how to get to coldswold?

"Any suggestions from Heathrow?" Yes. Consider simplifying the first couple of hours of your trip by just picking up the car at the airport. IMO it's better for your first hour of driving on the wrong side to be on the M40 (from the airport) rather than in the streets of Oxford. And you simplify by eliminating the entire extra step of the bus thing. The airport area has traffic and so does Oxford. Many N. Americans find the most challenging part of driving on the wrong side to be the city streets of a place like Oxford. This is minimized somewhat if you rent the car at Heathrow. If you weren't going to Cotswolds right off, the advice might be different. The airport is actually well located for driving to the Cotswolds, you're already on the west side of the metro area.

Seva, One method you might consider would be to travel by National Express Coach from the airport to Bath. Which airport are you arriving at? Stay there for a day or so to get over jet lag and rent a Car in Bath (there are several agencies as I recall). If you haven't previously driven on the "correct side of the road", that will allow you to become familiar in more of a "country" setting to begin with. A GPS unit along with a good Map would be a good idea. The drive from Bath to the Cotswolds is very pleasant, but allow lots of time as it will probably take longer than you expect. Happy travels!

You could take a taxi from Heathrow to Slough (15 minute ride) train station and take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh or could take a taxi to Slough from Heathrow and pick up a rental car there.

Thank you. I will research taking a taxi to Slough.
Thank you again.

Thank you, all of your postings are so helpful. Thank you for your time.
Seva

If 'twere me, but its not and I have driven here boucoups years, I would go Heathrow. Why? You're at Heathrow already, probably complete with a few luggages. You get the car there and you don't need a shuttle bus or anything, and you can match your luggages to the car. The agencies at LHR are probably open as many hours a day and days a year as anywhere. Out the pick up area, into the tunnel, turn left and you are on the M4 motorway. About 4 or 5 miles later you bear left over to the M25 for a couple of miles, bear left onto the M40 and settle in for an hour and a half. Just like the freeways in New Mexico but more scenic. Depending on where you are going (The Cotswolds is a big area) pop off at junction 9, 10, 12 or 15 and have a go at A and B roads. Simples! Oxford >> HATES<< cars. No, really they do. The Oxford council does whatever they can imagine to make it difficult to drive into, through, or out of Oxford. I love the place, have a business there and either I or my wife are there every few days. And I drive there (she takes the train most times). But I drive because I need to, not because I want to. Traffic light cameras, speed cameras, sleeping policemen (humps), 20 mph speed limits sprinkled with 30 mph ones and special cameras, bus lanes, one way system developed specifically to prevent private car use. There are streets right where you will want to go that are restricted to bus, taxi and bicycle use. If you are very lucky you will wind up where you started. Then there's the parking. Oh, the parking. Except Sundays, and be extremely careful on Sundays for catch out zones, there is no free parking in the centre of Oxford. Period. And what parking there is is like hens teeth, and extortionate. Take the train to Oxford. ... to be continued ...

.... part 2 .... As to hiring in Moreton-in-Marsh, it is a small provincial market town. I know of one, off-brand, car hire place there. Perhaps other Helpliners can give more info. My parents used to live just down the road and I just don't remember any other places there. Bath? A good idea to go by bus or train for a while, then get one there. However, you will not have had any experience driving British roads and the roads out of Bath can be very narrow and steep, and complex. How's your stick shift on hills? FWIW - YMMV Oh yeah, if driving in Oxford watch out for the crazy cyclists. Millions of 'em. Everywhere. (watch out if walking too). They have rules of the road too, but many ignore them. Throughout the UK (especially in Oxford and London) you will run into Ticket writing patrols just waiting for you to run out of time or park over the line, or in a restricted area...

Nigel's local knowledge on this thread is helpful. And that of everyone else, all thoughtful and trying to help. Seva: You might especially note Nigel's remarks on Slough, and on Oxford being especially car-unfriendly.

On my first trip to England years ago, my flight landed in London, I rode a train from the airport out to Oxford, and then walked to a car rental agency near the Oxford train station. I figured Oxford was a quaint town where I could learn to drive on the opposite side of the road. The city was much larger than I had imagined, and I was not prepared for the sizable amount of vehicle traffic, some of it very aggressive in nature. You might consider alternate plans, or possibly pick up your Oxford rental car at the edge of town.

The suggestion of going to Bath to get over jet lag is a great one. Driving with any jet lag is a danger! And one that I never chance with. Fatigue sets in very fast and adjustment to driving on the other side is another consideration. I hope you are requesting an automatic transmission, too.
Bath is a terrific first stop and driving from there to Cotswold enables you to see or visit alot of great sights along the way.

Hello. We took a Gray Line Tour from London to the Cotswolds and it wa great. They picked us up right across the street from our hotel. It was a great tour. It was a lovely area to visit. You can book your tour here in the U.S. by caling them or going on-kline to Gray Line. We have used Gray Line Tours in Canada, New York, Boston, Paris, Brugge, London, Italy, etc. Elaine
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Our visit to this region of England remains one of my favorites of all our trips over the years. If you have not planned your lodging yet, we also found Walton Hall to be a lovely spot to stay. It is about 5 miles from Stratford and an easy location from which to explore the Cotswolds. You are also near Warwick Castle. Walton Hall is a stately, early 19th century manor, with parts of the neo-gothic estate dating back to the 15th century. Situated in the countryside, it has been converted to lodging (rooms and apartments), both in the main house and stable buildings. It is absolutely lovely and you can picture yourself a character of Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters as you stroll about the grounds or sip tea in the drawing room. We enjoyed returning here each evening, as a destination in itself, after exploring the region. The health club on property, which offers an indoor pool and other facilities, was an added bonus. If interested, you can google it for photos, rates, and reviews.

We took "Gray Line Tours" to the Cotswolds. No hassle. They are based here in the U.S. You are picked up at or near your hotel. One day was enough to see the beautiful area. We are going back to London in September and plan to do the same tour again. Elaine [email protected]