Another Cotswolds question

Try this page here: http://www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/visitor-info/gettinghere/
It has links to all the bus and train timetables.

Thank you very much!

The train is regular and reasonably frequent. When you check carefully the schedules of the buses you will see that they are not regular, sometimes longish gaps, not all the days are the same.

You have to realise that these are rural villages and only the towns have anything approaching regular service.

Another thing to consider is a bit of British politics. The country continues on an austerity budget with Central Government forcing further cuts from the councils. Many have said that rural buses are on the chopping block, so things may have changed by the time you arrive, from the current schedules. Check.

Last May I took several short trips from my London home base. Had a very successful and enjoyable three day/two night trip to Oxford and the Cotswolds (Broadway and Chipping Campden).

Left Paddington about 9 am for Oxford. Took the double decker bus tour of the city, did a walkabout, visited Sanders map store, ate lunch at the nearby Chequers pub, then the afternoon train to Moreton-on-Marsh. Had about a half hour to 45 minute wait for the local bus to take me to the village of Broadway, arriving about 17:30. Stayed there two nights. Recommend Cowley House B&B. Went to the Design Museum and did a ramble on the Cotswolds Way to Broadway Tower amongst other things. The last day I took a morning bus to Chipping Campden and had time to walk about the small market town before taking the bus to Moreton-on-Marsh and the train to Oxford. Had several hours to visit Oxford again (including the Bodleian Library) before the train to Paddington. I think I got back to London about 18:30 or 19:00.

Didn't feel rushed at any point. Got to meet many locals and had a great time. If you don't have time for Oxford, you could skip it.

After getting to Moreton-in-Marsh you can get a bus to Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden to name a few. I would strongly recommend see Bourton-on-the-Water along with Broadway or Stow-on-the-Wold.

I've been looking into tours, but 80 pounds (over $100 USD) is a lot of money. So I wondered if I might just do a bit on my own. I'm also a bit reluctant to commit to a tour and pay in advance (which some companies require).

We stayed in Chipping Campden, took a cab from the train station upon arrival directly from the States. Busses in this region were a challenge, making us miss touring much of what we wanted to do, and if a bus is late or if you miss the return stop, the connections aren't possible. We had to forego about half of what we planned. Okay, so that meant focusing on two bus trips and not seeing an ancient site, walking one way and bussing the way back. We adored staying at Badgers Hall: http://badgershall.com
--this is a B&B and a tea room! The owner is great, her husband is a chef and baker. The breakfasts were incredible, afternoon tea is included, and the rooms are period and well-kept.
So love the area, but public transport put a dent into the experience.
Cleo

A few years back, we used Evan Evans day tours to the Cotswolds. We thoroughly enjoyed our day tour. Unfortunately, it was only one day. We want to go back and stay in the Cotswolds. Some friends of ours hired a private driver who specialized in the Cotswolds.. They planned where they wanted to stay. I believe they stayed in four different areas. Then their driver would pick them up everyday and take them to another area of the Cotswolds. They spent 10 days in the area.