Walking through the Cotswolds feels like stepping into a storybook, with its golden stone cottages and winding country lanes. The gentle hills and quiet villages seem to hold the charm of another time, untouched and peaceful. There’s something truly magical about the way the afternoon light warms the landscape, making everything feel calm and timeless. Three full days here is just enough to fully immerse oneself in the beauty and charm of this part of the English countryside.
TIP: I highly recommend hiring a driver, especially if you’re not accustomed to driving on the left side of the road. Mike at Cotswold Connexions Limited was fantastic and was available to us throughout our entire visit, including airport pickup and drop off. Email: enquiries@cotswoldconnexions.co.uk
After an almost ten-hour flight to Heathrow Airport from San Diego, followed by a 90-minute drive to get to the countryside of England, you’ll be delighted to check in to Thyme. This historic English estate boasts itself as a “village within a village” due to its vast, sprawling property that connects 17th-century houses and cottages along its impeccably maintained flower-kissed paths. This five-star posh property tucked into the Cotswolds has everything you need to unwind and pamper yourself amongst lush gardens. Although you never want to step off the grounds, it is also perfectly situated to explore the many surrounding villages.
1) Drop Off Your Luggage and Your Mental Baggage
Immediately feel a world away as soon as you step into Old Walls Cottage, which offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry machine, and a private garden, set in a charming cottage that pays exquisite attention to detail. Morning coffee in the backyard, shared with singing birds, will set you off to a great day, while plush bedding, dim lighting, and open windows bringing in cool, fresh country air will guide you through a restful slumber.
2) Pub it Up
The Swan dates back to the early 1600s and still retains much of its original charm. Its low ceilings and rustic beams create a warm, intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying classic pub fare in a lively, welcoming setting. You can’t go wrong with a hearty burger, crispy fries, and an ice-cold pint.
3) Check Out the Neighboring Town
Just beyond the Thyme estate lies the charming village of Southrop, with scenic walking paths that are perfect for stretching your legs after lunch. Wander through the quiet lanes, taking time to admire the beautifully kept gardens, rolling green landscapes, and the historic St. Peter’s Church, its roots tracing back to 1180, along with the peaceful old cemetery beside it. From there, follow the river as it winds through tree-lined tunnels and open fields that seem to go on forever.
4) End Your Day with a Spectacular Meal
Dining at Ox Barn is a true farm-to-fork experience, set in a beautifully restored barn that blends modern design with rustic charm. Every dish bursts with flavor, crafted from seasonal vegetables and herbs harvested just steps away in the kitchen garden. The service is warm and attentive, making the entire meal feel thoughtful, refined, and unforgettable. All plates were returned to the kitchen without a scrap left behind- the seasonal food is that good.
1) Dive into your Day with a Delicious Breakfast
Ox Barn wowed us with two unforgettable meals in a row. Their breakfast menu is refreshingly simple but executed to perfection. Poached eggs with chili jam, smoked salmon, sautéed chard, and thick-cut rustic bread come together in a dish so satisfying, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite – truly a breakfast for the books.
2) Live Like the Locals, Check Out the Garden Center
When our hired driver insisted we stop by the Garden Centre in Burford, we went along, though the name doesn’t quite do it justice. This expansive space is filled with far more than garden supplies: think candles, furniture, clothing, lampshades, books, toys, and more. There’s even a cozy restaurant on-site, perfect for refueling after getting pleasantly lost among the endless treasures. Locals spend an entire day here on weekends; there really is no need to leave, everything you need is under one roof.
Flower-filled gardens spill over low stone walls, and every corner feels like a quiet invitation to slow down and savor the charm. Make sure to savor your time here over a perfectly prepared latte at Otis & Belle, check out Cotswold Chocolate Company, and peruse the many unique shops and galleries along the strip to see firsthand why Broadway is called the “Jewel of the Cotswolds”.
4) Make Your Way to Stow-on-the-Wold
Get lost in the village of Stow-on-the-Wold, whose bustling market square, reminiscent of an Italian piazza, is surrounded by historic inns and charming shops. This picturesque town, said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Doors of Durin” with the north door of St. Edward’s Church, is rich with history in every stone and doorway. Here, the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds shines through, inviting visitors to slow down, soak in the lively atmosphere, and enjoy the warmth of its welcoming community.
Fuel up in style at the 17th-century Old Stocks Inn, a must-visit spot while exploring Stow-on-the-Wold. This cozy yet modern pub knows how to deliver bold flavors that’ll recharge you for more Cotswolds adventures. We savored every bite from the chèvre and beet bruschetta to the crispy mushroom arancini and fiery garlic chili olives.
