If you’re looking for the perfect spring getaway in England, the Cotswolds is hard to beat.

I recently spent six days exploring the area with my parents, staying in the beautiful market town of Chipping Campden and using it as a base to discover charming villages, bluebell woods, blossom-filled gardens and historic attractions.

Spring turned out to be a wonderful time to visit. Everywhere we looked there were blossom trees, wisteria-covered cottages, lambs in the fields and colourful gardens bursting into life.

In this guide, I’m sharing the highlights of our trip and some of the places I would most recommend visiting.

Staying in Chipping Campden

We based ourselves in Chipping Campden, one of the prettiest towns in the Cotswolds.

With its honey-coloured stone buildings, independent shops, tea rooms and easy access to walking routes, it made an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside. One of my favourite things was simply wandering around the town admiring the historic buildings, beautiful gardens and spring flowers.

We stayed in The Sheppey with incredible gardens including white wisteria, pink blossom, peonies and camellias! Book to stay here AFF Link.

Walking Through the Bluebell Woods

One of the highlights of the trip was discovering carpets of bluebells hidden amongst the woods near Dover’s Hill.

The woodland was filled with colour and fragrance, with sunlight filtering through the trees and creating a truly magical atmosphere. It was one of those places where you want to stop every few minutes to take photographs.

The views from Dover’s Hill were equally impressive, offering sweeping views across the surrounding countryside.

Visiting Blockley: The Father Brown Filming Location

Fans of Father Brown will recognise the picturesque village of Blockley.

The village church features prominently in the series and attracts visitors from around the world. During our visit we spotted filming photographs inside the church and enjoyed exploring the peaceful village streets, gardens and surrounding countryside.

Even if you’re not familiar with the programme, Blockley is worth visiting for its charm alone.

Exploring Ebrington and the Countryside

One of the joys of the Cotswolds is that some of the smallest villages can be the most memorable.

Ebrington felt like stepping into a storybook, with colourful gardens, traditional cottages and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Combined with the surrounding countryside walks, it offered everything I love about rural England.

A Day at Batsford Arboretum

Batsford Arboretum was one of the biggest highlights of the entire trip.

Covering 60 acres, it offers beautiful woodland walks, blossom trees, magnolias, streams, lakes and stunning viewpoints. Spring is particularly special, with daffodils, cherry blossom and fresh new growth appearing throughout the gardens.

Some of my favourite features included the blossom displays, Anne Frank’s tree, the Japanese-inspired areas and the beautiful red bridges reflected in the water.

If you enjoy gardens, photography or seasonal flowers, this is an absolute must-visit.

Bourton-on-the-Water and the Slaughters

Often called the Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the area’s most famous villages.

The River Windrush flows through the centre, crossed by charming low bridges and lined with cottages, cafés and shops. Although it can be busy, particularly during peak times, it is easy to see why visitors love it.

We combined our visit with a walk to Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, two incredibly picturesque villages filled with historic buildings, riverside views and beautiful gardens.

Why Broadway Stole My Heart

If I had to choose a favourite village from the trip, Broadway would be a strong contender.

The village was overflowing with wisteria during our visit, creating some of the most beautiful streetscapes I have ever seen. Alongside the flowers were independent boutiques, cafés, galleries and lovely places to stop for tea and cake.

It’s exactly the kind of village that makes you want to slow down and spend the afternoon wandering.

Visiting Sudeley Castle During Tulip Season

We finished our Cotswolds adventure with a visit to Sudeley Castle.

While many visitors come for the history and royal connections, I was immediately drawn to the gardens. The romantic ruins, colourful tulip displays, reflective ponds and hidden corners created a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

The church where Katherine Parr is buried was another highlight, with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate details throughout.

I can imagine the castle being equally beautiful in summer when the rose gardens are in bloom.

I found a cottage you can book to stay on the Sudeley Castle Estate that looks a really interesting place to stay – book here AFF Link

Final Thoughts

Our week in the Cotswolds was filled with blossom, bluebells, beautiful villages and some of the most picturesque scenery England has to offer.

From countryside walks and hidden churches to famous villages and spectacular gardens, spring felt like the perfect season to explore the region.

If you’re planning a Cotswolds getaway, I hope this guide gives you a little inspiration for your own adventure.