Things to Do in the Cotswolds

Picture yourself strolling through quaint villages, over gently rolling green hills, up to historic sites, and into wide-open countryside. This is the dreamy setting of the Cotswolds, one of England’s most popular destinations for walkers from around the world. At the heart of this British region is the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile trail that winds through some of the country’s most picturesque landscapes.

Curious about this popular hiking route? Take it from us when we say that you can expect plenty of scenic views from hilltop lookouts, as well as tranquil forest footpaths, historic landmarks, and farmland that is home to grazing sheep, cows, and horses. This famed path also passes through charming villages where time seems to move a little slower, with tea rooms, traditional pubs, and centuries-old cottages. It’s close enough to London, but feels worlds away from the bustling capital city.

If you are looking for things to do in the Cotswolds England, we love how these picture-perfect towns offer cobblestone streets to stroll, churches and manor houses to admire, as well as time in nature to slow down and enjoy it all. For over 3 decades, we’ve explored this region with expert local guides who share their insight and advice for the perfect trek.

Perhaps you’ll linger in town for a day or two to visit a bit longer, or maybe you’ll walk through towns without stopping. The choice is yours to take this trek at your own pace, so knowing what lies ahead really helps set the tone (and your plans) before you embark.

Must-See Villages and Sights Along the Cotswold Way

The Cotswolds is one of the best things to see in England, with its iconic walking trail, historic villages, and traditional countryside scenery. Wondering what are the best things to do in the Cotswolds? If you are a nature lover, you’ll enjoy visiting interesting sites such as a limestone escarpment, wildflower-rich meadows, flowing streams, quiet forests, and the scenic Severn Valley.

Ready to feel like you are walking back in time? The history of this route offers ancient churches, manors, castles and even a Neolithic long barrow to explore along the way. Not to mention nearby Stonehenge and London, which make it the perfect blend of history and landscape to experience in England. Read on to see what makes this long-distance trail so memorable and how to best plan your trip solo, or with Classic Journeys.

Fantastic experience! I was a first-time and solo traveler with Classic Journeys, and the trip exceeded my expectations. If you are considering it, go for it – you won’t regret it. Each day was filled with incredible sights and information. Our guide, Diane, made sure our time in London, the Cotswolds and Stonehenge was remarkable and unforgettable. Hotels, food and in-country travel were impeccable. Can’t wait for the next journey!

Chipping Campden: Where the Trail Begins

You’ll want to start out in Chipping Campden and work your way south to Bath, so begin your journey on historic High Street. Your initial stroll is lined with beautiful limestone buildings, past the Market Hall offering a glimpse into the town’s trading past, and St. James’ Church with its striking tower.

After a day of walking, consider dining at the Lygon Arms, which adds a traditional touch to your trek, with warm hospitality and hearty dishes that complement the town perfectly. If you are wondering what you should not miss in the Cotswolds, Chipping Campden belongs near the top of the list.

Broadway

Broadway is one of the most picturesque stops on the Cotswold Way and a highlight for anyone seeking the best things to see in England. You’ll want to spend some time around the village green, which is the perfect place to pause among elegant stone buildings and boutique shops for a relaxed atmosphere. Just above the village, the iconic Broadway Tower offers far-reaching views across the Cotswolds, making it one of the route’s most memorable landmarks.  

Having worked up an appetite on the trail, consider stopping into a cozy pub like The Swan. Or for a lighter, quicker bite, Broadway Deli is an option with indoor and outdoor seating that draws locals and visitors year-round. Broadway combines English scenery and comfort in a way that makes it a memorable village worth stopping in during your journey. 

 Snows Hill

Looking for a quieter place to explore while hiking the Cotswolds Way? Snows Hill offers small-town charm away from the crowds. Just off the main path, this small village offers a peaceful pause from the busier trail stops with a calming sense of seclusion.

