There’s something truly magical about the Cotswolds when the seasons are changing — a golden spell that settles over rolling hills, winding lanes, and honey-stone villages. The mornings arrive crisp and mist-kissed, the afternoons glow with amber light, and every pub fire seems to crackle just for you. If you’ve ever dreamed of cozy countryside escapes, pumpkin-hued sunsets, and long walks ending with a pint by the hearth, this relaxing weekend fi-tinerary is your invitation to experience England at its most enchanting.

From Bledington’s storybook charm to the riverside calm of Bourton-on-the-Water, and from the high-hill views at Broadway Tower to the golden streets of Moreton-in-Marsh, this route is designed for slowing down, soaking up scenery, and savouring the season. Expect roaring fires, crisp country air, and flavours that celebrate autumn at every stop — think spiced cider, sticky toffee pudding, and hearty roasts served under oak beams.

💡 Tip: Autumn is one of the Cotswolds’ best-kept secrets. Visit between late September and early November for vibrant foliage, quieter lanes, and lower accommodation rates — but pack layers, because those picture-perfect mornings can turn brisk by dusk.

So grab your scarf, cue up a countryside playlist, and follow along as we wind through two unforgettable days of Cotswold villages, cozy inns, and fall-inspired flavours.

Day 1 — Friday

🚗 Drive time: London → Bledington (~2 hours)

The road fades behind you as you turn into the tranquil lanes of Bledington — golden-stone cottages, a trickling stream at the green, and the kind of village that feels lifted straight from a fairytale. The crisp Friday evening air holds promise: your Cotswolds weekend fi-tinerary has officially begun.

That night, we settled into a charming farmhouse conversion just outside town. As dawn broke, light filtered through thick oak beams and stone walls. The air smelled of dew and woodsmoke, and the only sound was the distant church bell and birdsong. In that moment, I knew we were in for something autumnally special.

💡 Tip: You can arrive via train to Oxford, then hire a car, or drive from London to enjoy a scenic countryside route. Aim to reach Bledington by late afternoon to settle in, enjoy a cosy pub dinner, and wake refreshed for Saturday.

Day 2 — Saturday

🚗 Route: Bledington → Bourton-on-the-Water → Stow-on-the-Wold → Broadway Tower → Bledington

Bourton-on-the-Water

🚗 Drive time: Bledington → Bourton-on-the-Water (~15 mins)

Rolling into Bourton-on-the-Water immediately felt like a village from a living postcard. Your first stop has got to be Bakery on the Water, a riverside café known for fresh pastries, strong coffee, and a peaceful garden by the River Windrush. We ordered an almond croissant and a sausage roll, and settled in as the gentle gurgle of the river set the rhythm for our morning.

The honey-stone cottages bathe in soft light, ducks glide under stone bridges, and shop windows brim with charm. Every moment feels like a slow-motion postcard.

Local shopping highlights

The Cotswold Shop — home-wares & regional gifts
Cotswold Perfumery — handmade scents & diffusers
The Cotswold Candle Co. — artisan candles
The Cotswold Pottery — handcrafted ceramics
Bourton Basket — textiles & charming finds

💡 Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds — Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most popular Cotswold villages, especially in autumn.

Stow-on-the-Wold

🚗 Drive time: Bourton-on-the-Water → Stow-on-the-Wold (~10 mins)

We booked lunch at The Old Butchers, one of Stow-on-the-Wold’s most talked-about restaurants. It’s a former butcher’s shop turned cozy dining room, and the seasonal British menu makes it a must-visit for food lovers in the Cotswolds.

Food highlights at The Old Butchers

🥩 Steak tartare
🦐 Langoustines
🦪 Fried oysters

Dining here feels indulgent yet perfectly in tune with the village’s timeless charm.

After lunch, wander through the Market Square, popping into antique shops, art galleries, and the heritage-rich St Edward’s Church, whose tree-framed doorway looks like something from a fantasy novel. Tara Antiques Centre, with two floors of vintage treasures, is a great shop to explore, and you can treat yourself to artisan sweets at Cotswold Chocolate Company.

