Cotswolds & Wisteria Season Travel Guide
When you think of the Cotswolds, the towns that likely come to mind first are Bourton-on-the-Water and perhaps Bibury. Because tour groups and some independent travel routes often connect Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, with Oxford, visiting these two is more convenient—not to mention that Bourton-on-the-Water is already famous. As for Broadway and Chipping Campden, they are tucked away on the northwestern and northern edges of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and lack rail connections, making them naturally harder to reach. However, the "relative obscurity" of Broadway and Chipping Campden not only means you don't have to rack your brain to find a photo spot amidst the crowds, but it also means the essence of these pastoral towns is much purer.
1. Travel highlights
Chipping Campden has a market hall built in the first half of the 17th century. The building materials are the honey-colored stone characteristic of the Cotswolds, and the roof is supported by wooden herringbone trusses, rather than the arched wooden trusses common in large-span European architecture.
The High Street in Chipping Campden retains its medieval-style architecture, and it is said that this landscape has not changed significantly since the 14th century. However, the street itself is still paved with standard asphalt.
The town hall in Chipping Campden is next to the market, very small but charming. There is a library opposite the town hall, and free public restrooms nearby, which is very friendly for tourists.
To visit the town's church, you need to leave the High Street and go via Church Street. This church, named "St. James," also has a honey-colored exterior, while the interior decoration is quite simple. The church has excellent lighting, making it feel bright and airy. Near the church, there is also a barn museum and some very "Cotswold" thatched cottages.
The core landscape of Broadway still unfolds along the High Street. Unlike some other Cotswold towns, Broadway's High Street is relatively wide, lined with horse chestnut trees dotted with red flower towers, and the honey-colored buildings are shaded by the street trees.
If you happen to be there in early May, you can experience the dreamy atmosphere created by wisteria in Broadway. Against the backdrop of sturdy vines and purple flower clusters hanging like grapes, the honey-colored buildings seem to hide their doors and windows, becoming dwellings for elves. Of course, there is also some wisteria in Chipping Campden.
Broadway Tower is located on the outskirts of the town. You need to hike up the mountain or drive along a fairly long mountain road. The hiking route passes many pastures, where you can kindly greet Mr. and Mrs. Sheep who are "tasting dishes" or enjoying a feast.
2. Transportation
Driving yourself might be a more suitable choice, but taking the bus is also feasible. Starting from or heading to Stratford-upon-Avon, you can take a Stagecoach bus to travel between Stratford-upon-Avon, Chipping Campden, and Broadway. You can download the bus company's mobile app in advance and choose a day pass like the "Day Rider." Although it's not cheap, the good thing is that you can hop on and off unlimited times. Theoretically, the day pass can be used until 4:00 AM the next day, but in reality, there is almost no chance to use it after the last bus of the day finishes operating.
The Cotswolds span across counties like Gloucestershire, Somerset, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and Oxfordshire. It covers a vast area, making it difficult to explore everything in one go. Therefore, it is important to choose Cotswold towns that suit your interests and itinerary. Chipping Campden and Broadway are relatively close to Stratford-upon-Avon, so you might consider visiting them together. In addition, the swans in Stratford are quite interesting. When someone is feeding them, they compete fiercely for food; when they see someone standing by the water, they will swim over elegantly to beg for food; if no one is feeding them, they will leave dejectedly. Of course, it is recommended not to feed outdoor animals when traveling abroad. In Stratford-upon-Avon, you can also look for the rare golden postbox and admire the literary giant and the characters he created.