Cotswolds or Bath: Which One Should You Visit?

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Bath or the Cotswolds? The Cotswolds or Bath? It can be difficult to choose between these two English greats.

From achingly beautiful and interesting history to time spent in idyllic Cotswold villages and rambling through green pastures, making this decision doesn’t come easy when you only have so much precious vacation time. Having visited both of these English enclaves, we’ll help you decide between the Cotswolds or Bath for your trip to the U.K.

Plan your visit to the UK to a T:
Our Cotswold Travel Guide is your complete stop for planning your trip.
Check out our London Travel Guide and packing list to prepare for your trip.
Decide when to travel by considering the best (and worst) times to visit.
Find out how much a trip to London costs, and decide if a day trip to Paris is worth it.

Cotswolds or Bath visual aid — Here’s an easy way to sum up the Cotswolds or Bath debate.

The Cotswolds in a Nutshell

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) located northwest of London. It covers 787 picturesque square miles, with rolling hills, beautiful meadows, and buildings made out of the distinctive Cotswold stone, the distinctive yellow Jurassic limestone.

While many areas of the UK countryside are beautiful, the Cotswolds hold a unique charm. Whether you go to walk the Cotswold Way, tour National Trust properties, post up in a pub, or just escape to the quiet countryside, the Cotswolds are a special place.

The Cotswolds span five UK counties, making it a bit too large to see all of it in one trip. Basing your stay in an area close to things you want to do and experience is key.

Popular villages to visit in the Cotswolds include:

Bibury: Bibury is your quintessential Cotswold’s village. If you’ve seen pictures of a dreamy, cobbled lane and stone houses, chances are it was Arlington Row in Bibury.
Bourton-on-the-water: Nicknamed the “Venice of the Cotswolds” due to the town’s location, perched along the River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-water is one of the most touristed towns in the area for good reason. It’s beautiful!
Broadway: Broadway is a happening little town with lots to see and do. Take a ride on the Gloucester Warwickshire Steam Railway or climb Broadway Tower for views of the countryside, dotted with sheep.
Circenster: Known as the capital of the Cotswolds, Circenster isn’t the charming, tiny village you might be expecting but does make for a fun stop for a bigger city feel.
Moreton-in-Marsh: Built right along one of England’s largest Roman roadways, the Fosse Way, Moreton-in-Marsh is the best Cotswold village for a day trip from London by train.
Stow-on-the-Wold: Home to the oldest inn in England and endless shops and restaurants to explore, Stow-on-the-Wold is about as picturesque as it gets with flower and ivy climbing up cottages, thatched roofs, and the famous St. Edward’s church entrance, guarded by yew trees.
Winchcombe: Many Winchcombe visitors come for the striking Sudeley Castle, but this village is the perfect all-in-one Cotswold package with plenty of quaint pubs, shops, and half-timbered cottages to seek out.

Take a look at our Cotswolds guide for more information on these villages.

Cotswolds or Bath - Yews — The entrance to St. Edward’s Church.

Things to do in the Cotswolds

If you’re looking for things to do in the Cotswolds outside of walking through the scenic towns, there is a long list of things you can enjoy:

Walk the Cotswolds Way: This 102-mile trail (broken up into 15 sections) winds its way through the heart of the Cotswolds, passing through charming villages, rural countryside, and Neolithic ruins.
Tour a National Trust Property: National Trust Properties are scattered across the U.K. and range from palatial estates to humble homes and everything in between. The Cotswolds are home to several National Trust Properties like Chedworth Roman Villa, Snowshill Manor, and Dyrham Park.
Visit the Wool Churches: Wealthy merchants once made their riches on wool in the Cotswolds, raising sheep in its verdant pastures. These prosperous businessmen commissioned mighty, Medieval churches, hence the name “wool churches”, as a way to secure their spot at the pearly gates. Two of the most noteworthy are St. John the Baptist Church in Cirencester and St. Peter’s Church in Winchcombe.
Enjoy local produce: The Cotswolds have plenty of farmer’s markets that are worth devoting an hour or so to. Scour through the locally grown veggies and fruits or go around collecting cheese and other ingredients for a picnic.
Post up at a pub: You deserve a pint after spending your day roaming through rural pastures and lime forests. It isn’t difficult to find a quintessential pub in any Cotswold village or town. Look for roaring fireplaces in winter and sunny patios in summer.
Read our full article on Things to Do in the Cotswolds for more!

