Cottagecore Weekend In The Cotswolds Itinerary
Do you love the cottagecore aesthetic? The Cotswolds are the perfect place for you to visit.
Of course, they feature in my list of the Top Cottagecore Places To Visit In The UK.
But how can you make your visit the most cottagecore style visit of all time?
Let me help you plan the perfect cottagecore weekend in the Cotswolds, with an easy to follow itinerary and lots of great ideas for things to do in the Cotswolds.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
What Is Cottagecore?
Firstly, we should define what cottagecore means.
Cottagecore is an aesthetic that became popular on social media and revolves around quaint, rural living. It invokes ideas about a slow, cosy pace of life, as well as reconnecting with nature. Some things that may be considered cottagecore aesthetic include
- baking bread
- picking strawberries
- riding a bicycle
- wearing floral summer dresses
- embroidery
- drinking tea
- flower picking
As a location with many cottages, lots of history, and a quiet and soothing feel to it, the Cotswolds is one of the best places to immerse yourself in the cottagecore. aesthetic.
So, pack your best cottagecore outfit, and check out these great ideas for cottagecore things to do in the Cotswolds.
Stay In A Cotswolds Cottage
One of the easiest ways to make sure you have the most cottagecore weekend in the Cotswolds ever, is to stay in an actual Cotswold cottage. There are tons of beautiful holiday cottages in the Cotswolds for you can stay in, and it can really increase the cottagecore vibes when you stay in the area.
Just imagine drinking a cup of chamomile tea by the front window, eating strawberries in the garden, and cosying up by the fire at night.
Here are some of my top suggestions for cottagecore style holiday cottages in the Cotswolds.
Located in the Gloucestershire area, this stunning Cotswold cottage is as cottagecore as it gets. With a cozy fireplace, exposed beams, and warm decor, this is a great spot to make your weekend as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
This thatched cottage is so quaint it’s almost hard to believe. With exposed beams, old time four poster beds, and a beautiful garden, this is a great place to come back to after enjoying the local Cotswold towns of Broadway or Stow-on-the-Wold.
3. Vine Cottage, Chipping Campden
This old-fashioned, farmhouse-style cottage is just lovely for those wanting a cottagecore weekend away in the Cotswolds. This holiday cottage has adorable cozy decor, garden views and is located in one of the top Cotswold villages.
4. Brook Cottage, Chipping Campden
This beautiful cottage in the Cotswolds is made out of gorgeous, golden Cotswold stone. With a rose bush in the garden, simple classical decor, and a cosy fireplace, what more could you want from this property?
5. Picket Piece Cottage, Chandlington
Sitting in the Oxfordshire side of the Cotswolds, this adorable Cotswolds cottage has exposed Cotswold stone, exposed beams, and a gorgeous large, floral garden. This is the perfect spot to put your feet up on your next cottagecore getaway.
Explore The Charming Cotswold Villages
The Cotswolds are well known for their adorable and quaint villages. They are almost like taking a trip back in time, with their old stone cottages and small streets. The villages are known for their artisan shops, sweet tearooms, and old traditional pubs. Not to mention their wonderful views, natural spaces and countryside walks.
Here are some of the top Cotswold villages you should consider staying in:
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden is known as one of the most beautiful Cotswold villages to visit. As an old wool town, there are plenty of artisan craft shops it town. It is also one of the most artistic Cotswold villages, meaning there are lots of independent shops with beautiful items in town. Alongside this, the town is full of quaint cafes, old-fashioned pubs, and more top foodie spots. The town also marks the end of the popular hiking path, The Cotswold Way, and is home to the beautiful old St James’ Church.
Banbury
This Oxfordshire Cotswold village is one of the most famous and historic spots to head to. It even has its own cake – the Banbury cake – which is a must-try when you’re in town. For cottagecore aesthetic lovers, the Upton House and Gardens and the Sulgrove Manor and Gardens are a must-visit. In the gardens, you can wander among the flowers and soak up the stunning Cotswold views.
