From Bath, I plan on travelling to the Coteswolds and spending two days. However, I'm having trouble deciding on the logistics. "Plan A" Would be to take the all-day "Mad Max Mini Bus Tour" out of Bath which would drop me off in Stow-on-the-Wold (or Moreton-in-March) at the end of the tour. I would then stay for a day and two nights. As Rick points out, this would serve as a convenient way to get from Bath to the Coteswolds. Upon leaving, I planned on taking a coach from Stow-on-the-Wold to the train station at Moreton-in-March where I could then continue my journey by train to York. "Plan B" would be to rent a car in Bath and drive to the Coteswolds, staying in Stow-on-the-Wold (or elsewhere). Following my stay, I could drive the car to Oxford, return it, and hop the train to York. Having a car would certainly give me more freedom to explore the region, and maybe even allow time to stop and see Blenheim. However, I had hoped not to have to drive mainly since I feel the costs would be so much more considering car rental, gas, and insurance let alone getting use to left lane driving. I would be interested in hearing others' thoughts on this dilemma.
Posted by
Reston, Virginia
403 posts
Michelle: I think cost is the least of your worries. Some people find driving on the left no big deal. Others, like me, find the prospect absolutely terrifying...I don't enjoy even riding as a front seat passenger in England, let alone as the driver. And are you comfortable with a stick shift? Remember, your rental car is very likely to be manual, not automatic AND you'll be shifting with the left hand, not the right. If none of this bothers you, the cost shouldn't be too much of a problem, though you might as well use the car as your transport all the way to York rather than backtracking to Oxford.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
It seems roe and I debate this very frequently. Unless you are satisfied with a one day Mad Max tour to the Cotswolds (and i am not) you need a car to see it properly. the Cotswolds are a fairly concentrated clump of highly scenic small villages, hamlets, houses and cross roads which are great to wander around in by car where you can turn and stop when the whim strikes. I have tried doing it without a car, and although you can do some interesting little walks from Stow, you cant see much. Rent a car. If you reserve it ahead you can (and should) insist on an automatic. (you possibly will have to rent from a larger agency). But you should be able to find such in Bath. Gas is expensive- but the cars are more economical. Oxford would be a good place to drop it. I also am in favor of York- if you have time, driving the moors there is a treat.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
The best way to see the Cotswolds is by car. Driving in England is easy and fun......when you rent the car request an automatic...it will be a little more but it's worth the money.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I can't imagine not being able to explore the Cotswolds on my own in a car. For sure, get an automatic... then just take your time till you get used to the driving. I was terrified too, but it really is easy. You just need to concentrate when making your turns and it will soon be second nature. A car allows you to get up early and watch the sun rise over the thatched cottages... as well as you can be driving when there are no other cars! Driving from village to village and stopping to look at the sheep, or finding a pub for lunch or a tea house for scones... you just can't do that on a tour bus.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
Forget about the ease or difficulty in the driving. It's just not that hard and its the best way to see the Cotswolds.
Posted by
OP
Laguna Niguel, Califonia, U.S.A.
17 posts
I just wanted to thank all of you who replied to my inquirey about whether I should see the Cotswolds by car or tour bus. I am convinced that doing it by car is the best way, and I plan to do so.
Thanks, Michelle.
Posted by
Spokane Valley, WA, USA
34 posts
In 2008, we made Bath our base and explored Stonehenge, Avebury, Glastonbury by car. It was nice to be able to spend whatever time we wanted in these areas. We then proceeded to drive to the Cotswold and stayed in a nice B & B in Nether Westcotethe Cotswold View Guesthouse. From there we could explore the small villages at our leisure. So yes, it is nice to have a car. My husband drove and although he grew up driving a manual, it was a little tough for him to shift with his left handhe kept missing 2nd and going to 4th. And yes, it is a little tough remembering to stay left...particularly when going in and out of parking lots. Two pieces of advice...I'd definitely pay more for a standard transmission (we are thinking of going to Ireland this summer and my husband says we will pay extra for a standard transmission!) and buy a good local map with all the roads on it. When driving to Nether Westcote, the main road was closed due to an accident. Fortunately we had a good map and could find an alternate route. Otherwise, we would have been stuck waiting. We dropped our car in Coventry after visiting Warwick Castle (very worthwhile esp. if you have children). From there we took the train to York. We were trying to get on the train on a Sunday evening in early April. It was VERY crowded and we spent the first part standing up. We wished we had gotten seat reservations. On a side note, the grounds of Blenheim castle were nice as a break...our kids enjoyed the maze and lawn games. We found the castle tour itself rather disappointing. Enjoyed the hologram video of the castle history and information on Winston Churchhill more.
Posted by
OP
Laguna Niguel, Califonia, U.S.A.
17 posts
Andrea, What wonderful advice. I'm of that generation that learned to drive using a stick shift, but with your husband's experience, maybe I should opt for an automatic. It sounds like the train to York could be a problem. Not being sure of my timing that day, I wanted to avoid booking a seat. I'll have to think about that.
Thanks, Michelle