If you want to sample the English countryside, it’s difficult to beat a summer break to the Cotswolds. With rolling hills, neat little hedgerows, canals, and historic villages, it typifies a certain picture of a summer break in the south.
To get the most out of a trip to the region, you’ll want to get your itinerary planned in advance. Let’s take a look at a few thing to consider, and some of the attractions you’ll want to make time to see.

Key places to visit in the Cotswolds

Castle Combe

This gorgeous little historic village is regularly cited as one of the best in the region. It’s a favourite of Hollywood location scouts, having found its way into everything from Stardust to War Horse. It’s often busy, so it might be a good idea to avoid the middle of the day if you want to avoid crowds.

Chipping Campden

If you’d like to take a stroll through the countryside, it’s difficult to beat a trip to Chipping Campden. There’s a National Trust estate to explore in the form of Hidcote Manor Garden, and you’ll be able to enjoy longer hikes through the nearby Vale of Evesham. When you need to refuel, you can come back into the village and sample the menu at one of several quality gastropubs.

Winchcombe

Recorded history in this part of the world goes back a very long time. If you’re going to visit Winchcombe, then you should certainly make a point of visiting Belas Knap Long Barrow, a monument which is thought to date back to the stone age. There’s also a thirteen-century ruined abbey, a castle, and a whole string of antique shops where you’ll be able to pick up a souvenir or two.

Stow on the Wold

This market town is home to one of the oldest pubs in the country, the Porch House, which is thought to have been operating since the middle of the 10^th century. There are other great historic buildings to consider, too – and not all of them are pubs.

Road Trip Necessities

Taking a road trip means preparing the vehicle. That means checking that the tyres are inflated. If the tread depth is looking a little shallow, you might invest in a replacement. Fortunately, you can buy tyres online and fit them yourself. Doing this will often save you a considerable amount, provided that you’ve got the skills to do it competently.
You’ll also want to stock up on snacks for the car, and a playlist for the trip. The most important thing to decide upon, however, is undoubtedly the itinerary. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of locations to visit in this part of the country.

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