Bath enjoys a unique location right on the edge of miles and miles of rolling countryside. It’s just south of the Cotswolds, a large Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famous for its rolling hills and quaint, honey-coloured villages.

This makes Bath the perfect base camp from which to head out and explore. There’s plenty to see and do in Bath itself, but its proximity to the Cotswolds means that visitors can have the best of both city and countryside during one visit.

How far are the Cotswolds from Bath?

The Cotswolds are tantalisingly close to Bath. One of the closest spots is the village of Didmarton under 18 miles away, although popular Cotswolds towns such as Chipping Camden all the way up at the northern tip of the region are over 70 miles away.

You can reach many beautiful Cotswolds destinations in under 90 minutes or even as little as an hour, making it an ideal choice for a day trip.

Reaching the Cotswolds from Bath

Even though they’re spread across the city centre, many Bath Holiday Rentals properties come with their own parking spaces. This means you can bring your own car and head out for a day trip at a moment’s notice.

However, there are also many convenient and affordable car hire options in Bath should you want to get out and about. These include Enterprise Rent-a-Car on the outskirts of the city, allowing you to avoid driving in central Bath where it can become congested on busy days.  

It’s also possible to reach some of the larger Cotswolds towns by rail, although by car is recommended for many destinations unless you’re planning to stay overnight.

The best places for a Cotswolds day trip

If you’ve got your heart set on visiting the Cotswolds from Bath, here’s our guide to the best places to head for. Most are a short to medium distance away and offer a range of attractions for all ages.

• Tetbury. One of the closest Cotswolds towns to Bath, just a 45-minute drive away, Tetbury is home to one of the largest concentrations of antiques shops outside of London.  
• Cirencester. Just over an hours’ drive away from Bath is Cirencester, one of the largest towns in the area. There’s lots to do and see in this historic town, with attractions dating back to Roman times.
• Cheltenham. A drive of just under an hour and 15 minutes takes you to Cheltenham, home of the world-famous racecourse, beautiful gardens and grand Regency architecture. You can also reach Cheltenham in under an hour by rail.
• Bourton-on-the-Water. This is one of the most popular destinations in the Cotswolds, just under 90 minutes’ drive from Bath. It offers charming shops and a choice of tea rooms, as well as quaint bridges over the River Windrush ideal for strolling over after a hearty lunch.

If you’re willing to travel a little further, the villages of Lower Slaughter, Kingham, Blockley and Naunton are among the prettiest in the region. Another popular spot is the spacious market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, although this will require a drive of just over an hour and a half.