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Walking the Cotswold Way had been on my travel bucket list for years. In September 2026, I finally completed the 102-mile (164 km) National Trail solo, hiking from Chipping Campden to Bath over nine days.
One of the biggest challenges when planning a self-guided hike is figuring out where to stay on the Cotswold Way each night. Unlike a traditional vacation, you’ll need to find accommodation that fits your daily mileage, is accessible from the trail, and has somewhere to grab a well-deserved meal after a long day of walking.
I spent months researching and booking accommodation for my solo adventure, staying in everything from historic country pubs to charming village inns and a countryside cottage.
Some stays quickly became highlights of the trip, while others were more about having a comfortable place to rest my tired legs. After walking up to 17 miles a day, I learned just how much a good night’s sleep and a hearty dinner can make a difference!
In this guide, I’m sharing where I stayed on the Cotswold Way, in the order I encountered each stop, along with what I loved, what to know before booking, and whether I’d recommend each place for your own Cotswold Way itinerary.
If you’re planning to hike the Cotswold Way yourself, consider this your firsthand accommodation guide to help you plan your own adventure.
Planning your hike? Read my 9 day Cotswold Way itinerary for daily mileage, food stops, and trail highlights, and my Cotswold Way packing list for everything I brought with me.
Where to Stay on the Cotswold Way: At a Glance of Where I Stayed
| Stop | Accommodation | Best for |
| Before the hike | Eight Bells Inn, Chipping Campden | Historic charm and a pre-hike stay |
| Day 1 | The Lodge, Broadway | Exploring Broadway after a shorter hiking day |
| Day 2 | The White Hart Inn, Winchcombe | A traditional pub stay |
| Day 3 | Clarence Court Hotel, Cheltenham* | An alternative accommodation option |
| Day 4 | Royal George Hotel, Birdlip | Excellent dinner and breakfast |
| Day 5 | St. Michael’s Bistro, Painswick | A charming village stay |
| Day 6 | The Black Horse Inn, North Nibley | Curry dishes after a challenging day |
| Day 7 | The Fox Inn, Hawkesbury Upton | Friendly service and trail snacks |
| Day 8 | Idyllic Cottage, Marshfield | An alternative to staying in Cold Ashton |
| After the hike | The Royal Hotel, Bath | Celebrating the finish |
Clarence Court Hotel was listed as an accommodation option in my itinerary, but I did not personally stay there because my accommodation in Cheltenham is no longer available.
Before the Hike: Eight Bells Inn, Chipping Campden
Best for: A charming historic inn and time to adjust to the time difference.
I stayed at the Eight Bells Inn before beginning my hike, and I’m so glad I gave myself extra time in Chipping Campden.
This charming 14th-century country pub has plenty of character, and the two-night minimum stay over the weekend worked perfectly for my plans.
Because I was traveling from the United States, arriving early gave me time to recover from jet lag instead of jumping straight into a multi-day hiking challenge. I also had time to explore Chipping Campden, pick up any last-minute supplies, and enjoy a slower start to the trip.
Breakfast was really good, too, which was an excellent way to prepare for the days ahead.
What to know before booking: Check minimum-stay requirements before reserving. I’d also recommend arriving in Chipping Campden at least one day before your first walking stage, especially if you’re traveling internationally.
Would I stay here again? Yes! I’d recommend it to anyone looking for accommodation in Chipping Campden before starting the Cotswold Way.
Day 1: The Lodge, Broadway
Best for: An overnight stop in one of the Cotswolds’ most popular villages.
My first official hiking day took me from Chipping Campden to Broadway, a relatively short stage of approximately seven miles.
I stayed at The Lodge at Broadway, which worked well for an afternoon spent exploring the village after finishing the walk.
Broadway is one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds, and I loved having time to wander around rather than rushing through. I stopped at the Lygon Arms for a cider and some journaling before enjoying a traditional Sunday roast at the Crown & Trumpet.
The Lodge itself was a straightforward overnight stop, but there are a few things to know before booking.
What to know before booking: There was no breakfast provided and no desk attendant during my stay. Fortunately, Broadway has plenty of places to find coffee, breakfast, and other essentials – I ate at the Broadway Deli before setting out on the trail.
I recommend using your afternoon to explore Broadway, pick up snacks at the Co-op, and enjoy dinner in the village.