While in town, you might want to visit Snowshill Manor, a beautiful and historic house with a well-manicured garden. The village itself feels tucked away if you’d like to slow down and enjoy the quieter side of the Cotswolds, so it’s less about checking off top attractions and more about soaking up the atmosphere in this hidden corner of England. This is the perfect opportunity to meet some locals, chat over a pint in a pub, or people-watch from a charming café before hitting the trail again.

Stanton

Did you know that the Daily Telegraph described Stanton as “arguably the most beautiful Cotswold village of them all”? One of the town’s highlights is its honey-stone cottages, a cluster of traditional stone homes that captures the classic Cotswold look and traditional architecture. You might want to visit its medieval church with paintings from the early 14th century.

The trail through Stanton is a quiet section nestled in nature, often with livestock grazing in nearby fields and several cottages with traditional thatched roofs. After exploring this hidden gem, local pubs offer a welcoming place to rest your legs after a long walk and enjoy a meal (and maybe a pint), giving you a simple but memorable glimpse of rural Cotswold life.

Winchcombe

Winchcombe is a popular stop for travelers planning what to do in the Cotswolds, England. Best known for Sudeley Castle, a major historic highlight with 10 beautiful gardens and strong ties to England’s royal past, you’ll learn how King Henry VIII and his then-wife Anne Boleyn visited the castle in 1535. Later, it became the home and final resting place of his sixth wife, Catherine Parr.  

In the town’s center, spend some time exploring the quaint shops that give Winchcombe its cozy feel then pause for lunch at the Lion Inn, a stone coaching inn that dates from the 15th century. Offering traditional pub food created with the finest seasonal and local produce. If you stop by on a Sunday, they claim to have “the best Sunday roasts in the area”.  

Belas Knap 

What makes Belas Knap especially interesting is the contrast between its quiet setting and its deep historical significance. The name derives from the Old English words ‘bel’, meaning a beacon and ‘cnaepp’, meaning a hilltop. It is also the perfect answer to what should you not miss in the Cotswolds.  

This Neolithic long barrow sits high on a hilltop, offering both a unique sense of history as well as wide views across the surrounding countryside. This burial site is a must-see detour because it combines archaeology, landscape, and atmosphere in one memorable stop. Did you know that construction is estimated to have taken place around 3000 BC? Stopping by to explore the burial chamber remains, you’ll feel as if you are going back in time as you imagine the people who built this ancient monument thousands of years ago.  

Cleeve Hill: the Highest Point on the Trail

Rising above the northern edge of the Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill is the highest point on the trail and considered to be one of the best things to see in England. Standing at 1,080 feet, the hill offers sweeping views across the Severn Vale, the Malvern Hills, and, on clear days, as far as the mountains of Wales.  

The wide-open Cleeve Common creates a dramatic landscape of rolling grassland, limestone outcrops, and grazing sheep in the surrounding patchwork of fields. It’s also part of a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest with its rare wildflowers and butterflies thriving in the area during the warmer months. Be sure to stop and admire the scenery, as Cleeve Hill offers a memorable glimpse of the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, as well as a picture-perfect place to rest along the trail. 

Painswick

Known as the “Queen of the Cotswolds,” Painswick is one of the most charming villages to explore when searching for the best things to do in the Cotswolds. Its honey-colored stone cottages and narrow streets create an idyllic setting. Stop by the historic St. Mary’s Church, which is famous for its yew trees and elegant tower, then browse the small independent shops that reflect the town’s wool-trading past. 

Just outside the village, Painswick Rococo Garden offers a delightful mix of ornamental gardens, woodland trails, and seasonal blooms that make it one of the memorable things to do in Cotswolds, England. For wider countryside views, a walk up to Painswick Beacon offers more panoramic views across the Severn Valley. After exploring, you might want to relax with dinner and a traditional pub meal at The Falcon Inn, which is full of classic Cotswold character and delicious dishes. 

