Solo Traveller’s Guide to Slow Living in the Cotswolds
- The Lansdowne
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Solo travel is having a moment — and for good reason. Travelling alone offers a rare kind of freedom: the chance to move at your own pace, follow your curiosity, and fully immerse yourself in the places you visit. Nowhere embodies this gentle, unhurried style of travel quite like the Cotswolds.
With honey-hued stone villages, winding lanes, and cosy corners at every turn, it’s the ideal destination for a peaceful solo escape. And with a comfortable room at The Lansdowne in Bourton-on-the-Water as your home base, you can enjoy all the magic of the region with ease.
Here’s how to spend a perfect solo day exploring the nearby market town of Stow-on-the-Wold — before returning to the comfort of The Lansdowne.
Start with a Comfortable Base at The Lansdowne
Every great trip begins with the right place to stay. For solo travellers, that means somewhere welcoming, relaxed, and perfectly located.
The Lansdowne’s rooms are designed with comfort and character in mind — offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. Located in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in England, while still within easy reach of nearby villages and towns.
Whether you’re curling up with a good book, mapping out tomorrow’s adventures, or simply savouring a peaceful moment alone, The Lansdowne offers the perfect sanctuary for a solo Cotswolds getaway. With a hearty cooked breakfast and a fresh pot of coffee awaiting you in the morning, it’s the ideal way to begin your day.
A Morning Wander in Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is a historic market town filled with independent shops, antiques stores, cafés, and winding streets begging to be explored. Just a 15 minute drive away from Bourton on the Water or take the stress out of your day by catching the bus from the centre of the village.
Begin your morning with a coffee from Stow Town Coffee, a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Let yourself meander through the town’s charming lanes, discover the beauty of St Edward's Church and the famous door that inspired J.R.R.Tolkien.
Boutique Shopping & Beautiful Finds
Stow-on-the-Wold is a treasure trove for those who love thoughtful, independent shopping.
Treat yourself to a browse (and perhaps a new pair of boots) at Fairfax and Favour where timeless style meets craftsmanship. From there, weave in and out of the town’s many boutiques, discovering homeware, fashion, and gifts you won’t find on the high street.
For beautifully curated local products and friendly advice, stop by The Cotswold Chocolate Shop. And for food lovers, The Cotswold Cheese is a must — the perfect place to chat with knowledgeable staff and pick up something delicious to enjoy later back at your room.
One of the underrated pleasures of travelling solo is these small, unhurried interactions — the conversations with shopkeepers, the recommendations from locals, and the sense of connection that naturally unfolds.
A Relaxed lunch
When lunchtime arrives, head to Dambrosi for a fresh, flavourful salad or try their famous lobster roll (the best this side of the Atlantic).. It’s the kind of nourishing, feel-good food that keeps you energised without slowing you down.
Or, if you’d prefer a window seat at The Cotswold Farm, you can tuck into a stack of pancakes, sip a pot of tea, and enjoy some leisurely people-watching from the best seat in the house.
A Cody Afternoon of Gentle Exploring and Warm Fires
Spend the afternoon continuing to wander, browsing antiques shops, bookshops, and galleries, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the town square.
If you’re drawn to photography, Stow-on-the-Wold offers endless inspiration — from its historic buildings to its hidden corners and soft Cotswolds light.
Settle into the glow of the fire with a glass of wine and a well-loved book in the hidden snug at The Porch House, said to be England’s oldest inn. Time slows as the flames crackle and the outside world fades away. When you’re ready, wander to the bar, where easy smiles and quiet conversation make it effortless to feel at home—even on your own.
It’s moments like these that redefine solo travel — not as lonely, but as rich, grounding, and deeply fulfilling.
Return to The Lansdowne
As the day winds down, return to The Lansdowne in Bourton-on-the-Water, where your single room awaits. Slip into comfortable surroundings, reflect on the day’s discoveries, and drift off knowing another beautiful Cotswolds morning awaits.
Why the Cotswolds is Perfect for Solo Travel
Safe, walkable villages and towns
Friendly locals and welcoming independent businesses
Excellent food, shopping, and scenery
A pace of life that encourages slowing down
Solo travel doesn’t have to be about ticking boxes or rushing from place to place. In the Cotswolds, it’s about presence, pleasure, and giving yourself the gift of time.
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful escape where you can wander, explore, and truly unwind, a solo stay at The Lansdowne might be just what you need.
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