Perfect Road Trip Through Cotswolds National Landscape
Read Time: About 17 minutes
Cotswolds Countryside. Andrew Wilkinson
The Cotswolds, approximately two hours from London, is a beautiful area in England, spanning six counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, and Somerset. Famed for its green rolling hills, charming villages, and honey-hued limestone village.. Our unique campervan road trip guide will help you explore enchanting villages in the region, with stunning photos to help you envision what a campervan road trip to the Cotswolds National Landscape can look like, including some of the best campsites in Cotswolds National Landscape to stay at.
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Enjoy a blend of eco camping, cooking over a crackling open fire, and pristine natural beauty at Abbey Home Farm, a family-run site set on an extensive 1600 acre mixed organic farm, with award-winning conveniences.
Whether you're a couple seeking a romantic escape, a cheery family looking to create lasting memories or a group of lively friends exploring England's traditions and rural beauty, this Cotswolds guide is perfect for anyone searching for a peaceful escape in England. As you plan your Perfect Road Trip Through Cotswolds National Landscape, you'll find plenty of campsites in Gloucestershire that make brilliant base camps for exploring the rolling hills and honey-stone villages. Read on for a closer look at some of the most inviting campsites the UK has to offer.
Cotswolds. Robbi Baba
National Landscapes in England are beautiful protected areas representing striking, culturally significant terrains. The designation of National Landscape helps conserve the area's natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. England has 34 AONBs, like the Cotswolds, and 10 National Parks, and we've compiled comprehensive guides to these National Landscapes for easy road trip planning. Take a read, craft an itinerary that works best for your holiday and campervan hire Gloucestershire, then rumble your campervan through some of the most beautiful landscapes in England.
Welcome to the Cotswolds, a beautiful area brimming with quintessentially English villages, lush, rolling hills, and green meadows. Houses built of yellow oolitic limestone give many buildings a lovely golden hue and the wealth of open space creates a veritable playground for the outdoorsy types. Our route will explore beautiful locations for walking, cycling and horse riding, plus some of must-see attractions in the area. Use our guide to tailor the stops to suit what you want to see, be it visits to the big hitters, or a road trip off the beaten track. Hire a campervan in Cotswolds National Landscape, and away you go!
- Why is the Cotswolds so Famous?
- Is Cotswolds a Day Trip?
- Which is the most Beautiful Part of the Cotswolds?
- Cotswolds National Landscape Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Cotswolds National Landscape Campsites
- How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape
- How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape from London
- How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape from Gloucester
- How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape from Brighton
- How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape from Bristol
- How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape from Lincoln
- Your Campervan Guide to visiting the Cotswolds National Landscape
- Romantic Road Cotswolds
- Concluding our Campervan Capers in the Cotswold National Landscape
Why is the Cotswolds so Famous?
The Cotswolds is renowned for its timeless beauty and unrivalled English charm, celebrated for its rolling hills or wolds, golden limestone villages, and sweeping countryside. With iconic market towns like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold, the enchanting sceneries have inspired writers like J.R.R. Tolkien and artists of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Cotswolds. Kent Wang
Holidaymakers flock to explore its stately homes (such as Hidcote Manor, a nationally significant Arts and Crafts garden located within the historic Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), ancient churches (including St Edward’s Church, Stow-on-the-Wold, a medieval church built from local limestone and central to the region’s historic market town), and traditional pubs (for example The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold, reputedly England’s oldest inn and deeply rooted in Cotswold coaching-inn heritage).
If you want an authentic taste of rural serenity, heritage, and romance, the Cotswolds is the place to be.
Is Cotswolds a Day Trip?
The Cotswolds is close to London and makes for a great day trip or weekend break. Depending on where you start your campervan Road trip to the Cotswolds, there’s plenty to explore if you only have a day to spare. If time is of the essence, a campervan (or a car for tent campers) provides plenty of flexibility to stop off where you fancy and eliminate dependency on a bus or train timetable.
