Exploring the Cotswolds: Where to Eat, Stay & Discover

The Cotswolds is exactly what you picture when you think of charming English countryside—rolling green hills, honey-stone cottages, and cozy pubs with crackling fireplaces. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to ditch city life and move into a thatched-roof cottage with a garden full of wildflowers.

We spent 48 hours exploring this picture-perfect region, and let’s just say… I’m already planning my return. From strolling through historic villages to sipping cocktails in garden courtyards, here’s exactly how to spend two unforgettable days in the Cotswolds.

A dreamy view of Sudeley Castle’s formal gardens, where roses and lavender bloom in perfect harmony.

The romantic ruins of Sudeley Castle, where history and nature intertwine in the most enchanting way

A perfectly framed view through lush green arches, capturing the timeless elegance of Sudeley Castle

The intricate Tudor-style parterre garden at Sudeley Castle—where topiary artistry meets historic charm

A serene pathway through Sudeley Castle’s gardens, where sculpted hedges and historic charm create a peaceful retreat

A well-manicured garden path leading to the ruins of Sudeley Castle—a place where history meets horticultural beauty

Getting There and Where to Stay

If you're interested in visiting Oxford University before heading into the countryside, taking the train from London to Oxford is a fantastic option. The train ride is quick and scenic. Once you arrive, picking up a rental car is super easy.

Car Rental Tip: The Europcar Rental office is only a 10-13 minute walk from Oxford train station. Alternatively, you can grab a quick and cheap cab ride if you have heavy bags.

Sign up for their loyalty program before you go and book ahead of time if you need an automatic car! We got upgraded on the spot, and the staff were so nice.

Where We Stayed: Delta Hotels by Marriott Cheltenham

We chose the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Cheltenham, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The room was incredibly comfortable, with cozy beds that made it easy to relax after a long day of exploring. One of the highlights was the full traditional English breakfast served each morning, the perfect way to start the day.

Beyond the rooms, the hotel’s amenities were amazing, especially the pool, hot tub, and sauna. After a long day of walking around the Cotswolds, slipping into the hot tub was exactly what we needed. The spa area felt like such a luxury, and it was the perfect way to unwind before dinner.

We ate at the hotel restaurant the second night. Since we were still getting used to the time change, we decided to keep it simple and stay in. It turned out to be a great decision because we had a long drive in the morning, heading to the countryside of Wales. The food was solid, the beer was great, and it gave us a chance to recharge before hitting the road again.

The best part? We booked it using Bonvoy points! At the time (July 2022), a night here was just 18,000 points, which was an absolute steal for a hotel in such a great location. Marriott’s points and cash system is a fantastic way to save on travel while still enjoying a comfortable stay.

After settling in our first night, we were ready to kick off our Cotswolds adventure with a proper countryside pub experience.

First Night: Dinner at The Frogmill

If you’re looking for great traditional food, solid cocktails, and cozy country vibes, The Frogmill is a must. This 400-year-old inn is the definition of charming, and I’d 100% recommend staying here if you want a more boutique-style experience.

The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and so quintessentially British. Whether you're stopping in for dinner and drinks or looking for an overnight stay, this spot is worth the visit.

Graham taking in the scenic countryside from the Delta Hotel grounds—our perfect Bonvoy stay.

Golden hour at the Delta Hotel grounds, where open fields and rolling hills make for a peaceful escape.

Stepping into history—this stunning chapel at Oxford University is a masterpiece of stained glass and architecture.

Oxford’s iconic architecture—also the grand hall of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movie.

Inside the breathtaking library at Oxford University—a scholar’s dream come true.

The Radcliffe Camera, one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks, standing proudly in the heart of the city.

Hitting the road in style! My Europcar rental, ready for adventure under a fiery sunset sky.

Day 1: Castles, Shopping & A Farm-to-Table Feast

Morning: Sudeley Castle & Scenic Countryside Views

Our first stop was Sudeley Castle (£23.00 entry), and it was absolutely worth it. The castle itself is impressive, but the gardens stole the show. It’s one of the most stunning spots to take in the rolling countryside views.

The drive to Sudeley Castle was just as picturesque as the castle itself, with classic English countryside roads winding through lush green hills. If you’re into photography or scenic drives, this is the kind of route you want to take slow and enjoy.

