Cotswolds
 

During our brief stay in London, we have one full day (only) to go out of the city, and would like to go to the Cotswolds. My research shows that we could take an early train out of Paddington to Moreton in Marsh, and then be just a 15 minute bus or taxi ride away from Stow on the Wald. Since we must return to London that same night, would it be unrealistic to think we could get to another village as well? Which one? If we can only spend the day in one town, any thoughts on whether Stow on Wald or Bourton on the Water is the best example of the Cotswalds? I should mention that my adult son would like to spend time "wandering in the countryside" rather than exclusively browsing through a town, which is what my husband would prefer. Trying to have something for everyone!

We found Bourton on the Water overwhelmed with tourists, just horrible. We really liked the tiny villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter.

From any of the towns your son could take a walk in the countryside, as long as he has a map and can make the trip back on foot, And if you pick one of the larger towns you and DH will have more to see during the day.

Be aware that many of these villages are tiny - and you may be able to see all there is in a couple of hours. If it were me I would rent a car (we have done several road trips in the UK) and plan on seeing a couple of villages - letting your DH either walk between them - or go back and pick him up at dinner time.

As above, I also loved Upper and Lower Slaughter with a delightful walk between. Lovely villages, medieval churches and spots for tea along the stream.

There's an enormous network of footpaths between the towns around Stow and Moreton. Among the nicest are those between Batsford Arboretum, Sezincote (a glorious Nabob style mock-Mughal mansion), Bourton on the Hill and Longborough

Or get train back to Charlbury, walk the 7 miles through the Blenheim estate to Woodstock, get the bus on to Oxford and take a London-bound train 3 hrs later than you'd have got it from Moreton. If your husband's too lazy for a brief walk, he can stay on the train to Oxford where there's more than enough to potter around and meet you after your walk. Or he can get the S3 bus from Charlbury to Bloody Blenheim and fritter his time away contemplating the ghastly taste of British courtiers on the make.

Bourton on the Water's "horrible" only if you're a misanthrope and even then only between 1000 and 1600 at weekends and bank holidays between Lady Day and Michaelmas. The other 99% of the time it's fine, if anaemic, though not always that easy to get to from Moreton.

Definitely count me as a misanthrope Flanner! Any village or town that has manufactured a way to get tourists in and out of town and has tonnes of naff tourist stores and places to eat is not one I want to visit. Too bad, because the setting is beautiful. I just prefer other places in the Cotswolds...and luckily I am allowed my own opinion :)

Will you be making the meet up in June?

Or, take the train to Oxford and pick up a car.

Travelerwife -

Here's a link to a posting I started while planning our trip in April. There are a couple links with maps and walking guides if you're still researching what to do. good luck..

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ages-guide.cfm