Which is the most Beautiful Part of the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds has many beautiful drives and villages, so the best part of this stunning National Landscape boils down to personal taste. Few contenders, like Bibury and Castle Combe, are often hailed as the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, and Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” We’ll explore these gorgeous locations in more detail below so you can plan the perfect campervan road trip.
Cotswolds National Landscape Road Trip Itinerary
The Cotswolds. Pikakoko
On your first day in the Cotswolds, we recommend starting your adventure in the charming town of Chipping Campden, known locally as "Chippy". The ancient settlement is famed for its beautiful stone buildings and bustling art scene and is the perfect location to savour traditional Cotswolds charm. Take a stroll on High Street, lined with an array of shops and restaurants, and visit St James' Church, a fascinating example of medieval architecture. It also marks the start of the 102-mile Cotswold Way, which leads to the beautiful city of Bath. Follow a short section of trail or embark on a full-day hike for rewarding panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
You can visit the nearby village of Broadway, which brims with honey-coloured buildings and boutique shops. Soak up the atmosphere as you sip on a traditional cream tea, and decide on a place to have a nibble. Work off your meal with a stroll around Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds" with its lovely low bridges and peaceful river. Stroll along the river, admire gorgeous scenery, or pop into the Cotswold Motoring Museum if you enjoy vintage cars and memorabilia.
If you have more time, rumble into the village of Bibury, described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England." The settlement enchants visitors with Arlington Row, a row of impossibly beautiful cottages. Enjoy a quiet stroll by the village river and soak in the lush scenery. Photography enthusiasts can capture arguably one of the prettiest streets in the Cotswolds, lined with cottages dating back to the 17th century.
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Haywood Farm Caravan and Camping Park is the ideal scenic setting for campers young and old to sit back and enjoy a countryside escape.
Rumble into the lovely village of Snowshill to visit the stunning Snowshill Manor and Garden, a National Trust property with an intriguing selection of ancient costumes and exotic items from around the world. Explore the manor and its beautiful gardens that boast sweeping views of the enclosing countryside.
The Cotswolds. John Weiss
There are so many lovely villages in the Cotswolds; we've tried to include as many in our guide. If you want to explore more beautiful settlements scattered among the river valleys and hills, stop at Castle Combe village, a tranquil location with timeless charm, a pretty bridge over the Bybrook River, and an unspoiled, car-free atmosphere. The twin villages of Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, connected by the River Eye, boast scenic footpaths and an abundance of idyllic English countryside charm. Taste local champagne courtesy of the Woodchester Valley Vineyard at Painswick, otherwise known as the "Queen of the Cotswolds", or visit the iconic St. Edward's Church with its lovely tree-framed doorway in Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic market town with wide open spaces and lovely antique shops.
Cotswold Lavender Farm, also in Snowshill, is a beautiful spot to stretch your legs in fragrant lavender fields. Pick a bouquet and enjoy the intoxicating fragrance filling your campervan over the next few days. We recommend visiting Bourton-on-the-Hill to explore the Broadway Tower, an 18th-century folly with sweeping countryside views.
If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to camp in the heart of the Cotswolds, consider bunking up at Far Peak Campsite. The owners maintain an informal and friendly camping atmosphere.
Depending on your itinerary and tastes, consider visiting Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Woodstock. This fine estate has captivating Baroque architecture, extensive gardens, and links to Winston Churchill.
The Cotswolds is a destination that truly has it all and offers something for everyone—nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. You'll have the opportunity to explore some of the best Cotswolds attractions and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Best Cotswolds National Landscape Campsites
Whether it’s your first time to the Cotswolds or your first visit to a National Landscape, you’ll need a place to rest your head during your Cotswolds road trip if you are planning on staying the night. Save time on research or switch up from your usual camping spots with our recommended campsites in the Cotswolds. Kick back at Mayfield Park, a family-owned site close to the market town of Cirencester. Briarfields Touring Park is a great space for adults-only camping, while Orchard Meadow is a fantastic spot for Caravan and Motorhome Club members. Read on for more details like facilities and nearby attractions. While exploring the Cotswolds National Landscape, many travellers like to balance the trip with a peaceful stay at the campsites in Bristol.
