Hi all,
We wish to visit Bath and the Cotswolds and I thought perhaps day trips to both of these from either Bristol or Swindon -
which is the better location for no car - are buses or trains an option? I realize that staying in either Bath or perhaps Chipping Campden is the best option - but trying to safe a few (more than) dollars by using Marriott points in Bristol or Swindon.
Thanks!!
Bristol has a lot more to recommend it than Swindon. There's loads more to do and see there.
Both of the Marriotts in Bristol have some local advantage from location; the one in Swindon is less well sited to the south. None of the three are particularly well sited for trips to the Cotswolds though.
Below are links to information about (1) transportation (bus station, train station, airport) for the Bristol and Swindon Marriott hotels and (2) local attractions, including area tour services.
It appears that the Bristol City Centre hotel is the closest to a bus station (Bristol Bus Station 0.7 miles) and train station (Bristol Temple Meads 0.6 miles).
You could also email or call each hotel and ask them about access to public transportation and tours.
Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre, Things to Do
I'd recommend a look at the Bristol Marriott Royal over the Bristol Marriott City Centre. Even though it's marginally farther from the train station, it's in a far more pleasant and interesting location. If you don't want to walk from there to the train station, the 8 and 9 buses will get you there: https://www.firstgroup.com/uploads/maps/8%209%20TT%20Bklt.pdf
It's easy to get from Bristol to Bath - it's just 15 minutes or so on the train, with several trains per hour. Touring the Cotswolds by public transportation from Bristol is much harder. The towns that have train stations don't have good connections from Bristol, and I'm not finding any obviously convenient public bus service. You may want to consider a privately run tour. Mad Max is a company that's often recommended here (and I've had a good experience with them myself). They operate out of Bath (again, an easy trip from Bristol). But their Cotswolds tours are seasonal and might not fit your schedule: http://www.madmaxtours.co.uk/tours/cotswolds-tour
great suggestions thanks all
