Day Trips from a Base: Best Single-Day Outings Around the Cotswolds in January

This guide will help you plan day trips from a single base in the Cotswolds in January, ideal if you’re staying in one place (for example around Moreton‑in‑Marsh, Cheltenham or a central Cotswold village) and want to do three or four easy outings during a crisp winter month.

While many travelers flock here in spring and summer, visiting the Cotswolds in January offers a unique experience: peaceful streets, cosy pub stops, crisp winter air, and a slower pace that lets you truly soak in the scenery. If you’re planning a base in the Cotswolds and want to make the most of single-day outings, here’s your guide to the best trips in January.

Base Tips

Choose a base in or around the central Cotswolds with good road/bus access, a comfortable inn or cottage. Stay locally each night rather than relocating. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, good walking shoes (mud can linger), and check opening times of pubs/attractions (some close earlier in winter).

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Day Trip 1: Village & Riverside Walk

Bourton‑on‑the‑Water & Lower Slaughter

What to do:

• Start mid‑morning in Bourton‑on‑the‑Water. The shallow River Windrush runs through the village, with stone bridges and honey‑coloured cottages, picturesque even in winter.
• Enjoy a relaxed riverside walk; shops and cafés will be quieter in January.
  
  
• After lunch, head out on foot (or short drive) to Lower Slaughter. A shorter, flatter riverside village walk, especially peaceful in the winter months.
  
  
• Return to Bourton for tea (or early dinner) in a cosy pub before heading back to your base.
  
  

Why it works in January:

• Fewer visitors means you’ll get the atmosphere more easily.
  
  
• The riverside and village stonework look especially atmospheric in lower light / crisp air.
  
  
• Short walking distances mean you won’t be out in the cool weather too long.
  
  

Tip: Wear warm layers; it may feel colder by the riverside wind. Check pub hours, many Cotswold pubs may close earlier in the winter.

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Day Trip 2: Historic Town + Museum

Cirencester

What to do:

• Drive (or take bus/train) to Cirencester, known as the “Capital of the Cotswolds”.
  
  
• Visit the Corinium Museum to immerse yourself in Roman history and shelter from any January chill.
  
  
• Wander the high street, admire the Cotswold stone architecture, stop for lunch in a traditional inn.
  
  
• In the afternoon, perhaps take a short walk in the nearby Countryside or visit a local café for warming drinks.
  
  

Why it works in January:

• Town centres like Cirencester have amenities (cafés, shops, indoor spaces) giving flexibility if weather turns.
  
  
• Historic indoor options (museum) help fill the day if walking outside feels too crisp.
  
  
• Fewer tourists allows for easier parking and a calmer pace.
  
  

Tip: Check museum hours. In winter some sites may reduce days/hours.

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Day Trip 3: Scenic Hilltop View & Country Pub

Broadway Tower & Broadway village

What to do:

• Head to the village of Broadway (which itself is charming) and then up to Broadway Tower, the hill‑top folly with panoramic views over the Cotswolds.
  
  
• On arrival, enjoy a short climb (or drive) up to the tower. The winter air often gives crisp clarity for views.
  
  
• After the view, return to Broadway village for lunch or a long afternoon tea in a warm pub/tearoom.
  
  
• Amble around the village, browse local art galleries or gift shops (some may be quieter, giving a more relaxed experience).
  
  

Why it works in January:

• An elevated spot means clearer air and dramatic winter skies, great for photos.
  
  
• Village pubs and indoor options mean that you can adapt if wind picks up.
  
  
• Not too long of a driving day, so you return to base with time to unwind.
  
  

Tip: Check daylight hours, sunset in January is early (4–5 pm), so plan to be back before dark. Take a torch if walking back after dusk.

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Final Thoughts & Practical Notes

• Weather & daylight: January in the Cotswolds has shorter days and chilly mornings. Aim to start outings by 10 am, finish before 4pm to avoid driving in the dark.
  
  
• Clothing: Layering is key,  base layer, fleece, waterproof outer. Insulated walking boots are helpful for frost or mud.
  
  
• Transport & driving: If using a car, check local roads (some narrow lanes may be slippery). If relying on public transit, always check bus/train schedules as winter timetables may differ.
  
  
• Pubs & food stops: Lean into the cosy pub culture, a roaring fire, hearty lunch, local ale or warming tea go a long way when it’s chilly outside.
  
  
• Flexibility: Because it’s off‑peak, some attractions may have reduced hours; always check ahead. And if the weather turns, you might pivot to a lighter outing or indoor option.

For all the latest on what’s happening in the Cotswolds, check out What’sOn?XL in CotswoldXL Magazine.

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