Mayfield Park in Cirencester
Mayfield Park, Cirencester
Mayfield Park is a roomy family-owned site in Cotswolds, 5 minutes by car from Cirencester and 25 minutes from Cheltenham. Settle in for a quiet escape from the busier holiday spots and enjoy a range of home comforts at this family-owned site. Explore the Cotswolds easily and wake up to gorgeous views over the Churn Valley, exploring pretty local walks and scenic villages on quiet mornings. The long-distance Thames Path is nearby for walkers, and the bus route to Cirencester and Cheltenham passes by the gates, making it easy to leave your campervan behind and explore. Campers have access to three pitch options - non-electric grass plots, electric grass pitches, and fully serviced hardstanding bases - perfect for tents, campervans, and caravans. Facilities include the basics and some, like an on-site food shop, free Wi-Fi, a launderette, and the freedom to enjoy barbecues on your pitch. Pets are welcome to tag along.
Briarfields Touring Park in Cheltenham
Briarfields Touring Park, Cheltenham
Keen for a quiet Cotswold escape? While the National Park is incredibly peaceful, some readers may enjoy serene camping throughout their campervan road trip. Briarfields Touring Park might be a wonderful option for adult-only escapes close to Cheltenham campsites or Gloucester campsites.
The campsite is a few minutes from the A5, making it an ideal spot for getting around minus your camper or car, yet rests in a clever position in the midst of the rolling countryside, with hedged pitches, leafy trees, and a landscaped camping area providing plenty of greenery and shade. Hop on the buses to attractions like Oxford, Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds, or sit back while away the hours around a crackling barbecue. Pitches are for touring vehicles only on hardstanding with fully-serviced and electric hardstanding options. Glampers can kick back in camping pods for two with heating, a kitchenette and more home comforts.
Orchard Meadow in Cirencester
Orchard Meadow, Cirencester
Expect the warmest of welcomes at Orchard Meadow, a beautifully maintained Caravan and Motorhome Club campsite tucked on a 10-acre smallholding, approximately half a mile from the beautiful Cotswolds village of Bibury. Campers enjoy effortless access to a well-maintained, flat grass field with ample space for stretching out and enjoying the sights and sounds of the quintessentially English countryside. Wake to beautiful rural scenery and explore lovely walks through the surrounding area. Guests can use the site as a base for exploring a range of stunning Cotswolds attractions, including Cirencester, Burford, Bourton-on-the Water, Stow-on-the-Wild, and more. All pitches have 16 amp electric meters, water taps, and grey waste connections. Walk into Bibury easily and explore a range of circular walks the owner, Peter, is happy to point out.
How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape
It’s no secret that the Cotswold is a treasure trove of beautiful English countryside sceneries and charming villages with golden-coloured stone buildings. When you hire a campervan in the Cotswolds, you’re free from the constraints of bus or train schedules and have ample freedom to visit places that interest you. We’ve taken the liberty of planning two routes - one scenic and one quick, from the cities around the Cotswolds, so use our guide if you are driving in or through London, Gloucester, Brighton, Bristol and Lincoln. Each city will include campervan hire options in and around the area, so our readers have plenty of models and competitive prices a simple click away.
Cotswolds. Kent Wang
When driving around the Cotswolds, you’re likely to encounter dog walkers, horse riders, ramblers, cyclists, and flocks of sheep. We suggest slowing down immediately, especially if you pass horses on the road, as they are skittish creatures who often become spooked, never necessarily about anything obvious! If you are a first-time campervan renter, perhaps visit the larger villages first to get used to the width of your van, and check the passenger side mirror to ensure you are leaving plenty of room on both sides as driving through the villages can be tricky. Places like Moreton-on-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Cirencester are on the old Roman Fosse Way, which is straight with ample room to drive comfortably. The more remote villages are accessed through narrow lanes flanked by tall hedges with limited visibility, so it may not be ideal for inexperienced drivers.