Arriving at Sudeley Castle—a historic treasure set in the heart of the Cotswolds.

A regal touch—this creative topiary design at Sudeley Castle is fit for a queen!

Sudeley Castle’s gardens feel like stepping into a fairytale, complete with sculpted hedges and rolling lawns.

Capturing beauty on canvas—an artist at work in Sudeley Castle’s breathtaking gardens.

Stopping to smell the roses at Sudeley Castle—every corner is a picture-perfect moment!

The vibrant gardens of Sudeley Castle—where history meets horticultural beauty.

A grand entrance—this mirrored gate creates a striking reflection of Sudeley Castle’s gardens.

The enchanting ruins of Sudeley Castle, mirrored beautifully in the lily-filled pond.

A hidden gem—this intricate mosaic piece tucked away in Sudeley Castle’s gardens.

Taking it all in—Graham enjoying the stunning views of Sudeley Castle’s grounds.

Midday: Stow-on-the-Wold

Next, we drove to Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the most well-known towns in the Cotswolds and an absolute dream for shopping gifts and home decor. If you love finding unique pieces while traveling, this town is a must-stop.

We stumbled upon The Bell Inn for a quick drink before heading into town. Parking is easier to find around this inn. The Bell had a laid-back beer garden-style patio out front, with picnic tables scattered across the lawn—nothing fancy, but the perfect place to sip a pint in the sun. We took a quick stroll into the plaza to check out some of the cute local shops before coming back for another round. It was the perfect little break between exploring!

Where to Shop in Stow-on-the-Wold

If you’re into home decor, unique gifts, or food and drink finds, this town is a goldmine. I don’t know about you, but I love coming home with decor pieces that fit in my suitcase. They make the best travel souvenirs. Here are some spots I absolutely loved:

Sam Wilson Home – If you love timeless, farmhouse chic pieces, you’ll love it here! This shop is packed with beautiful accessories for your home, and I couldn’t resist grabbing tea towels, jute woven coasters, candles, and more.

Off The Square - Stow-on-the-Wold – A great spot for craft beer lovers. They had a huge selection of local beers, many I had never even heard of! The owner was super friendly, gave us some great recommendations, and made the experience feel personal.

The Cotswold Cheese Company – If you love cheese as much as I do, this place is non-negotiable. Their selection is amazing, and they offer samples so you can try before you buy. Perfect for putting together a beautiful charcuterie board back at your hotel or Airbnb.

A classic countryside pub experience at The Bell Inn—good drinks, great company, and historic charm.

Enjoying a crisp cider under the sun at The Bell Inn—Stow-on-the-Wold at its finest!

A charming walk through Stow-on-the-Wold—quaint stone buildings, Union Jack flags, and timeless English charm.

The ancient Market Cross of Stow-on-the-Wold, a symbol of the town’s rich history and trading past.

A classic British icon in the heart of the Cotswolds—Stow-on-the-Wold’s red telephone box standing proud.

Daylesford Farm – For Design and Food Lovers

Daylesford Farm is an absolute dream. It's so much more than a farm; it’s a sprawling estate with an organic farm shop, bakery, garden centre, home store, and one of the prettiest patio restaurants I’ve ever experienced.

We had lunch on the patio surrounded by potted herbs—which I loved so much, I ended up purchasing a small ceramic planter to tuck into my carry-on and bring home. It was exactly what I was hoping for on a beautiful sunny afternoon—relaxed, stylish, and just peaceful.

🍸 Cocktail Pick: I had the English Garden (pictured above), and it was light, floral, and totally refreshing.

🍾 Wine Tip: Daylesford makes its own wine (bottled in France!), and I grabbed a bottle of their Prosecco Rosé to bring to my best friend’s wedding a few days later. It was such a sweet way to share a little piece of this place on her big day.

💡 Travel Tip: Make a reservation if you're planning to eat here—it does get busy. And if you’re a fan of Clarkson’s Farm, you've seen him wander into their farm shop on his family farm series.

Whether you come for lunch, shopping, or to stock up on unique home goods, make time for this stop, as the grounds are large and you'll want to walk around for a while. It was one of my favourite stops of the trip.

Stepping into Daylesford Farm—where rustic charm meets organic luxury.