Would I stay here again? It worked for my itinerary, particularly because I wanted to spend time exploring Broadway. Just plan your breakfast in advance.
Day 2: The White Hart Inn, Winchcombe
Best for: A traditional pub stay in a historic Cotswold town.
After walking approximately 13 miles from Broadway, I arrived in Winchcombe and checked into The White Hart Inn.
The inn is located above a pub, which initially made me wonder whether noise would be an issue. Fortunately, I couldn’t hear the pub noise from my room.
Winchcombe was a great overnight stop on the Cotswold Way, particularly because it gave me the opportunity to explore the town and visit Sudeley Castle after checking in.
One of the things I learned during this trip is that accommodation location can influence what you’re able to fit into your day. If there’s an attraction you really want to visit, staying somewhere that makes it accessible can help you get more out of your itinerary.
What to know before booking: My second day included an additional excursion to Sudeley Castle, adding approximately three miles to an already long walking day. If visiting the castle is a priority, start early and check its current opening hours.
Would I stay here again? I’d consider it again for a Cotswold Way itinerary, especially if I wanted to spend more time exploring Winchcombe.
Day 3: Cheltenham Accommodation Option
Accommodation recommendation: Clarence Court Hotel, Cheltenham
Best for: Travelers who prefer staying in a larger town with more dining options.
Cheltenham is one of the larger towns along the route, but it’s slightly off the trail. If you’re considering staying there, remember to factor in the additional transportation and check how it fits with your daily walking plan. I arranged an Uber to and from Cheltenham. After a challenging day that included Cleeve Hill, the highest point on the Cotswold Way, I didn’t have the energy to walk the additional distance to my accommodation in town.
What to know before booking: Confirm the hotel’s location relative to your planned route, how you’ll return to the trail the next morning, and whether your luggage transfer service covers the property.
Would I stay here? I can’t make a firsthand recommendation because I didn’t stay at this property but other hikers I met along the trail did and liked it. However, Cheltenham may be worth considering if you want more accommodation and dining options than you’d find in a smaller village.
Day 4: Royal George Hotel, Birdlip
Best for: A hearty dinner and breakfast after a day on the trail.
The Royal George Hotel in Birdlip was one of my favorite places to stay on the Cotswold Way, and the food played a big part in that.
This 18th-century inn was a welcome stop after a day that included Leckhampton Hill, Crickley Hill, and several scenic viewpoints. By the time I arrived in Birdlip, I was ready to take off my hiking boots, have a proper meal, and rest.
The room was simple, but the dinner menu was excellent. Breakfast was another highlight, especially the eggs Benedict, which was exactly the kind of meal I wanted before heading back onto the trail.
When you’re hiking day after day, you quickly learn that accommodation isn’t just about the room. Having somewhere to enjoy a good dinner and a satisfying breakfast without needing to organize additional transportation is a huge bonus.
What to know before booking: There aren’t many food stops on the section leading into Birdlip, so make sure you carry enough snacks and water during the day. Once you arrive, I recommend eating at the hotel.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. The food alone made this one memorable.
Day 5: St. Michael’s Bistro, Painswick
Best for: A charming village stay and an opportunity to slow down.
St. Michael’s Bistro in Painswick was another one of my favorite stays on the trail.
Located right by the church, this was a wonderful overnight stop after walking from Birdlip. Painswick itself is one of those Cotswold villages that makes you want to put your hiking boots aside for a few hours and wander around without an agenda.
I had a shorter day on the trail, which gave me time to explore the village. I grabbed a coffee at Arts Cafe, wandered down charming Hale Lane, and admired the honey-colored stone houses and thatched roofs.
Painswick is often called the Queen of the Cotswolds, and it’s easy to understand why. Between the historic buildings and St. Mary’s Church, with its famous 99 yew trees, it’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.
Why I loved it: The location made it easy to enjoy Painswick beyond simply arriving, checking in, and going to bed. It felt like part of the experience rather than just a place to sleep.
What to know before booking: If you’re following a nine-day itinerary, this shorter hiking day is also a good opportunity to rest before the longer mileage ahead.
Would I stay here again? Yes! I’d happily include Painswick in another Cotswold Way itinerary.
Day 6: The Black Horse Inn, North Nibley
Best for: A comforting meal after one of the hardest days on the Cotswold Way.
After walking approximately 17 miles from Painswick to North Nibley, I was more than ready to check into The Black Horse Inn.
