Cotswolds in a day: day trip from London

Organizing a Cotswolds day trip from London is easy.

If you drive, it’s around two hours, depending on where you’re driving to and from. If you want to take public transport, you can take the train from Moreton in Marsh in the north of the Cotswolds to London Paddington in an hour and a half.

From Moreton in the Marsh, you can reach all the train stations in the Cotswolds or come into Kemble, which is right by Cirencester.

If you can, I’d suggest renting a car for your day trip to the Cotswolds. This way, you can visit the smaller villages and enjoy the countryside in this designated Area of Natural Beauty. Life is a lot easier in the Cotswolds with a car!

By Victoria Philpott, from DayOutinEngland.com. The essential resource for guides and itineraries to England’s best days out. Searchable by interests, counties, cities, and areas – they’re definitely not just for kids!

This post contains affiliate links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. Read more about this on our disclosure page here.

Table of Contents

  1. Cotswolds Day Trip from London
    1. Is a day trip to the Cotswolds worth it?
    2. Where are the Cotswolds
    3. How to get to the Cotswolds
      1. Travel by train
      2. Travel by car
      3. Visit the Cotswolds on a Private Tour 
    4.  A roundup of the Cotswolds 
    5. Where to stay in the Cotswolds overnight?
    6. The most beautiful Cotswolds worth seeing
      1. Mooch around Cirencester
      2. Take a photo in Bibury
      3. Admire the river in Bourton-on-Water
      4. Go to Upper and Lower Slaughter
      5. Take a pic by the door in Stow on the Wold
    7. More places to enjoy in the Cotswolds
    8. Potential itineraries for the Cotswolds

Cotswolds Day Trip from London

Visit the Cotswolds, and you’ll find rolling hills and pastures, medieval villages of honey-colored homes, and carefully manicured gardens. This is one of the most scenic drives through the UK, and for good reason!

There’s a good reason why the Cotswolds have become one of the most popular places in England for people to visit on a day trip or even a city break and one of the ultimate experiences to have in England. There are lots of adventures you could enjoy on a day out in the Cotswolds – so many, in fact, that it can seem quite overwhelming. 

Let me take you through where I’d suggest you visit on your day trip to the Cotswolds from London and a few tips for making the most of your day out.

Is a day trip to the Cotswolds worth it?

Swan Hotel Bibury Cotswolds

The short answer to this question is yes.

I would suggest spending more time exploring the region since it is so beautiful, but if you only have a short time, seeing the Cotswolds in a day is a great experience you won’t regret.

With such a short time, you will have to schedule your time in order to get the best out of your escape. 

Where are the Cotswolds

Where are the Cotswolds

Ideally located less than 2 hours and roughly 140 kilometers away from London. Once you pass by Oxford, you will enter the Cotswolds. In this hilly region, you won’t find it hard to discover charming villages and outstanding natural beauty, no matter where you choose to stop. 

How to get to the Cotswolds

While I was researching how to get from London to the Cotswolds, I came to understand that even though this is a popular area and tourist attraction, the region is not extremely well connected to London by public transportation. Of course, there are ways, but it would be challenging to see more than one place when traveling by train.

But let’s see what are your options.

Travel by train

You can take the train to Chippenham and, from there, take a bus to your final destination.

As I researched how to get to Castle Combe, I understood there is only one bus linking the two, and it runs only a few times a day. That would make it challenging if you want to see more than one place, and you should also be very mindful of your schedule.

Check out train options and timelines here!

Travel by car

The easiest and most comfortable way to travel to and around the Cotswolds is by car. Depending on traffic conditions and your driving skills, you can drive to Burford or Bibury in around 2 hours.

Just be mindful that you must drive on the left side of the road. Also, take into consideration any potential parking fees at the destination.

My go-to car rental company is always Discover Cars. You can save some money, and they have a flexible cancellation policy. Get your best offers here!

Visit the Cotswolds on a Private Tour

After considering all the available options, we decided to book a one-day organized tour of the Cotswolds.

Of course, following a guide will limit your flexibility in making your schedule as you wish. However, you won’t have to worry about public transportation, itineraries, parking, and so on.

We really enjoyed the tour and were happy that we managed to see four small villages in one day. The group was small, and we had plenty of time to explore each town since they were all very small. 

Popular tours from London

A roundup of the Cotswolds

Let’s look at some of the most famous little villages at a glance:

  • Castle Combe
  • Cirencester
  • Lacock
  • Burford
  • Bourton-on-the-Water
  • The Slaughters
  • Stow-on-the-Wold
  • Bibury
  • Broadway
  • Moreton-in-Marsh
  • Snowshill

Where to stay in the Cotswolds overnight?