A refreshing English Garden cocktail at Daylesford Farm—crafted with fresh herbs and floral garnishes.

Alfresco dining at its finest—soaking in the peaceful countryside atmosphere at Daylesford Farm.

The botanical cocktail menu at Daylesford Farm—fresh, seasonal flavors in every sip.

Organic goodness at Daylesford Farm Market—fresh juices, yogurt, and butter straight from the source.

Discovering Bourton-on-the-Water

Next up was Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the Venice of the Cotswolds thanks to the little stone bridges and the stream that runs right through the middle of town.

I honestly felt like I was living a Bridgerton moment. We walked around, and at one point, Graham and I couldn’t resist putting our feet in the water. There’s just something about slipping off your shoes, stepping into freezing cold water, feeling the smooth river stones under your feet, and thinking - this is it, this is the moment.

The flowers were in full bloom, families and friends were strolling through the village, and everyone was soaking up that warm, rare stretch of English sunshine—the kind of weather you don’t usually expect in England. It was one of those moments that just felt simple and perfect.

The ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’—Bourton-on-the-Water’s charming stone bridges over the River Windrush.

A fun roadside attraction—the famous topiary car outside Bourton-on-the-Water’s Motoring Museum.

Cooling off in the shallow waters of the River Windrush—one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s simple summer pleasures.

A picture-perfect village scene—flowers, riverside benches, and the charm of Bourton-on-the-Water.

A storybook setting—this ivy-covered Cotswold cottage is straight out of a fairytale.

Must-Stop for Dessert & Wine: The Green Dragon Inn

Add this spot to your Cotswolds itinerary—especially if you have a sweet tooth!

Our hotel recommended we stop at The Green Dragon Inn for a slice of banoffee pie.* We sat out on the outdoor patio, ordered a glass of Provence Rosé, and ended the day with their award-winning banoffee pie.

The best banoffee in the Cotswolds! This masterpiece at The Green Dragon Inn is the perfect mix of cream, caramel, and banana.

The perfect countryside stop—The Green Dragon Inn offers cozy charm, great wine, and delicious treats.

Day 2: One Last Castle Before Heading to Wales

Before leaving the Cotswolds, we made one final stop at Ludlow Castle. It’s technically not in the Cotswolds, but if you’re heading west toward Wales, it’s absolutely worth the detour.

The castle is a stunning medieval ruin with beautiful views over the countryside. Take your time wandering through the old stone walls and imagining what life might have looked like here centuries ago. If you have time, pop into a local pub or visit the cathedral in town—it’s a lovely way to round out the visit.

💡 Travel Tip: If you’re planning to stop here around lunchtime, check pub and brewery hours ahead of time. We just missed the kitchen closing at a brewery nearby—classic timing.

Ludlow was the perfect way to wrap up our time in England before heading into the Welsh countryside—but more on that in the next blog post 😉.

Stepping into history—Ludlow Castle’s grand entrance welcomes visitors to explore its medieval past.

Ludlow Castle in all its medieval glory—standing tall as a testament to England’s rich history.

The vast grounds of Ludlow Castle—once bustling with knights and nobility, now a perfect spot for a picnic.

Flying high—the flag of England atop Ludlow Castle, overlooking the charming market town below.

Views fit for a king—gazing out from Ludlow Castle’s battlements over the rolling Shropshire countryside.

A medieval window to the past—looking out over the River Teme from Ludlow Castle’s ancient walls.

Through this doorway, centuries of history have passed—Ludlow Castle’s intricate medieval stonework tells a story.

Taking the throne—channeling medieval royalty in Ludlow Castle’s grand ruins.

A timeless town—Ludlow’s historic streets lined with charming shops and centuries-old buildings.

Stay:

Delta Hotels by Marriott Cheltenham

The Frogmill – For dinner or a boutique overnight stay

Things to Do:

Sudeley Castle

Ludlow Castle

Shops in Stow-on-the-Wold:

Sam Wilson Studio – Home goods & gifts

Off The Square – Local craft beers

The Cotswold Cheese Company – Cheese lovers, this one’s for you

Food & Wine:

Daylesford Farm – Organic café, market, wine & homeware

[The Bell at Stow] – Great spot for a drink before exploring

The Green Dragon Inn – Provence rosé + award-winning banoffee pie = heaven