How to Spend 72 Hours in the Cotswolds
How to Spend 72 Hours in the Cotswolds
If you’re craving countryside charm, chocolate box villages and a slower pace of life, this 72-hour Cotswolds itinerary might just be your dream trip. We packed in historic towns, riverside picnics, scenic walks and one of the cosiest places I’ve ever stayed, and I’ve put together the perfect weekend guide so you can do the same.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a girls’ getaway or just need a change of scenery, here’s exactly how to spend a long weekend in the Cotswolds (plus a stay that seriously elevated the whole experience).
Best Time to Visit the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is beautiful year-round, but for this itinerary I’d recommend spring or autumn. The blossom or changing leaves make the villages feel even more magical, and you’ll avoid the peak summer crowds — ideal for slow mornings, countryside walks, and golden hour wanders.
How to Get to the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is easily accessible from London and other parts of the UK, with several transport options depending on how you like to travel:
By Car (Best for flexibility)
Driving is by far the easiest and most flexible way to explore the Cotswolds — especially if you want to visit the quieter, lesser-known villages. It takes around two hours from central London to Armscote, where we stayed, and around 1.5 hours from Birmingham or Oxford.
Car hire is available from most major UK cities and airports. Just note that village roads can be narrow, so a smaller car is ideal.
By Train
If you’d rather not drive, you can absolutely visit the Cotswolds by train. Here are a few handy routes:
- London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh:
Around 1 hour 30 minutes direct. From there, you can take a taxi to Armscote or nearby villages. - London Paddington to Oxford (then onwards by taxi or car hire):
A good option if you fancy a stopover in Oxford. - Stratford-upon-Avon also has a station, so you could loop your trip and return by train from there.
Tip: Taxis or pre-booked transfers are useful for getting from stations to smaller villages like Armscote.
By Bus or Tour
There are limited local buses connecting larger Cotswold towns, but they’re not ideal for a full weekend itinerary unless you’re sticking to a few key places. If you’re short on time, you can also find guided day tours from London that stop at villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold — but they won’t give you the same freedom to explore at your own pace.
Where to Stay: The Fuzzy Duck, Armscote
We stayed at The Fuzzy Duck in Armscote and honestly? I can’t imagine a better base for this trip.
This boutique pub with rooms is set in an 18th-century former coaching inn and feels instantly warm and welcoming, like somewhere you’ve known forever. It’s part of the Baylis & Harding family, and you can really feel that spirit of comfort, generosity and indulgence in everything they do.
There are thoughtful touches everywhere, from the freestanding bath and help-yourself guest pantry to the wellies by the door and the Baylis & Harding products, which felt like a real treat after a day of exploring. It’s the kind of place that invites you to unwind properly: slow breakfasts, a long soak and a drink by the fire.
They also have their very own Waddle Walk, a peaceful countryside trail that starts right from the front door, which we did a portion of and absolutely loved.
Book your stay here
Day 1: Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and Check-in
We hit the road early and made a couple of gorgeous stops on the way.
Burford
Known as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, this market town is a favourite for its medieval bridge, cosy pubs and independent shops. A perfect coffee and wander stop.
Stow-on-the-Wold
This charming little town is packed with antique shops and tearooms, but the hidden gem is the north door of St Edward’s Church — it’s tucked between two ancient yew trees and is said to have inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin. It’s genuinely magical.
Arrive at The Fuzzy Duck
We checked in during golden hour, and it instantly felt like the kind of place you want to slow down in. After a little room tour and a cup of tea, we had dinner in the restaurant. Everything is seasonal, locally sourced and beautifully done. We fully enjoyed our fish and chips and risotto.
Day 2: Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and The Waddle Walk
Bibury
This is one of the most photographed villages in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why. We walked along Arlington Row, took in the old cottages and enjoyed the most peaceful spring light. If you’re into slow, cinematic content, bring your camera.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Nicknamed the Venice of the Cotswolds, this one’s built along the River Windrush, with little stone bridges and waterfowl everywhere. We brought our picnic hamper from The Fuzzy Duck and ate by the river — one of those simple, wholesome moments you remember long after the trip.
Waddle Walk and Fire Pit
We returned to The Fuzzy Duck and did part of the Waddle Walk, which takes you through open fields and quiet country lanes, just enough of a stroll to feel refreshed but not tired. That evening, we toasted marshmallows by the fire pit before heading to the restaurant for more dinner. I had the Day Boat Fish, which was hake and absolutely delicious. Luke opted for the Cotswold Chicken with honey roasted parsnips and fondant potato.
Day 3: Broadway, Stratford-upon-Avon and Heading Home
Broadway
After a full English at The Fuzzy Duck and checking out of our Cotswolds home, we started our final morning in one of the region’s most elegant villages. We saw Broadway Tower from a distance and even spotted a few deer grazing nearby, which felt like a little gift from nature.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Before heading home, we stopped in Shakespeare’s birthplace. You can visit the house itself or just stroll along the River Avon and take in the timbered buildings, bookshops, and the swans gliding along the water. A perfect way to round off the weekend.
Final Thoughts
This 72-hour itinerary gave us the perfect balance of cosy comfort, countryside adventure, and indulgent little extras and a big part of that was staying somewhere that really gets how to make people feel looked after.
The Fuzzy Duck didn’t just offer a bed and a meal, it offered all the in-between moments that turn a weekend away into something you’ll remember for years.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds, save this itinerary, and don’t sleep on this little Armscote gem.
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