Cotswolds in July and crowds

Posted by sschickler on 12/09/24 03:58 PM

We were interested in going to the Cotswold in early July and stared to try to book things. I can see already see that a few places like some private guides and tours are already sold out. So my question is how really busy and crowded with tourists will the Cotswolds and a small town such as Stow-On-The-Wold be in July? I would expect some crowding but wondering if it will be really thronged with people during the days and does it detract from the experience? Will we be fighting to get guides and restaurant reservations etc? or should we go another time?

Thanks!

Posted by Camborne2018

Cornwall

12/09/24 04:11 PM

378 posts

Have you considered other places? There are many, nicer and much less visited options.

Posted by sschickler OP

12/09/24 04:16 PM

106 posts

Yes you are probably right but another couple with us is really interested so I'm looking for some info to give them something tangible about the subject (crowding, long waits for restaurants etc). to perhaps persuade them that July may not be the best experience there. Thanks!

Posted by Clyffthear

Winchester, UK

12/09/24 05:05 PM

142 posts

It depends where in the Cotswolds you are going I imagine. Certainly places like Stow on the Wold will be very crowded as they are well publicised to tourists. But there are quieter villages in the Cotswolds which you may be interested in, although they are perhaps not as picturesque. For example, I accidentally wound up in little Colerne one afternoon (in July) after being stranded by a bus. I had to walk all the way to Bath (all of 3 hours) but it was a nice walk. And given bus services to Colerne stop for the day at 2pm there weren't many tourists able to get there.

There are many villages like Colerne. If you can find a place to stay I'd definitely recommend a more sleepy town in the Cotswolds. Be mindful of transport and timings but enjoy the serenity.

Posted by jaimeelsabio

Mid-Atlantic area

12/09/24 05:46 PM

7204 posts

The popular villages such as, Stow on the Wold, Burton on Water, the Slaughters, Chipping Campden, Bibury, Broadway, etc, will be very busy. If driving, parking will be at a premium. The popular villages are busy even in spring and autumn.

There are less visited villages such as Tewkesbury and Tetbury, or a small town like Cirencester that might be less crowded in July.