I'll be visiting the UK next summer to see my daughter who is studying at Kings College London. My visit will be two weeks (including arrival and departure days).
I'd like to get to Cotwolds.
Being a hobbyist photographer, I'm looking for suggestions on which towns would provide my best opportunities to make pictures. I expect I'll be using public transportation on this trip, so once in the Cotswolds that will be a consideration in getting from town to town.
rib,
I haven't been to all of them, but the towns in the Cotswolds that I've visited have all been good for photo op's. I stayed in Stow-On-The-Wold on my last visit, but all the larger towns have good lodgings. The guidebook has all the details.
The Cotswolds are not well served by public transit so having a rental car wold be an advantage. There's limited rail service to that area, but you could also use National Express Buses to get around.
Haven't been to the Cotswolds, but just wanted to mention the last Rick Steves podcast I listened to had a chat about the Cotswolds and I think they may have mentioned picturesque...
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/radio/programs/program-424
I found Bibury to be a very picturesque place. However, as noted, public transportation to the Cotswolds is somewhat difficult at times.
Bourton on the Water is one of the most photographed villages. The other posts are correct in that the Cotswolds are easier to get around with a car, especially with photography kit. The height of summer is unpleasantly busy there and taking photos is almost impossible with the number of coach day trippers getting in shot.
The New Forest is easier to get to from London and is picturesque or Rutland, which is further north but is more like the Cotswolds without all the tourists. To get here, take the train to Oakham or Stamford, both of which will appeal to photographers.
I would vote for Lower Slaughter, Burton on the Water, Snowshill, Bidbury, and Castle Combe. If you want to avoid crowds try very early in the morning or late in the evening, early morning being the best. I've stayed in Burton on the Water ( it was quite a while ago though) and the crowds pretty much disappear late in the evening.
We loved Bourton on the Water. Unfortunately only got to spend a day there as we had other obligations, but we all loved it.
National Express coaches are OK for longer distance travel between major centers of population - they are not OK for touring the Cotswolds. Several local companies operate buses in the area - Pullhams being one of the main ones operating in the scenic north Cotswolds. However, you really would be better off hiring a car in this area in order to get from village to village & stop as long as you wish. Oxford might be a good place to hire a car.
Trains (Great Western Railway) run from Paddington station and of their Cotswold routes, I would suggest that Moreton-in-Marsh would be the station that would put you nearest the best Cotswold villages. Use www.nationalrail.co.uk to find times & fares PAD > MIM. Prices are cheaper for advance booking. Do this at https://www.gwr.com
Really nice pictures James , lovely composition . I'm looking forward to more !
Looks like we have another one who puts posts on here & never comes back!
Thank you all for the suggestions. This is a lot of food for thought.
I'm sorry to appear to post and not come back. That was not my intention. I always planned to come return here to see the input from people who have been there. I have other things taking away time from spending as much time as I'd like planning a trip that's still six months away.
