Cotswolds Weekend Escape

Best time to go: any season is good to visit Cotswolds, however, ideally it's better to go on a weekend with a clear sky or at least when knowing that it's not going to be raining.

General advice: There are many nice places and small villages to stay in the Cotswolds so you really have many options. I would decide first which areas you want to visit or which walks you are interested in doing so it is much easier to narrow down your stay options.

Bourton-on-the-Water is a great place to stay as it offers many options and activities to do around. The recommended hotel is the "Chester House Hotel", super good location just in the centre of the village with a very nice décor.

Day 1: Arrival

After arrival go for a walk around the village. Bourton-on-the-Water is often referred as the Venice of the Cotswolds. The river Windrush runs right through the centre of the village, and the combination of the water with the honeyed stone, the low bridges and the weeping willows has a uniquely pleasing effect.

Recommended dinner after a lovely walk at "The Mousetrap Inn".

Day 2: Bourton on the Water and the Slaughters

On your first day, you can walk to the famous Slaughters starting by the river Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water, and taking you to Lower Slaughter and along the river Eye to Upper Slaughter, before bringing you back through fields and farm tracks.

Have lunch at "Washbourne Court" in Lower Slaughter where you can choose from a bar menu and a foodie restaurant. This 17th-century building has large gardens and a spa. A great idea would be to spend your afternoon at the spa!

Another option is to visit Blenheim Palace in the afternoon, an exemplary stately home in the English baroque style.

Recommended dinner at "L'anatra" the Italian restaurant at the Chester House Hotel. Stay for a drink or two after dinner at their cosy bar.

Day 3: The Model Village

On your second day, visit the Model Village famous for the replica of the stone village of Bourton-on-the-Water and their mini gardens.

After, you can do another walk following Rissington Road towards the residential area outside the centre of the village (leaving the touristic area behind you). Take the first path on the right after Dikler Cl. This path will take you alongside the river towards a beautiful lake and you will be able to explore a beautiful wood at the same time.. it is just beautiful!!