A WEEKEND IN
Bath & The Cotswolds, United Kingdom
We spent a few days exploring Bath and the Cotswolds, and it was the perfect mix of history, charm, and countryside. Bath captivated us with its elegant Georgian architecture, cobbled streets, and the timeless beauty of the Roman Baths. It is a must visit for anyone interested in history and beautiful buildings. We visited in May, which I think is the ideal time of year — warm enough for long walks and garden strolls, but not yet crowded. If you want to see some of the prettiest villages England has to offer, the Cotswolds are an absolute must.
Bibury
Bibury is a great place to start, and is one of the most famously photographed villages in England. We wandered down the iconic Arlington Row, followed the river, and did a quick loop around the village by walking through a beautiful field.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water was definitely a highlight of mine. The little bridges over the river and all the ducks make it feel a bit like a countryside version of Venice. It is full of quaint shops, cafes and unique views and is definitely not to be missed if you’re in the Cotswolds.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold was a fun little stop, full of character and great for browsing. We stumbled upon an amazing second-hand store packed with vintage treasures and could’ve spent hours rummaging. The town is full of independent shops, antiques, and cosy corners — perfect for a relaxed wander.
Burford
Burford is one of those Cotswold villages that feels like it’s barely changed in centuries. Its high street stretches downhill and is lined with charming shops, tea rooms, and honey-coloured buildings that practically glow in the afternoon sun.
At the bottom of the hill sits the impressive St John the Baptist Church, one of the largest parish churches in the Cotswolds. The architecture is striking, and the atmosphere is peaceful, with stained glass windows casting soft light over ancient stone. The surrounding churchyard is equally serene, and just beyond it, a wide stream flows gently by, often graced with swans gliding through the water.
Faringdon
That evening, we stayed in Faringdon, a small market town on the edge of the Cotswolds. While the room we booked is no longer available, I’d still recommend staying in Faringdon — it’s a charming and convenient base close to the famous Cotswolds villages, but without the hefty price tag.
We had dinner at The Old Crown Coaching Inn — a historic coaching inn with character in every corner.
Castle Combe
Castle Combe — often hailed as the prettiest village in England — truly lived up to its reputation. Quiet, dreamy, and somehow even more beautiful than expected, it felt like stepping back in time. With no modern signage or parked cars in the village centre, it had an untouched, fairytale quality that made it an instant favourite. Of all the places we visited, this was easily my favourite. If you see nothing else in the Cotswolds, make sure Castle Combe is at the top of your list.
To top it off, we bumped into Alfie Allen (aka Theon Greyjoy from Game of Thrones) — random but very cool! We chatted to him for about 5 minutes, he was lovely.
We took a stroll along the river, crossing over a charming old bridge before coming across a tucked-away table and chairs — the perfect spot for a quick pause. Lunch was at The White Hart, a classic village pub full of character, before we continued on to Bradford-on-Avon.
Bradford-on-Avon
If you visit this village, make sure not to miss The Bridge Tea Rooms for cake and coffee — it’s tiny and old-fashioned in the best way, with waitresses in Victorian outfits and antique teacups.
Bradford-on-Avon was a lovely place to stop on the way to Bath, with picturesque corners and charming views at every turn. The river winds through the town, and if you wander through the park, you’ll come to a bridge that offers a beautiful vantage point over the water.
Bath
Then we headed to Bath, where we browsed Topping & Company Booksellers (one of the best bookshops in the UK, in my opinion).
Next, we explored the Roman Baths — a total bucket-list spot! It was incredible to walk through such a well-preserved piece of ancient history right in the heart of the city. The design was so intricate, from the stonework and statues to the original Roman pavements and steaming green waters. The museum was full of fascinating details, and standing beside the Great Bath really brought the scale and significance of the site to life.
Next we stepped inside Bath Abbey for a moment of quiet. It is a beautiful cathedral, and a must see if visiting Bath. We tried to go to the historic Sally Lunn’s — my mum’s favourite bakery treat — but the queue was too long!
The city of Bath is beautifully historic, with its grand Georgian architecture, Roman roots, and elegant streets that feel like walking through a living museum. Every corner seems to hold a story — from ancient baths and abbeys to literary connections and hidden bookshops.
The Bath Skyline is a great place to end a day in Bath. Watching the sunset from a meadow overlooking the city is a beautiful escape from the bustling streets.
Badbury Farm
If you go to the Cotswolds during bluebell season, make sure not to miss Badbury Farm — it has carpets of purple stretching beneath the trees as far as the eye can see.
We returned to Bath to visit the Royal Crescent and Botanical Gardens for one last wander, before heading for breakfast at Wild Café (great coffee, by the way).
Before heading home, we made one final stop at Iford Manor Gardens — a peaceful, lesser-known spot for a quick look around before wrapping up the trip.
This trip through Bath and the Cotswolds was the perfect mix of history, countryside charm, and meaningful little moments. From wandering peaceful stone villages and spotting bluebells in bloom, to exploring ancient Roman sites and catching sunset over the city skyline, every stop felt thoughtful and memorable. The whole trip had a calm, storybook pace to it. We left feeling recharged and already planning when we might go back.