Day in Cotswolds
 

Our first trip to London is coming up. Looking to spend a day in the country. What appeals to us is just walking within one of those picturesque small english villages, going to a local pub, mingling with the locals etc. (trying to avoid a lot of tourists ie. Stratford etc) I wasnt planning on renting a car and was hoping a train would get us close to one of these villages.(of course a train station is somewhat of an oxymoron for a small village) I have heard that the northern villages are more picturesque. Any suggestions for such a day for someone without a car? If a car is necessary, would anyone recommend taking a train to any outer London location and then rent a car in order to avoid driving in the city. If so what would you suggest. Thanks for any help!

During our driving tour of England last spring, my husband and I spent a day going to Stonehenge (not accessible by train!), on to Bath, and then a night in a lovely village called Bradford-on-Avon, an eight-mile train ride from Bath. It's in the southern edge of the Cotswolds, with walking paths out in the country and a paved path along the river -- you could rent bikes at a little pub in the town. From our bed-and-breakfast in a 17th century weaver's cottage high over the town, we could see one of the "chalk horses" on a hillside miles away. Bath is also quite interesting, definitely deserving of more than the few hours we had to spend. Either of these would be a great day trip from London and, I would think, easily accessible by train.

David, <BR>April of '98 my husband and I stayed in Stratford. In Stratford they have bus tours that take you around the Cotwolds and stop in the towns to give you time to walk around and look in the shops etc. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. They also have bus tours of Stratford. On our trip through the Cotwolds there were 6 of us on the mini-bus so it wasn't real crowded. Have a great time we loved Stratford and the Cotwolds!

Jan, <BR>Do you remember the name of the Stratford bus tour company that you used for the Cotswolds tour? We are considering staying in Stratford and would love to take one of these tours as my worry was that most of the tours only passed by the villages and did not allow time to walk around. Thanks!

Chipping Camden is enchanting...just lovely. Also, Upper and Lower Slaughter are lovely, with a mile-long footpath connecting. There are so many lovely little towns along in there. I have done a bus before, but bear in mind that when you see those lovely views or a charming village, you can't just pull over and get out! Our bus stopped at Bourton-on-Water, but of course, there were 150 other buses there also...and lots of tourists! This last trip, we trained to Heathrow and rented a car and went up. We found it fairly simple, and did not have to fight that London traffic. Have fun...the Cotswold villages are truly lovely.

Paula, I don't remember the name of the bus company but it was the same place where you buy the tickets for the Stratford bus tours. The Stratford bus tours are all very visable. Just ask where to buy tickets for the bus tours. Our bus tour took us by the limestone quarry and through the countryside. The guide explained all about the history of the Cotswolds and then we stopped at 5 or 6 villages. My husband and I had also driven to a few of the villages but the tour guide gave us more information and we were able to ask questions about the history of each town. I found it was nice to just sit back and not have to worry about which road to take and which village to go to next. We only had 6 people on the tour. We felt that we had enough time to walk around. Of course, if you find a village you want to go back to you could always rent a car and go back. The Stratford tours were nice also. If you have any more questions, please feel free to e-mail me.

Thank you, Jan, for the additional information. We only have a week to spend and thought we would base ourselves in either Oxford or Stratford for a couple nights and explore the area from there. Unfortunately, driving is out of the question because my husband is a very nervous driver (and an even worse backseat driver!) so the mini coach tours sound like a good alternative. <BR>

David <BR>Karrieanne's mention of Upper and Lower Slaughter just couldn't be ignored by me as I was born and raised in Lower Slaughter and my family still live there. You mention that your trip is coming up but don't mention when. Because of their beauty, the Cotswold villages get very crowded and touristy in the main summer months but overall are still very much worth a visit. But then, I'm biased!. Enjoy your trip. <BR>Andy <BR>

Hi David. The problem, as you yourself point out, is trying to get to a small village but without a car. You can take the train from London to Moreton-on-Marsh and then bike or bus from there. Having visited the Cotswolds for more than 20 years now I'd throw caution to the wind and rent a car for the day, you won't regret it, and you'll be able to find those villages you want, plus picnic, detour and find your own special village, discover a great pub, come across a little pottery shop, etc.. Some recommendations: Cropredy, just north of Banbury, outstanding place and no tourists - we only ended up there because we got lost; Upper and Lower Slaughter - I agree with previous writers, very beautiful; Great Tew - all thatched cottages and The Falkland Arms is my favourite pub in the whole world; Sibford Gower, between Shipston-on-Stour and Banbury - really small village, with lovely cottages and so quiet you really can hear yourself think and with another great pub - the Wykham Arms; and Snowshill, the manor house is here which is crazy with tourists, but if you wander throught the town, no one goes there. I also like Chipping Campden, a bit busier but still charming particularly if you get off the main street and explore the back lanes. Hope you have a good time. (I'd avoid both Stratford and Bath, far too busy.) Mavis <BR>

I agree with Mavis....I went to both Bath and Stratford and found there were too many tourists.We rented a car and toured the Cotswolds,The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales...I found it to be the most beautiful and charming area in the world.....not only did they inspire the English Poets but also me!!

David <BR>Upper and Lower Slaughter have to be seen to be believed - and if you get the chance to visit Lower Swell (about two miles distance) they still make local beer in the pub where they sell it! <BR>also Bourton-on-the-Water has a model village which is well worth visiting <BR>