Things To Do In The Cotswolds For Couples in 2023
The Cotswolds is one of the most idyllic parts of England, perfect for a weekend away with your partner. That's why we have pulled together all the things to do in the Cotswolds for couples to help you plan the perfect weekend.
Between us, we have been to the Cotswolds several times, and it is one of the best places we have found for any time of the year. It is equally as beautiful in the summer as in the Winter. It has picturesque towns and fantastic walks for those who enjoy the British countryside.
The Cotswolds is one of the most significant natural Beauties and a popular spot for couples' romantic trips away. Follow along to see some of the best things to do in the Cotswolds for couples, including pubs, restaurants and cosy stays.
Where is the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds, in the central- southwest of England, covers a blanket area of almost 800 square miles. It is that big it runs through 5 counties, including:
Gloucestershire
Oxfordshire
Warwickshire
Worcestershire
Wiltshire
One of the things we love about the Cotswolds is that it offers so many different areas with entirely separate identities. Yet, they are all linked by the rolling hill and golden stone architecture.
The Cotswolds is what you would call quintessentially British. With Gorgeous villages, lively market towns, castles and breathtaking landscapes. It is primarily rural, with 3,000 miles of footpaths for you to explore with your loved one. The highest point is Cleeve hill at 1,083ft!
With it being an easy reach from London, South East, Wales, the Midlands and South West, it is easy to see why many floods to the Cotswolds for a weekend away. So, let's look at all the things to do in the Cotswolds for couples.
Couples things to do in the Cotswolds
Below we have created a comprehensive list of things to do in the Cotswolds for couples, including pretty villages to visit, going to the races, going to see a steam railway, going to pubs and even the best places to stay in the Cotswolds for couples.
Feel free to reach out if we have missed anything off the list.
Visit Pretty Cotswold Villages
One of the most iconic things the Cotswolds is known for is the pretty villages. Filled with little toy villages with thatched roof cottages that look like something off a postcard, the Cotswolds is quintessentially British.
With programmes such as Downton Abbey and Father Brown being filmed here due to its historic architecture. When looking for things to do in the Cotswolds for couples, you must put walking around these little villages hand in hand at the top of your list. We have listed our top picks below.
Bourton on the Water
Bourton on the Water is a waterside village known as the Venice of the Cotswold. It gets its nickname from the number of bridges over the River Windrush.
There is a population of little ducks all along the river, which you can sport from the lovely riverside cafes. If you are looking for more things to do in the Cotswold for couples, pop in the pottery studio and make yourself a souvenir to take home.
Castle Combe
Castle Combe is one of the better-known villages in the Cotswolds. Based in Wiltshire and famous for featuring in a number of films and TV shows, such as Stardust and War Horse, it is easy to see why this Cotswolds village is so popular.
The perfect idyllic Cotswolds village for couples to stroll through and visit the 13th Century St Andrew's Church before relaxing in a pub!
Bibury
William Morris, a 19th-century designer, claimed that Bibury was the Cotswold's most beautiful village. We can confirm it still remains as beautiful as it was in the 19th Century!
When looking for things to do in the Cotswolds for couples and want to capture some instagramable shots, we recommend coming to Bibury. The river Coln flows through the village with cute little traditional shops. It has Grade I listed buildings on Arlington Row and is actually one of the most photographed streets! Perfect for the picture-perfect couple photo!
The Slaughters
Don't be put off by the name, don't worry, we aren't sending you to the Slaughter!
It is actually two villages linked together by the River Eye. The walk along the River eye is one of the prettiest walks as you stroll past some of the more beautiful houses. There is a 19th-century water mill that is now a craft store and museum.
2. Visit Cotswold Way
Now, if walking around a village is not enough for you, and you are looking for a longer walk. Then you must go on the Cotswolds way.
The Cotswolds is known for being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for its rolling green hills and picturesque landscapes. The best way to make the most out of this region is to get your walking boots and take a romantic stroll through the English countryside.
The Cotswolds way is a selection of walking trails that stretch over 100 miles between Bath and Chipping Campden. Don't worry; you don't need to walk the whole trial; it splits off into different smaller routes.
The Cotswolds way is the perfect thing to do in the Cotswolds for couples who enjoy the outdoors and exploring scenic areas. A few popular routes are:
A 4-mile walk that starts and ends at the Royal William Pub in Cranham. It goes through a woodland where you can see springtime bluebells and Cooper's hill, which is famous for its cheese rolling festival.
A 4.5-mile walk around Chipping Campden. It is circular, so you can't get lost, and it is super romantic for couples with a lovely view at the top of Dover's hill.
There are plenty of scenic walks you can take around the Cotswolds way. The good thing is that there are plenty of pubs for you to stop off for a drink with your partner.
3. Visit the Model Village
As you can tell by now, the Cotswold is unlike any other city we have reviewed in our blog. It is relatively large, and it will be impossible for you to explore all of it in one weekend.