As always, take care when driving in the rain, as the countryside roads can get wet and muddy. Also, take care when driving through fords or streams, especially after heavy rain, which are often found in Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper Slaughter, and Broadwell. Just head over to our homepage to explore a wide range of campervan hire options across the UK.
How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape from London
Leaving London for the big skies of the Cotswolds? If you’re whizzing out for a day trip, weekend break or a bank holiday escape, you’ll need to get there pronto. Luckily, London is a short drive from the beautiful National Landscape, so you’re well-placed for quick breaks and longer holidays. If you plan to use the main roads, hire a campervan in London, hop on the M40 and head northwest, transitioning to the A44 near Chipping Norton, where the beautiful Cotswolds unfolds like a picture postcard on all slides. This swift and straightforward route is perfect for getting there between 2 - 2.5 hours, covering 75.5 miles. If you’re travelling relaxed, head west from London, rumbling past lovely villages on the A40. Then join the B4027 and the A424, driving past golden fields and sleepy hamlets until the honeyed Cotswolds hills appear in the distance. Browse our list of campervans and motorhomes in London, or find more campervans for hire in Bromley.
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How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape from Gloucester
Swap the complexities of the modern world for the open countryside of the Cotswolds and embrace a slower pace of life. Hire a campervan in Gloucester, and you’re an easy 20 - 30 minute drive away, especially if you follow the A417 and A429. The faster route covers just over 6.7 miles and is an easy drive to and from the area. For a slightly longer drive (approximately 50 minutes) with oodles of scenery, head east on the B4073 and weave through the emerald hills and cosy hamlets, passing Painswick on quiet lanes that lead into the heart of the Cotswolds. Browse our selection of 80 campervans and motorhomes within 60 miles of Gloucester and speak to private campervan owners around Gloucester. For more options, take a peek at our, campervans in Norton, campervans in Bulley, campervans in Ashleworth, campervans in Churcham, campervans in Apperley, campervans in Corse, campervans in Huntley and campervans in Corse Lawn.
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How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape from Brighton
Brighton is a quirky coastal resort with plenty to offer, and it is often the hub of many a vacation. If you’re searching for a quieter holiday, why not swap the coastline for miles of gorgeous countryside, cosy traditional pubs, and peaceful walks past sleepy villages? The direct route follows the M23 and M40 motorways, covering approximately 125 - 145 miles, and takes around 2.5 hours to complete, making it a great location for weekend breaks or even day trips. If you’re in no hurry, take the more scenic route to the Cotswolds, taking the A27 west from the city and winding your way past towns like Arundel and Chichester. Follow the A40 from Chichester, passing the South Downs National Park and its chalk hills, and enter the Cotswolds near Cirencester. Campervan hire Brighton, and follow our routes through remote villages and rolling hills. We list 111 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Brighton, and recommend searching for nearby campervans in Shoreham Sea, campervans in Ditchling, campervans in Hassocks, campervans in Lewes, campervans in Plumpton, campervans in Lancing, campervans in Burgess Hill, campervans in Henfield, campervans in Steyning and campervans in Worthing.
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How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape from Bristol
When you have your campervan hire Bristol sorted, you’re incredibly close to a range of lush locations, including the Cotswolds National Landscape. Head out on a day trip, a weekend break or the summer holidays - you’re mere minutes from jaw-dropping English countryside and quaint towns. The fastest route, covering 17.5 miles, is taking the M32 to the M4 east, then heading north on the A46, taking between 30 -minutes to 1 hour to reach the Cotswolds. If you’re not too keen on joining the main roads, drift northeast from Bristol, following the gentle curves of the B4058 before passing through Chipping Sodbury. Follow the A46 through rolling fields and small settlements, and you’ll be in the golden heart of the Cotswolds in approximately 1.5 hours. With 108 campervans and motorhomes close to Bristol, you’re certain to find the most competitive campervan prices in the city, so go ahead and browse our campervans starting at £90 a night in the summer. If you like having a few options at hand, take a look at campervans in Temple Meads, campervans in Lawrence Hill, campervans in Barton Hill, campervans in Kingsdown, campervans in St Pauls, campervans in Stokes Croft, campervans in Harbourside, campervans in Monks Park, campervans in Horfield, campervans in Westbury Village, campervans in Southmead and campervans in Henbury.
