The Cotswolds — an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) spanning nearly 800 square miles in the heart of England, stretching across five counties including Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, and known as "England's pastoral dream." Everything here is built from the distinctive honey-coloured limestone (Cotswold Stone) — from 14th-century wool merchants' mansions to 17th-century weavers' terraced houses, from medieval churches to low-walled farmsteads — the uniform warm golden tone makes the entire region look like a watercolour painting bathed in sunlight. William Morris called Bibury "the most beautiful village in England"; Bourton-on-the-Water, with its five low stone bridges spanning the River Windrush, is known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds"; Castle Combe has not had a single new building since 1600. Walking along the 102-mile Cotswold Way, or driving through rolling hills and wildflower meadows, you'll understand why this is called "the soul of the English countryside."
From the stone bridges and flowing waters of Bourton-on-the-Water to the fairytale terraced houses of Bibury, step into England's pastoral dream woven from honey-coloured stone
Depart from Oxford in the morning by guided minibus tour or self-drive, arriving first at the "Venice of the Cotswolds" — Bourton-on-the-Water. The River Windrush flows through the village, crossed by five low stone arch bridges in succession, with weeping willows and swans along the banks creating a postcard-perfect scene. Visit the 1:9 scale Model Village, the Cotswold Motoring Museum, or enjoy a morning coffee at a riverside tea room. Then head to Bibury — described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England." Arlington Row was built in 1380, originally a monastery wool storehouse, converted into weavers' homes in the 17th century — its honey-coloured stone walls and steep sloping roofs form the most classic postcard image of the English countryside. Stroll along the River Coln to the trout farm and enjoy a riverside picnic. In the afternoon, explore Upper and Lower Slaughter — two hidden villages whose name comes from the Old English "Slohtre" (wetland), with stone cottage porches draped in climbing vines and mill wheels turning endlessly; walking between the two villages takes just 25 minutes. The final stop is Castle Combe, often called "England's prettiest village," with its 14th-century market cross, the ancient stone bridge over the River Bybrook, and film locations for War Horse and Stardust — no new buildings have been erected here since 1600. On the way back to Oxford in the evening, climb Broadway Tower for panoramic views across six counties.
A century-old tea room on the banks of the River Windrush in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water. Signature three-tier afternoon tea with homemade scones and local strawberry jam, £15-£22 per person. The riverside terrace seats are the most romantic lunch choice in summer.
A tea room and restaurant converted from a 15th-century water mill, with the sound of the turning water wheel accompanying your meal. Recommended Cotswold Double Cream Tea and homemade apple pie, £12-£20 per person.
A fine dining restaurant in Stow-on-the-Wold, specialising in local Cotswolds ingredients — Chipping Campden lamb, local hare, and homemade sourdough bread. Michelin-recommended, £30-£50 per person.
A warm and cosy traditional tea room in Bibury village, with the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through honey-coloured stone walls. Recommended Victoria sponge cake and Earl Grey tea, £8-£15 per person — a paradise for dessert lovers.