I am confused about visiting the "Cotswolds" because it appears to encompass several different towns/villages throughout England. There are many sites that recommend visiting the Cotswolds; however, I am not sure how to see the area without a car. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Buckinghamshire
275 posts
Googling “Cotswolds without a car” brings up quite a few hits
From a Quick Look this seemed quite good
https://explorethecotswolds.com/where-to-stay-in-the-cotswolds-without-a-car/
Most of the towns and villages don’t have train stations and are best navigated by bus. This will require some planning. The bookable “Robin” bus service looks good and is available to tourists but I have no experience of it. One thing, bus services often are restricted or don’t run at weekends, particularly Sundays so it might be a good idea to try to visit during the working week.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1452 posts
More information here:
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/england/cotswolds
The Rick Steves England guidebook includes information for how to visit without a car, which is possible but limiting.
Posted by
North Florida
119 posts
My husband and I took a 10 day tour of the Cotswolds this past spring. It was an 11 person, small group tour, lead by "Seymour Travels". They are a private team of Rick Steve tour guides. It was wonderful and I highly recommend if you can do this, we saw more and did more than we could possibly do on our own, with or without a car, bus tour, or train. We even went to Highgrove House, King Charles private family home, toured his private gardens and then had High Tea in the garden pavilion.
Bottom line, it is a vast area, which does require some private form of transportation to see it all, as most of it is in the country. The small villages and hamlets are spread far apart. Gorgeous and worth the visit!
Posted by
Lake District, England
9262 posts
The information in the RS guidebook is now out of date, simply by terms of time, as there have been several sets of service enhancements this year.
There are also several threads from this year of people who have successfully extensively explored the Cotswolds by public transport.
This web page has up to date details- https://explorethecotswolds.com/cotswolds-by-public-transport/
Posted by
Winchester, UK
145 posts
The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is the region between Cheltenham to a bit west of Oxford, and north of Bath.
If you don't have a car I wouldn't bother with the Cotswolds unless you're willing to walk. Bus services don't tend to run very frequently or, indeed, reliably. The easiest way if you're determined is to get a train to Moreton in Marsh from London or hire a tour company or guide.
I know this may not be suitable for you but please consider walking the Cotswolds. That is in my view the best and most natural way to see that area.