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Seeking Advice on Trip to the Cotswalds

Hello Everyone

My family and I are planning a trip to the Cotswalds in May and I need some advice from folks on this site. I borrowed Rick's England guidebook from the library and carefully read the sections on the Cotswalds. Rick recommends staying either at Chipping Camden or Stow-on-the Wold and using a car to get around. Based upon his recommendation, I have a few questions:

1) Which of the two towns is the better place to stay in terms of finding accommodations and food? Chipping Camden or Stow-on-the-Wold?
2) In either of the two towns, do the folks on this site have any B&B's that they would recommend? I saw a post that suggested a B&B in Chipping Camden but I have not seen any other recommendations. Rick lists multiple places to stay in his guidebook but I thought it would be good to get input from this group before I reach out to the B&B for availability.
3) Finally, one of my family members is keen to walk from village to village, and find a B&B each night to stay. I've heard of people doing this using a tour group but do you folks think this is a viable option by ourselves? We would hire a third party to transport our single carryon luggage each day, but we'll essentially be on our own. One concern that we have talked about is the weather! Hiking from village to village could be fun, but not if it is pouring rain! :-)

Thank you all in advance for your help and suggestions.

Penn

Posted by
408 posts

I've heard of people doing this using a tour group but do you folks think this is a viable option by ourselves?

I think it’s quite possible to do by yourselves. We were considering it for next summer’s trip, but decided to book an independent walk with Cotswold Walks instead. Mostly for ease, since they handle all of the accommodation arrangements, and provide (hopefully) clear directions. I think for weather you just have to hope for the best, but pack rain gear.

Posted by
499 posts

We also used Cotswolds Walks. They are a great company. I really highly recommend them.

Posted by
7 posts

Either town is fine. Both have plenty of places to stay and eat. I would consider pubs as well as B&Bs, The Stag in Stow is great, other options are available.

Most people do what you've described, and walk independently with luggage transfer. As others have said, Cotswolds Walks are great.

You have to prepare for rain. It is far from certain, we went four months last summer with barely any rain. Similarly, it sometimes rains for weeks on end. It is rarely constant and torrential though, rain here tends to be intermittent showers. Pack layers and you'll be fine.

Posted by
36373 posts

the first comment refers to the spelling - the Cotswolds has two "o"s and no "a"s...

Stow on the Wold is bigger and well connected for out and back walks as long as you are OK with walking uphill on the last stretch of the day.

Posted by
36373 posts

going in May, be aware of the two Bank Holidays in the month. They make for crowds, and higher hotel prices.

Posted by
187 posts

I've only been to the Cotwolds once, staying at the Mousetrap Inn at Bourton on the Water. The town gets busy during the day but a lot quieter after 5pm.
Agree about avoiding the two Bank Holidays in May.