Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cheltenham, England and Welford, England

Cheltenham, ENG - A small town located in the Cotswolds known for its Regency architecture, beautiful gardens, and cultural festivals. Welford, ENG - A village located in the county of Northamptonshire known for its quaint charm and scenic views. Between these two destinations lies a plethora of must-see attractions that make for a perfect road trip. The halfway point, Stratford-Upon-Avon, WAR, adds an extra highlight with its rich history and connections to William Shakespeare.

The Top Five Things to Do:

Explore the Cotswolds in Style

The Cotswolds are known for their stunning natural landscapes and quaint charm, so hopping on a classic car tour to see the sights is the perfect way to experience it all. This picturesque countryside is filled with rolling hills, yellow-stone villages, and lush fields. The tour will take visitors to hidden gems like Kiftsgate and Hidcote gardens, towns like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, and include stops for high tea.

Interesting Fact: This region is so picturesque that it has served as the filming location for countless British films and TV series, including Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice.

Indulge in a Cheese Tasting

No road trip is complete without trying some of the local cuisine, and the Cotswold Cheese Company in Moreton-in-Marsh produces some of the best cheese around. The company offers visitors the chance to taste a variety of their handmade cheeses, including their famous Double Gloucester. The knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer any questions and share fun facts about the cheese and the local area.

Interesting Fact: Double Gloucester is a traditional cheese that has been made in Gloucestershire for over 500 years and is the only cheese to have its own annual festival.

Take a Walk Through History in Warwick Castle

For those with an interest in history, Warwick Castle will be a highlight of the trip. The castle stands high above the River Avon and has been a defensive fortress for over 1,000 years. Visitors can explore the castle's many rooms, towers, and ramparts, join a guided tour, or watch one of the many shows and demonstrations that take place throughout the year.

Interesting Fact: In the 17th century, the castle's infamous dungeon held prisoners of war from the English Civil War; it now houses a fascinating wax museum.

Dive into Shakespeare's World in Stratford-upon-Avon

The town of Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in history and is famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of the celebrated playwright and take a tour of his birthplace, watch a performance of one of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, or visit the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to learn more about his life.

Interesting Fact: Stratford-upon-Avon is also home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare-related books, manuscripts, and objects at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust library.

Go on a Shopping Spree at the Bicester Village Outlet

As the road trip draws to a close, visitors can stop at the Bicester Village Outlet to grab some last-minute souvenirs or treat themselves to designer goods at discounted prices. The village is home to over 160 luxury boutiques and restaurants, making it the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy and relax before hitting the road again.

Interesting Fact: Bicester Village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK, attracting over 6 million visitors per year.

Conclusion

This road trip offers a taste of everything England has to offer, from scenic countryside to rich history, and top-rated food and shopping destinations. The journey takes about three hours, but visitors may want to allow extra time to experience all the highlights. From the Cotswolds to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Bicester Village Outlet, visitors can be sure of a fun-filled adventure at every turn.