Cotswolds | The Real England Is Not in London

🌿 I’ve explored the hidden gem of the English countryside — the Cotswolds — so you don’t have to guess where to go! If you want to experience the “real England”, skip the hustle of London and head about 100 miles west. The Cotswolds gathers everything magical about the English countryside 🏡✨. It’s been a filming location for Pride & Prejudice and Downton Abbey — walking here feels like stepping into a fairy tale! 📍 Which Villages Are Worth Visiting? Each village has its own charm, but popularity doesn’t always equal comfort. Here’s my take: • Broadway: That lonely castle on the hill is incredibly photogenic 🏰. Stone houses + open views = every shot looks like a movie scene. • Chipping Campden: The cottages look like they’ve been perfectly trimmed — so tidy and full of vintage elegance ✨. • Stow-on-the-Wold: Even the name sounds sweet 🍯. The market square and old pubs ooze charm. Watching locals live slowly made me jealous! • Bourton-on-the-Water: Stone bridges and riverside houses are iconic 🏞️, though it can feel touristy. Still lovely in summer with the flowing stream. • Bibury: Arlington Row is super popular — perfect for a quick photo and soaking in that ancient stone charm. 🚗 How to Get Around? Rent a car! 🚙 The villages are spread out, and public transport is limited and unreliable. Driving gives you freedom to stop wherever you want. 🏡 Where to Stay? Try a local B&B or vacation home! I split a lovely cottage with friends — it cost just over £40 per person per night 💷. Unbeatable value in this posh area! We cooked our own meals and chatted in the garden at dusk… now that’s authentic countryside living. So cozy we didn’t want to leave! 🗓️ My 3-Day Itinerary (Perfect Length!) Day 1: From Oxford ➡️ Stow-on-the-Wold. Explored the town, soaked in the vibe, stayed overnight. Day 2: Morning in Bourton & Bibury ➡️ Afternoon in Broadway ➡️ Watched sunset at Broadway Tower 😍🌄 — stunning! Back to Stow to sleep. Day 3: Slow day in Chipping Campden ➡️ Drove back to Oxford in the afternoon. The charm of the Cotswolds is in the cobblestone cracks, the care locals take tending their gardens 🧹🌷, and the peace that lingers in the air. Come here to discover the real English countryside. #BeautifulCountryside #LifeInUK #UKTravel #Cotswolds #EnglishVillage #BritishTown #DayTripFromLondon #HiddenGemsUK 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿💚