Cotswolds Day Trip from Birmingham: 4 Villages & Quiz Prizes

4.69

(29 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll never guess how old that pub is,” our guide joked as we shuffled off the coach in Stow-on-the-Wold — and honestly, I still don’t know if he was serious about the ghosts. The day started back in Birmingham, but it felt like we’d crossed into a different century by the time we reached Burford. There was this faint smell of old stone and rain-soaked grass when we stepped onto the main street. One of the locals waved at us from her shop doorway; she had that kind of smile that makes you feel like you’re not just passing through.

Bibury came next — I’d seen Arlington Row on postcards, but seeing it in person (with ducks paddling along the river and someone’s dog barking at them) was better than any photo. Our guide pointed out where they filmed Stardust, though I was more distracted by the mossy roofs and how quiet everything felt for a place so famous. We wandered off for a bit of free time; I grabbed a sausage roll from a bakery that smelled like butter and pepper, then just sat by the water watching people try to get their perfect shot. It’s funny how everyone gets quieter around those cottages.

Bourton-on-the-Water was livelier — kids running over little stone bridges, someone playing guitar near the riverbank. Lunch options were easy (I went for fish and chips; no regrets), but you could also check out this odd little Toy Museum or even a Model Village if you’re into that sort of thing. The air had that mix of fried food and wet leaves. I lost track of time poking around antique shops in Stow-on-the-Wold at our last stop — there’s something comforting about all those creaky floors and mismatched teacups stacked everywhere.

We wrapped up with a quiz on the bus (I didn’t win, but got close — turns out knowing random Civil War facts finally paid off). Heading back to Birmingham as dusk settled in, I kept thinking about how every village had its own rhythm. You don’t really notice it until you’re sitting quietly on a coach seat with tired feet and someone else’s laughter still echoing in your ears.