The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in south-central England, is known for its honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills and charming countryside. Exploring it in a motorhome lets you discover hidden corners at your own pace. Here is a short guide to help you make the most of your trip.

Best Time to Visit

The Cotswolds is beautiful all year, but late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are the best times, with mild weather and fewer visitors. Summer weekends are busy, so book campsites early.

Getting There

The Cotswolds is easy to reach from London, Birmingham and Bristol, and from Kent it is a straightforward drive around the M25 and M40 or M4. The M4, M5 and A40 serve the region. Once off the main roads, expect narrow, winding lanes, stone walls and low bridges.

Top Spots to Visit

1. Burford: Often called the "Gateway to the Cotswolds", a charming town with a medieval bridge, a sloping high street and ancient houses.
2. Bourton-on-the-Water: Known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds" for its low bridges and the River Windrush running through the village. The Cotswold Motoring Museum is a fun visit.
3. Stow-on-the-Wold: A market town with antique shops, cosy pubs and St Edward's Church, famous for its doorway flanked by ancient yew trees.
4. Bibury: Home to Arlington Row, a famous line of historic weavers' cottages, and often described as one of England's prettiest villages.
5. Castle Combe: On the southern edge of the Cotswolds, a postcard-perfect village of stone cottages that has appeared in many films.

Where to Stay

There are campsites and caravan club sites throughout the Cotswolds, including around Burford, Chipping Norton and Charlbury. Check that your chosen site accepts motorhomes of your size and that your pitch has the facilities you want, and book ahead for summer and bank holiday weekends.

Practical Tips

• Plan your route: Narrow lanes can be tight in a motorhome. Plan your route carefully, and watch out for width limits, low bridges and overhanging trees. Use a satnav, but keep an eye on the road signs too.
• Village parking: Car parks in popular villages such as Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water can be small and full by mid-morning. Arrive early, or park at your campsite and walk or cycle in.
• Local markets: Many Cotswold market towns hold regular markets for fresh produce and local food. Check the day before you go.
• Respect the countryside: Follow the Countryside Code, keep to footpaths, close gates and take your litter home.
• Fuel up: Fill up before you head into rural areas, where petrol stations can be few and far between.

Conclusion

A motorhome is a lovely way to see the Cotswolds at your own pace, with plenty of stops for walks, pubs and village tea rooms. With a little planning, your trip will be full of memorable moments.

Planning a Cotswolds trip?

Check availability and see the full price for your dates. The minimum hire is 4 nights, and longer in our busier seasons.

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