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Cotswold Villages and Circular Walks

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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!

Posted by
1 posts

Chipping Campden would be a good base: It's small with a lively main street and a couple of smaller streets. Some (eg Stanton) are more residential so although pretty can feel a bit empty. You can get an idea of the villages you're considering by walking around them virtually with Instant Street View.

A lovely day trip, more off the beaten track, about a 40-min drive from Chipping Campden:
The Swan -- lunch then walks from the pub of varying lengths: (make sure you walk over to the tiny, atmospheric St Oswalds).
From there, it's just a mile's walk to Asthall for refreshments (or vice versa with The Swan, depending which you like most).

Also nearby for a half-hour stop to round out the day:
Minster Hall-- (10 mins by car from Swinbrook) -- pub there too.
Burford (ditto) has lots of pubs, cafes.

Posted by
1006 posts

I think you might find your budget is actually a bit small for what you want. The Cotswolds is one of the more expensive places to stay and a cute cottage in walking distance to a good pub will command a premium.

Edit: had a quick look at Airbnb and budget seems reasonable if outside of school holidays.

Posted by
8674 posts

I loved my stay in Winchcombe over a Christmas holiday.

Sadly the owner of the property moved.

Was there so I could enjoy the Christmas festivities at Sudley Castle.

Didn’t find Winchcombe too large or too small. While meandering about the town had a pint and a sit down in the cozy Lion Inn. Liked that place alot. Honestly if I were to return I’d consider staying there. Ticked all the boxes for me. So did Snowshill. Great Sunday Roast at the Snowshill Arms.

I had a car and drove up to where I hiked up to Bella’s Nap early one morning. Splendid and peaceful sojourn.

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you for the recommendations – street view is a great idea. I think the budget will work – just have to be a bit choosy. I will check out all your ideas – St. Oswalds, Snowhill and Bella’s Nap sound great.

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