Cotswolds and Bath in one week--30th Anniversary Trip

It is a shame that you won't (they won't) have a car in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is really not easy to do by bus.

Shame about the golf without a car, too.

There is an incredible public course on the top of Cleeve Hill between Winchcombe and Prestbury (between Chipping Campden and Cheltenham) where my Dad used to play.

With the devious wind and the devious bunkers and interesting layout of the holes, to say nothing of the devious sheep, it is practically like a Scottish Links.

Will he be bringing his clubs?

I would just do a little more research on the area around Bath. There may be a "time-share" resort with a golf course that would "rent" for 3 days. We stayed at one in the Midlands. It was by the week, but it was affordable enough that we did spend one night away. What was great about it was that it was like a condo and had it's own kitchenette and laundry. Most places like this also have a club house with a full service restaurant and other amenities like a pool. If you already are a member of a "time-share", you can look up a swap. Also you can look at hotels near golf course that may include access. They wouldn't cost anymore than the similar in US (adjust for exchange rate). There may be civic courses available through town leisure centers. I would also look at the National Trust UK site for itineraries in the Cotswolds and and what famous properties are open for tour in the area that have access with their Overseas Visitor Pass. The National Trust also has accommodations available. Unless your folks are over 75 renting a car gives a lot of flexibility. Public transportation is very time consuming. If they really don't want to drive there are escorted day tours for the Cotswolds; I saw one that even included a tea at the tour leaders house. We were 50 and could easily navigate a car around the UK. Automatic drives are available...my husband liked driving stick and got used to driving on the left pretty quickly.

Hi Nigel,
They can drive if needed and you think that will make a lot of things easier. I just worry that they may not want to choose that option because of adjusting to driving on the opposite side of the road but it may be the best way to go in order to see the sights. And I would assume that he will be renting the golf clubs.

Chipping Campden or Broadway are easily accessible via public transport, - ie. train from Paddington London to Moreton in Marsh, - bus or taxi to either village/town (Chipping Campden slightly nearer to station taxi fare approx. £25) : Either town would be a good base for just a few days, and the Broadway Golf Club http://www.broadwaygolfclub.co.uk/ is on the hill between them, easily accessible via a short taxi drive (5 min). The Dormy House Hotel is right beside the Gold Club and tempting to suggest, - but they would unfortunately be without public transport links and slightly isolated for other dining options, shopping etc. if they didnt have a rental car. There are also local companies who offer guided tours of the local area taking in the smaller villages. *It would also be important to remember there is no public bus service in the area on Sundays! Chipping Campden and Broadway are both very typical Cotswold villages/towns with countryside walks nearby, thatched cottages, shops and tea rooms etc... and plenty to keep visitors occupied for a 2 - 3 day visit!

We stayed in a darling B&B in the Cotswolds. It is called Corncroft Guest House, is in Witney, was built in the 1700s, and was renovated by the current owner, who is very helpful and nice. The included full English breakfast is outstanding. We walked to restaurants/pubs each evening for dinner. It is a short walk to the town center and to a church built in the 1200s. There are bus stops very close by. I know your parents could get to Oxford (worth spending at least one day there) and Blenheim (we spent one day here too) by bus. Look Corncroft up on Tripadvisor.