We are renting a house in Pewsey for 4 nights and want to do a day trip to Cotswolds. I've read lots in RS book, but can't seem to narrow down best area to see. We'll have a car. Any advice is appreciated. I know this request leaves a lot for interpretation, but I've been working on this 6 week cruise/land trip for a long time and just needing some local tips please!
Thank you!!
What is it you want to see/do in the Cotswolds? Walk? See charming villages? Have afternoon tea? We walked the Cotswold Way last summer from Chipping Campden to Bath, and I can't say that there's an overall "best" area to see. You might want to check into the area closest to where you're driving from to allow more time in the Cotswolds and less time on the road.
Head to Cirencester or Bibury.
I'd agree with the first question. When you call up the Cotswolds in your mind's eye, what do you see? Which things appeal? Sheep in the fields, a country (or town) pub? Walks in the countryside? Thatch? Gardens? Narrow lanes? National Trust properties? A ride on a steam train? Photogenic towns?
Help me help you....
If you get lost, don’t worry ! The best day we had in the Cotswolds was when we just took this road, then that road. Discovered places we had never heard of.
Thanks- Yes, I need to be more specific. We love small charming villages/towns, pubs, gardens. Since we only have 1 day there, I'll take any advice given and then do more reading. We're doing a TA cruise from NY to Southampton, then 5 days in Pewsey, 5 days in London, taking the train to York for 3 nights, train to Glasgow for 3 nights and onto Edinburgh for 4 nights. First trip to UK.
@Nigel - we will be doing another day trip from Pewsey to Headley (my husband's family is from there - our last name) and reading up on the area too.
Thanks All!
We love small charming villages/towns, pubs, gardens
The original garden using "rooms" is Hidcote, a National Trust property. We love it there, something different around every corner. In mid summer it can get crowded as people come from all over the world to visit it. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/hidcote
Chipping Campden is just a couple of miles away and very scenic.
There are several pubs there but I don't drink so can't speak to the beer.
Bourton on the Water (not to be confused by the nearby Bourton on the Hill) is achingly cute and beautiful but also can get crowded. Nearby Stow on the Wold is a market town. Between the two are Upper and Lower Slaughter. Exceedingly beautiful.
My mother's favourite hill was in Long Compton. Mine is Cleeve Hill. The road over Cleeve Hill is quite steep, with a beautiful view of the Malverns.
Another scenic village is Blockley.
A lovely town on a hill with an ancient bridge and wool church is Burford.
With only a day, you will have to plan, and cut, cut, cut I'm afraid.
