Next up on our UK tour: four charming Cotswolds towns in one perfect day!
Thanks to the lovely Michelle (Lora’s longtime friend who just happens to live right on the Cotswolds’ doorstep), we skipped the tour bus entirely and dove straight into the prettiest, quaintest corners of the region. If a Cotswolds day trip is on your radar, consider this your perfect starter itinerary.
Wait… where are the Cotswolds, exactly?
The Cotswolds stretch across six counties in southwest England and are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Think rolling hills, honey-colored stone cottages, medieval churches, and extremely picturesque villages.
Stop 1: Malmesbury
Malmesbury is the ideal place to ease into just how wildly photogenic these towns are. Lora was once again very pleased that she lugged her camera across the ocean.
First up: The Old Bell Hotel, rumored to be England’s oldest hotel.
Then we wandered over to Malmesbury Abbey, where King Athelstan, England’s first king, was buried in AD 941. (941! Truly wild.)
On the way to our next stop, we made a quick pilgrimage to Highgrove.
Highgrove is the private residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The gardens are open April through October, but alas, we were there in November… so we admired the gate, took a wistful peek inside, and imagined Princess Diana wandering those paths decades ago.
Stop 2: A tootle around Tetbury
Tetbury is known for its antique shops, charming storefronts, and some of the prettiest bakery windows we saw the entire trip. We browsed, drooled, and then popped into the Highgrove Shop, filled with produce and gifts from the royal estate. All proceeds go to The Prince of Wales’ Charitable Foundation.
Stop 3: Burford
Burford is often referred to as the ‘gateway’ to the Cotswolds. For us, it was cute Cotswolds town #3! We were once again in awe of the architecture, roofs (or is it rooves…we haven’t decided), and windows…so very old, so very photogenic.
We refueled at Huffkins Bakery Cafe with tea and cake, which felt very necessary and extremely delightful.
The church of St John the Baptist in Burford. Building began in 1175 and was completed by 1500, probably on the site of an earlier church.
Stop 4: Cirencester
Last but not least: Cirencester – pronounced SY-ren-SEST-er (we practiced repeatedly). Known for its Roman heritage and considered the “capital” of the Cotswolds, it’s a gorgeous market town packed with independent shops, cafes, and plenty of places to wander.
The world’s tallest yew hedge is in Cirencester! It’s over 300 years old and was planted in 1720 by the first Earl of Bathurst. Let THAT sink in!
We love artist Sophie Ryder‘s “Pink Lady Dancing with Big Brown Dog.” Love!
Cecily Hill Barracks (aka The Castle)
Cotswolds deer!
After four postcard-perfect towns and more honey-stone buildings than we could count, our Cotswolds day trip came to a close. Next up: we head to Bath and then on to London for the grand finale. Stay tuned!
Four charming Cotswolds towns, in one perfect day!