I'd like to do a day trip from London, and I'd like to spend 3-4 hours driving in The Cotswolds, and then 5 hours in Bath, and I have a few questions (besides is that a good idea?). I'd like to rent a car, so from London I'd either take the train to Heathrow and rent the car there, or train all the way to Bath and rent one there. Which would be better? Is there a better option?
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Bath and the Cotswolds are two separate day trips if you are driving. It will take you 90 minutes from wherever you are staying to get to Heathrow to hire a car and a further 90 minutes to get to the Cotswolds. Four hours driving around the Cotswolds takes you to a 7 hour day. An hour plus to drive to Bath and try to find some parking (driving in Bath isn’t a good idea). An 8 hour day so far.
Five hours in Bath takes you to a 13 hour day. Drive back to Heathrow, 2.5 hours if you are lucky. Drop the car 15 hour day. 90 minutes back to where you are staying is a 16-17 hour day.
Take the train return to Bath, where there is enough to keep you occupied for a full day. Personally, I would drop the overrated Cotswolds, but if for some reason it’s a must, do it as a separate day trip by taking a tour or hiring a car in Oxford after taking the car there.
Posted by
Land of La
8680 posts
Agree, train to and back from Bath. Full day of exploration. Go early, return late.
Skip the Cotswolds.
Posted by
OP
Nashville
46 posts
The Cotswolds have been officially deleted from the agenda. Thanks for the advice - I may be back!
Posted by
2422 posts
For cheapest train fares - prebook around 11 weeks ahead specific trains:> www.gwr.com
Posted by
7676 posts
The Cotswolds are great, but it took us two days to see every village and town.
Bath, you need a full day. If you are just going to see Bath, take the train, parking is difficult.