We are planning a trip to England in September. We will not rent a car and, after much consideration, have rejected group tours of Cotwolds in favor of something like Rick's recommended 2 days without a car (described below). It is clear that careful attention to bus schedules is required, so my question is how frequently do bus schedules change? Is there plenty of advance notice? For planning purposes minor changes won't matter, but an hour or deletion of a route could throw a wrench in plans. The same question about trains - are schedules posted now reliable for Sept?
Last question: here is Rick's 2 days without a car using Moreton-in-Marsh as a home base. Any thoughts or suggestions? Additions, deletions? We may be traveling to Moreton on the first morning, so Campden would be a half day. He describes it as being more challenging to hike than Stow. We really like hiking, but we are getting older and slower, so the longer day in Stow may be better for my knees even though it is closer.
Day 1: Bus #1 to Chipping Campden to explore that town. Hike up Dover’s Hill, or take bus #1 to Mickleton (Hidcote Manor Garden) . Eat lunch in Chipping Campden, then either bus #2 to Broad Campden or bus #1 to Broadway before returning directly from Broadway or Chipping Campden to Moreton.
Day 2: Take the morning bus (#801) to Stow. After poking around the town, hike from Stow through the Slaughters to Bourton-on-the-Water (about 3 hours at a relaxed pace), then return by bus or taxi to Moreton for dinner.