A Long Weekend: Cotswolds, UK
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
Friday: Arriving in the Cotswolds
We wanted to ease ourselves into the weekend rather than trying to fit too much into the first afternoon, so our plan was to arrive, explore a village or two and settle into hotel life. On the way, Burford makes a lovely first stop. Its historic high street is lined with honey-coloured buildings, independent shops and traditional pubs, and it's the perfect place to stretch your legs after the drive. We took our time wandering around before continuing into the countryside.
After arriving at Dormy House, we checked in and had a little time to settle into our room before heading out again. One of the best things about a winter break is that you don't need a particularly ambitious itinerary. A short walk, a good lunch and a cosy evening can be more than enough. We kept our first evening relaxed, enjoying dinner at the hotel.
Saturday: A winter walk around the Slaughters
Saturday was all about getting outdoors and exploring the villages that make this part of the Cotswolds so beautiful. After breakfast, we headed towards Lower Slaughter for a countryside walk. Lower Slaughter is one of those places that looks almost impossibly pretty, with its old stone cottages, little bridges and the River Eye running through the village. In winter, when the crowds are thinner and the countryside feels quieter, it has a particularly peaceful atmosphere. From here, you can follow footpaths through the surrounding fields towards Upper Slaughter, taking in the rolling countryside along the way. If the weather is good and you fancy a longer walk, you can extend the route towards Bourton-on-the-Water. It's worth allowing around two to three hours for a circular walk, depending on your chosen route and how often you stop for photographs. Good walking boots are essential, especially after rain, when some of the paths can become muddy. We then stopped at The Slaughters Country Inn for lunch. With its traditional inn atmosphere and seasonal pub food, it's exactly the sort of place you want to find after a few hours walking through the countryside. There's no need to rush lunch on a weekend like this. I'd happily spend a couple of hours over a good lunch a glass of wine and a little time warming up before heading back out.
We kept the rest of the afternoon deliberately slow. One of the biggest luxuries of staying somewhere like Dormy House is being able to enjoy the hotel itself rather than treating it simply as somewhere to sleep. Depending on the mood, this is the time I'd set aside for the spa, a long soak in the bath or simply curling up with a drink and a book. After a full day outdoors, a little downtime makes the evening feel even more special. We finished the day with dinner, enjoying a relaxed evening before heading back to our room.
Sunday: Broadway Tower and a Sunday roast
Broadway is one of the prettiest villages in the area, with a lovely high street lined with independent shops, galleries and traditional buildings. Above the village sits Broadway Tower, a distinctive hilltop folly with far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. The walk towards the tower is particularly lovely, the landscape feels wonderfully open, and on a clear day the views stretch across the rolling hills and fields. A circular walk from Broadway towards the tower and back is a good option if you're looking for something moderately challenging without committing to a full day's hike. Allow roughly two and a half to three and a half hours, depending on the route and how long you spend enjoying the views. If the weather isn't cooperating, a shorter village walk is just as enjoyable.
After the walk, we headed back into Broadway for a wander around the village. This is a lovely place to spend an hour or two without much of a plan. There are independent shops, art galleries, cafés and plenty of places to stop for a coffee. It's also a good opportunity to pick up a little something to take home.
No winter weekend in the Cotswolds would feel complete without a Sunday roast, and Broadway has some lovely traditional pub options. The Horse & Hound is one to consider for a relaxed pub lunch, with its welcoming atmosphere and classic British pub food. I'd book ahead, particularly for a Sunday lunchtime, and check the current menu before visiting.
Monday: A slow morning
Monday morning was all about making the most of our last few hours away. There is something lovely about a final coffee and a wander through a Cotswolds village (try Burford or Kingkham) before heading back to everyday life. We left feeling as though we'd properly switched off, which is really all you can ask of a long weekend away.
Places to Book
If you're planning a similar trip, these are the places I'd put on your list:
The Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter — a traditional country inn and a great option for lunch after a countryside walk.
The Horse & Hound, Broadway — worth considering for a relaxed pub lunch or Sunday roast.
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham — a stylish, food-led country pub with rooms, ideal for a more elevated dining experience if you want to make an evening of it.
Dormy House — a lovely option for an evening when you want to stay in, enjoy the hotel and avoid driving after dinner.
I'd recommend booking weekend lunches and dinners in advance, particularly during busy winter weekends and around Christmas and New Year.
My tips for a winter weekend in the Cotswolds
Pack for muddy walks. Waterproof walking boots and a good coat are essential. Even on a bright winter's day, the paths can be muddy underfoot.
Make the most of the daylight. Plan longer walks for the morning and early afternoon, leaving plenty of time to return before sunset.
Don't overfill your itinerary. The beauty of the Cotswolds is in taking your time. A walk, a long lunch and an afternoon back at the hotel can make for a much better day than trying to visit five villages.
Book the hotel and restaurants ahead. Boutique hotels and popular country pubs can be busy even in winter, so it's worth organising the important parts of your trip in advance.
Choose a hotel you genuinely want to spend time in. For me, this is what makes a winter countryside escape feel special. Having a beautiful room, somewhere cosy to relax and the option of a spa afternoon makes all the difference when the weather turns.