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Our striking Coco VW Crafter Motorhome resides within the captivating landscapes of Monmouth - a stunning location to start your adventure.
How to get to the Cotswolds National Landscape from Lincoln
Leave Lincoln behind for the picturesque Cotswold National Landscape, savouring the thrills of England's classic picture-postcard countryside. Are you keen to explore the romantic settings of the Cotswolds? Hire a campervan in Lincoln, follow the A46 south, and then merge into the M69 and M40, following the ribbon-like roads that deliver you into the lush embrace of the National Landscape. The route takes 2.5 - 3 hours, covering around 127 miles. Use the main roads for quick escapes over the weekends or day trips. If you're adventuring over the summer holidays, why not take a slower, more scenic route? Follow the A46 and quiet byways past cosy villages and golden fields, passing settlements like Newark and Melton Mowbray, before reaching the winding lanes of the Cotswolds in around 3.5 hours. Take a look at our selection of 124 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Lincoln, and find more campervans for hire in Saxilby, campervans for hire in Potterhanworth, campervans for hire in Langworth, campervans for hire in North Scarle, campervans for hire in Metheringham, campervans for hire in Brant Broughton, campervans for hire in Market Rasen, campervans for hire in Woodhall Spa and campervans for hire in Gainsborough.
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Our Van Bertie is a new conversion. He can sleep four and has a duel-power fridge, gas hob, sink and leisure battery. Bertie also features an entire leather interior, climate control, and Apple Car Play.
Your Campervan Guide to visiting the Cotswolds National Landscape
Planning a campervan road trip can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time in the Cotswolds. Fret not! We're here to make it simple! In this section, we answer frequently asked questions to help you prepare for the journey. We answer questions like Why the Cotswolds are so famous and uncover the allure of the Romantic Road Cotswolds. Crafting a bespoke itinerary has never been easier, and our answers will help you see the very best of this bucolic National Landscape.
Romantic Road Cotswolds
Lavender Cottage. Amanda Slater
The Cotswolds is a great drive and includes some of the most beautiful Cotswolds towns and villages, known for their honey-coloured stone, winding lanes, and timeless village settings (ideal for couples seeking riverside walks, historic inns, and quiet countryside views). The route is made up of two one-day circular drives that both begin in Cheltenham, covering short distances and combining well-known highlights with quieter stops, allowing you to adapt the journey to suit your pace and holiday length.
A possible campervan road trip loop travels north through Broadway (with hilltop views from Broadway Tower), Chipping Campden (a traditional market town and gateway to the Cotswold Way), Stow-on-the-Wold (atmospheric market square and antique shops), and Bourton-on-the-Water (romantic stone bridges and riverside paths).
A second campervan road trip heads east through Northleach (a peaceful village centred around a medieval church), Burford (dramatic sloping high street and Windrush Valley views), Bibury (home to the iconic Arlington Row), Cirencester (historic parks and refined dining), and Painswick (elegant valley setting and its famous yew-tree churchyard).
Cotswold roads are often narrow and occasionally single-lane, so take your time and be prepared to pull over when needed, allowing the journey itself to become part of the experience.
Concluding our Campervan Capers in the Cotswold National Landscape
And so we conclude a memorable campervan road trip to the Cotswolds. Start your journey whenever you're ready - our tour guides are not rigid and offer the flexibility to linger in an isolated village or hike to the top of a hillside for sweeping views. We've shared everything you need for an unforgettable campervan adventure in the Cotswolds. We've included everything from scenic drives to must-see attractions, cosy campsites, and top campervan hire options. Dive into the unique charm of the Cotswolds, and feel like a local with the freedom and flexibility of a campervan rental. If you enjoyed this guide, take a peek at our handy travel guides for exploring more National Landscapes.
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