This 5-day road trip hits the sweet spot between history, hidden gems, and daily outdoor adventures—starting in London, swinging through Bath, exploring the Cotswolds, and wrapping up with a cheeky stop in Oxford.
If you’ve ever dreamed of winding country lanes, storybook villages, Roman ruins, and cozy pubs that serve food better than half of London—this is your sign. England isn’t just castles and rainy days. It’s kayaking under medieval bridges, splashing in a water park near Oxford colleges, playing Harry Potter in ancient Abbys, and electric bike rides through sheep-speckled hills. And you don’t need weeks to do it.
Plus: we’ve tucked in an under-the-radar food spot for every day.
For more like this – check out our post on the most spectacular English Gardens across the UK.
Day 1: London → Bath
Drive time: ~2.5 hours | Distance: 115 miles
Bath isn’t just a pretty Georgian façade—it’s one of the most historically layered cities in England, with roots that dig deep into Roman, medieval, and Regency eras. Its name comes from the famous Roman Baths, built around natural hot springs that were sacred to the Celts long before the Romans arrived in 60 AD. They dedicated the site to Sulis Minerva, blending local deity and Roman tradition—a fusion that hints at the city’s enduring identity: classic with a twist.
By the 18th century, Bath had reinvented itself as a fashionable Georgian spa town. Architects like John Wood the Elder and Younger designed sweeping crescents and harmonious limestone facades, turning the city into a living monument to Enlightenment ideals. Jane Austen, who lived here in the early 1800s, both loved and satirized the scene—her novels often reference Bath’s social whirl of promenades, balls, and matchmaking.
Today, Bath is the only place in the UK where you can bathe in natural thermal waters as the Romans did, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. The city is a one-stop masterclass in British history: Roman engineering, medieval abbeys, Regency elegance, and a literary pedigree to match. But it’s not stuck in the past—Bath continues to evolve, now blending its heritage with contemporary art, food, and culture.
In short? Bath has always been a place of healing, beauty, and reinvention. Whether you’re soaking in a spa or wandering its cobbled streets, you’re stepping through centuries.
What to See
Kick things off strong with a pit stop in Avebury—a lesser-known Neolithic stone circle you can actually walk through (and picnic beside). From there, cruise into Bath, the crown jewel of Georgian elegance. With kids? Visit the truly excellent Victoria Park playground.
Soak in the past at the Roman Baths
Climb Bath Abbey’s tower for skyline views
Stroll the Royal Crescent and pretend you’re in a Jane Austen adaptation
Active Adventure: Paddle the Avon
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and float under Pulteney Bridge, past Georgian facades and willow-lined banks. Chill vibes, beautiful countryside.
Eat Here: Oak Restaurant
This veg-focused gem keeps it local, seasonal, and sustainable. Natural wines, dreamy interiors, and no tourists. Win-win-win.
Day 2: Bath → Tetbury (Cotswolds) via Lacock & Castle Combe
Drive time: ~1.5 hours | Distance: 40 miles
Castle Combe, often dubbed “the prettiest village in England,” is a tiny jewel tucked into the Wiltshire Cotswolds. This village has been around since Roman times, and its name hints at its early significance: the “castle” refers to a 12th-century Norman fortification that once stood nearby, guarding a vital route through the countryside.
In the Middle Ages, Castle Combe flourished as a center for wool production. The Bybrook River powered mills, and the town’s weavers became known for producing some of England’s finest cloth. That legacy still echoes in the village’s layout, with its stone cottages and the iconic 14th-century market cross where merchants once gathered.
But Castle Combe isn’t just a postcard-perfect film set (though it’s been one for movies like War Horse and Stardust). It represents a slice of English heritage where architecture, industry, and rural life all intersect. With no new buildings allowed in the heart of the village, it remains remarkably untouched by modern development.
Today, Castle Combe stands as a living museum of Cotswolds’ history—quiet, preserved, and deeply atmospheric. It’s a place where time slows down, and every crooked lane tells a centuries-old story.
