Village Hopping in the Cotswolds

Is there anything more evocative of England than the Cotswolds? Miles and miles of beautiful countryside are peppered with superbly maintained towns and meandering rural lanes, many of which are characterized by characteristic Cotswold stone walls. Starting at Chipping Campden in the north of the Cotswolds, we recommend traveling south, bouncing from gorgeous hamlet to picturesque village as you take in charming taverns, medieval churches, and all manner of local curiosities on your approach to Bath in the south.

The Slimbridge Wetland Centre is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers intimate interactions with nature as well as a variety of birding possibilities. If you want a more action-packed getaway, the Cotswold Water Park offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and archery. Broadway not only has one of the most beautiful high streets in the UK, but it also has Broadway Tower, from which you can overlook a whopping 16 counties. Under normal conditions, the Cotswolds hosts a variety of various events each year, so plan ahead of time and attempt to coordinate your visit with whatever appeals to you, from beer and cider festivals to country shows.

Distance and ideal duration: 70 miles, 3-4 days