Self Driving tour of Cotswolds from Bath - Suggestions?

I doubt you could do much more than the places you mentioned. Between Bourton on the Water and Stow on Wold is Lower Slaughter. If you’re a fan of the UK series Father Brown, a church used in it is St Peter's & St Paul's Church in Moreton-in-Marsh. In the same area are The Rollright Stones if you like standing stones.

A problem you’ll run into the time of year you’re going, other than driving slowly on the roads in that area, is parking. After the lots fill up, good luck finding any parking. Consider having alternative villages you could visit if you can’t find parking in your first choice villages.

@jaimeelsabio - Thank you! Those are lovely tips, particularly about the parking potentially being an issue. Much appreciated!

I was there in March of 22 and did a full day tour with Paul Elliott of City of Bath Guides. It wasn't cheap, but Paul was fantastic! I highly recommend! https://cityofbathguides.com/the-cotswold-tour/

They do have a set tour, but Paul would most likely happily work with you to come up with a day that fits your needs.

This will be easier to do on a weekday if possible as weekends are busier with visitors. Parking can be an issue.

@Jill - I checked Paul's website but he's already booked for the week we will be there. Gosh I really am just behind on planning my trip apparently haha. I might still reach out to him in case though! Appreciate your suggestion!

@Helen - Yes! Planning on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Thank you for this tip. The parking situation is starting to worry me a bit.

I tend to agree with the comments in the first reply, from jaimeelsabio.

It is really good that you will be going midweek. Two months from now? Is that maybe May? Early or late May? Careful of the two Bank Holidays if that is May.

It sounds like an excellent route. Castle Combe, very scenic, if you hit it at the wrong time lots of others will have the same idea as you, and the lanes are very narrow - take your time and get out of the car. By the time you get there you will have become familiar with driving on the left. Just be sure that your navigator tells you if you are too close to the kerb or walls as you drive.

Bibury is also very scenic, and attracts crowds, so much so that a year or two ago a resident parked an old yellow three wheeler car in the middle of the iconic photo scene, and it is very much a one horse town. Once you have seen the Row and the ducks in the river, maybe a cup of tea at the one restaurant, you are done. Very scenic.

Bourton-on-the-Water (don't just call it Bourton, there is a Bouton-on-the-Hill a few miles away, be sure you set the GPS correctly) is a tourist magnet because it is so eye wateringly gorgeous. Parking in the centre can be difficult but there are three slightly hidden additional car parks in addition to the one signposted one. A little persistence can pay off. Well worth a stop in my opinion. I grew up not too far from there and I still return, tourists or not.

As said above, the Slaughters (Upper and Lower) are close by. Don't try driving the ford, use the bridge, unless you really know what you're doing.

Then the short distance to Stow on the Wold. If you can't get parking in the town you can park at the Tesco supermarket just north of the centre for up to 2 hours and a quick stroll back into the centre. Have a look at the stocks, good for a photo op.

Then make your way gently back to Bath. I think you could do worse.

Noting that you will be carrying a munchkin (congratulations!!) I will say that other than Bibury (where the restaurant can assist) the others have public facilities (toilets) that while not the Ritz are all quite serviceable and well signed.

If you are faster than most and have time left over you might consider Chipping Campden (use the whole name, there is a Chipping Norton where Jeremy Clarkson lives nearby, on the way to Oxford, Chipping Campden much more scenic), and or Broadway, with its Tower and Fish Hill. Don't overdo it though...

@Nigel - What an absolute blessing you are! Thank you so much for taking the time to write out such a thoughtful and detailed response. I have noted everything you suggested and feel much more confident taking on this adventure now, particularly with little munchkin to think about. It's always so helpful to have a local's perspective on an area. I'm very grateful for your input.

When we were in Ireland in 2022 my husband did think that the driving on the other side of the road did get to be tiresome and he couldn't enjoy the views. It depends on what kind of driver you are and what kind of personality you have for adjusting to challenges and narrow roads. If you do get a car, get an automatic.

We will be staying in the Cotswolds in May, and even though we are driving in and out, we did hire a driver for 6 hours one day just to relax and enjoy it. Also, we won't have to deal with parking. He is based in Broadway, so you are probably out of his realm, but maybe you can contact the other recommended driver and see if he has a referral. Also, your hotel might have some suggestions.