A Weekend Foodie Guide To The Cotswolds

Castle Coombe

Living in the Cotswolds means I’m truly spoilt for choice when it comes to dreamy, honey-coloured stone pubs draped in ivy. The perfect Cotswold pub has something for every season: sun-drenched beer gardens for lazy summer afternoons, and cosy interiors with roaring fires to warm up chilly winter toes.

As a local and self-confessed foodie, I’m sharing my favourite pub stops across the Cotswolds. If that sounds like your kind of trip, you’re in the right place. Planning a weekend escape to eat, drink, and explore? I’ve put together a suggested itinerary so you can tick off the must-visit spots and experience the best this region has to offer.

The Cotswolds are the sort of place that make you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and simply enjoy where you are. With their idyllic cottages and gentle rolling hills, the villages look as though they are straight out of a storybook. Wander winding lanes, duck into a pub for a pint by the fire, and you’ll quickly see why this corner of England is so loved.

Food is a real highlight here. Think creamy artisan cheeses, fresh farm produce, locally brewed ales, and even award-winning English wines — every meal feels like an occasion. And of course, no trip would be complete without a proper Sunday roast, the dish British pubs are famous for. Just make sure you book ahead, especially for Sunday lunch, as the most popular spots get snapped up quickly!

This foodie-friendly weekend itinerary is perfect for couples, friends, or even solo travellers. Whilst I recommend using Bourton-on-the-Water or Stow-on-the-Wold as your base, you could start from anywhere and still make the most of it. Just be sure to hit each stop to get the full experience. There’s far more to the Cotswolds than you can see in a weekend, but this route captures my personal favourites and is perfectly manageable in two days.

When to go: If you’re craving that quintessential cosy pub atmosphere, autumn and winter are unbeatable. Think roaring fires, hearty meals, and that comforting hum of chatter inside. If you’d rather sip a drink outdoors and enjoy the long, golden evenings (a rare but wonderful treat in the UK), aim for late spring or summer.

The Weekend Food & Drink Itinerary – The Cotswolds

Day 1 – Friday (Arrival & Cosy Pub Evening)

Arrive in the Cotswolds and check into a cosy inn or boutique stay near Stow-on-the-Wold or Bourton-on-the-Water, either of these will keep you nice and central for the weekend.

Evening: Head to a classic country pub for your first taste of Cotswolds hospitality.

The Porch House (Stow-on-the-Wold) – said to be England’s oldest inn, with an atmospheric bar and hearty seasonal menu.

Settle in with a pint of locally brewed ale or a glass of English wine and ease into weekend mode.

Day 2 – Saturday (Market Towns & Iconic Villages)

Bourton-on-the-Water

Morning: Start in Cirencester – known as the “Capital of the Cotswolds.”

Grab coffee and a pastry at Jesse’s Bistro or New Brewery Arts Café and wander through the Saturday market (if visiting on a market day).

Late Morning: Drive to Bibury – often called the most beautiful village in England.

Stroll along Arlington Row, snap some photos, then have an early drink or light lunch at The Swan Hotel overlooking the River Coln.

Afternoon: Head to Bourton-on-the-Water for a wander along the river.

Treat yourself to a Cotswold cream tea or homemade ice cream.

Pop over to Upper and Lower Slaughter – these are tiny, so a quick walk is enough, but they are some of the most picturesque spots in the region.

Evening: Book dinner at The Wild Rabbit in Kingham (Michelin-starred, elegant but relaxed) or The King’s Head Inn in Bledington for something a bit more casual but still excellent.

Lower Slaughter

If you are still in the mood, finish with a nightcap in Stow-on-the-Wold’s The Sheep – their cocktails are surprisingly good for a country pub.

Day 3 – Sunday (Castles, Roasts & Goodbyes)

Morning: Drive to Broadway and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Broadway Deli or Tisanes Tea Rooms.

If you fancy stretching your legs, walk up to Broadway Tower for stunning views.

Late Morning: Head to Chipping Campden – explore the High Street, pop into independent shops, and grab a mid-morning coffee.

Lunch: End your weekend with a proper Sunday roast – a must-do in the Cotswolds.

Afternoon: On your way home, stop in Castle Combe – a tiny, impossibly pretty village that feels frozen in time.

Have one last wander, then grab a coffee or drink at The Castle Inn before heading back.

TOP PICKS FOR A SUNDAY ROAST:

The Crown & Trumpet Inn (Chipping Campden – very traditional)

The Potting Shed (near Malmesbury – cosy and seasonal)

The Wheatsheaf Inn (Northleach – chic but classic)

Book ahead as tables fill quickly!!!

Lizzie x