Two, possibly three of us will be visiting London in May and spending 3 nights/4 days mid-week in the Cotswolds (our first time). Visiting Kelmscott Manor south of Bibury is non-negotiable, but we would also like to walk each day around and/or between the villages to the north....a combination of gentle to moderate hikes with a variety of views and terrain. I assume we'll arrive by train at Moreton-in-Marsh, and make our way south to include Stow-on-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, etc.? We will not have a car, are budget-minded, and more interested in art, craft, architecture, and the richness of nature rather than luxurious accommodations. I very much welcome any suggestions for self-guided vs. bespoke tours, inns, memorable meals, buses, taxis, luggage transfers, etc.). Thank you in advance to the may experienced travelers on this site!
Posted by
8600 posts
Others on this forum will tell you about doing the Cotswolds without a car, using public transportation.
We researched doing this in 2017 and opted to rent a car and drive on the left for four weeks in England and Wales.
Loved our great journey.
We did six nights in Chipping Campden at the Volunteer Inn and used it as a base to see the Cotswolds for two full days as well as Stratford Upon Avon, Oxford and Blenheim Palace.
Sorry, doing public transport, just is not in my nature, wanted the freedom to do it ourselves. We found driving on the left was not so bad after the first day of my getting used to it. I was careful, didn't speed (much) and took my time. British drivers are polite and not aggressive.
Perhaps you can do public transport, but recommend researching well and plan every day to the minute.
Posted by
OP
35 posts
Thank you, geovagriffith. Hope to hear from others on different transport options.
Posted by
London
185 posts
A very easy and nice walk is between Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water via the Slaughters. You can take a bus in one direction and walk back.
For getting to Kelmscott Manor, that is very challenging to do without a car. Public transport doesn't get very close. However, it is on the Thames Path, and you could have another very nice and easy walk from Lechlade (which does have bus service) to Kelmscott Manor and back along the Thames. There is a wonderful pub called the Plough, in the village of Kelmscott very close to the manor.
You mentioned you will also be in London- if you are fans of William Morris I highly recommend a visit to Red House, his home in Bexleyhealth (far southeast London). Tickets go on sale (I believe) two weeks ahead of time and sell out very quickly so you need to plan ahead. That one is easily reached on public transport (train from London Bridge). You can also visit his home, and Emery Walker's, in Hammersmith tho there is a bit less to see at those locations. They are easier to get to and don't require far advanced booking, and you can have lunch at one of my favourite pubs, the Dove, which is right on the river.
Good luck, sounds like a lovely trip!
Posted by
OP
35 posts
Wow, so helpful, Cat VH. Yes, we are filling our London days with Morris sites, so greatly appreciate the intel on The Red House. We know we'll need special arrangements to get to the Kelmscott Manor. Thanks, too, for the meal tips!
Posted by
Lake District, England
8883 posts
The map here shows bus routes in the Cotswolds- https://explorethecotswolds.com/cotswolds-by-public-transport/
So you can see that Bourton on the Water would be quite a good place to stay- an hourly bus from Moreton on the Marsh and the 855 to Cirencester starts there.
Change there for Lechlade-
So leave Bourton at 1000, arrive Cirencester 1052. Leave at 1105, arrive Lechlade 1142.
Coming back leave Lechlade 1642 Cirencester arrive 1724, depart 1730, Bourton arrive 1822
Posted by
OP
35 posts
Hi, isn31C -- that link is extremely helpful. Thank you. We may need to make special arrangements after visiting Kelmscott Manor and returning to MIM in time to catch a return train to London.
Posted by
London
185 posts
I was just checking Red House- it normally opens in March for the season but looks like this year the opening is a bit delayed. This is the website where you can keep checking for when it opens and when to book tickets: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/red-house
Hopefully it has reopened by the time you visit in May!
Posted by
OP
35 posts
I'll keep checking -- thanks!