You’ve been totally charmed and want to spend the night? Here are a few stunning places you’ll want to consider:

  • Lords Of The Manor is a fabulous location dating from the 17th century. Each bedroom is individually designed, and they have an award-winning cuisine. Check it out here!
  • The Swan Hotel in Bibury is one of the places you wouldn’t want to miss. Located on the banks of the River Coln, the superb hotel has 22 rooms and is just minutes away from the most famous sites in Bilbury. Check it out here!
  • The White Hart is an old traditional English pub boasting luxurious modern features right in the heart of Castle Combe. Check it out here!

The most beautiful Cotswolds worth seeing

Mooch around Cirencester

Come into Cirencester (Kemble on the train: check out train timetables and prices here), considered the Cotswolds’ capital.

This is one of the biggest villages in the Cotswolds. It has a flourishing High Street and the stunning St John the Baptist church.

Pick up breakfast at Jack’s Cafe and Tea Room, after much research I found it was the best breakfast around. Find the Secret Garden and try one of the brunch bowls – dreams!

Once you’ve had your fill of coffee, take a walk around Cirencester and pop in the boutique shops, or take some snaps among the pretty doors and lovely architecture.

Venture a little further, and you’ll find Roman, Norman, and Saxon remain at Corinium Museum; there’s even an amphitheater on the outskirts.

Take a photo in Bibury

Bibury Cotswolds

Just a short drive away from Cirencester, you’ll find Bibury – the Instagram capital of the Cotswolds. Bibury is the quintessential UK village – cozy stone cottages with shingled roofs, narrow paths edged in green, and a riverside location

On the way, keep an eye out for Barnsley – another beautiful village in the Cotswolds that’s totally underrated, in my opinion. Stop off if you have time.

A photo of Bibury is the iconic shot that busloads of tourists come to take. This is where you’ll find the pretty run of houses featured on anyone who’s ever been to the Cotswolds’ account. Get there early to beat the crowds!

There’s also a nice pub here called The Swan if you need a drink after all that.

Admire the river in Bourton-on-Water

From Bibury, it’s an easy drive to Bourton-on-Water.

Here, you’ll find the impressive River Windrush carving shallow streams through the charming village. Feel free to go wandering over the stone bridges that cross the waterways.

For a birds-eye view of the streets, visit the Model Village for a mini-replica. There’s also a beautiful bird estate, Birdland Park and Gardens, for a scenic stroll.

Go to Upper and Lower Slaughter

From here, it’s a short drive or a long walk to Upper Slaughter – one of the highlights of the Cotswolds and an absolute must-visit.

Look around, soak up the vibe, and then embark on the mile-long walk from Upper Slaughter to Lower Slaughter. You can follow the length of the River Eye using flower-decorated cottages as your guide. You’ll pass by an old flour mill turned craft shop and museum, where the path opens up into the pastures.

Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter are two of the most popular places to visit in the Cotswolds, and they should be on your itinerary for a Cotswolds day trip from London.

Take a pic by the door in Stow on the Wold

This Cotswolds village is filled with character. Expect boutique shops, antique wares, and some of the best eateries in the Cotswolds.

One of the main things to do in Stow on the Wold – especially if you’re into your photography – is to seek out the door at St Edward’s Church. Go on, another snap for the memory bank.

If you want some dinner before returning to London, head for The Old Butchers. You can grab a seriously delicious meal at this butcher shop-turned-restaurant – choose from meat or seafood, or have both!

If you’re looking for something more straightforward (and cheaper), the Kings Arms is a great British pub with a delicious range of traditional pub grub. I thoroughly enjoyed the chicken wing and chips when I was there! 

More places to enjoy in the Cotswolds

If you have more time in the Cotswolds, I’d recommend the Daylesford organic farm shop, visiting Swinbrook to learn about the Mitford Sisters, or exploring the Prince of Wales’s Highgrove Estate.

If not, you can head up to Moreton in Marsh to get your train back (I hope you haven’t spent too much on taxis in the Cotswolds!) or make the leisurely trip home in your car.

I’ve mentioned several things to do in a day in the Cotswolds here. My number one tip, though, is not to try to do too much.

The Cotswolds encompasses 800 square miles and five countiesOxfordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Warwickshire. Just choose a small area – especially if you’re using public transport – and come back for another day.

When you are back in London, tick off the attractions from our London Itinerary.

Potential itineraries for the Cotswolds

Burford – Bibury – Burton on the Water – Stow on the Wold

Castle Combe – Stratton – Burton on the Water – Burford

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