Therefore visiting the model village is a perfect thing to do in Cotswolds for couples as it allows you to get a snap-shot view of the village Bourton on the Water.
Built-in actual Cotswold stone, it is one-ninth of the scale of the village. It even has a mini River Windrush that flows under the bridges with tiny cherry and chestnut trees. It is perfectly idyllic for couples to walk around and experience the village on a smaller scale.
It is a surreal experience to see them capture the gradeII listed village and all the detail that it entails. It is also a unique tourist attraction and one we highly recommend on your romantic trip to the Cotswolds.
4. Visit Gloucestershire Steam Railway
The Gloucestershire steam railway is the perfect romantic thing to do in the Cotswolds for couples as you travel through the countryside.
The Gloucestershire steam railway is a heritage railway offering a trip of 28 miles. It commonly travels between Broadway and Cheltenham racecourse. It has views of the Malvern Hills and Evesham on the most beautiful heritage train.
It will feel as if you have travelled back in time as you spot the historic English villages from the comfort of a stunning train. You can catch the train from:
Toddington
Winchcombe
Cheltenham Racecourse
Broadway
Gotherington
Hayles Abbey Halt
Source: Cotswolds.com
Our recommendation would be to join at Winchcombe station as you can enjoy the 1950's style tearoom. You could even ride in style to the Cheltenham racecourse and impress your partner and friends!
5. Day At The Races
Talking of races, why don't you enjoy a day at the races? We have recently just gone to Newcastle races and frequently go to the races around the UK every year.
When looking at things to do in the Cotswolds for couples that are into activities that are a bit more fast-paced, you have to try the races. It is a perfect excuse to dress up and have a drink together as a couple.
Cheltenham racecourse is probably the most exciting day out for couples, especially if you take the Gloucestershire railway on the way. It is one of the more prestigious racecourses. So pick up a betting card and a glass of champagne and enjoy a smashing day at the races!
6. See the Lavender fields and Vineyards.
As you know by now, the Cotswolds is home to luscious green rolling hills. It is also home to some beautiful vineyards.
You don't need to jet off to Italy or Spain to get the vineyard experience. The Cotswolds is home to some excellent winemakers. Here are some of the best vineyards where you can take a tour.
Woodchester Valley Vineyard
One of the most popular vineyards in the Cotswolds is Woodchester valley. It boasts 10 varieties of grapes across its 3 sites. Its speciality is rose, white and sparkling wines. The family-run business is the perfect thing to do as a couple as you sip wine and learn about the vineyard's history.
Poulton Hill
Home to almost 9,000 vines, the Poulton hill estate is a small family-run vineyard. It has won awards for its premium Bulari sparkling rose and white wine. It produces a whopping 20,000 bottles of wine a year.
This is ideal for couples as the tour is super relaxed, and you can sample plenty of homemade wines.
Three Choirs Vineyard
When looking for things to do in the Cotswolds for couples, check out the oldest vineyard in the Cotswolds. The tour guides are very experienced and will talk you through the wine tasting experience. The tours include a tasty bistro lunch accompanied by wine from the vineyard!
Cotswold Lavender
Not a vineyard, but a noticeable mention is the Cotswold lavender fields. For those looking for things to do in the Cotswolds that include picturesque background for the perfect shot, then look no further.
The lavender fields are on Broadway and have over 40 varieties of lavender. Who even knew there were even that many types of lavender? You can visit the shop after and get an essential oil made with lavender. The best time to come is in June- August when you can smell the lavender for miles before seeing it.
7. Visit Historic Stately Homes
If you aren't into drinking or horse racing and looking for things to do in Cotswolds for couples that include some culture, why don't you visit some history?
The Cotswolds is home to such rich English history it would be a shame to not take advantage of this when visiting. All of the historic stately homes are stunning and usually have peaceful country gardens.
Blenheim Palace
An iconic stately home is the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Blenheim Palace is one of Britain's most prestigious historic houses and is a World Heritage site. It was built in the 17th Century and is located near Oxfordshire.
The rooms are lavishly decorated with beautiful ceilings, paintings and furnishings. The Capability Brown gardens offer the perfect romantic couple walk as it looks onto a field of springtime bluebells.
Sudeley Castle
Near Winchcombe stands Sudeley castle. It is a great thing to do in the Cotswold for couples that enjoy exploring mediaeval castles. It has award-winning gardens and a preserved wing from the 15h century home to Katherine Parr, one of Henry VII's wives. She is even buried within the grounds!
Sudeley castle holds so much history from the Tudor period as they occupied lots of the ground.
Charlecote Park
Charlecote Park is a stunning stately home you must visit! It is a national trust park that looks out over the River Avon as it is at the Northern cusp of the Cotswolds. Built in the 16th Century but remodelled in the 19th Century, it has been preserved very well. It includes all the family paintings and antiques.
What we love about Charlecote park is its local wildlife, such as Fallow deer and Jacob sheep. Beautiful in the summer but absolutely magical in the Winter!
