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Planning a trip to the Cotswolds - how many days?

Posted by on

Hi all,

I'm planning a little trip away with my boyfriend in mid-November the Cotswolds and then a day or two in Oxford.
I've done some research and have decided I'd like to visit the below places:

  • Bourton on the water
  • The Slaughters
  • Stow on the wold short stroll
  • Chipping Camden
  • Stratford Upon Haven
  • Bibury
  • Burford

I just wondered how long realistically we would need in the Cotswols to visit these places? 2/3 days?And perhaps any advice on how to split up the days?

We're both heading down from Cardiff and we are looking to getaway and relax, walk around quaint picturesque towns (my boyfriend loves photography), go for pretty walks in the countryside, enjoy nice lunches and teas etc. My boyfriend also likes classic cars so the Motor museum in Bourton would be of interest too.

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
2775 posts

If it was me, I would plan at least four days. The Cotswolds are so beautiful. While in Bourton-on-the-Water see the model village, it’s behide The New Old Inn, well worth the time.

Posted by
2404 posts

Are you using a car or going by public transport? If using a car, it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Bourton-on-the-Water - so this area is day tripable from Cardiff. If going by train. Cheltenham ( 1hour from Cardiff) is the best jumping off point for the Cotswolds. Then, use local buses. www.traveline.info
http://www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/visitor-info/gettinghere/

If in Cardiff now, consider a trip up the lower Wye Valley from Chepstow to Monmouth via Tintern = ruined abbey. I say now, because this are is well wooded so has autumn colour. (By mid November, the trees will have lost their leaves). If you don’t have car - train to Chepstow (castle) and then local buses. www.nationalrail.co.uk
http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/tinternabbey/?lang=en

BEWARE of weekend closures of the railway due to the electrification project.

Posted by
27109 posts

I think a lot depends on whether you want to do some town-to-town walks (weather may not cooperate). The towns are mostly quite small, and excluding food/photography, I'm not sure any require more than 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Do remember how short the days will be, however.

Posted by
5835 posts

Do remember how short the days will be, however.

An English friend did the Offa's Dyke walk during the fall a number of years ago. Short daylight hours were his concern and he frequently had to negotiate (plead for) earlier breakfasts serving times with his B&B hosts to maximize his daylight walking hours.

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