Central and Southern Cotswold Tour
Explore the beauty of the Cotswolds on this Classic Central and Southern Cotswold Tour.
Travel through stunning countryside and visit some of the region’s most iconic villages and landmarks.
Begin with Lacock Village and Lacock Abbey—famous not only for their historic charm but also as filming locations for Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice.
Then it’s on to Bibury, home to the much-photographed Arlington Row cottages, followed by Painswick, often referred to as the “Queen of the Cotswolds” for its elegant architecture and hillside setting.
The tour also includes Castle Combe, a beautifully preserved village where no new buildings have been added since the 1600s, it has been used in numerous films, including Stardust and War Horse. Despite the name, there’s no castle!
Burford
Often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ You will understand why, when you turn off the main road either from the East or the West and admire the view down the historic high street and over to the hills in the distance. There is lots of history to take in here. It’s a great town to take a little time out, for a bit of shopping and maybe a coffee.
Bibury
This charming village, sitting on the crystal-clear, trout-filled waters of the River Coln, is a picture of timeless beauty. Swans glide effortlessly against the gentle current. Perhaps best known for Arlington Row, a striking line of historic cottages. Originally built in 1380 as a wool store, these ancient buildings were later transformed into quaint cottages in the 17th century.
Cirencester
Cirencester is the largest market town in the Cotswolds with historic links to the Romans. The church of St John the Baptist dominates the classic market square. It was an important trading town for the Romans and at the time, was the second largest outside London. The routes of the long and straight Roman roads are still in use today.
Tetbury
The history of Tetbury, like most Cotswold towns, is dominated by its links to the wool trade. A market town that dates back to a hill fort and an Anglo-Saxon monastery around 681. But now it is better known for its independent shops, the country home of Charles III, the King of England of and its annual Wool-Sack Race.
Painswick
This has to be another of my favourite Cotswold towns. It has such a peaceful atmosphere and it is lovely just to wander around and soak it up. I love how each town we visit has its own character and atmosphere. Not far from the village, if you are up for a little walk, across a golf course, and some gentle excercise, is Painswick Beacon with amazing views across the Cotswolds.
Things to see and do
- Painswick
- Rococo Gardens
- Malmesbury Abbey
- Castle Combe
- Harry Potter Cloisters
Malmesbury
Malmesbury is England’s oldest borough with a rich history of over 1,000 years.
The Abbey and its ruins are awe-inspiring in size and tales of flying monks!
As well as the dramatic Abbey, Malmesbury is also home to England’s oldest hotel, the Old Bell, which has been offering bed and board, continually, since 1220.
Quite often a stop here coincides with lunch. There is a charming little cafe offering simple food – an ideal stop between towns.