The Cotswolds....best way to see them??

Far and away the best (some would say "only") way to see the Cotswolds is by car. The Cotswolds are an area of small cute villages with lots of small roads winding between very picureque fields. You definitely need "at least" two full days and nights to visit all the various villages. If i read correctly that you only have half a day, then takes a coach tour from London- you will get a flavor and browse through one or two villages. There are limited bus servives (very limited) mostly from surrounding towns into the Cotswolds to one or two villages. there is no bus service among/between the villages. If you are considering trying by bus, one of the main Cotswold tourist sites does have timetables for all the bus services- you could examine that and see if you can work something out that suits you. I couldnt find any that would work for my preferences. The only train station actually in the villagey area is Moreton on the Marsh on the train line from London to Oxford and then points West. But it is really only on the edge of the scenic area Villages to see include: stow on the Wold, Burford, Bourton, Upper and Lower Swell, Upper and Lower Slaughter, Broadway; Sights- Bleheim Castle; Chedworth Roman Villa (ruins) Cotswold rare breeds farm; Chipping Camden

We took a day trip driving from Bath to Chipping Campden and Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter in early June. It was a full day, when you factor in getting lost at least once and enjoying the market streets, pubs, churches, country walks, and other diversions that make the Cotswolds charming. If you're not driving, public transportation adds some time to get where you want to go, so factor that in too. If you plan only a half day, you'll be a bit rushed to see even two towns. Chipping Campden is great (take the RS walk there - hit the Eight Bells Pub for a good lunch). The Slaughters are charming but there's just not much there. I'm sure there's countless other areas that may be more easily reached with public transport but those I can speak to with recent experience.

The best way is by car...there is bus service but not to the very small quaint villlages. With just half a day then I would suggest taking the train to Moreton-in-Marsh then taxi to Bourton-on-the-Water spend time there. With only half a day one village would all you would be able to see. I would suggest using all of your 3 extra days in the Cotswolds.