This was one of the longest days of my entire Cotswold Way hike, with beautiful viewpoints along the way, including Haresfield Beacon and Coaley Peak. I also passed the official halfway marker, which made the day feel particularly special.
By the time I reached North Nibley, I was feeling the accumulated mileage. Fortunately, the food at The Black Horse Inn was exactly what I needed.
The menu focused on curry dishes, which was a refreshing change from the traditional pub food I’d been eating throughout the trip. I took my dinner back to my room and fell asleep quickly after such a long day.
Why I loved it: The curry menu was a highlight, and having dinner available at the inn made the evening easy after a demanding hike.
What to know before booking: This is a particularly useful stop on a nine-day Cotswold Way itinerary because the stage from Painswick is long. Plan to arrive with enough time to settle in, eat, and get some rest.
Would I stay here again? Yes! It was a great place to recharge before continuing toward Bath.
Day 7: The Fox Inn, Hawkesbury Upton
Best for: Friendly customer service and an overnight stop before the final stages.
After hiking from North Nibley to Hawkesbury Upton, I checked into The Fox Inn.
By this point in the Cotswold Way, I was well into the second half of the journey and beginning to feel the cumulative mileage. Having a place to check into and prepare for another day on the trail was important.
The strongest part of my experience here was the customer service. The staff were excellent, and I appreciated that they could prepare a snack box for the following day, which is especially helpful when you’re hiking long distances and don’t want to worry about finding food along the route.
The food at the inn wasn’t my favorite, though, so I’d recommend looking at nearby dining options before arriving.
Why it stood out: The excellent customer service and option to prepare a snack box for the next day’s hike.
What to know before booking: I preferred eating elsewhere. For dinner, I recommend considering Beaufort Arms and checking its opening hours before your visit.
Would I stay here again? I’d consider it for the customer service and practical trail support, but I’d plan to eat dinner elsewhere.
Day 8: Idyllic Cottage in Marshfield
Best for: An alternative to the limited accommodation around Cold Ashton.
Finding accommodation along the Cotswold Way can sometimes be more challenging than you expect, particularly when your preferred overnight stop has limited options.
For my eighth night, I recommend staying at the Idyllic Cottage in Marshfield rather than staying directly in Cold Ashton.
Marshfield is a charming nearby town with more accommodation and places to eat, making it a practical alternative if you can’t find a suitable room in Cold Ashton.
The timing also worked well because I was nearing the end of my nine-day hike. After walking approximately 15.75 miles from Hawkesbury Upton, I was ready for a comfortable place to rest before my final day into Bath.
Why I chose it: It offered an alternative to the limited accommodation available around Cold Ashton.
What to know before booking: If you stay in Marshfield, factor in transportation to and from the trail. This was one of the stages where I needed to arrange transport, so make sure you confirm the logistics before booking. Schedule an uber ahead of time for the morning ride, and prepare to wait up to 20 minutes or so at the end of the day.
I’d also check the property’s exact location, available dining options, and luggage-transfer arrangements before committing.
Would I recommend it? I’d consider Marshfield a useful option when accommodation in Cold Ashton isn’t available. Plan the transportation in advance so that the final stages of your hike run smoothly.
After the Hike: Where to Stay in Bath
Accommodation options: The Royal Hotel or Georgian Garden Retreat
Finishing the Cotswold Way at Bath Abbey was an incredible feeling. After nine days of walking, I was tired, proud, and more than ready to celebrate.
I strongly recommend spending at least one night in Bath after completing the trail rather than immediately heading to your next destination. Ideally, give yourself a full day to explore the city, enjoy a proper meal, and let your legs recover.
I stayed at both the Royal Hotel one night and the Georgian Garden Retreat another – the Royal Hotel is great for solo travelers and the other is ideal if there’s more than one of you as there’s two bedrooms.
Bath has plenty to offer, from the Roman Baths to the Royal Crescent and its historic streets. You can find more ideas in my 2-day Bath itinerary.
My Biggest Tips for Booking Cotswold Way Accommodation
1. Book accommodation in advance
The Cotswold Way passes through small villages where accommodation can be limited. Don’t assume there will be several rooms available in every overnight stop, especially during popular hiking months.
Map out your daily stages first, then check accommodation availability before committing to your itinerary.
2. Don’t underestimate the importance of food
When you’re hiking between seven and 17 miles a day, access to breakfast, dinner, and snacks can make a real difference.
