Morning: Depart Cheltenham and enjoy a short 30‑minute drive to the charming village of Broadway. Stroll along the high street, then climb the iconic Broadway Tower for panoramic views of the rolling countryside.
Afternoon: After a leisurely lunch at a local pub, head to the Cotswold Wildlife Park where you can wander among exotic animals and beautiful gardens for a couple of hours.
Evening: Return to Cheltenham, unwind with a relaxing dinner at one of the town’s riverside restaurants, and enjoy a quiet evening in your accommodation.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Sudeley Castle (≈25 min) and explore the historic house, stunning gardens, and the tomb of Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII.
Afternoon: Continue to the market town of Stow‑on‑the‑Wold. Wander the medieval square, browse antique shops, and soak up the lively atmosphere of the weekly market.
Evening: Dine at a cosy inn in Stow, sampling local specialties, before heading back to Cheltenham for a restful night.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the picture‑perfect village of Bourton‑on‑the‑Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds”. Walk along the low‑bridge river, pop into the Model Village, and enjoy a coffee by the water.
Afternoon: Take a short drive to the ancient stone circle at The Rollright Stones. Spend time exploring the mystical landscape and learning about its prehistoric significance.
Evening: Return to Cheltenham for a final dinner, perhaps trying a classic Cotswold cream tea, and reflect on the highlights of your countryside adventure.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider adding a day to explore the historic town of Cirencester or the beautiful gardens at Hidcote Manor. To shorten the trip, you could combine Day 2 and Day 3 by visiting Bourton‑on‑the‑Water and the Rollright Stones on the same day and skipping the wildlife park, allowing a comfortable two‑day itinerary.