English Countryside Tour from London

Burford, Gateway to the Cotswolds

Burford is often called the gateway to the Cotswolds. Its broad high street runs down a hill to a narrow medieval bridge over the River Windrush, lined with stone houses, old coaching inns and small shops, many of them more than 500 years old. The town grew rich on the wool trade in the Middle Ages, like much of the region.

Take time to visit the Church of St John the Baptist, one of the finest wool churches in England, where in 1649 Oliver Cromwell held mutinous soldiers prisoner; a carving left by one of them can still be seen. Burford is the first stop of the day, and its quiet morning atmosphere makes it perfect for photos.

Bibury and Arlington Row

The designer William Morris called Bibury the most beautiful village in England, and many visitors agree. Its most famous sight is Arlington Row, a terrace of steep-roofed stone cottages built in the late 14th century as a monastic wool store and converted into weavers' cottages in the 17th century.

The cottages overlook a water meadow and the clear River Coln, with trout visible in the water. Arlington Row appears inside British passports and is one of the most photographed streets in the country, so it is best seen early before the crowds. A short walk along the river completes the visit.

Bourton-on-the-Water, the Venice of the Cotswolds

Bourton-on-the-Water is nicknamed the Venice of the Cotswolds because the shallow River Windrush flows right through the village centre under a series of low, elegant stone bridges, the oldest dating from the 17th century. On sunny days families sit on the grassy banks and children paddle in the water.

This is the longest stop of the day and a good place for lunch at your own expense, with tearooms, bakeries and restaurants around the green. There is also a model village, a one-ninth scale replica of Bourton itself. Anyone planning a day trip to the Cotswolds usually puts Bourton-on-the-Water at the top of the list.

Stow-on-the-Wold and Its Market Square

Standing at about 240 metres, Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the highest towns in the Cotswolds and has been a trading centre for centuries, famous for huge sheep fairs in the Middle Ages. Its large market square is surrounded by old inns, antique shops and narrow alleys called tures, once used to herd sheep into the market.

In 1646 the last battle of the First English Civil War was fought nearby. Do not miss the north door of St Edward's Church, framed by two ancient yew trees, which many believe inspired the Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings. Is the Cotswolds worth a day trip from London? After Stow, most travellers say yes.