I am travelling with 3 other adults in early September/2024. What would be the easiest way to get from Bourton on the Water in the Cotswolds to Ambleside in the Lake District. We have looked online trying to figure train/bus routes and it looks like so many transfers. We would even consider hiring a car/small van with driver. We don’t want to drive ourselves.
Posted by
Preston UK
1232 posts
As you have discovered it’s not a straightforward journey, partly because of the somewhat difficult start in the Cotswolds. But it’s perfectly doable.
To avoid two bus rides to start I would arrange a taxi to take you to Cheltenham Spa station, about 16 miles so should not be too expensive between 4. Then it’s a train Birmingham New Street, change to a train to Oxenholme and change again on to the branch line to Windermere. Then a bus or taxi to Ambleside.
Posted by
Lake District, England
8136 posts
The temptation would be to route via Cheltenham, but the bus and train stations are nowhere near each other.
So I would do bus #801 to Moreton in Marsh railway station or #802 to Kingham Railway Station (on the same line).
Then train to Worcestershire Parkway, switch trains for Birmingham New Street (or Oxford, then switch for Coventry).
Coventry is a much easier station than Birmingham NS to change at, but you can't book a through ticket routed through Oxford (at least at a half way sensible price).
switch trains at Coventry or Birmingham for one to Oxenholme Lake District, switch at Oxenholme for Windermere, then a bus at least 4 times an hour (555 or 599) from outside the station entrance to Ambleside 4 miles away.
It should be about a 4 1/2 hour journey Moreton to Windermere.
The cheapest route is to Paddington, transfer by tube to Euston then Euston to Oxenholme etc- probably about 1 hour longer in journey time.