Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

3-Day Cotswolds Day-Trip Loop from Cheltenham — Broadway, Bourton, Bibury & More

Viewed by 235 travelers

Day 1: Broadway & Snowshill

Cheltenham, UK on August 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — The Coffee Dispensary, Cheltenham

Strong coffee and hearty breakfast bites to fuel a day exploring the eastern Cotswolds; popular local spot with good takeaway options. Typical opening hours 8:00am–4:00pm, check weekend numbers.
GBP8, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Broadway

Scenic 35–45 minute drive east from Cheltenham into the Cotswolds AONB, following the A40/A44 for an efficient route toward Broadway village and Broadway Tower.
GBP0, 45m

10:00am

Broadway Tower

Iconic hilltop folly with panoramic views across the Cotswolds and interpretive exhibits; visit the tower and short surrounding walk. Typical opening hours 10:00am–5:00pm (summer), cafe on site.
GBP10, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Russell's of Broadway (or The Broadway Hotel restaurant)

Classic British pub-grub or seasonal dishes in the heart of Broadway village; good for a relaxed lunch before the afternoon visit. Restaurants typically serve lunch 12:00pm–3:00pm.
GBP18, 1h

1:30pm

Snowshill Manor & Garden (National Trust)

Quirky National Trust house with a remarkable collection of objects and beautiful gardens; a short drive from Broadway. Visitor hours are generally 11:00am–5:00pm; National Trust members free, non-members pay admission.
GBP12, 1h45m

3:30pm

Stroll Broadway village

Explore independent shops, galleries and tea rooms on Broadway’s picturesque high street — ideal for light shopping and photography. Shops typically open 10:00am–5:00pm.
GBP0, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Cheltenham

Easy 40–50 minute drive back to your base in Cheltenham to rest before dinner.
GBP0, 50m

7:00pm

Dinner — The Olive Tree (Cheltenham)

Refined evening meal at one of Cheltenham’s well-regarded restaurants; booking recommended. Typical dinner service 6:00pm–9:30pm.
GBP40, 1h30m

Day 2: Bourton & Slaughters

Cheltenham, UK on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — The Lido Café, Montpellier (Cheltenham)

Breakfast near the Promenade with a good selection of full breakfasts and pastries; usually opens around 8:30am–9:00am (check seasonally).
GBP9, 45m

9:15am

Drive to Bourton-on-the-Water

Scenic 25–35 minute drive south-west from Cheltenham, arriving early to avoid the busiest periods in this popular village.
GBP0, 35m

10:00am

Cotswold Motoring Museum

A compact, charming museum celebrating motoring and local transport history; family-friendly and centrally located in Bourton. Typical hours 10:00am–5:00pm.
GBP10, 1h

11:15am

Model Village, Bourton

A delightful 1:12 scale model of Bourton-on-the-Water — great for photos and a quick, whimsical stop. Usually open 10:00am–5:00pm.
GBP6, 30m

12:15pm

Lunch — The Rose Tree Restaurant, Bourton

A riverside spot offering light lunches and cream teas with lovely views over the Windrush; lunch service typically 12:00pm–3:00pm.
GBP16, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Stow-on-the-Wold and explore

Ten-minute drive to Stow-on-the-Wold to browse antique shops, the market square and independent stores; open browsing with no formal opening times but shops usually open by 10:00am.
GBP0, 1h

2:45pm

Upper & Lower Slaughter walk

Short, highly scenic walk (about 1–2 miles total) between the two Slaughters along the river — peaceful, photogenic Cotswold villages. Always accessible; village tea rooms often open 10:00am–4:30pm.
GBP0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Cheltenham

Drive back to Cheltenham (approx 30–40 minutes) with time to freshen up before dinner.
GBP0, 40m

7:30pm

Dinner — The Ivy Montpellier (Cheltenham)

Reliable full-service restaurant with varied menu and good atmosphere for a relaxed evening; typically open evening service from 5:00pm–10:00pm. Booking advised.
GBP30, 1h30m

Day 3: Bibury & Cirencester

Cheltenham, UK on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Promenade Café, Cheltenham

Quick breakfast and takeaway options to set off early for the west-south route toward Bibury; cafés usually open from 8:00am on weekdays.
GBP7, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Bibury (Arlington Row)

Drive of about 35–45 minutes to picturesque Bibury; Arlington Row is an iconic photo spot and is accessible at any time though best visited early to avoid crowds.
GBP0, 40m

9:45am

Arlington Row & riverside stroll

Famous row of Cotswold cottages and the River Coln — a must-see for classic Cotswold photography and a relaxed morning stroll. Open-air attraction, free to visit.
GBP0, 45m

10:45am

Bibury Trout Farm

Small working trout farm where you can feed fish and buy fresh trout; open times commonly 9:30am–5:00pm, ideal for a short interactive stop.
GBP4, 30m

11:30am

Drive to Cirencester

Short 25–35 minute drive south to Cirencester — the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ with Roman history and a lively market town centre.
GBP0, 30m

12:15pm

Lunch — The Fleece at Cirencester (or local café in market square)

Classic pub or market-cafe lunch in Cirencester’s attractive town centre; good base for the afternoon’s museum visit. Most pubs serve lunch 12:00pm–3:00pm.
GBP15, 1h

1:30pm

Corinium Museum, Cirencester

Roman and local archaeology museum with impressive mosaics and exhibits explaining the town’s Roman past; standard opening hours around 10:00am–4:30pm.
GBP5, 1h

2:45pm

Option: Chedworth Roman Villa or Sudeley Castle

Choose between the nearby Chedworth Roman Villa (Roman ruins and countryside walks, usually open 10:00am–5:00pm, admission ~GBP8) or Sudeley Castle (gardens, house and exhibitions, usually open 10:30am–5:00pm, admission ~GBP15). Both are roughly 20–40 mins' drive from Cirencester depending on choice.
GBP8, 1h45m

5:30pm

Return to Cheltenham

Return drive to Cheltenham (20–40 minutes depending on which optional stop you chose), arrive early evening to relax.
GBP0, 40m

7:30pm

Dinner — The Daffodil (Cheltenham)

Finish the Cotswolds loop with modern British cuisine in an art-deco setting; dinner service typically from 6:00pm–10:00pm, booking recommended.
GBP35, 1h30m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version