How long is the Cotswolds Villages Loop from Cheltenham route?

This route takes 5 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Cheltenham to Cheltenham in Cotswolds, England.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to October: spring and autumn avoid summer crowds.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Culture, Food & drink, Classic road trip.

Cotswolds Villages Loop from Cheltenham

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The route · 7 stops

3 overnight bases · 2 day trips · 2 stops on the way

Cheltenham

1 night

The elegant Regency spa town that serves as the gateway to the Cotswolds. Cheltenham's grid of Regency terraces, the wide promenade of the Montpellier district and the racecourse make it a comfortable base. Stock up here, sort accommodation and enjoy a first evening before the narrow-lane driving begins.The elegant Regency spa town that serves as the gateway to the Cotswolds. Cheltenham's grid of Regency terraces, the wide promenade of the Montpellier district and the racecourse make it a comfortable base. Stock up here, sort accommodation and enjoy a first evening before the narrow-lane driving begins.

Recommendations

On to Broadway

Broadway

2 nights

Often called the Jewel of the Cotswolds, Broadway is a long golden High Street of boutiques, galleries and traditional inns. Walk up Fish Hill to Broadway Tower for views across up to 16 counties on a clear day. The village takes a morning on foot; the afternoon suits a drive to Snowshill Manor and Garden a few miles north.Often called the Jewel of the Cotswolds, Broadway is a long golden High Street of boutiques, galleries and traditional inns. Walk up Fish Hill to Broadway Tower for views across up to 16 counties on a clear day. The village takes a morning on foot; the afternoon suits a drive to Snowshill Manor and Garden a few miles north.

Recommendations

Day trip from Broadway

3
Chipping Campden
A near-perfect Cotswold market town, conserved since 1929 by the Campden Trust which keeps power lines buried and shopfronts in check. The arched Market Hall (1627) and the Church of St James form the historic core. Hidcote Manor Garden, two miles north, is one of the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in England.A near-perfect Cotswold market town, conserved since 1929 by the Campden Trust which keeps power lines buried and shopfronts in check. The arched Market Hall (1627) and the Church of St James form the historic core. Hidcote Manor Garden, two miles north, is one of the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in England.
Recommendations

On the way

Stow-on-the-Wold
Quick stop
The highest town in the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold sits on a windy hilltop crossroads and has been a market centre since the 12th century. Its large market square is ringed by antique dealers. Stow is a natural stop on the drive south, with side trips to Upper and Lower Slaughter (4 miles south-west) and Bourton-on-the-Water (5 miles south).The highest town in the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold sits on a windy hilltop crossroads and has been a market centre since the 12th century. Its large market square is ringed by antique dealers. Stow is a natural stop on the drive south, with side trips to Upper and Lower Slaughter (4 miles south-west) and Bourton-on-the-Water (5 miles south).
Recommendations

On to Bibury

Bibury

1 night

Bibury is arguably the most photographed village in England. Arlington Row, a terrace of 17th-century weavers' cottages beside the River Coln, is the image most associated with the Cotswolds globally. The village also has a medieval church, a working trout farm and riverside meadow walks. Burford, 10 miles east, makes a good day extension.Bibury is arguably the most photographed village in England. Arlington Row, a terrace of 17th-century weavers' cottages beside the River Coln, is the image most associated with the Cotswolds globally. The village also has a medieval church, a working trout farm and riverside meadow walks. Burford, 10 miles east, makes a good day extension.

Recommendations

Day trip from Bibury

6
Cirencester

On the way

Cheltenham
Quick stop
Close the loop with the short drive north from Cirencester back to Cheltenham. Return the car, catch a train south or head onward; Cheltenham Spa station has direct services to London Paddington.Close the loop with the short drive north from Cirencester back to Cheltenham. Return the car, catch a train south or head onward; Cheltenham Spa station has direct services to London Paddington.
Recommendations

Cotswolds Villages Loop from Cheltenham