Bourton-on-the-Water
This is one of the most picturesque Cotswold villages to visit, and full of quaint artisan shops and cafes. Built around the River Windrush, you get around town by crossing a number of tiny stone bridges. Adorable, right? The town is also full of antique shops, cosy tearooms, and arts and crafts shops. Certainly one of the most unique and beautiful villages to visit in the entire UK.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is a top spot for literature and art lovers to visit. Home to a doorway that inspired Tolkien when writing Lord of the Rings, this is a village that’s full of adorable bookshops where you can easily spend hours away. There are also art shops and galleries in town for photography, contemporary art, paintings and sculptures. For crafters, artists, and readers, Stow-on-the-Wold is the dream place to visit.
Broadway
Broadway is another wonderful and varied Cotswold village to visit in the Oxfordshire area. With a town full of museums and galleries, there is never a lack of things to do here. However, for cottagecore lovers who want to spend more time in nature, there are tons of walks and wide green spaces to spend time in. Plus, you will also find the Cotswold Lavender Farm, which allows you to walk amongst the flowers – perfect for a cottagecore style photoshoot.
Check out more top Cotswold villages in my comprehensive guide.
Take a Countryside Walk In The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are known for their amazing selection of walks in the countryside. The good thing about these is that there are many that are not too challenging, so you are able to amble calmly in amongst nature. This is certainly one of the best things to do in the Cotswolds.
With so many Cotswolds walks to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are my top recommendations for top walks in the Cotswolds:
Broadway Tower Circular Walk
One of the most popular Cotswolds walks takes you around the stunning views of Broadway Tower. With a length of 7.2km and a moderate difficulty level, this is a great one to go for to get a real sense of the Cotswolds.
Cotswolds Way: Chipping Campden to Broadway Loop
If you’re looking for a longer walk but with more flat areas, why not try walking this section of the classic Cotswolds Way. At 17.9km, this walks takes you through two of the best Cotswold villages to visit. If you’re someone who likes to spend the day walking through the countryside, this walk is one for you.
Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter Circular
Another walk that takes you through two of the most beautiful Cotswold villages; this one is a bit shorter at 11.9km and a moderate difficulty level. You can grab food from one of the great cafes in Bourton-on-the-Water or you can also pack a picnic to eat in peaceful Lower Slaughter.
Salford to the Rollright Stones Circular
If you’re a history lover, then this is a great walk from you. Take a start in the great Cotswold village of Salford, and enjoy the views of nature as you walk to the standing stone circle of the Rollright Stones. At only 8km with an easy elevation level, this is an accessible and unique walk to enjoy.
Cotswolds and Burford Circular
Another easier walk at 10.5km, this lovely walk takes you through a number of fields to Burford – one of the Cotswold’s most popular villages. Take your time to explore its wonderful antique shops, bakeries and bookshops before taking a leisurely walk back through the countryside.
Pack A Countryside Picnic
Picnics are a great option for a cottagecore style activity you can do in the Cotswolds. This is a great option to combine with your country walk. You can take a break on the way to settle down in the grass, enjoy the views, and refill on delicious food. You could even take a moment to do a little cottagecore aesthetic photoshoot too.
Here are some ideas for things to take for the perfect cottagecore picnic:
- Pick up a lovely sandwich or cake from a local Cotswold bakery
- Jam or honey sandwiches
- Strawberries
- Pain Au Chocolat
- Baguettes and soft cheese
- Grapes
- Cheese crackers
- Lemonade
- Elderflower presse
- Victoria Sponge cake
Make sure to take a comfy checked blanket to relax on too!
Visit a Farmer’s Market
The Cotswolds is surrounded by farmland and, therefore, is full of wonderful farmer’s markets. This is a dream day out for anyone who wants to live out their favourite aesthetic. With artisan crafts, fresh produce and friendly local sellers, this is the perfect way to spend the day in the Cotswolds.
Here are the locations, dates and times of the top Cotswolds farmers markets:
Chipping Norton Market – Oxfordshire
Chipping Norton Market Place on Wednesday
Cheltenham Craft Market – Gloucestershire
Every third Saturday of the month on the Promenade – 9am to 5pm
Cirencester Charter Market – Gloucestershire
Monday 10am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 3pm in the Market Place.
Fairford Market – Gloucestershire
Wednesdays 9am-1pm in the Market Place.
