Cosy Inns, Abundant Gardens and Scenic Strolls on Your Cotswolds Long Weekend
Step into a storybook during your Cotswolds long weekend. Honey-coloured stone villages, rolling green hills and tasty gastro pubs make this the quintessential English countryside escape.
But where exactly are the Cotswolds, how do you get there from Ireland and are there any tips to make your trip as relaxed as it should be? Our Cotswolds long weekend guide is going to clear up all that for you so you can get ready for your picturesque getaway.
Image of Hidcote Manor courtesy of National Trust, ©National Trust Images/Sarah Davis
Where are the Cotswolds and how do I get there?
In south-central England, the Cotswolds span across six counties, mainly Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. The region is famous for rolling hills, medieval towns and timeless charm. And thanks to our range of flights, getting there is easy too.
Bristol Airport
Ideally located for the southern Cotswolds, including Castle Combe and Cirencester. You can fly to Bristol Airport from Dublin or Cork.
Birmingham Airport
Perfect for accessing northern villages like Chipping Campden and Broadway. Find flights to Birmingham from Dublin Airport or Belfast City Airport.
London Heathrow
A great starting point for exploring the eastern edges of the Cotswold, like Burford. And it’s easily accessible from Ireland, with routes from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock.
Get a set of wheels
When you land, hop in a rental car to explore the winding lanes and hidden gems of your Cotswolds long weekend at your own pace.
Where to stay
There are so many amazing places to stay across the Cotswolds. Here’s just a flavour of what you can expect…
Thyme, Southrop
Thyme is a restored historic manor and farm estate in Glostershire. It’s laidback luxury with lots of lovely activities to do on your Cotswold long weekend. There’s a fabulous spa, a cookery school, floristry classes and beautifully decorated bedrooms.
The Fish Hotel, Broadway
Looking for something a little more adventurous? Check out The Fish Hotel in Worcestershire. Head here for “Hilly Huts” and luxury treehouses. It’s fun, stylish and perfect if you want to feel immersed in nature without sacrificing a great night’s sleep.
The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold
If you’d rather stay in a town, The Porch House is a very good choice. At over 1,000 years in business, it also claims to be England’s oldest Inn! Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire’s bustling Stow-on-the-Wold market town, it’s full of crooked beams, roaring fires and cosy rooms.
Your Cotswolds long weekend itinerary
Day 1: Towering views and beautiful gardens
Start your journey in the northern village of Broadway, also known as the Jewel of the Cotswolds. Hike or drive up to the quirky 18th century Broadway Tower and on a clear day, you can see 16 counties from here!
After you’ve worked up an appetite, go for lunch at the historic Lygon Arms where Charles I and Oliver Cromwell both reportedly stayed. Choose from the Grill or the Tavern restaurants, with both menus created by celebrity chef James Martin.
Fill your afternoon with flowers at Hidcote Manor Garden, an Arts and Crafts-inspired masterpiece adored for its intricate outdoor rooms and collection of rare plants.
Image courtesy of Lygon Arms
Day 2: Key sights and riverside strolls
The second day of your Cotswolds long weekend is a celebration of the regions’ most famous spots.
In the morning, explore Stow-on-the-Wold and take a look at the quirky north door of St. Edward’s Church, flanked by ancient yew trees. This magical sight is said to have inspired parts of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
Then drive to Bourton-on-the-Water, nicknamed the Venice of the Cotswolds due to its pretty stone bridges crossing the River Windrush. When you’re here, check out the Model Village, where the village itself is scaled down to 1/9th of its original size.
Despite the alarming name, the nearby village of Lower Slaughter is one of the most beautiful places in the area. Wander over and don’t forget to take a photo of this peaceful scene.
After all that sightseeing, you’re going to need a hearty meal. The Old Stocks in Stow delivers that in spades, with twists on British classics and, of course, pints on tap.
Day 3: Roman history and picture-perfect streets
Finish off your trip by heading south towards the capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester. You’ll get a warm welcome at the Corinium Museum where you’ll see the story of the Cotswolds unfold in prehistoric artefacts, Roman mosaics and objects from recent history too.
Then for a breath of fresh air, wander through the vast Cirencester Park to soak up a little nature.
Daylesford Farm near Kingham is a must-visit if you’re a foodie. It’s got a range of restaurants on-site to suit your mood and appetite and they all hold the Michelin Green Star. Before you go, don’t forget to visit their beautiful farmshop.
No Cotswolds long weekend is complete without a visit to Bibury. Walk along Arlington Row, a line of 14th-century weavers’ cottages that is so iconic it appears on the inside cover of British passports! If you’ve got a little time, swing by Castle Combe. Often voted the prettiest village in England, it’s been used as a filming location for everything from Downtown Abbey to War Horse.
Image of sea creatures in the Hunting Dogs mosaic, courtesy of the Corinium Museum
Final tips for your Cotswolds long weekend
Book ahead
The best gastro pubs and hotels fill up weeks in advance, especially during sumer and bank holidays.
Bring comfy shoes
Even if you’re not a serious hiker, you’ll want a good pair of walking shoes for the cobblestone streets and hilly village trails.
Mix and match flights
Plan your trip in advance and decide what airports make the most sense for your Cotswold long weekend.
Maybe fly into one airport and home from another to make the most of flight times or explore different parts of the Cotswolds? Or perhaps you’ll keep it simple and fly in and out of the same location?
With flights to Bristol, Birmingham and London Heathrow, we make it easy to explore the Cotswolds your way.
