Lucy, a New Yorker based in London and travel content creator on TikTok known as @lostwithlucy, recently embarked on a road trip across six charming towns in the Cotswolds — a picturesque region with 98 towns and villages in total. With her friends in tow, Lucy shared her honest impressions of each stop, highlighting what delighted her and what left her wanting more.
The adventure kicked off in Bourton-on-the-Water, which Lucy dubbed “the number one Cotswolds town” thanks to its vibrant atmosphere. Lined with bustling pubs, cafes, and restaurants alongside a quaint river, the town also featured the “most skilled ice cream man.” She was enchanted by the abundance of ducks — more than she had ever seen in one spot before. However, its popularity means it can get very crowded, which may not suit visitors seeking tranquility.
Next up was Stow-on-the-Wold, another lively hub teeming with pubs and shops. Here, Lucy enjoyed browsing a delightful cheesemonger and fell in love with Borozi bookshop, calling it a “really nice” place worth visiting.
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Broadway came third, known for its long, quaint main street. While it offers a handful of pubs and eateries, Lucy recommended stopping by Broadway Deli, a specialty store featuring an array of intriguing grocery items.
The highlight of the trip came next in Chipping Campden. Describing it as “the first village that actually seemed like people lived here,” Lucy declared it her favourite stop. The village’s peaceful, picturesque charm provided a welcome contrast to busier towns. She suggested visitors take the opportunity to enjoy countryside walks nearby if time allows.
However, the final two stops — Upper and Lower Slaughter — disappointed the group. Despite their undeniable beauty, both villages are very small with limited or no parking, making it difficult to explore properly. This shortcoming slightly dampened the overall experience.
Throughout the trip, Lucy and her friends used Cheltenham as their base. It proved ideal, situated just under 20 minutes away from many Cotswold locations, making day trips convenient and enjoyable. Meanwhile, Bourton-on-the-Water was around a 30-minute drive—still perfectly manageable for a day visit.
Lucy’s journey across these quintessential English towns shows the variety this region offers, from bustling tourist hotspots to tranquil villages, each with its own unique appeal.