I am just starting with planning our trip to England in March, and we only have 7 days. We'd like to do 3 or 4 days in London, a day to Bath, and the rest in the Cotswolds. I am basically wondering about walking or biking in the Cotswolds, versus driving. We'd rather not rent a car, but will if it's necessary. I located a 2 night/3 day cycling self-guided tour through Cotswolds country cycles, but don't know if this would be ideal. Has anyone done a cycling self-guided tour through the Cotswolds? We are just looking for a couple days of relaxation, walking (or biking), and good food and drinks. Otherwise, if we choose to walk in the area, would Chipping Camden be the best base? That's presuming we wouldn't have a car. Thanks for any advice you can give!!! Michelle
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
I've never cycled in the Cotswolds. But, because it is a place that almost demands leisurely driving, cycling would seem to be ideal, if you have the stamina and pick up some good local maps. I'd pick a base based on proximity to great cycling and ease of getting to the airport when you leave.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
We usually do it by car- cycling would seem ideal. Tried walking but thats too slow. Wolds means hills; so you will generally be going up and down (gentle-ish) hills most of the time. Could you handle that. If you are cycling- research the villages you want to see and select a base based upon proximity to your priority choices. Chipping caden is great for a car, but its on the edge of the "touristy" areas so not a good base for either walking or cycling in my opinion. For walking consider Stow on the wold, it has the best (most frequent) bus service- so you can always bus one way
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33587 posts
Michelle I expect you've already considered this, but unless it is even hotter next year than normal there are unlikely to be any spring flowers in England in March. It can be quite cold and wet in March so you need to be prepared with appropriate clothing and footware. As high as the Cotswolds are (by British standards) you may have snow. Chipping Campden is a good base, many towns and villages in the area. You could also consider Stow on the Wold (where, we were told as children, the wind blows cold) which is very close to the Slaughters, Bourton on the Water, Bourton on the Hill, Moreton in Marsh, Upper and Lower Swell, and other villages.
Posted by
OP
West Palm Beach, FL, United States
4 posts
Ack. Well, as a native Floridian, I think I might have to re-assess this whole biking/walking thing in March...if it can get that cold. Maybe a car is the way to go, then. We are planning our trip towards the end of March. Thanks for the replies!!
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
Do you have a copy of RS England Guide Book yet? If so, good. If not, you should get one as soon as possible as it has lots of good information that you can use in your planning as we did when we visited England.