Songdoc

If I only have one full day to explore the Cotswolds what itinerary would you recommend?

From the "prettiest villages" thread, I have a list of at least ten. FYI, I'd prefer to relax, explore, and enjoy a few places--rather than rush from one to the next, just to check a dozen towns and villages off my checklist.

Also, in other threads I've seen it said that there are hordes of tourists until around 4 PM. I'll be there on a weekday, the first week of March. Will it still be crowded with tour buses? I can't really wait until after 4 PM because the sun will set before 6 PM.

Anyone know what time the buses arrive? Might be able to get there early.

janisj

There will be next to no tourists anywhere on a week day in early March. And no tour buses to speak of.

The best way to "see" the Cotswolds is to get out of your car and walk. Pick any village -- say the Slaughters -- walk through the 2 villages and pick a footpath from one of them for a walk of whatever length.

Then maybe drive over to Minster Lovell and explore the Old Hall and then walk along the River Windrush for 30-45 minutes.

Then pick another village -- could really be any -- Stanton, or anywhere. Stanton is a pretty village on a hill w/ a pub up at the top w/ amazing views for miles.

flanneruk

"I've seen it said that there are hordes of tourists until around 4 PM."

I can't remember EVER seeing a thread here that said anything so ridiculous.

Can you quote examples, so we ask Fodor's to erase them.

As far as answering your questions is concerned: janisj's absolutely right.

annhig

Also, in other threads I've seen it said that there are hordes of tourists until around 4 PM>>

possibly on a sunny bank holiday monday, but not on a normal weekday in March.

so not entirely ridiculous, but almost.

Songdoc

Thanks for the reality check -- and for the suggestions.

The comments (below) come from responses in the "100 Prettiest Villages in England" thread.

"Definitely something to be said about the quaint atmosphere in all these and many other villages after the tourist crowds leave at 4.00 pm."

"Avoid the Cotswolds unless there's an R in the month."

chartley

Never believe anything with the word "quaint" in it.

ron

While I agree that there won't be many tourists wandering around villages in the Cotswolds on a (cool, drizzly) day in March, I'm surprised to learn that the massive number of day trippers that used to inundate places like Bourton-on-the-Water in the summer in the mid-90s no longer come. Proving Yogi Berra right once again, "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded."?