The Cotswolds are a very popular tourist destination, so it'll be quite busy over Easter but the roads and drivers are no worse than anywhere else. There's plenty of lanes so if you're prepared to do a fair bit of navigation, then you can get off the beaten track quite easily.
Personally, and I'm biased, I'd think the second part of your trip will be more reflective of rural England, with lots of lanes, pretty villages and good pubs. Places like Marlborough, Hungerford, and the area between them and Stonehenge has great scenery and loads of interesting lanes and pubs. Accommodation might be a problem, but if you've got a planned itinerary then you could easily book places in advance.
Thanks for this, will have a think and test other routes. It's true that we'll get the Cotswolds on a busy period, perhaps not the greatest experience for three guys on a tight budget.
The Cotswolds are a very popular tourist destination, so it'll be quite busy over Easter but the roads and drivers are no worse than anywhere else. There's plenty of lanes so if you're prepared to do a fair bit of navigation, then you can get off the beaten track quite easily.
Personally, and I'm biased, I'd think the second part of your trip will be more reflective of rural England, with lots of lanes, pretty villages and good pubs. Places like Marlborough, Hungerford, and the area between them and Stonehenge has great scenery and loads of interesting lanes and pubs. Accommodation might be a problem, but if you've got a planned itinerary then you could easily book places in advance.