Channel your inner 007 and take a romantic road trip on the idyllic Cotswolds' Romantic Road, but ditch the DB5 and opt for a sleeker, greener, meaner model... perhaps the Fiat Abarth 500e (as seen in Top Gear’s 20 Top EVs of 2024). Who knows if the Italian stallion evokes a comparative sex appeal?
The Romantic Road
Like Bond, here at char.gy, we don’t always take the easy route, and while there are definitely easier places for us to highlight the accessibility of public charging, the Cotswolds Romantic Road in Gloucestershire seems the appropriate choice for our Valentine's rendition of the EV Roadtrip.
Whether you enjoy exploring historic sites, hiking through the countryside, or sharing a romantic meal under candlelight, the Cotswolds have something to offer everyone. True to its name, this romantic road trip takes you on a dreamy trip down Love Lane.
The Romantic Road in the Cotswolds offers two scenic loops showcasing the region's most charming towns and villages. Loop 1 is approximately 62.5 miles, and Loop 2 is about 87 miles, excluding travel to your accommodation. Luckily, the Fiat Abarth 500e has a range of approximately 150 to 164 miles.
Loop 1: The Northern Cotswolds
This loop takes you through the heart of the Cotswolds, known for its picturesque villages and stunning views. Think honey-coloured stone cottages, rolling hills, and bustling market towns. Some highlights include:
Broadway: A classic Cotswold village with a beautiful main street and a historic tower offering panoramic views.
Feel free to charge at the iconic Lygon Arms, and while you wait utter the words, “shaken not stirred” when asked how you’d like your martini.
Why? When shaken not stirred, the water in the martini separates from the alcohol and rises to the top, so that you don’t get intoxicated…
Chipping Campden: A charming market town with a beautiful high street and a rich history.
Stow-on-the-Wold: A hilltop town with a bustling square and a wide selection of shops and restaurants.
Bourton-on-the-Water: Often called "Venice of the Cotswolds" due
to its charming bridges and the River Eye running through it.
Interestingly, in Die Another Day (2002), the frozen lake chase scene was filmed in one of the most unlikely filming locations… you guessed it, in Bourton-on-the-Water. The quaint Cotswolds village was transformed into an Icelandic glacier, where you see James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) in his Aston Martin Vanquish duel Zao (Rick Yune) in the Jaguar XKR. Yune said, “You have these two powerful machines that are built for battle, but they’re facing off against each other as if in a ballet, dancing on ice.”
Finally, The Slaughters: The name doesn’t quite feel right. The Slaughters encapsulates Two incredibly picturesque villages, Upper and Lower Slaughter, with charming cottages and a peaceful atmosphere.
Loop 2: The Eastern Cotswolds
This loop explores the eastern side of the Cotswolds, taking you through more rural landscapes and quaint villages. It offers a mix of historical sites, charming towns, and beautiful countryside. Some highlights include:
Burford: A historic town with a steep main street leading down to the River Windrush.
Bibury: Famous for Arlington Row, a row of picturesque cottages that are among the most photographed in the Cotswolds.
Cirencester: The largest town in the Cotswolds, with a rich Roman history and a beautiful church.
“We have all the time in the world” (From On Her Majesty's Secret Service, 1969), so take your time and see all that Cirencester has to offer. Explore the fascinating Corinium Museum, take a peaceful stroll through Cirencester Park, enjoy a romantic evening at The Bear Hotel, and unwind with a Brewery Tour at The Cotswold Brewing Company.
Painswick: Known for its unique churchyard with clipped yew trees and its Rococo Garden.
No matter which loop you choose, the Romantic Road in the Cotswolds offers a delightful journey through some of England's most beautiful countryside, and the opportunity to emulate 007 for the weekend.
Where to stay?
Both loops start and end in Cheltenham, a Regency town that's a great base for exploring the Cotswolds. Enjoy a romantic stay at one of these hotels in Cheltenham that offer EV charging:
Ellenborough Park Hotel
A luxurious 5-star country house hotel.
No. 131
A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Cheltenham.
The Bradley Hotel
A charming hotel offering EV charging for guests, located in a central area of Cheltenham.
No. 38 The Park
A boutique hotel with charging points, set in a peaceful location close to the town centre.
Planning an EV road trip takes a little extra thought, especially when it comes to charging. One thing that can really simplify your journey is finding accommodation where you can plug in overnight. And guess what? Airbnb has a handy feature to help you do just that.