Explore the Cotswolds as we did in this video!

Bath in a Nutshell

Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible history that dates back to 8,000 BC, long before the Romans officially founded the city. From its famous Roman baths to Georgian and Victorian architecture, all wrapped up with modern-day quirkiness and traditional English sensibility, Bath makes for an excellent city break.

Located 115 miles directly west of London, the beating heart of the city is the imposing Gothic Bath Abbey while the rest of the town sprawls out 11.2 square miles around it with the River Avon curling around its southern end. Whether you’re looking to do as the Romans did and soak away your worries, walk in the footsteps of literary greats, or simply sip a pint in view of the Georgian facades, you’ll uncover more than just history in Bath.

Bath is also well connected by public transportation and makes for a great base for exploring other areas of England and sites like Stonehenge.

Things to do in Bath

Bath truly has something for everyone when it comes to things to do. Here are just a few things to add to your list for a trip to Bath:

Explore the Roman Baths: Bath was once one of the largest Roman settlements in Great Britain and it wouldn’t have been a Roman metropolis without public baths for washing and socializing. These Roman Baths were built over 2,000 years ago and use water from a natural, thermal spring. This is a must-do on a visit to “The Tub”!
See where kings were crowned at Bath Abbey: The Bath Abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a can’t-miss site – quite literally! Centered in the heart of the city, this abbey is huge and can hold up to 1,200 worshippers. The first “King of All England”, King Edgar, was crowned here in 973.
Go back in time inside a traditional Georgian home: Bridgerton, anyone? You can see exactly what it was like to live during the Georgian era at No. 1 Royal Crescent. All of the furniture and decor is historically accurate and makes for a fascinating peek into the Regency.
Visit the Jane Austen Centre: Many Austenites come to Bath to walk in the footsteps of their favorite author. For lovers of all things Pride & Prejudice, visit the Jane Austen Centre to take part in Regency tea and dress up in traditional costume.
Stroll the Royal Crescent: Many a Georgians loved taking strolls around Bath. Do as they did in the 19th century at the Royal Crescent which showcases the creme-de-la-creme of Georgian architecture in the form of 30 homes. The Circus is only a 6-minute walk away and also shows off traditional Georgian townhouses.
Grab a beer in Green Park Station: This former railway station makes for a fun place to grab a pint and watch the world go by. Or you can go local with a gin and tonic. Bath produces its own gin after all! There are also lots of shops to explore and bites to eat.
Soak away your worries: Travelers have been soaking in Bath’s restorative, thermal springs for centuries. Said to have healing benefits, there are several day spas and spa hotels around town. Thermae Bath Spa is a popular option for its large complex which includes traditional, open-air options and a rooftop spa.

Keep exploring:
The Best Cotswolds Villages: Map, Where to Stay, What to Do
Is Hyde Park Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Go & Why to Skip

Should You Go to the Cotswolds or Bath?

Whether you should visit the Cotswolds or Bath depends entirely on the type of experience you are hoping to have. They’re very different places but often rank at the top of visitor lists because they are so unique and historical.

On one hand, history buffs and wellness seekers will adore Bath’s storied past and thermal spas, while those who like to experience the countryside, get out in nature, and find a quiet respite will find solace in the dreamy Cotswolds.

If you’re looking for a quiet country experience

If it’s peaceful, countryside scenery and ambiance you’re looking for on your trip to England, the Cotswolds are just the place! Picturesque villages with cobbled lanes, postcard-perfect window boxes overflowing with flowers, thatched roofs, and herds of sheep dotting verdant hills – this is what you can expect to find in this patchwork quilt of villages.

