I reserved two nights at a lodge in Broadway, then later learned of Highclere Castle’s mid-summer guided tour events. Since we’re huge DA fans and a Highclere date fit within our Broadway stay, I booked the castle visit. I’m now a little concerned that Broadway might be too far from Highclere. We will have a rental car and don’t necessarily mind driving, as it affords a chance to see the countryside, but I also don’t want to spend my vacation stuck in the car. The hotel has a cancellation policy of 14 days, so I won’t be out any money if I cancel. Thoughts? Recommendations? Is there another Cotswold town that would be more convenient to Highclere?
Posted by
3124 posts
I would say the drive shouldn't be too bad. The A44 and A34 are major highways, not narrow country lanes, and you will not be stopping at traffic lights or going through lots of roundabouts. If instead you take the A429 to connect with the M4 it might be slower at the Cotswolds end but make up time on the M4 since it is a Motorway. I'm usually the one to be cautious about drive times, but I think the Google Maps estimate of about 1.5 hours each way is about right unless your timing requires you to be in rush hour (Oxford or Swindon might have queues).
If you wanted to stay somewhere much more convenient to Highclere, I can recommend the Hare & Hounds in Newbury (their restaurant is pretty good too). It is still about 1/2 hour drive door to door to the castle, as it's on the other side of Newbury, near the A34 / A4 junction. Apart from visiting Highclere, the Hare & Hounds puts you in easy reach of the North Wessex Downs AONB; depending how much time you have you could drive out past Marlborough and see a chalk horse or two, maybe even walk the Avebury stone circle.
A little unclear whether you're going to have additional time to enjoy the Cotswolds, or if this 2-night stay is all there is to it.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Two nights somewhere means one full day there, so you are going to stay in Broadway and spend your full day there at Highclere? Where are you going before and after Broadway? If London is before or after Broadway, it would make sense to see Highclere en route.
It sounds like you may need to rethink your Broadway stop or visiting Highclere.
I find that Google usually underestimates drive times by around a third.
Posted by
8322 posts
We stayed at Chipping Campden while in the Cotswolds. Broadway is the very northern end of the Cotswolds.
Still, it takes a full day to take Rick Steves driving route down to Cirencester and back.
Traffic is heavy in the Cotswolds.
Posted by
OP
Southeastern U.S.
61 posts
Thank you all!
Posted by
OP
Southeastern U.S.
61 posts
One more question ... thinking of switching our Cotswold base to Castle Combe, as it's roughly 30 min. closer to Highclere. Does the Castle Combe Racing Circuit create a lot of noise? Not a fan of racing engines ... :)
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33994 posts
Only when there is a racing day.
That end of the Cotswolds is very much different to Broadway.