The perfect weekend in the Cotswolds quite frankly is any weekend. The quaint area just outside of London is no stranger to weekenders or tourists alike and for good reason. Made up collectively of small cottages, tea houses, churches and stunning landscapes, it’s not hard to fall instantly in love.

Many years ago, on my first trip to England, I had been doing research on places I’d want to visit while there. Somehow, stumbling through Pinterest I landed on a photo of Arlington row. Instantly I knew, I needed to visit. It was everything I imagine England in the early 1600s.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have access to a car, the journey is roughly an hour and a half from London Heathrow. I think the Cotswolds are the only region in England that’s slightly more difficult to get to through the train system. There are buses but for ease of use, I would suggest renting a car.

It’s hard to pick just one spot to spend a weekend in the Cotswolds because all of them are so amazing. If you don’t mind moving around I would suggest trying to visit as many small towns as you possibly can. You could never run out of places and areas to explore.

So, where are the best places to visit during your weekend in the Cotswolds? Read on to find out!

| Witney |

Located very centrally, Witney is actually a great spot to locate yourself for the weekend. This is where our hotel was situated and we were walking distance to a small, and cute local pub and a quick drive to some of the other major towns. Because acommodations can be rather expensive in the Cotswolds, staying somewhere just outside of the main aras could save you quite a bit of money.

If you do stay in the area you absolutely can’t miss the classic English pub located on 18 Witney Road called Wadworth, make sure to stop in and have a pint. The meals were great and the atmosphere was even better. Everyone could tell we were tourists and not from the area because everyone seemed to know each other.It was exactly how you would picture a small English town.

| Bibury |

This was by far my absolute favourite part about the Cotswolds. The homes were so tiny and yet, still acted as functioning homes. We were actually taller than all of the doors! Bibury is probably the most famous spot in the Cotswolds as it’s home to the infamous Arlington Row.

I would suggest heading there first thing in the morning or later in the evening so you don’t get caught up with all of the other tourists in the area. We happened to get there first thing in the morning and even by then it was getting really busy. Take your time and wander up behind the row to discover some more amazingly quaint homes.

There was even a spot called Awkward Hill. If that isn’t the epitome of British humour, I’m not sure what is.

| Moreton-on-the-marsh |

This slow moving and peaceful town is located in the northern part of the Cotswolds. It’s also a great spot for those who love to shop and history. Some of the buildings are so old I couldn’t even believe it. Although that’s most of England so that’s not hard to believe.

The main area of the town is situated in a rectangular square, separated by a centre court. You don’t need long to walk through and fully see this area. The roofs of some of the houses even look as if they are patched together with straw. As the English call them, thatched roofs.  There are a few bike rental shops in the area but be sure to book in advance, they tend to book up quickly (speaking from experience).

| Bourton-On-The-Water |

Not far from Moreton, this little town is placed on either side of a very sweet river that runs gently through the main streets. There are many stone bridges that you can overpass to either side (great for photo-ops). Because of the picturesque location on the water, Bourton is also another popular tourist spot.

This town had more of a food and drink vibe than any other with lots of places to eat right along the water. We had some of the best fish & chips I’ve ever had out of one of the food trucks. One of my favourite things that we did was grab some food and sit by the water, enjoying the passerbys.

One of the main attractions of the area is the bird park, you do have to buy tickets in order to gain access. However the area has over 500 types of birds! So, if you’re into bird watching I’d say that’s a must-see.

| Burford |

Last on your places to visit during your weekend in the Cotswolds is Burford. Located on a large hill, there are ancient shops that line either side of the long main street. It’s a popular spot for tourists because of its shopping and beautiful architecture.

It’s a great spot to visit during the night because there are so many restaurants and places to pop in for a drink.

| Where to stay |

| Witney |

Oxford Witney Hotel (Four Pillars) was a really great place for us. It was central in terms of driving and managing to get everywhere we wanted to go and see. The room was nice and the staff was helpful. If you don’t have access to a vehicle I would suggest staying somewhere more central and situated right in the midst of things. Here is a link to the hotel.

Click here for hotels in Witney 

| Bibury |

Honestly, if I had more money I would have stayed at Bibury Court. The dreamlike landscape surrounding the region, walking distance from Arlington Row (and the trout farm if you’re into that kind of thing). Breathtaking. Splurge a little, honestly – and then please write me to tell me how amazing your stay was. Click HERE for their website.

Click here for hotels in Bibury