While it might not be a bustling city with an endless list of things to do like Bath, the Cotswolds offer more than a weekend’s worth of exploring. From seeking out farmer’s markets to finding a slice of true tranquility while walking the Cotswold Way, this is an excellent option if you enjoy storybook hamlets and more rural experiences. If you do start to crave a larger city feel, be sure to visit Cirencester in the Cotswolds.

Cotswolds or Bath - Rolling hills — The rolling hills in the Cotswolds make it feel like you’re worlds away.

If you haven’t rented a car

If driving on the left side of the road scares you, Bath might be a better-suited trip. You won’t need a car to explore “The Tub”, as Bath is affectionately referred to, as it’s a very walkable town, on top of being well connected to surrounding cities (including London) by train and bus. Many visitors (and locals) get around by bike and the city center is relatively flat. If you do need to get across town in a flash, taxis are readily available.

The Cotswolds are best explored by car and it can be downright tricky to hop between villages without one (although we’ve worked out the logistics for you). If you don’t mind driving on tiny, village roads or weaving in and out of herds of livestock, the added adventure of visiting the Cotswolds might strike the perfect balance between adventure and storybook serenity.

Cotswolds or Bath - train — My son and I were excited for the train ride!

If you have your heart set on the Cotswolds but only have a day and don’t want to drive, we have good news for you. There is a great tour of the Cotswolds from London that takes care of all the logistics for you. We don’t recommend renting a car for a trip to London, and here’s why.

If you just want to take a day trip

Overall, Bath is an easy day trip because of its quick connections by rail and bus. The fast train from London to Bath takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes, while the train from Oxford takes around the same amount of time. It’s a breeze to get around once you’re in the city center and almost all of the top attractions are within walking or biking distance of each other.

Because the Cotswolds are more remote and spread out, you’ll likely only have time to visit one or two of the villages on a day trip. You’ll also spend a good chunk of the day driving, navigating the winding streets, and finding parking spots in these small towns, which could take away from the experience versus if you were spending a night or two.

Cotswolds or Bath - Bath day trip — Erica and I on a day trip to Bath.

If you are a history buff

Bath is a dream for history buffs, Jane Austen lovers, and Anglophiles alike. A simple walk through the heart of the city can transport visitors back to the Georgian era, while a dip in the thermal baths will have you imagining life during the Roman Empire.

No matter where you turn, history is at your feet. Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site after all! Step back in time, when kings were crowned at the Bath Abbey or uncover the Roman Baths which help to explain the fascinating story of this once thriving Roman settlement.

Visitors can also pop into Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum where history comes to life through English gastronomy or partake in high tea decked out in your Regency finest at the Jane Austen Centre.

If Neolithic history is more your cup of tea, Stonehenge is just outside the city. The drive takes just under 50 minutes and you can even reach this famous site by public transportation or the quick in and out Stonehenge Express.

Cotswolds or Bath - Walking in the Cotswolds — Exploring the Cotswolds by foot.

If you’re into walking

Rambling is a rite of passage in England and a favorite weekend activity across the country. If you’re looking to take part in this time-honored tradition, walking the Cotswold Way is a wonderful way to do so!

The entire trail is 102 miles in length and stretches from Chipping Campden to Bath. Of course, you don’t have to walk the whole way to enjoy an idyllic section or two. The Cotswold Way is broken up into 15 segments ranging from 4.4 to 10.2 miles in length. Most of the trail winds over rolling hills, through farmland and forests, and past cobbled villages and Neolithic ruins. Each section is well rewarded with a pint at the next village.

One Day in London Already Planned for You

If you’re adding the Cotswolds or Bath to a London vacation, you won’t want to leave without our 1-Day London Itinerary. When we lived in London, we would send our visitors out on this route to get them out of the flat and now we want to share it with you.