The Cotswolds, famed for their quintessential English charm, attract visitors especially during the summer when the region is at its most picturesque. Lucy, a New Yorker now living in London and known on TikTok as @lostwithlucy, recently embarked on a road trip through six of the 98 towns and villages in the Cotswolds, candidly sharing her thoughts along the way.
Her journey began at Bourton-on-the-Water, which she dubbed the “number one Cotswolds town,” largely due to its lively atmosphere. The bustling streets were filled with tourists, including numerous tour buses, so Lucy advises that those preferring tranquility might want to skip this spot. The village’s charm shines along the little river winding through the town, dotted with pubs, cafes, and restaurants—and an ice cream vendor who she praised for his skills. An amusing observation: Bourton-on-the-Water had more ducks than she had ever seen in one place.
Next was Stow-on-the-Wold, another busy hub packed with inviting pubs and quaint shops. Lucy’s group enjoyed stopping by a local cheesemonger and raved about Borozi Bookshop, a delightful spot for book lovers.
Broadway, a town characterized by a single, lengthy main street, was their third stop. While it also offered pubs and eateries, Lucy highly recommended a visit to the Broadway Deli, notable for its intriguing selection of groceries.
Chipping Campden brought a change of pace. Lucy described it as the first village they visited that felt truly lived-in, and it quickly became her favorite destination. She appreciated its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque scenery, suggesting visitors take some time to enjoy a leisurely walk through nearby fields.
However, the final two stops—Upper and Lower Slaughter—dampened the trip’s momentum. Despite their undeniable beauty, these tiny villages lacked parking facilities, preventing the group from stopping to explore as planned.
Lucy also mentioned using Cheltenham as their base, which proved ideal given its proximity to the Cotswolds—roughly an 18-minute drive to most towns, and about 30 minutes to Bourton-on-the-Water, making day trips quite manageable.
In all, Lucy’s candid impressions offer both practical advice and a glimpse into the varied experiences awaiting travelers in the charming Cotswolds region.