by Janis / 2 comments - Orginally published:22nd September 2020
A perfect route for a five-day getaway
Pack up your car and let’s start touring the idyllic Cotswolds countryside. Rub shoulders with Oxford Uni hopefuls and then top up our culture levels, with a stay at the charming Shakespeare town of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Living in Kent in the southeast of the UK our road trips adventures usually start from the ‘Garden of England’. However, our escapade around the Cotswolds, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon essentially departed from Marlow in Buckinghamshire.
We were heading to a friend’s party (pre-Covid19) and decided this gave us an ideal excuse to turn the visit into a road-trip.
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Our Route
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Creating an English road trip
It’s all in the planningIt’s surprising that with a little bit of preparation how much you can see and do in just a hand full of days on a road trip in the UK. Take a peek at our North Norfolk Road Trip Itinerary.
Radcliffe Camera in the evening, Oxford
So, armed with our map, we started to plot out our route across the English countryside. Any opportunity I get to flick through a map is fine by me, some may say a little obsessed when you take a look at ‘All Things Mappy’.
A truly English road trip
The inspiration for our chosen locationsThe inspiration for this trip may go without saying, as the surrounding countryside and the history of the Cotswolds, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon are incredible. However, this is what lured us.
- The Landscape – The far-reaching rolling hills and the meandering brooks and waterways weaving through the Cotswolds.
- History & Culture – I couldn’t wait to discover the centuries of history in Oxford. Then there are the ancient tales of Shakespeare’s hometown
- The architecture – The honey-shaded cottages around the Cotswolds villages and the striking colleges through the lanes of Oxford.
Road Trip Checklist
Whether you are road-trippin at home or abroad, have a browse through our road trip checklist. There will the obvious items; however, you never know there maybe something on the list that has completely slipped your mind. Better still something that will make your road trip experience that little bit more enjoyable.
Discovering the home of the Regatta
First stop is Henley-on-ThamesSo, heading out of Marlow, we were on our way to Henley-on-Thames just around 9 miles (14.5km).
Henley-on-Thames is such a quintessentially English town, with fluttering buntings, snaking their way through the streets. Boutiques and old pubs tempting you in; however, it’s the annual Henley Regatta, the boating gala that this picturesque town is renowned for.
The waterfront, Henley-on-Thames,
After a few hours discovering Henley-on-Thames, we are back on the road and heading to our first Cotswold village of Castle Combe in Wiltshire.
We head southwest and pick up the M4 at junction 12. Drive 49 miles (79km) west along the M4 to junction 17, then Castle Combe is just 7.5 miles (12km).
Castle Combe is everything you could wish for in a Cotswold village. Roses are clambering over narrow doorways, picture-postcard cottages and babbling brooks rippling under tiny Cotswold-stone bridges. It is truly idyllic.
The Street, Castle Combe
Our final location for today is Oxford; however, we chose to avoid the M4 and drove cross-country.
Heading north out of Castle Combe, we take the Fosse Way, then the B4040 towards Malmesbury. Pick up the A429 northeast via Cirencester and then onto Northleach all the while passing beautiful scenery. The last stretch is on the A40, B4044 and A420 into Oxford, the total mileage for the day was around 144 miles (232km).
After checking in to ‘voco Oxford Spires Hotel’, our home for the next 3 nights, we enjoy the rest of the day and evening getting our bearings around the attractive city of Oxford.
Places to visit
- Stroll the delightful streets and the banks of the River Thames at Henley-on-Thames.
- Visit one of my favourite Cotswold villages, Castle Combe. My advice is to arrive later in the day, and you’ll have this picturesque village almost to yourself.
- Wander the ancient lanes of Oxford, we have a full day ahead to discover more.
Where we stayed
Our accommodation for the three nights in Oxford was at the ‘voco Oxford Spires Hotel’
The hotel is located just a few steps from the River Thames and a pleasant stroll into Oxford centre. The IHG hotel was clean, comfortable and had plenty of amenities and very peaceful of an evening.
There was convenient onsite parking which was £10.00 a day
Cotswolds Villages: So many to choose from
For a little more insight into the charming Cotswolds villages, take a peek at our post on 8 of the Cotswolds Finest. There are some beautiful locations here.
Exploring the English Countryside
A day touring the Cotswolds villagesToday we’ll be hopping from one delightful Cotswold village to the next. In fact, we’re off to discover six of the little gems.
Our first stop after leaving Oxford is Bibury. Take the A420, then pick up the A40 westbound and just past Burford jump on the B4425 after 29 miles (46km) Bibury awaits.
Arlington Row in Bibury
Bibury is extremely pretty, and you’re immediately drawn to the picturesque line of cottages along Arlington Row, which quaint little houses rented by the National Trust.
Hopping back in the car we drive the short distance north of 6.5miles (10km) to Northleach. You may recognise this market town for the BBC Three mockumentary ‘This Country’. We enjoyed visiting Northleach and a little quieter than a few of the other locations.
