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Itinerary – Stop by Stop

1. Cheltenham – The Elegant Gateway

Starting Point: Montpellier District or Pittville Park
Cheltenham is a Regency spa town with wide, tree-lined boulevards, elegant terraces, and a refined yet creative atmosphere. It’s an ideal starting point with plenty of parking and amenities.

Things to Do Before You Set Off:

• Stroll Montpellier Gardens and admire the 19th-century architecture.
• Visit The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum for local culture.
• Stock up on picnic supplies from The Find café or Baker & Graze.

Driving Note: Leave Cheltenham via the A40 eastbound, quickly transitioning onto quieter country lanes towards Broadway.

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2. Broadway – The Show Village

Distance from Cheltenham: 16 miles | Drive Time: ~30 mins

Often called the “Jewel of the Cotswolds”, Broadway is a broad, tree-lined village street framed by golden stone buildings, boutique shops, and tearooms. Independent galleries and antique shops for leisurely browsing.

Highlights:

• Broadway Tower: A folly designed by Capability Brown, offering views across 16 counties on a clear day. Located within a 200-acre estate of parkland, allowing visitors to experience great English heritage in an inspiring location.
• Seasonal farmers’ markets.

Food Stop:

• The Broadway Deli – perfect for local cheeses and fresh bread.
• Russell’s of Broadway – refined dining in a historic building.

3. Chipping Campden – Craftsmanship & Charm

Distance from Broadway: 5 miles | Drive Time: ~12 mins

Chipping Campden’s high street is one of the most beautiful in England, a sweep of golden buildings dating back to the 14th century.

Highlights:

• Market Hall (1627): Iconic arched stone building.
• St James’ Church: Notable for its perpendicular Gothic architecture.
• Hidcote Manor Garden: Just outside the town, a masterpiece of Arts & Crafts garden design.

Driving Note: Narrower roads lead here from Broadway — expect a slower pace and more pedestrians in the village centre.

Food Stop:

• The Bantam Tea Rooms – classic cream teas.
• The Noel Arms – reputed to have one of the UK’s best curries (yes, in the Cotswolds!).

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4. Bourton-on-the-Water – The Venice of the Cotswolds

Distance from Chipping Campden: 13 miles | Drive Time: ~25 mins

Bourton is famed for its low stone bridges crossing the River Windrush. Expect it to be lively — it’s a favourite for day-trippers.

Highlights:

• Model Village: A 1/9th scale replica of Bourton itself.
• Cotswold Motoring Museum: Car lovers can browse vintage vehicles and motoring memorabilia.
• Riverside cafés perfect for people-watching.

Car Enthusiast’s Note: The Motoring Museum is a nice thematic stop on a driving holiday, with classic cars and quirky exhibits.

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5. Lower Slaughter – Timeless & Tranquil

Distance from Bourton-on-the-Water: 1 mile | Drive Time: 3 mins

Lower Slaughter is a tiny village that feels frozen in time, with a slow-flowing stream and historic mill.

Highlights:

• Old Mill Museum: Watermill history and a charming riverside café.
• Gentle strolls along the River Eye.
• Some of the most photogenic scenes in the Cotswolds.

Driving Note: Approach slowly — the lanes are narrow and walkers often spill onto the road.

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6. Stow-on-the-Wold – Market Town on a Hill

Distance from Lower Slaughter: 4 miles | Drive Time: ~10 mins

Stow is perched on a hill and historically was a major wool trading hub. Today it’s a lively town with antique shops and cosy pubs.

Highlights:

• St Edward’s Church: Its north door is framed by ancient yew trees — a scene straight from Tolkien.
• The large market square with historic inns.
• Antique browsing along Digbeth Street.

Food Stop:

• The Porch House – England’s oldest inn, dating back to 947 AD.
• The Old Bakery Tearoom – hearty lunches and fresh bakes.

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7. Cirencester – The Capital of the Cotswolds

Distance from Stow-on-the-Wold: 18 miles | Drive Time: ~35 mins

Cirencester was once the second-largest town in Roman Britain and still carries that weight of history.

Highlights:

• Corinium Museum: Roman mosaics and artefacts.
• Cirencester Park: Expansive parkland ideal for a leg stretch.
• Boutique shopping in Black Jack Street.

Driving Note: The route from Stow to Cirencester offers open stretches with rolling hill views — ideal for relaxed cruising.

Food Stop:

• Made by Bob – high-quality café dining.
• Cotswold Artisan Coffee for a quick caffeine boost.

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Return to Cheltenham

Distance from Cirencester: 16 miles | Drive Time: ~28 mins

The final leg winds you back into Cheltenham along the A435, with optional detours to small villages like Cowley or Coberley for last scenic photo stops.

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Suggested 2-Day Plan

Day 1:
Cheltenham → Broadway → Chipping Campden → Bourton-on-the-Water → Lower Slaughter
Stay overnight in Stow-on-the-Wold or Bourton for easy evening dining and atmospheric evening walks.

Day 2:
Morning in Stow → Cirencester → Return to Cheltenham with optional detours.

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Where to Stay

• Luxury: Dormy House (near Broadway), Barnsley House (Cirencester)
• Mid-range: The Porch House (Stow), The Noel Arms (Chipping Campden)
• Budget: Youth Hostel in Stow-on-the-Wold or Airbnbs in Bourton