5) Up Your Game with a Visit to Upper Slaughter
Upper Slaughter is a hidden gem in the Cotswolds, untouched by time and steeped in quiet beauty. This peaceful village, one of the rare villages that suffered no casualties in either World War, feels like a step back into a gentler, slower world. With its trickling river, stone footbridges, and honey-colored cottages nestled in rolling green hills, it’s a place that captures the heart with its simple, timeless charm. If I were to pick a place to live in the Cotswolds, this would be it.
6) Linger in Lower Slaughter
One of the most photographed villages in the Cotswolds, Lower Slaughter exudes a timeless beauty that feels almost untouched by the modern world. The River Eye gently winds through the village, hugging stone cottages and leafy paths in a setting that dates back over 1,000 years. With its postcard-perfect charm and peaceful atmosphere, this is a spot you simply can’t miss.
7) Bounce over to Bustling Bourton-on-the-Water
Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, the gentle River Windrush adds serene beauty and a sense of timeless charm to this idyllic Cotswold setting. Quaint shops, inviting cafés, and riverside restaurants line both banks, connected by a series of picturesque stone bridges perfect for leisurely explorations. Whether you’re relaxing beneath a shady tree, sipping coffee on a patio, or strolling the pedestrian path along the water, this enchanting village offers countless moments to savor and enjoy.
In the early 19th century and again in 2023, Bibury was celebrated as the “world’s most beautiful village.” Its iconic Arlington Row, a stunning row of stone cottages dating back to the 1300s, is one of the most photographed scenes in the UK and proudly graces the inside cover of every British passport.
9) Recount your Day with Great Food and Wine
Reservations are highly recommended at The Stump, a beloved country pub known for its outstanding pizzas and authentic Italian appetizers. Even on a crisp evening, the outdoor patio was bustling with diners, but we opted for the warm, inviting ambiance inside. Highlights from our meal included the creamy burrata mushroom pizza, perfectly toasted garlic cheese breads paired with a zesty housemade aioli and their signature spicy “death sauce,” as well as the tender grilled broccoli and smoky charred peppers, all expertly prepared and bursting with flavor.
1) Bright Beginnings with Breakfast
The carrot, apple, and ginger garden juice at Ox Barn cannot be skipped. All ingredients are sourced from the property’s garden, and the fresh harvest is evident in the flavor. You must order the poached eggs with chili jam and smoked salmon. I cannot stress this recommendation enough. Even on the second day, you’ll find it absolutely divine.
2) Wander the Wonders of the Wonderful Hotel Property
You can spend an entire day on Thyme’s luxurious property. Set on one hundred fifty acres, it’s easy to be in a constant state of exploration here. Roam the vast fields as wildlife graze, soak in the 17th-century architectures, stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens, hit the tennis courts, lounge by the secluded pool, get a spa treatment, ride bikes through the many trails, tour the onsite garden where the kitchen sources its ingredients, or simply grab a book to read as you relax in a hammock. Just relax – you’ll find it very easy to do so here.
From left to right: the gift shop, gardens, lounge/bar, outdoor patio, sheep grazing property, more gardens
Grab the complimentary bikes and ride the long paths through the property.
Pool, the kitchen’s garden, tennis courts, apple trees, bar/lounge area, hammocks
3) Explore Oxford’s Old Streets
Okay, so Oxford technically isn’t in the Cotswolds, but it’s only a 45-minute drive and oh so pretty! Check out the gorgeous Oxford University campus and its surrounding neighborhoods to get a feel for yet another lovely British neighborhood.
Start your visit with a slow and relaxing lunch at Brasserie Blanc in the historic Jericho area of Oxford. Dive into a crisp glass of Sancerre and nibble on pea, broad beans, and feta croquettes, cheese soufflé, and a grass-fed filet served with frites. Tres magnifique!
Next, start walking along Walton Street and check out all the neat shops and peek into the adorable cafes that dot the street. Make your way over to Oxford University’s expansive campus and wander while soaking in the breathtaking Neoclassical and Gothic architecture. Walking around Oxford University’s campus feels like stepping into a living museum, with centuries-old stone buildings, spires, and cobbled lanes surrounding you at every turn. The atmosphere buzzes with students, professors, and tourists, blending into a landscape rich with academic history and timeless beauty.
The last three days spent exploring the charming villages of the Cotswolds were truly magical. Each village offered its unique blend of picturesque streets, historic cottages, lush gardens, and cozy pubs. Wandering through the rolling hills, vibrant gardens, and quaint market squares felt like stepping back in time. The peaceful atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and warm local hospitality made it an unforgettable escape. Cheerio, UK!
