I am in the planning stages of an October trip to England. The plan at the moment is to arrive at Heathrow on a Thursday morning and stay three nights in London. We aren’t big city folks but I was thinking one day for sites (parliament, Buckingham palace etc.) and then one day for Kew or a museum (I am a gardener). On Sunday, we will take the train up to Oxford and hire a car (I have a reservation) and spend four nights in then the northern Cotswolds before returning the car and spending two final nights (one full day) in Oxford and flying out of Heathrow mid day or early afternoon on Saturday.
What I am hoping for advice on is where to base ourselves in the Cotswolds. We will probably stay at an Air BnB because we want two bedrooms and it will be more economical. We want to walk 5-10 miles a day and will likely do a few circular walks. I think I want to stay in a village or a small town with at least one place to have dinner. I am imagining living my best Agatha Raisin meets Tom Barnaby life.
I have found nice options in Winchcombe, Chipping Camden, Broadway, and Stow-on-the-Wold, but I am wondering if they are really bigger towns than I am imagining. I have also found options in what I think are very small villages of Cold Aston, Stanton, Broad Campden, Blockley, Bourton-on-the-Hill, Longborough. I care a fair amount about staying in an appealing property. Our budget, if that is helpful would ideally be between $800 and $1200 for the four nights.
I haven’t explored options south of the M4 but I am not opposed to going father south if there is the perfect location. I have found a number of walks that look really enjoyable in the north so that is also a draw. I am also not opposed to staying outside of the AONB with a recommendation of quaintness. ;)
So now that I have told you my life story two questions (but all thoughts welcome): (1) Where should we stay for my perfect village experience? (2) Any walks that you love? The ideal walk would be 5-10 miles with a stop in the middle at a historic property, pub, or tea shop.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to think about my trip with me!