What to See
Roll through Lacock, where time stopped in the 1400s, and then wander into Castle Combe, arguably England’s prettiest village. Think stone cottages, quiet lanes, and a vibe straight out of a period drama.
Lacock Abbey (spot the Harry Potter filming sites – as you walk through the Cloisters you’ll recognize the passageways of Hogwarts!)
Castle Combe’s 13th-century market cross
Afternoon antique-ing in Tetbury
Active Adventure: Hike near Dyrham Park
Stretch your legs on this ~1 hour loop through ancient woodlands and rolling hills just off the Cotswold Way.
Eat Here: The Snooty Fox, Tetbury
A classic coaching inn with sophisticated pub food and seasonal dishes, Sunday lunch, afternoon tea, locally made cheeses, and a fireplace that practically begs you to linger.
Day 3: Tetbury → Bourton-on-the-Water
Drive time: ~1 hour | Distance: 35 miles
Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” has charmed visitors for centuries with its low stone bridges, crystal-clear River Windrush, and rows of golden cottages. But beneath the picture-perfect exterior lies a deep history stretching back to Neolithic times—this area has been continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years.
By the Saxon period, Bourton had become an established settlement. Its name derives from “burh” (a fortified place) and “tun” (a farm or village), reflecting its role as a secure agricultural hub. During the medieval era, it grew into a thriving wool town, part of the vast Cotswold wool trade that once powered England’s economy. The village church, St. Lawrence’s, still houses a Norman doorway, and its surrounding lanes tell tales of tradespeople, weavers, and farmers.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the town shifted from industry to tourism, especially after the railway reached nearby towns. Its postcard looks made it a favorite for day-trippers seeking a tranquil escape from city life.
Today, Bourton is more than a pretty face—it’s a living reflection of English rural evolution. From ancient settlements to medieval wool wealth to modern-day escape, its quiet lanes carry the footsteps of history with every ripple in the Windrush.
What to See
You’re now in the heart of the Cotswolds, so take it slow. Wind through Bibury, snap the essential pic at Arlington Row, and dig into ancient Britain at Chedworth Roman Villa.
Explore riverside charm in Bourton-on-the-Water
Visit the Model Village for kitsch delight
Say hi to local artisans in Stow-on-the-Wold
Active Adventure: E-bike through the Windrush Valley
Hop on an e-bike and cruise a 15-mile loop through Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter, and Naunton. Think: stone bridges, green lanes, and very English views.
Eat Here: The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote
A cozy gastropub with next-level cuisine, a tasting menu, and an excellently curated wine list, plus a view of the splendid countryside.
Day 4: Bourton-on-the-Water → Stratford-upon-Avon
Drive time: ~1.25 hours | Distance: 35 miles
Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the Cotswolds’ birthplace of William Shakespeare, but its roots stretch far deeper into England’s medieval past. Founded as a market town in the 12th century along the River Avon, Stratford grew steadily thanks to its location at a key river crossing and trade route. Timber-framed buildings, like the 15th-century Harvard House and Shakespeare’s own birthplace, still line the streets, echoing a time when merchants, farmers, and playwrights all shared the same cobbled lanes.
Shakespeare was born here in 1564, and his presence still shapes the town’s cultural heartbeat. Visitors can explore his childhood home, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage, and even his final resting place inside Holy Trinity Church. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), founded in 1961, anchors the town’s global reputation for theatre, staging performances that draw crowds from all over the world.
Beyond the Bard, Stratford is steeped in old-English charm. Its weekly markets, riverside walks, canal boats, and Tudor architecture give it a uniquely preserved atmosphere. It’s a town where history isn’t hidden behind glass—it’s lived in, performed, and celebrated daily.
Stratford-upon-Avon isn’t just a pilgrimage for Shakespeare fans—it’s a cornerstone of English cultural heritage.