Some of my favorite stays were memorable because of the food, especially the Royal George Hotel and The Black Horse Inn.
Check restaurant opening days, make reservations where needed, and always carry snacks in case a café or pub is closed.
3. Check whether you’ll need a taxi
Not every accommodation option is directly on the trail. My itinerary required transportation for the Cheltenham and Marshfield stages.
Confirm the distance between your accommodation and the trail, and arrange transportation in advance when necessary. In smaller villages, don’t assume a taxi will be immediately available.
4. Consider luggage transfer
I used Carryabag Luggage to transfer my bags between accommodations, which made the Cotswold Way much more manageable.
Rather than carrying all my belongings every day, I could walk with a lightweight daypack while my main luggage traveled ahead. This was particularly helpful because I was continuing to London after the hike and had more luggage than I wanted to carry on the trail.
If you’re planning a self-guided Cotswold Way hike, I highly recommend looking into luggage transfer and confirming that your chosen accommodation is covered.
5. Give yourself time before and after the hike
I arrived in Chipping Campden early to recover from jet lag and would recommend doing the same if you’re traveling internationally.
At the other end, spend time in Bath rather than treating it as simply the finish line. Completing a long-distance trail is an accomplishment worth celebrating.
6. Remember, these aren’t the Ritz Carltons on the trail
The towns you pass through along the Cotswold Way were never designed for lots of tourists. These accommodation options are usually locally run with limited rooms and modest accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cotswold Way Accommodation
Where should I stay when hiking the Cotswold Way?
Your overnight stops depend on your itinerary and daily mileage. On my 9 day journey from Chipping Campden to Bath, I stayed in a mixture of traditional inns, pub accommodation, and a cottage, with stops in Broadway, Winchcombe, Birdlip, Painswick, North Nibley, Hawkesbury Upton, and the Marshfield area.
I recommend booking accommodation that aligns with your planned walking stages and checking transportation requirements before confirming your reservations.
Can you hike the Cotswold Way solo?
Yes. I hiked the Cotswold Way solo over nine days, and I met other solo hikers along the route, including women hiking on their own.
Planning your accommodation in advance, downloading offline navigation, and arranging luggage transfer can make a self-guided hike easier to manage.
Do you need to book accommodation in advance on the Cotswold Way?
I recommend booking in advance, especially if you plan to follow a specific itinerary. Some villages have limited accommodation, and availability can influence how far you need to walk each day.
Booking ahead also gives you more time to confirm luggage transfers and arrange taxis where necessary.
Is luggage transfer worth it on the Cotswold Way?
For me, absolutely. I used Carryabag Luggage so I could walk with a lightweight daypack rather than carrying my main luggage between stops.
If you’re traveling with additional luggage or continuing your trip after the hike, luggage transfer can make the experience much more comfortable.
How much does accommodation cost on the Cotswold Way?
Accommodation costs vary depending on the season, room type, location, and how far in advance you book.
For context, my total accommodation spend was approximately $1,897 for my pre-hike nights, hiking accommodation, and one night in Bath during my September 2026 trip. This is my actual trip expense, not a current quote or a price guarantee for future travelers.
Remember to budget separately for meals, transportation, luggage transfer, and any attractions you want to visit along the way.
Final Thoughts: Where I’d Stay Again on the Cotswold Way
Looking back on my nine days hiking the Cotswold Way solo, the accommodation became part of the adventure itself.
Some evenings were about enjoying a great meal after a long day on the trail. Others were about exploring a charming village, settling into a historic inn, or simply getting enough rest to do it all again the next morning.
I’d prioritize the stays that made the experience memorable, particularly St. Michael’s Bistro in Painswick, the Royal George Hotel in Birdlip, and The Black Horse Inn in North Nibley.
I’d also make sure to spend extra time in Chipping Campden before starting and leave enough time in Bath to celebrate finishing the trail.
The most important lesson? Don’t plan your Cotswold Way accommodation around mileage alone. Think about the experience you want at the end of each day, whether that’s a delicious dinner, a historic village to explore, or a comfortable place to put your feet up.
After 102 official miles, countless hills, and nine days of walking, I can confidently say that the right accommodation can make an already unforgettable adventure even better.
If you’re planning to hike the Cotswold Way, I hope this guide helps you choose where to stay and gives you the confidence to plan your own solo adventure.
