Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is such a charming area, and I’m excited to help you plan your two-day adventure. Since you’ll be based in Stow-on-the-Wold and won’t have a car, we’ll focus on public transport and walking routes. Let’s dive into your itinerary!

Day 1: Bath to Stow-on-the-Wold & Exploring Castle Combe and Burton-on-the-Water

Morning: Travel from Bath to Stow-on-the-Wold

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast in Bath. You might want to try a local café for a traditional English breakfast.
• Catch a bus from Bath to Stow-on-the-Wold. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, so sit back and enjoy the scenic views as you leave the city behind.

Midday: Arrive in Stow-on-the-Wold

• Once you arrive, check into your accommodation and drop off your bags. Stow-on-the-Wold is a lovely market town with quaint shops and beautiful architecture, so take a little time to explore the town square.

Afternoon: Visit Castle Combe

• From Stow-on-the-Wold, you can take a bus to Castle Combe. It’s a picturesque village often referred to as one of the prettiest in England.
• Spend some time wandering the charming streets, taking photos of the iconic cottages, and perhaps stopping for lunch at a local pub like The Castle Inn.

Evening: Return to Stow-on-the-Wold

• After exploring Castle Combe, head back to Stow-on-the-Wold. You can enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants. The Old Butchers is a great choice for a cozy meal.
• After dinner, take a leisurely stroll around the town to soak in the evening atmosphere.

Day 2: Exploring Burton-on-the-Water, Upper/Lower Slaughter, Bibury, and Snowshill

Morning: Visit Bourton-on-the-Water

• After breakfast, take a bus from Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water, which is just a short ride away. This village is known for its beautiful river and charming bridges.
• Spend some time exploring the village, visiting the Model Village or the Cotswold Motoring Museum if you’re interested.

Midday: Head to Upper and Lower Slaughter

• From Bourton-on-the-Water, it’s a lovely walk to Upper and Lower Slaughter. The walk is about 30 minutes and takes you through some stunning countryside.
• Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take in the beautiful scenery. You can have a picnic lunch by the river or stop at a café in Lower Slaughter.

Afternoon: Visit Bibury

• After exploring the Slaughters, take a bus to Bibury, known for its iconic Arlington Row. It’s a great spot for photos and a lovely place to wander around.
• You can grab a cream tea at the local tea shop and enjoy the quaint surroundings.

Evening: Snowshill and Return to Stow-on-the-Wold

• If time allows, take a bus to Snowshill. The village is small but charming, and you can visit Snowshill Manor if you’re interested in history and gardens.
• After your visit, head back to Stow-on-the-Wold for your final evening. Enjoy a nice dinner at a local pub, perhaps The Bell Inn, and reflect on your lovely Cotswolds adventure!

Tips:

• Make sure to check the bus schedules in advance, as they can vary, especially on weekends.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking.
• Don’t forget your camera; the Cotswolds are incredibly photogenic!

I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your two days in the Cotswolds! Enjoy your trip! 🌼