What to See
Get your literary fix in Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare’s turf. But before you get dramatic, detour through Chipping Campden and the dreamy garden maze at Hidcote Manor.
Optional: Catch a show at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Active Adventure: Kayak the River Avon
A chilled-out paddle that floats you past swans, half-timbered houses, and weeping willows. Best enjoyed at golden hour.
Eat Here: Loxley’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Locally loved, tourist-light. The kind of place where the lamb is perfectly braised and the wine list doesn’t need a sommelier to decode, and you can get a classic Sunday Roast that should absolutely be part of your trip.
Day 5: Stratford → Oxford → London
Drive time: ~2.75 hours total | Distance: 100 miles
Oxford is one of the world’s most iconic university cities, with a history that spans over a thousand years. While there’s evidence of Saxon settlement long before, Oxford truly rose to prominence in the 12th century when scholars flocked here to form what would become the University of Oxford—the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Its colleges, libraries, and cloisters became a template for academic institutions worldwide, and many of its alumni—like Lewis Carroll, T.S. Eliot, and 28 British prime ministers—have shaped global history and culture.
Architecturally, Oxford is a feast of spires, domes, and medieval grandeur. The Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, and Christ Church College (also a filming location for Harry Potter) are just a few of its storied landmarks. But Oxford isn’t frozen in time—it pulses with student life, open-air markets, river punting, and thought-provoking museums like the Ashmolean, the first public museum in Britain.
Culturally, Oxford has always been a hotbed of ideas, from scientific revolutions to literary masterpieces. It’s a city that marries intellectual rigor with quirky tradition—where formal gowns meet indie bookshops, and centuries-old rituals blend with modern cosmopolitan life.
Oxford isn’t just a place of learning—it’s a living archive of knowledge, beauty, and innovation.
What to See
Park just outside Oxford and dive into academia. The city oozes Hogwarts charm, from the Bodleian Library to Christ Church College.
Wander the Radcliffe Camera courtyard
Visit the Ashmolean Museum (if you’re an art history nerd)
Pop into Blackwell’s for serious bookworm joy
Active Adventure: Oxford Wet ‘n’ Wild
Before you leave the Cotswolds and return to city life, get a last jolt of fun on the waterslides just outside the city. They also have SUPs and kayaks. You don’t have to have a kid to love this, we’re giving you permission.
Eat Here: The Chester Arms, Oxford
A tucked-away pub known for generous steak boards and unfussy vibes. Book ahead—it’s a local secret, but no longer that secret.
BONUS: A CLASSIC ENGLISH GARDEN
Chipping Campden – Hidcote Manor Garden
Location: Just outside Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
Garden style: Arts and Crafts
This is the quintessential English garden experience. Created in the early 20th century by American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston, Hidcote is laid out as a series of “garden rooms”—each with its own mood, color palette, and plant varieties. Think clipped hedges, lavender pathways, sunken lawns, and secret nooks perfect for daydreaming. It’s a National Trust property and widely considered one of the most influential gardens in England.
Why it’s special: It helped define what we now call an “English country garden,” and it’s a must for garden lovers. Very walkable, very photogenic, and very peaceful.
Final Tips
- Stay local: Opt for B&Bs or family-run inns over big chains to support the communities you’re exploring. Almost every restaurant we’ve recommended comes with a classic and adorable inn attached.
- Avoid highways when you can: The scenic routes are half the point.
- Go small on your rental car: Some of these roads are practically goat paths. Seriously.
- Be weather-prepared: Layers. Always layers. The weather is changeable and you should expect at least a bit of rain.
- Respect the land: Stick to trails, recycle where possible, and be kind to local wildlife and shop owners.
You don’t need a full sabbatical to feel like you’ve really traveled. This little loop through England packs in Roman ruins, Shakespeare, storybook villages, river paddles, garden trails, and local dishes you’ll dream about long after you’re home.
Cerca Travel | Travel like you’ve done it before.
