England Express: Exploring the Cotswolds
England Express: Exploring the Cotswolds
The trip in a nutshell
Self-driven tour
This is a self-driven tour - it isn’t compulsory to drive, however if you are willing to, then please tick the box when booking your trip.
Are you bored of a regular holiday where a heated game of volleyball brings the most excitement and the biggest fashion statement is a neon-coloured pool inflatable? Well, buckle up, because we're about to take you on a journey through the enchanting Cotswolds, where the only thing more charming than the honey-coloured cottages are the people who live in them (and trust us, they're a pretty quirky bunch). Ditch your beach towel and flip-flops because you're going to need a sturdy pair of wellies and a trusty walking stick to navigate the winding streams and rolling hills that have inspired poets and painters for centuries.
Our 5-day itinerary is designed to immerse you in the quintessential English countryside, where you'll discover villages so picturesque, they look like they've been plucked straight out of a storybook. Get ready to be dazzled by the charming Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds" (but without the pesky gondolas and overpriced gelato). And prepare to be utterly enchanted by the welcoming English towns, where you can browse the independent shops and galleries to your heart's content (and maybe even pick up a few locally-crafted souvenirs, like a hand-knitted tea cosy or a set of artisanal sheep shears). With comfortable accommodations, expert tour leaders, and a group of like-minded adventurers who are just as eager to embrace their inner Englishman as you are, this trip is sure to be the highlight of your year. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime (or at least the next five days).
Trip type
Express: jam-packed itinerary to make the most of the few days of holiday allowance you have.
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.
Physical rating
LOW - this itinerary is easy-going and any extra sports or activities are entirely optional - minimum physical effort is required.
Entry requirements
Please visit your country's official government website to find out the necessary requirements for entering the country of destination.
Arrival and departure
This trip begins and ends in Gloucester.
What's included
4 nights accommodation in shared rooms
Car rental from day 2 to day 5
River horse-riding activity - or an alternative activity in case of bad weather conditions
A super traditional English afternoon tea!
Rococo Garden entrance fee
Travel Coordinator services
Itinerary
Welcome to the Costwolds
Check-in
Round trip journeys are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!
We find ourselves finally in this area of outstanding beauty… we’ve arrived in the Cotswolds! After reaching our accommodation (Gloucester or surroundings) and dropping off our bags, it is dinner time! We will tuck into some grub at a typical British pub of course! But the night doesn't end there, perhaps we can explore a local wine bar or enjoy a pint of beer… or two!
Included: overnight stay
Not included: meals and drinks
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold
We begin our day bright and early with a hearty English breakfast and a nice cup of tea! We set off to Stow-on-the-Wold first, a charming market town surrounded by the Cotswold countryside. Once we arrive, we stroll around the market square, antique shops and the Cotswold Chocolate Company. We can also visit the Lord-of-the-Rings-inspired St. Edward’s Church with its famous yew-tree door and have a drink at The Porch House - the oldest inn in England. As we set off to Bourton-on-the-Water, we can stop off via Upper and Lower Slaughter, taking in the scenic river, mill and cottages.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Now it’s to visit the quintessential English village of Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as The Venice of the Cotswolds. With its low stone bridges, stone cottages and tree-lined riverbanks, it’s a postcard-perfect setting! We could also see it in miniature form at The Model Village. If we're feeling competitive, we could try to escape from The Dragonfly Maze! After we have had a bite to eat along the River Windrush, we’ll go in it ourselves for some river horse riding! As a well-deserved treat, we can get some ice cream afterwards.
Included: overnight stay and river horse-riding activity
Money pot: other entrance fees to tourist attractions, petrol
Not included: meals and drinks
pt map
Cirencester & Burford & Bibury
Cirencester
Next up is the capital of the Cotswolds, otherwise known as Cirencester, which dates back to Roman times. St. John Baptist Church is well worth a visit with its perpendicular Gothic architecture. We’ll again visit the bustling market square and can stretch our legs in the greenery of the Abbey Grounds and Cirencester Park. If feeling adventurous, we could also do some stand-up paddleboarding or cycling at the nearby Cotswold Country Park & Beach!
Burford & Bibury
Burford, considered the Gateway to the Cotswolds, is where we venture next, full of cosy pubs, antique shops and mediaeval architecture. For those with a sweet tooth, The Sweet Shop must be visited. Then it’s tea time… or afternoon tea time in this case! With an array of sandwiches, cakes and scones, it should leave you feeling replenished! Then, on our way home, we visit the beautiful gem of Bibury. Situated along the River Coln, it’s time to snap one of the most photographed sights in the UK, Arlington Row with its 17th-century weavers’ cottages adorned with honey-coloured stone. We can even catch some trout at Bibury Trout Farm and walk around the nature reserve The Rack Isle.
Included: overnight stay and afternoon tea
Money pot: other entrance fees to tourist attractions, petrol
Not included: other meals and drinks
Castle Combe
Castle Combe
We now immerse ourselves in one of England’s prettiest villages, Castle Combe. Nestled in a wooded valley, this is the perfect retreat with houses that date back from the 1600s. St. Andrew’s Church houses one of the oldest working clocks in the country. We’ll also go on the popular scenic Castle Combe and By Brook walk, where we’ll set foot in the quaint streets and lush gardens, as well as the Market Cross.
Painswick
Before we arrive in Painswick, dubbed the Queen of the Cotswolds, we have the opportunity to stop off at Tetbury and Stroud. Painswick is famous for the historic Rococo Garden and we’ll ramble around its stunning vistas, colourful floral displays and intricate designs. We’ll also get to explore another yew-coated church, that being St. Mary’s.
Included: overnight stay and entrance into Rococo Garden
Money pot: other entrance fees to tourist attractions, petrol
Not included: meals and drinks
Check-out and goodbye
Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!
End of services. The itinerary may undergo some variations that differ from what is stated above. These variations may not be predictable nor depend on WeRoad’s will, i.e. climate conditions, national holidays, strikes, etc.

The travel coordinators
Our travel coordinators are chosen because they are people like you. Not only are they the best travel buddy you could hope for, but they're trained professionals guaranteed to show you a travel experience like never before
Info to know
Staff
Our trips are led by a Travel Coordinator who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Travel Coordinator.
Visas and Vaccinations
Before booking, please ensure you check what documents, visas, and vaccinations are required to enter the country you are visiting. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Arrival and Departure Times
We advise getting to the meet-up point for the first day of your tour by 18 pm. On the last day of the tour you are free to leave whenever you want!
Luggage
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.