We will be in London end of September and want to visit the Cotswold's, Windsor and Bath. We already have tickets to Highgrove for Garden tour and tea. Would it be hard to do on our own or do we need to go with a tour?
We can also take 2 days to do. London will be our base but we are familiar with the trains and can go each day. Thanks for any help or suggestions.
Patty
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14818 posts
It’s pretty easy to do Windsor and Bath as separate day trips from London altho I love Bath and prefer to stay overnight there.
The Cotswolds are harder as that is a whole area with small villages and not as well connected by transportation.
You might see if one of the walks through London Walks goes to the Cotswolds on one of your dates.
I’ve also done a Cotswolds day trip from Bath which worked out fine. This probably would not work for you as you’d need to spend the night before in Bath.
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I bought a paperback book at a local store here.
The title is "10 day trips from London"
It was perfect for us.
- gives the info on how to get to the other areas you mention, suggested things to see and time recommended.
We were in London for a week a few years ago and we went to
Greenwich, Bath, Leeds, Salisbury (and Stonehenge)
and a few other places that I can't recall...... I must be getting old.....
Happy Travels
Posted by
3124 posts
In answer to your question about visiting Highgrove for the garden tour and tea, you are talking about the royal residence near Tetbury, is that right? Their website says:
"Public Transport: There is no public transport from Tetbury town centre to the Highgrove Estate. It is just over one and a half miles from Tetbury to Highgrove and there is no public footpath.
Taxis are available, but you will need to pre-book. We recommend Tesla Private Hire in Tetbury who you can contact by calling 01666 825 588 or 07533 333 565."
https://www.highgrovegardens.com/visiting-highgrove-gardens/directions/
There is another mansion called Highgrove House nearer to London https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highgrove_House,_Eastcote
If that's what you mean, here are your transportation options without signing up for a tour:
https://www.rome2rio.com/map/London/Highgrove-House
Posted by
40 posts
For the Cotswolds, here is a link to Secret Cottage Tours:
https://www.cotswoldtourismtours.co.uk/
and my review on TripAdvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g186288-d6984043-r536465815-Secret_Cottage-Moreton_in_Marsh_Cotswolds_England.html
Windsor is a great day trip, easy train ride (with one connection) from London. I've been to Bath on a day trip, and I've also stayed for three days with plenty to see and do.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2805 posts
You can take the train from Paddington Station in London to Moreton in Marsh in the Cotswolds. You could Moreton in Marsh your base or a village like Bourton on the Water, Broadway, Chipping Campden or Stow on the Wold. There are buses that run between these villages, also a few other villages like Painswick (which is so beautiful). Buses do not go to all the villages, of course buses take longer then a taxi would, but taxis would cost a lot more then a bus. If you would like recommendations for places to stay, PM me and I’ll give you some.
Posted by
2 posts
Just got back from England. We toured the Cotswolds with https://www.cotswoldsguidedtours.co.uk/. They are AMAZING! They offer a variety of informative tours... a couple of folks in our group had been on several tours throughout the week! Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you for all the reply’s. Checking out all the options. Can’t wait for our trip!