Heading northeast onwards along the A429 for 7 miles (11km) we visit Lower Slaughter. Wow, this village is gorgeous and one you should definitely add to your list. Park up and stroll along by the River Eye towards the Old Mill.
Cottages in Lower Slaughter
Unfortunately, time waits for no man, and we’re also getting hungry. A friend recommended we visit Snowshill and my, this little village didn’t disappoint, and it was so tranquil. When leaving Lower Slaughter head northwest and pick up Buckle Street, Snowshill is just around 11 miles (17.5km) away.
After lunch in the garden of the Snowshill Arms, it was back on the road. Now we are heading to Broadway which is just a short hop north of 3 miles (5km) along Snowshill Road.
The view of Snowshill in Gloucestershire
Broadway is a large village and quite popular with visitors, like the other locations we’ve visited today, Broadway is in the county of Gloucestershire.
Jumping back in the car, we head to our final Cotswold destination, and that’s the small market town of Chipping Campden. Once again, it isn’t too far, take the A44 southeast and then the B4081 northeast for a total of 6.5miles (10.5km).
The war memorial in Chipping Campden
Strolling along the High Street in Chipping Campden
Take a stroll around the town and discover the historic old covered market.
On the roads keep an eye out for the local farm life, as we were winding our way through the countryside, a flock of sheep came trotting towards us. Baaaaing and munching their way along the lane. You really felt like you were deep in the country.
Our next stop is back into Oxford, which is around 40 miles (64km). From Chipping Campden head south and pick up the A44 until you reach the south of Burford, then jump on the A40 east. The last stretch is on the A40, B4044 and A420 into Oxford, our total mileage for the day was around 104 miles (168km).
Places to visit
- The Cotswolds villages we visited today were Bibury, Northleach, Lower Slaughter, Snowshill, Broadway and Chipping Campden. There are so many more.
- Snowshill Manor and Garden run by the National Trust.
- Visit the Broadway Tower folly on Broadway Hill.
Support the locals
A local brewery to the region is Donnington Brewery they only have 18 pubs in the Cotswold, so try and seek one out. The Snowshill Arms where we stopped for lunch was serving their ales.
Escape for a few days
So, you'd love to visit the chocolate-box towns and villages in the Cotswolds, and you’re in search of a tranquil hideaway to unwind in.
Take a peek at the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
A full day in the city of Oxford
Historic EnglandWith the car parked up today, we enjoy a full day discovering the historical delights around the ancient city of Oxford.
The architecture in Oxford is incredible, around every corner in the charming city centre is another beautiful honey-coloured college or courtyard to admire.
The Radcliffe Camera
The University of Oxford is known to have been teaching as far back as 1096, which makes it the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
We visited Magdalen College while we were here. However, just strolling around the lanes by Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, the Hertford Bridge and the Sheldonian Theatre designed by Sir Christopher Wren was a treat.
The Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford
Inspector Morse fans will certainly recognise Oxford too.
Places to visit
- Visiting one of the magnificent colleges was an insight into another world, I highly recommend Magdalen College.
- There’s also the Ashmolean Museum, Museum of Natural History, Oxford Castle and the intriguing lanes to discover.
Things to do
- If you are not quite up to the standards of the elite Oxford and Cambridge rowers, head to the River Cherwell and have a go at punting.
- Enjoy an ice-cream at iScream Gelataria in the charming indoor Covered Market.
En-route to Stratford-upon-Avon via Bourton-on-the Water
Discovering your own little gemsOur next overnight stay is in the attractive town of Stratford-upon-Avon; however, we have a couple of detours on the way.
Our first is to the Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water. This picturesque beauty can get very busy, so that’s why we chose to visit first thing in the morning. This enabled us to have a pleasant look around the quaint streets and take a stroll with the ducks along the banks of the River Windrush.
The war memorial across the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water
The route we took when leaving Oxford was slightly different from the direction that we chose on Day 2 of our road trip. This enabled us to enjoy more of the surrounding scenery.
Therefore, take the A44 north, then just beyond Chipping Norton turn left along the A436 westbound. When you reach Stow-on-the-Wold, you can jump out here and take a stroll around the town, and then continue south on the A429 to Bourton-on-the-Water in total 34 miles (54km).
You may want to spend a couple of hours in Bourton-on-the-Water, prior to jumping back into your trusty steed and journeying on.
Our next stop was a visit to the British Motor Museum. Hopping back onto the A429 this time heading north for around 17 miles (28km) north of Halford then take the right spur off to Fosse Way (B4455).
Beautiful historic cars in the British Motor Museum
Just before you reach the M40 turn right onto the B4100 and the British Motor Museum is 3.5 miles (5.5km) along on your right.
Well, anyone that knows Gary will appreciate that he was in nirvana here. As these weren’t just any historic cars, these were ‘British’ historic cars.
I must admit I quite enjoyed it too, Gary’s love of classic cars is rubbing off onto me.
After spending a few hours at the museum, we headed onto Stratford-upon-Avon.
The 14-mile (22.5km) journey is reasonably straightforward. Jump back onto the B4455 and head south for around 5.5miles (8.8km) and turn right towards Wellesbourne. Continue along this route, and you’ll soon be arriving into Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire.
