I am flying into Gatwick in October and would like to spend 8 days in the Cotswolds. I really don't want to rent a car so my questions are: what is the best way to get from Gatwick to the Cotswolds and is there reliable public transportation within the region so I can see the various villagaes while staying in one place? Best place for a base? Thank you

Quickest way from Gatwick to the Cotswolds is train (change Reading) to Charlbury (really a commuter town) or Moreton in Marsh (which has better accommodation and s more visitor-oriented).

I've a note on buses in the area. Email me at [email protected] and I'll happily send it you. Decide your base from that: if you don't want to drive, you're probably best staying 4 days in two different places, possibly staying the second 4 in Bath, and getting the train back to Gatwick from there.

Flanner's 2-base idea is probably best if you are depending on public transport. There is bus service but it isn't the most efficient for touring. More for doing the weekly shopping and such.

So by basing in two different towns you'd have a better chance to see a bit more of the Cotswolds.

I am also trying to plan a few days in Cotswolds area and will be relying on bus or train. I'm currently looking at staying in Moreton in Marsh and hoping that we can use buses to visit other town. Is it possible to take a bus from there to Heathrow? OR are will we have to take train back to LOndon and then switch to Heathrow Express? Flanneruk - may I email to you regarding bus transportation? Thanks in Advance - and PLEASE - if anyone is willing to share recommendations/suggestons on how and where to spend three days in Cotwolds, I'm anxious to read your posts!

I, too, am goig with my family to the Cotswolds for 4 days in May. We are arriving at Gatwick in the AM and taking the coach www.nationlexpress.com to Cheltenham. Cheltenham seems to be one of the larger "towns" and not really a village so will provide for us, at least, more lodging, eating and play options (travelling with 4 and 11 year olds). I wrote to the tourist council and they sent a local bus schedule of service from Cheltenham to many of the surroundingvillages. We plan on visiting Broadway, Sudeley castle, Bourton-on-the-Water and the Slaughters this way. Once we have completed our stay we will again take the coach to London Victoria for the remainder of our trip. I found a lot of info on the Cotswolds at www.cotswolds.info.

I hope this helps and you have as mcuh fun planning which villages to visit as we did.

Cheltenham is quite a large town & is very busy. GCHQ the spy centre is located there & there are a lot of army camps in the area. There are many run down areas but the town centre is OK. Gloucester is close by & I would say is a better location if you haven't already booked. I got a family room at a Premier Lodge on the outskirts & was able to get to all the main Cotswold towns as well as get into the town centre.

theresac:

By all means send me a note at the gmail address. From Moreton to Heathrow the handiest thing to do is get the train from Moreton to Reading (where, much as we campaign against it, all ex-Cotswold trains stop) then the bus from Reading station to Heathrow. There's no direct bus, and the bus from Oxford to Heathrow leaves an uncomfortable half mile from Oxford station.

Which said, whenever I get the train from the Cotswolds to Heathrow, I always end up going into town and getting the HEX out again. It adds about £20 to the cost, but I tell myself it's cheaper than getting a taxi and saves lugging around Reading station the several kitchen sinks Mrs F + I always find ourselves needing for those quick weekends in Indonesia.

johngerard - Yes, we have made reservations at a B&B (Lonsdale House). We like that there are lots of places for the kids to run around and even found a seasonal outdoor pool that has evening hours. It will be a great way for two active boys to let off steam and sleep well!

We are all very excited for our first international trip.

Cheltenham is a much nicer base compared to Gloucester with better restaurants, shopping and good transport links to the rest of the Cotswolds and London, including the main airports. I'm aware of a direct bus to Heathrow, which then goes into central London but I'm not sure about Gatwick.

I wouldn't describe Cheltenham as having many run down areas. A couple of run down areas but generally it is one of the smarter UK towns. You may view it differently on a Saturday night of course but otherwise it's fine! There has been a fair bit of regeneration work in recent years including a new cinema complex and restaurants, so there should be plenty to occupy a family during the evenings etc.

If you are a walker then you can see the countryside as well. I've done two short trips to the Cotswolds by public transit. First time took train to Moreton in March, stayed in a B&B, and then did a one way walk to Chipping Campden, one way bus.

I did similar day trip to the Slaughters and Bourton on the Water from Reading, then bus to airport.

Not all towns were easily accessible via bus and the schedule is limited on Sundays and holidays, so plan accordingly. You might be able to pick up some of the less accessible towns via a tour one day.

This is the first thread I've seen on the Cotswolds where people haven't talked about how difficult it is to get around without a car. Unless things have changed dramatically, don't assume this is easy. One option is to hire a private guide who will drive you or connect with some tours. Genny from Tour Gems has been mentioned and people have been happy with her. Here's a link with many tour cos. including Tour Gems.
http://www.touristnetuk.com/WM/COTSW...avel/tours.htm

Sorry, Kay hadn't posted before I started typing.

Planning an overnight trip to The Cotswolds via train from London. Chipping Camden looks like a very charming place to stay.

Can anyone recommend some places to stay there please?

Also can anyone recommend one or two nearby gardens and the best way to get there please?

ttt

Hi Traveling!

I love Chipping Campden -- to me, it's one of prettiest towns in the Cotswolds. I've never stayed overnight there, but I did a bit of research a few months ago and found several places listed on smoothhound.co.uk. You might try Googling the local tourist office there, too, which may have listings of smaller guesthouses and apartments.

Then, I'd suggest you start a new thread with Chipping Campden in the title...I think you'd get more responses...

You will LOVE it there, I'm envious.

Try a HF Holidays trip (you can find their website on Google). Great walking trips from their house in Bourton-on-the-Water. My wife and I have done these twice and highly recommend them.

Thanks!