Dru

Hello, we will be in London for 2 weeks in mid-May. Would like to do a day trip (1 day only unfortunately) to the Cotswolds. I need your suggestions. If you had only 1-2 towns to visit in 1 day which would they be & what would you see there (pub suggestions also appreciated). We are planning on using train/bus/possibly taxi to get there & back, so that info to will be greatly appreciated. We are trying to avoid doing a chartered tour. Also, does anyone have any good websites for the area- I tried one that I got from the BTA, but it never goes through! Thanks! Dru

Elsa

Hi, <BR> <BR>I just love that whole area. You can't go wrong spending time there. However, I would suggest that you take a tour bus. We don't usually like to do that, but in your case you will get a chance to see maybe 3 towns and you won't have to think about driving on the "wrong" side of the road, reading the map, etc. These things would not be that big a deal, but when you're pressed for time a tour bus might be a good alternative. I would think it would be quite expensive to take a taxi, because it's probably about a good 1 1/2 hrs. drive. <BR>We took a train once and rented a car, but I feel we wasted time waiting around for the train, then locating Hertz when we arrived in the Cotswolds, etc. <BR>Whatever you decide I'm sure you will enjoy the Cotswolds!!!!!!!!!!!!! <BR> <BR>Elsa

Kathleen

I took a London Walks daytrip to Oxford and the Cotswolds last summer. We took the train to Oxford, then got on a coach (wasnt' too thrilled about that). But we did see a couple charming villages, and then went back to Oxford. Don't know if there is a better way to see the Cotswold without a car. The trip was okay, but time was limited everywhere. Maybe you should think of going to Cambridge or Bath?

elaine

I don't know if this appeals to you or not, but there is a Costwold Link bus service that runs twice daily in both directions from <BR>Bath to Stratford, making stops en route that include the best towns in the Costwolds. <BR>You can use this to daytrip from Bath or Stratford to a Cotswold town, vice-versa, or within the Costwolds.. <BR>Website for the X55 Cotswold Link schedule: <BR> http://www.gloscc.gov.uk/pubserv/gcc...trans/news.htm <BR> <BR>That bus service would connect with train services to London at Moreton-in-Marsh and Kemble, as well as, of course, at Stratford and Bath. <BR>

Edna

Message: A few years ago I did a day trip from London by train from Paddington station to Moreton-on-Marsh. I walked a short way from the train station to the centre of town and there found a tourist information centre. They pointed me in the right direction to the bus stop(about 20 yards).From there I caught the local bus which does a circular route around the small towns. Didn't go too far as it was all new to me and I was on my own,but the towns are quite close together so you could pick and choose as you go through them. Don't plan on going on a Sunday though. There is either very limited service ot none at all. I found this trip to be very enjoyable and adventerous. Read up on a few of the towns and you may find which ones you'd like to see .Hope you enjoy your trip wherever you may go. <BR>

Linda

An excellent website for this area is the Cotswold Hyperguide at http://digital-brilliance.com/hyperg/index.htm. Here are some of my own likes and dislikes in Cotswolds villages and towns: <BR> UPPER & LOWER SLAUGHTER: A justly famous walk on public footpaths (est. 2 hours) connects these 2 villages... very peaceful, scenic, and noncommercial. <BR> BURFORD: A nice Cotswold town, with a very interesting old church and a picturesque main street with antique shops and tea-rooms. <BR> PAINSWICK: So-called "queen of the Cotswolds" -- very well-preserved buildings, excellent views, access to the Cotswold Way for walking, a moody churchyard ideal for an evening walk. <BR> CIRENCESTER: Actually a small city, but worth a visit, particularly if you're interested in Roman Britain. You might even consider taking a train here then renting a car for a day to explore further afield on your own. <BR> BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER: A negative recommendation here: this village reflects the worst excesses of tourism and IMHO would be a tragic misuse of your limited time. <BR>ENJOY!!!

Cyrano

Take the train from Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh as recommended above. I would then rent a taxi for the day and tour Upper & Lower Slaughter, Burton-on-the-Water (pretty, despite the commercialism), Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Chipping Camden, and numerous others in the vicinity. Our favorite pub in the area is the Queen's Head in Stow. Excellent food. Our favorite taxi driver is Norman's Taxi in Moreton (phone 0589 053562, home 01608 652485) He will show you the best of the Cotswolds.

Mavis

Other respondents have covered off good sites - although I liked Bourton. We stayed there a week, and after the tourist buses left it was great. But I can recommend some pubs: Falkland Arms in Great Tew, Wykham Arms in Sibford Gower, The Bear in Moreton in Marsh (plain, but great food), The Five Bells (I think that's what it's called) in Chipping Campden, the Plough on the road north of Banbury, the Red Lion in Cropredy, the Green Man in Mollington, the Dirty Duck in Stratford and the Fleece Inn in Bretforton. Sites not mentioned: Kelmscott Manor, Sudeley Castle, Snowshill Manor (also a good pub there, the Snowshills Arms), Hidcote Manor Gardens, Chastleton House (hard to get into it but well worth it as an example of a National Trust that has not been prettified), Warwick Castle and Baddesley Clinton. Have fun.

Bill

We were advised to have high tea at the <BR>Buckland Manor, a very old and expensive <BR>hotel. Just out of Broadway towards <BR>Stanton. The tea was great, the hotel <BR>beautiful and the price was very good. <BR>If ambiance is important this is a won- <BR>derful spot to be enjoyed. <BR>Have a great trip. <BR>Broadway is a good spot, commercial but <BR>wonderful galleries and you can hike up <BR>in the hills. <BR>Bill

Dru

Thank you, you have all given me some great ideas. Now, back to the homework...to figure out where to go & how to get there. Thanks, Cyrano for the taxi #. Thanks, again!