Although both areas are close to each other, would it be too much to combine both areas in one day? I will have an automobile. Also, is Bristol waterfront worthwhile to visit or would it be better to spend more time in Cotswolds instead? Thank you.
You can't do the Cotswolds right in one day. It took us two full days. Also, we did 3/4 of a day in Stratford. We stayed in Chipping Campden at the Volunteer Inn and did day trips to Stratford, Oxford and Blenheim Palace..
Haven't been to Bristol, but if you love Shakespeare, don't miss Stratford.
If you're going to try so see the Cotswolds, spend the whole day there. So much to see and do. I spent 8 days in the Cotswolds one year and 5 days another year and I'm still wanting to go back.
Remember that the Cotswolds covers a very large area and visiting just 3-4 popular villages in the northern part of the Cotswolds could take the better part of a day. Stratford Upon Avon is worth a day by itself. Everything, of course, depends on what you want to see and do in each place.