note: one of my recommended hotels is located in Bibury, The Swan Hotel.
An unexpected and unique activity in Bibury is the Bibury Trout Farm. Founded in 1902, it’s England’s oldest working trout farm, located right in the heart of Bibury. And what is so wildly fun about it is that you can catch and cook your own trout right here on the farm!
The Bibury Trout Farm offers fishing, bbq’s to cook your fresh catch, and a cafe featuring trout dishes and coffee.
Fishing is open every day from 10am-4pm, weather permitting, and requires no booking ahead. For just £3 to use the equipment provided, you can fish for your very own trout. Any trout caught is priced at £12 per kilo, with a £1 gutting service offered.
Bourton-on-the-Water
One of my favorite towns in The Cotswolds is Bourton-on-the-Water. I just thought it was so cute and charming, and I loved our time there.
And one of the most unique and fun things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water is visit the model village of the town itself. It’s a 1/9th scale replica of the village, with astonishingly good detail.
When we walked up to this place, we were a bit skeptical that it would even be worth the £4.75 to get in. But it was totally worth it and made us laugh as we pretended to be giants terrorizing this poor little town.
You can purchase tickets at the entrance, which is located right behind The Old New Inn. Definitely a fun little activity to add to your day for a nice dose of whimsy!
And while you’re in town, definitely stop into the Bakery-On-The-Water for amazing pastries, coffee, and cream tea. In the back, there is an adorable terrace where you can enjoy your snacks next to the flowing river.
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The rest of your time in Bourton-on-the-Water should be spent popping into the little gift shops that make up much of the main part of town.
Upper & Lower Slaughter
Don’t let the name scare you, the Slaughters are adorable villages just north of Bourton-on-the-Water. While there aren’t many activities in the villages, they are definitely popular for their beautiful looks.
Tip: if you’re short on time for the day, I would recommend just going to Lower Slaughter as it’s got a bit more to it.
The Old Mill is a must visit when you visit Lower Slaughter. Previously, a museum detailing the history of the mill could be found inside. However, new plans are underway as of 2025 for a cafe and shop. In the meantime, a coffee kiosk can be found outside the mill and offers drinks, ice cream, and pastries!
Walk by the Manor House, which is now a 5-star hotel. There are small gardens on the property you can walk through and admire the beautiful building. And just next door is The Parish Church of Saint Mary, a beautiful church right in the center of the small village.
If you’re looking for a place to sit for a drink or coffee while in Lower Slaughter, stop into The Slaughters Country Inn and sit on their lovely patio out back.
Note: one of my recommended hotels, Lords of the Manor Hotel, is located in Upper Slaughter
2 Day Cotswolds Itinerary Wrap Up & Final Thoughts
If you have 2 days in The Cotswolds, this itinerary is the perfect way to maximize your time and see the best The Cotswolds have to offer.
Options to Extend Your Cotswolds Itinerary : Bath & Oxford
If you are planning to stay a bit longer in The Cotswolds, plan to visit Bath, Oxford, or both!
Or, you could swap one of the above days in the small villages of The Cotswolds for a day trip to either of these bigger cities.
In Bath, you’ll find the ancient Roman baths that give the city it’s name. You’ll also find adorable shopping, beautiful parks, and a variety of food options not found in the small villages of The Cotswolds.
Oxford is of course best known for it’s academic history and the University of Oxford. In Oxford, check out Blackwell’s, the largest bookseller in the UK. Take a tour of the Bodleian Libraries where many rare books and manuscripts live.