Our total mileage for the day was around 78 miles (125km).
Moored up on the riverside in Stratford-upon-Avon
After checking in to The Villare Hotel, our home for the next 2 nights, we enjoy the rest of the day and evening strolling the characterful town of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Places to visit
- The Cotswolds villages of Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water.
- Plan your visit in advance to the British Motor Museum
- Wander the ancient lanes in William Shakespeare’s footsteps.
Where we stayed
Our accommodation for the two nights in Stratford-upon-Avon was at The Villare Hotel (previously the Best Western Grosvenor Hotel).
The hotel’s location was fantastic, just a 5-minute walk crossing the Stratford Canal and you’re in the heart of the town. Our room was lovely, very spacious and luxurious.
There was convenient onsite parking which was free of charge.
Map, guides and more
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A full day discovering Stratford-upon-Avon
The birthplace of the BardToday the car is safely parked up, and we have the whole day to discover the delights of Stratford-upon-Avon. And what a lovely town it is too.
The Swan Theatre
As you could imagine all through this delight town are references to the famous playwright. William Shakespeare was born here, educated here and is buried here. Although a large amount of his time was spent in London.
The architecture in Stratford-upon-Avon is stunning, half-timbered buildings dotted throughout the welcoming town. Centuries-old inns, ancient schools and tactile statues of the bard’s characters for you to admire.
The Royal Shakespeare theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be drawn to the banks of the River Avon. Rowing boats, canal boats, pleasure boats and even a little chain ferry that’s been operating since 1937.
Stratford-upon-Avon far exceeded my expectations, and the highlight was attending a performance at the RSC. (Which we obtained tickets for on the day).
Places to visit
- Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and also Holy Trinity Church where he is buried.
- Head to Bancroft Gardens by the River Avon sit back and watch the world go by or hop on a boat and go for a leisurely row.
Things to do
- Stroll the ancient lanes in the footsteps of the Bard and discover many of Stratford-upon-Avon’s timber-framed dwellings.
- When our theatres re-open grab a last-minute ticket to a Royal Shakespeare Company production.
There are so many beautiful regions to discover around the UK. From the delightful Kent coast in the southeast to the stunning Highlands of Scotland in the north. The UK is bursting with historical landmarks, castles and palaces.
Grab a copy of the latest DK Eyewitness guide to ensure you don't miss all those incredible sights.
A perfect English road trip
Homeward bound via Bletchley ParkEven though we are heading home today, we couldn’t resist adding one last stopover prior to our journey back to Kent.
The final location was the home of code-breaking during the Second World War, Bletchley Park. I’d really been looking forward to visiting here.
Step back in time at Bletchley Park
Consequently, we wanted to spend as much time at Bletchley Park as we could, so we hopped on to the motorway.
Heading out of Stratford-upon-Avon, we headed north along Warwick Road (A439) and turned north-east onto the A46 towards the M40.
Join the M40 at junction 15 and head southeast until you reach junction 10. Leave the motorway and pick up the A43 heading northeast until you reach the junction for the A421. Now turn right onto the A421 towards Milton Keynes.
Bletchley Park Manor across the lake
Bletchley Park is located south of Milton Keynes, you will need to continue along the A421 until you reach the B4034 (Buckingham Road) where you will need to turn right. Follow the B4034 until you reach Sherwood Drive and turn left. You will now have arrived.
Mileage from Stratford-upon-Avon to Bletchley Park is around 59 miles (95km)
Bletchley Park is incredibly interesting and so informative into the code-breaking lives of all the men and women involved. You could easily spend a whole day here, also grab yourself a picnic to enjoy by the pond.
That was our 5-night/6-day road trip around the Cotswolds, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon. The total mileage was 385 miles (620km), give or take a couple of wanderings. For us, it was then homeward bound to Kent.
Our itinerary
|
Locations |
Miles/km |
|
|
Day 1 |
Drive from Marlow to Oxford via Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire and Castle Combe in Wiltshire |
144/232 |
|
Day 2 |
Driving tour of Cotswolds villages including 6 stops |
104/168 |
|
Day 3 |
Day in the historic city of Oxford |
0 |
|
Day 4 |
Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon via Bourton-on-the-Water and a visit to the British Motor Museum |
78/125 |
|
Day 5 |
Day around the Market Town of Stratford-upon-Avon |
0 |
|
Day 6 |
Drive to the codebreaker’s museum at Bletchley Park (then it’s homeward bound) |
59/95 |
Useful websites for planning
- Cotswolds tourism
- The Oxford City visitor information website
- The Visit Stratford-upon-Avon website
Our itinerary in summary
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This is a perfect 5 day itinerary! I live in The Cotswolds but there is sooo much to explore, so I love hearing other peoples things to do!
I love all of your amazing photos and how you’ve clearly laid this out for us!
Thank you!
Thanks very much, that’s kind of you to say.
You live in a beautiful part of the world, where would you recommend that people often overlook, we’d love to know?