Bristol to Bath via the Cotswolds

Bristol – Painswick – Broadway – Chipping Norton – Kingham – Upper Slaughter – Lower Slaughter – Bourton-on-the-Water – Bibury – Castle Combe – Bath

Road Trip Itinerary Overview

This idyllic linear route connects two of South West England's greatest cities, Bristol and Bath, by winding through the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will visit the historic hill town of Painswick, the beautiful village of Broadway with its famous tower, Chipping Norton, Kingham, the picturesque Slaughters, Bourton-on-the-Water (the Venice of the Cotswolds), the famous Arlington Row in Bibury, and the fairytale village of Castle Combe.

Drive from Bristol to Bath through the heart of the Cotswolds, visiting iconic honey-stone villages and historic gardens.

Key Waypoints & Scenic Stops Along the Route

1. Painswick Rococo Garden
2. Broadway Tower
3. The Slaughters (Upper & Lower)
4. Bourton-on-the-Water
5. Arlington Row, Bibury
6. Castle Combe Village

Recommended Places to Stay & Overnight Stops

• 🏨 The Lygon Arms, Broadway (Accommodation):
• 🏨 The Dial House, Bourton (Accommodation):
• 🏨 The Manor House, Castle Combe (Accommodation):

EV Charging Stations & Rapid Hubs

• ⚡ GRIDSERVE Broadway Hub:
• ⚡ GRIDSERVE Bourton Central:
• ⚡ GRIDSERVE Castle Combe Circuit:

Fuel, Petrol Stations & Rest Services

• ⛽ Gloucester Services (M5):
• ⛽ Stow-on-the-Wold Fuel Hub:
• ⛽ Chippenham A350 Services:

Essential Driving Tips & Seasonal Advice

• Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water get extremely busy; visit them early in the morning or during late afternoon to beat the tour crowds.
• Bring cash for honesty-box parking spaces in the smaller Cotswold villages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Bristol to Bath via the Cotswolds road trip and what are the main stops?

Bristol to Bath via the Cotswolds covers 125 miles (201 km) over 3 Days, rated Easy. It starts at Bristol and finishes at Bath, passing through Painswick Rococo Garden, Broadway Tower, The Slaughters (Upper & Lower), Bourton-on-the-Water, Arlington Row, Bibury, Castle Combe Village.

Where are the EV charging stations on Bristol to Bath via the Cotswolds?

GRIDSERVE Broadway Hub: Fast EV charging available. GRIDSERVE Bourton Central: Fast EV charging available. GRIDSERVE Castle Combe Circuit: Fast EV charging available.

Where are the best places to stay along Bristol to Bath via the Cotswolds?

The Lygon Arms, Broadway (Stay): The Dial House, Bourton (Stay): The Manor House, Castle Combe (Stay):