Don't plan to drive. Train bus and walking only. What is best place to stay in area? Hope to try day hikes. Arrive heathrow on Saturday early afternoon. Not sure best route to Cotswold area. Overnight in London or go directly to countryside? Have seen London so not high interest. Traveling solo and would join organized hikes if easily available. Where should I make my base? How best to get there?
Thx
JB
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1526 posts
I think that there is an airporter bus to Oxford..a good place to spend first night..lots of b & bs. Check to see if any local walking groups or tours. Buy a walking tour guide. Take local bus to Woodstock which is edge of Cotswolds. Chipping Camden is probably the center of walking area.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Heathrow-Paddington-Moreton in Marsh is an easy train ride. Looks like Rick's England and Great Britain books have the same info on the region (a useful chapter). See also recent discussion at https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/london-to-cotswolds-to-edinburgh.
Posted by
44 posts
In May I took the train from Oxford to Moreton-in-Marsh and then the bus (Johnson coaches) to Broadway where I stayed two nights (three days). Got to walk to the Broadway Tower. On third day took the bus to Chipping Campden and then the bus to Moreton-in-Marsh and train back to Oxford. Was able to spend several hours in Oxford on the day up to the Cotswolds and several hours on the return. Finally took a late evening train to London. Never felt rushed. Just study the timetables in advance. Bus service in Cotswolds is limited but it worked nicely for me. My stay in Broadway was at Cowley House - recommend it.
You might like to also look at The Cotswolds website for ideas. They have travel suggestions.