We had originally planned four nights in London, four nights in Stow on the Wold, and two nights in Windsor for me and my husband and my 19 yr old son. We were going to rent a car for the time outside of London, especially for the Cotswolds portion. My husband was in a bicycle accident yesterday and is being evaluated for shoulder injury, so even though we aren't sure yet what will happen, I'm trying to do some preliminary planning in case he won't be able to drive, or will have a difficult enough time driving that it would impact his enjoyment of the trip. We can get our lodging and rental completely refunded at this point. What would be a good base that feels far more countryside / small town than London? We would want a greatly walkable town, as well as maybe an area with good bus routes or uber options to attractions in the countryside? What I've been considering so far is:
Oxford: but we have been here before, and aren't especially interested in Blenheim.
Bath: but I have been before, and I'm not sure of options to get places outside of town without a car.
York: big bucket list destination for all of us, but I know it's further away, train from London looks convenient, is travel from York to Windsor a big problem? Also, would there be ways for us to visit things like Castle Howard other Yorkshire attractions without a car?
I'm open to any other suggestions as well! Thank you in advance!