We're considering renting a car and puttering around the Cotswolds for three days. Q: Is thee days good or is that too many? We're planning on three days in London and three driving around the countryside to see those idyllic & quaint old English cottages. Q: Is car the best way to see the countryside?
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
Having a car in the Cotswolds is a must if you want to the small quaint villages. I would suggest staying longer then 3 days if you are able to.
Posted by
Spring, Texas
635 posts
Going almost anywhere in Great Britain for three days isn't too long. However, I'll answer your question a little differently that the others by asking you a few questions, What's the rest of your itinerary? Have you been to any other parts of Great Britain before? How many thatched roof cottages will it take before you've seen enough or do you have other goals? If this is your first trip to GB and it's only 6 days, I would suggest you skip or shorten your Cotswolds visit to one day and hit London, Bath and the Cotswolds. And yes, you will definitely see and experience the Cotswolds better in a car as long as you stop and get out of it on a frequent basis. late edit: I see on the West forum you posted your whole itinerary. I refer you to it.
Posted by
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
You absolutely need a car to see the Cotswolds in the best way. I don't think 3 days is too long. There is so much to see - I could spend more than that there, and as a matter of fact will be there longer than that in May. You can look at one of the guide books to determine what things you want to see there.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
I agree 100% with Sharon. Car is the best (possibly, "only") way to see cotswolds. the pleasure is being able to drive through the country roads and stopping at villages and sights that look interesting. 3 days is definitley not too long. If you are planning on doing this over a weekend in Summer, be aware that hotels could be busy- I would book ahead for friday and Saturday night. (Popular with the Brits too). But most of the roads and villages will seem uncrowded
Posted by
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
If you are primarily interested in seeing the thatched cottages, you might consider a coach tour from London to the Cotswolds. I see Anderson tours has one. I just noticed your itinerary on the West site, so possibly just one day seeing the Cotswolds would work for you better - from London to the Cotswolds and back again.
Posted by
McKeesport
48 posts
Stratford Upon Avon is a good base. Drive out of town to tour small villages and avoid onslaught of tourists during the day. Evenings are quiet. Selection of restaurants is great. Plus, you have theatres and ghost tours for nightly entertainment.