Chastleton House and Gardens
Chastleton House and Gardens is a Jaceoben house that was built in the early 17th Century. It is known as a time capsule as it has barely changed in 400 years after it was built by a wealthy wool merchant.
In 1992 it was taken over by the National Trust, and you can visit it and experience exactly how it would have been 400 years ago. So if you are looking for things to do in the Cotswolds for couples in the summer, you might be lucky enough to catch a game of croquet in the garden.
Best Pubs in the Cotswolds
It is no secret that the Cotswolds is home to some of the best traditional British pubs! So we thought we would list our top 3 pubs in the Cotswolds for couples to enjoy.
Some of these village pubs have been listed as the pub of the year - you'll be sure to find local ales and real ale as well as fine dining if that's what you're looking for!
Some of these best pubs even utilise free menu templates that are easy to use and you can even research there latest menu before you even visit.
The Porch House
The Porch House is the oldest English inn and is said to date back to 947AD! It is extraordinary and exudes everything that the Cotswolds is about. Rustic stone walls, open fireplaces, exposed beams and twisting staircases.
Enjoy a tasty Cotswolds pint, or treat your partner to a delicious bottle of wine from a local vineyard!
Eight Bells
Eight bells is your typical British pub in the heart of Chipping Campden. With beautiful Cotswolds architecture, you can't go wrong with stopping by here when looking for things to do in the Cotswolds for couples.
The Feathered Nest Country Inn
Near Oxfordshire is the Feathered Nest Inn. It has views over the Evenlode valley and offers the perfect venue for couples at the weekend away looking for a cosy pub to enjoy. It also has a classic British pub menu to look at if you become peckish.
Best Cotswolds Restaurants
You must splash out on one nice meal when you are in Cotswolds with your partner. The Cotswold is the home of classic British pub food and has a lot to offer. These are our top 3 picks!
Ox Barn At Thyme
Found in the village of Southrop, the Ox Barn is a restored Cotswolds building with a beautiful kitchen and spa. With flavoursome dishes and gorgeous exposed beam rooms, you could spend hours here with your loved one. After you are finished eating, you can wander around the charming grounds.
The Dining Room at Whatley Manor, Malmesbury
A prestigious Michelin star restaurant, boasting 2 stars, serves a fantastic tasting menu. If you have read our Michelin star restaurants Ludlow blog, you will know we are a big fan of trying out new ones.
Set on 12 acres of grounds, the dining room at Whatley manor is the picture of the British countryside. If you are looking for something a bit more special as a couple in the Malmesbury area, we highly recommend trying out the taster menu in this 1802 Cotswold stone house.
The Lord of Manor in Upper Slaughter
If you are visiting Slaughter, then you must try the Lord of Manor in Upper Slaughter. It is on the pricier side but 100% worth it. When looking for special things to do in the Cotswolds for couples, then this is the place to be!
What makes it even better is the stunning setting you will be surrounded by!
Where to stay in Cotswolds
Probably the most important part of your stay, but we have left it till last, is where you are actually going to stay! Luckily you won't be short of options in the Cotswolds, but we have given you our top 3 picks.
The best Cotswolds hotel has roaring log fires, local produce, seasonal ingredients and even a country pub nearby if you're lucky!
Barnsley House
Barnsley House is the heart of Cirencester, perfect for couples looking to spend a weekend in the Cotswolds. It has free parking, a bar, wifi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. It also comes including breakfast which is always a bonus!
Couples like this hotel as the grounds are romantic and the rooms are decorated beautifully!
Woolmarket House
Woolmarket house is absolutely gorgeous as it captures the essence of the Cotswolds beautifully. If you are looking for a special thing to do in the Cotswolds for couples, then we recommend staying here.
Located in Chipping Campden, you will be located in a picturesque village with plenty of pubs and restaurants to explore. Some of the rooms come with stunning roll-top baths and four poster beds suitable for any King or Queen!
It only has 6 rooms, so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment!
Court House Manor
Nestled in Slad Valleys, you will find Court House Manor, a Luxury BnB. The 16th Century manor house once housed King Charles in 1643! You couldn't get a more quintessential Cotwolds accommodation if you tried.
It is a really reasonable price for the location you receive! It has acres of landscaped gardens and a patio area that is a summer sun trap. Also, it includes breakfast, which is something they pride themselves in.
Conclusion: Things to do in the Cotswolds for Couples
We hope this blog has given you some ideas of things to do in Cotswolds for couples and helped you learn more about the region.
As you can tell, it has a lot to offer and is much larger than most people think. So we would advise picking an area and finding places to explore around there. In this blog, we have given you suggestions in all areas of the Cotswolds to cater for everyone, but there is plenty more to explore.
It really is the heart of Britain and holds so much history that we believe everyone should visit and learn about. Also, it is beautiful in all seasons, so you can't go wrong any time of the year.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog, and if you have any places you would like to explore next, get in touch!