Malmesbury Artisan and Farmers’ Market – Wiltshire
Every Friday from 9am to 3pm at the Market Cross.
Moreton-in-Marsh Market – Gloucestershire
Every Tuesday, (Nov-Mar) 9am to 3pm, (Apr-Oct) 9am to 3.30pm
Northleach Market – Gloucestershire
Wednesday 8:30am to 3:30pm
Stroud Market – Gloucestershire
Friday and Saturday
Tetbury Market – Gloucetershire
Wednesday 9am-3pm under the Market House.
Some of my personal favourites are Moreton-in-Marsh Market, Cheltenham Craft Market and the Stroud Market. Why not try to visit as many as possible so you can figure out your favourite?
Indulge in Afternoon Tea
Having afternoon tea is one of the most cottagecore activities you could possibly hope to enjoy. Luckily, in the Cotswolds, there is also an abundance of them to choose from. The Cotswolds are known for their quaint cafes and tearooms. So, make sure to book in for a spot of tea when you visit.
Here are some of the top places to go for afternoon tea in the Cotswolds:
This spot is a gorgeous old Cotswold cafe, with loose leaf tea, scones, a selection of cakes and finger sandwiches.
2. The Old Bakery Tearoom, Stow-on-the-Wold
Another adorable cafe in Stow-on-the-Wold that offers delicious homemade scones, as well as delicious lunches.
3. Rixy’s Cafe, Moreton-In-Marsh
Fill up on tea, scones and cake here, as well as being spoilt with tons of options for breakfast and brunch.
4. Mrs Brown’s Tearooms, Shipston on Stour
These award-winning tearooms lie in the heart of an old Cotswold cottage building, offering tea and scones in the cosiest setting imaginable.
This stunning cafe is known in the area for its great grub. Not to mention the enormous scones you get with their delicious afternoon tea!
Visit The Glorious Cotswold Flower Fields
There are few things more cottagecore than frolicking through fields of flowers. Luckily, the Cotswolds have two amazing ones for you to visit.
The first is the Confetti Fields. Here you will be able to walk amongst an amazing maze of rainbow delphiniums, growing as tall as your head. This is the perfect spot for an amazing cottagecore style photoshoot.
The second are the Cotswold Lavender Fields. Here you can walk amongst the fragrant lavender fields, and even purchase soaps and perfumes made from their oils in the shop.
Visit Cotswold Farm Park
The cottagecore aesthetic has strong links to homesteading, springtime and animals. That makes Cotswold Farm Park one of the top places to visit for cottagecore lovers in the Cotswolds.
If you visit here in the springtime, you can hold chicks and baby bunnies, as well as stroking lambs, goats and piglets. You can even see lambs being born in the lambing barn. Wandering around, you can enjoy fields full of sheep, goats, cows, ponies, ducks, and every other kind of farm animal you can imagine.
This is an absolute must visit when looking for things to do in the Cotswolds, and is a fantastic way to spend a spring day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor activities in the Cotswolds?
One of the best outdoor activities in the Cotswolds is to go for walks, especially the Cotswolds Way. You can also enjoy the Confetti Fields and the Lavender Fields, as well as taking a walk around Cotswolds Farm Park.
What to see in the Cotswolds?
Some of the top sights in the Cotswolds are the Lavender Fields, Cotswold Farm Park, and Broadway Tower. There are some wonderful sights in the beautiful Cotswold villages too, especially the small bridges leading over the Windrush River in Bourton-On-The-Water.
What is it like living in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds encourages a slower pace of life. The life lead in the Cotswolds is quiet and rural, with many people having an interest in arts and nature.
Where are the best Cotswolds cottages?
Cotswold villages are full of amazing and beautiful cottages. For some of the best, you should definitely head to Bibury, which is well known for its stunning stone cottages.
Concluding How To Spend A Cottagecore Weekend In The Cotswolds
As you can see, with quaint village, adorable tearooms, artisan shops, as well as long country walks, the Cotswolds are one of the best places to head to if you want to enjoy living out the cottagecore aesthetic for the weekend.
Thank you so much for reading my post and I hope you to see you back here again soon.
Ta-ta for now! x