Dursley

Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, Dursley is a beautiful market town surrounded by quiet countryside and serene landscapes. Its distinctive Market House is the town’s Georgian centerpiece from 1738 and was designed as a combined market hall and town hall. If you are searching for the best things to see in England, consider Dursley’s rich history and top sites such as the Tyndale Monument, a striking hilltop tower dedicated to Bible translator William Tyndale. The viewpoint shows off the Severn Valley below and stretches towards Wales on clear days.

Nearby, the ridge walk along Cam Long Down is a popular scenic trail that combines rolling green hills, steep escarpments and spectacular views, capturing the wild beauty that makes the Cotswolds so memorable. You’ll want to spend some time here enjoying the view where the hills drop down into the Severn Vale.

Wotton-under-Edge, a Quiet Market Town Near the End 

Tucked beneath the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Wotton-under-Edge is a peaceful market town full of historic charm and character. With its independent shops and traditional inns, it offers a slower pace and an authentic glimpse into rural English life. If you are wondering what to do in the Cotswolds England, Wotton-under-Edge is an ideal stop before reaching the southern stretches of the famous Cotswold Way. 

Your approach to town is through beautiful countryside, wooded valleys, and open farmland. Its medieval layout and architecture offer a mix of old stone buildings that contrasts with its lively everyday life for a taste of authentic small-town charm.  

Bath: End of The Cotswold Way 

Reaching Bath at the end of your Cotswold Way journey will be a rewarding experience as well as one of the best things to see in England. After days (or weeks) of walking through rolling hills and postcard-perfect villages, arriving in this elegant Georgian city will feel like a true celebration. You’ll want to explore the world-famous Roman Baths, where ancient history and natural hot springs showcase the city’s Roman heritage. Then nearby, check out the iconic Bath Abbey with its Gothic architecture, which is one of the top things to do in Cotswolds , England.  

Afterward, we recommend savoring a well-earned meal or drink in the lively town center. Whether you celebrate with afternoon tea or a pint in a pub, Bath provides the perfect finale to an unforgettable adventure along the Cotswold Way.  

Best Pubs and Restaurants Between Villages on the Cotswold Way 

One of the best things to do in the Cotswolds is to discover the quaint pubs and countryside restaurants in the villages along the Cotswold Way. These trail-side gems give you the chance to rest your legs, enjoy hearty meals, and slow down to enjoy the region’s welcoming hospitality. Many are old coaching inns or village pubs with low beams, roaring fires, gardens, and views that make lunch feel like part of the landscape. Filled with locals, you’ll also get a chance to meet those who live in town and get a real sense of stepping into their world. 

A favorite among trail walkers is The Bell at Sapperton, a charming country pub tucked beside a forested footpath. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, local ales, and comforting seasonal dishes, it’s the perfect stop along the way. Located in the beautiful Slad Valley, The Woolpack Inn offers one of the most memorable pub settings on the route. This historic inn was famously linked to author Laurie Lee and remains a fan favorite for traditional food with stunning views. 

Want some advice on what to order? While fish and chips are a classic combo, try steak and ale pie, roast lamb, and a seasonal soup. Local cheeses, especially Gloucester varieties, often appear on menus, along with sausages and mash, and local game dishes during the colder months.  

Stopping at these pubs is more than simply refueling; we like to think it’s considered an integral part of the Cotswold Way. For travelers wondering what to do in the Cotswolds England, combining scenic hiking with classic country pubs is one of the most authentic and memorable experiences that you’ll want to include on your journey. 

Completing the Cotswold Way, A Trail Worth Every Step

Completing the Cotswold Way is far more than finishing a long-distance walk; it’s an unforgettable journey through some of England’s most beautiful countryside. From rolling hills and picturesque villages to welcoming pubs and historic landmarks, every stage of the trail offers something unique.

Whether you walk the entire route or simply explore shorter sections at your own pace, the memories created along the way will stay with you long after your final step. Ready to discover this iconic trail for yourself? Now is the time to start planning your Cotswold Way adventure. Learn more here!