And of course, you can’t skip The Porch House, one of England’s oldest inns. Its timbers have been carbon-dated to around 1000 AD, and the 16th-century fireplace still bears intriguing apotropaic marks.

Broadway Tower

🚗 Drive time: Stow-on-the-Wold → Broadway Tower (~15 mins)

At the top of a winding hill, Broadway Tower waits. Parking is easy, and the walk to the summit is a short, scenic climb that makes you pause mid-stride just to inhale the view. You can buy a ticket to climb the tower, but even without entry, the sweeping panorama across the Cotswold hills is breathtaking. With a hot drink in hand, you can take your time exploring the little shops and letting the sweeping views of the Cotswolds sink in.

Bledington

🚗 Drive time: Broadway Tower → Bledington (~20 mins)

As we made our way back to the farmhouse, the sun dipped low, and the fields turned amber. The King’s Head Inn, sitting on the village green, felt like the ideal finale to our day. This 16th-century stone pub began life as a cider house, and today it still feels rooted in the Cotswold countryside with its warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Food highlights at The King’s Head Inn

🐟 Salmon fillet — pan-seared with seasonal sides
🍟 Fish & chips — generous battered cod, golden chips, mushy peas
🐖 Pigs in a Blanket — succulent sausages wrapped in crisp bacon
🍮 Sticky Toffee Pudding — warm sponge drenched in toffee sauce

The atmosphere is incredible: low beams, a warm hearth, and a sky so dark and clear you can actually see stars.

💡 Tip: Reserve ahead for The King’s Head Inn — especially on weekends. Ask for a seat by the fire for maximum atmosphere.

Day 3 — Sunday

🚗 Route: Bledington → Moreton-in-Marsh → Burford → Bibury → London

Moreton-in-Marsh

🚗 Drive time: Bledington → Moreton-in-Marsh (~30 mins)

We started the day in Moreton-in-Marsh, the northern Cotswolds’ welcoming gateway. The town’s warm limestone buildings glow softly in the morning light, and the broad High Street feels like a well-rehearsed parade of shopfronts.

After grabbing coffee and a flaky pastry at either The Cotswold Tearoom or Yellow Brick Café, take your time wandering past the elegant 17th- and 18th-century facades. Before you leave, pause at the Curfew Tower — a medieval landmark that still wears its original bell like a crown.

Burford

🚗 Drive time: Moreton-in-Marsh → Burford (~20 mins)

If you are still a bit peckish, pop into Birdie’s Coffee House for another picky bit. The scent of freshly ground beans fills the air, and plates arrive piled high with avocado toast, fluffy pancakes, or shakshuka in a cast-iron skillet.

After a nibble, stroll the golden-stone High Street, lined with heritage shops and countryside charm — think Barbour jackets, hand-poured candles, wellies and local gifts.

A sweet stop at The Priory Tearooms delivers homemade flapjacks and brownies with a side of people-watching. Before you leave, pop into The Cotswold Cheese Co. to pick up a jar of local honey and a small wheel of Burford cheese—perfect road-trip souvenirs.

Bibury

🚗 Drive time: Burford → Bibury (~25 mins)

Arriving in Bibury feels like stepping into an old English painting. Start along the iconic Arlington Row, where honey-coloured cottages reflect in the still waters of the River Coln. When the morning light hits, everything turns gold.

You can stroll the riverside loop, cross little stone bridges, and pause to watch ducks and swans glide by.

Just beyond the cottages sits Bibury Trout Farm — founded in 1902 and one of England’s oldest working trout farms. You can feed the trout, browse the café and shop, and in warmer months even catch your own fish and hire a BBQ.

A stop at The Swan Hotel is a must when you’re in Bibury. The lunch menu focuses on classic British fare — locally sourced sandwiches, seasonal salads, and warming dishes like pies, fish, and hearty mains. Sitting on the terrace, you’ll hear the river murmuring nearby and smell freshly baked scones, making the moment feel like a scene from a painting.

After a weekend of picture-perfect villages, cosy pubs, riverside strolls, and open-road freedom, it’s time to head back home — relaxed, recharged, and reminded why a Cotswolds weekend fi-tinerary deserves a spot on everyone’s travel list.

Cotswolds, England