Driving thru Bristol Cotswolds
May 28th, 2011, 03:42 PM
#1
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Driving thru Bristol Cotswolds
Since I cannot return a car in Bath, I will rent a car at the Bristol Airport. Never driven in the UK before. Do you think I will do well to drive from Bristol to Bath and around the Coswolds and back to the airport?
Male, 45 years old, fit with good eyesight.
Thanks
tt
Male, 45 years old, fit with good eyesight.
Thanks
tt
May 28th, 2011, 05:12 PM
#2
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We had no problems driving in the UK. It is helpful if you have a passenger so you have two sets of eyes on the road at all times. Pay extra special attention at the intersections and remember to have your passenger gently remind you at the intersections which lane to get in to. Other than that you will get used to it quite quickly I'm sure.
The narrowness of the roads was more difficult than the driving on the opposite side. Do not get a large car, as many times it will be your car, a car coming the other direction, hedge on one side, stone wall on the other, and an occasional sheep. It can get very tight.
And then there are the roundabouts. As you enter them look at the signage to see which exit is yours. If you pass it just go around again to catch it. Takes a bit of practice.
Don't even attempt to map read yourself without a passenger (map reader), get a GPS. It was a lifesaver for us. I highly recommend it. "At the roundabout, take the third exit". Very helpful.
About maps: The locations on the signage signifies a town in the direction you are heading but the town you are looking for is not necessarily on the sign. A bit confusing at first. Another reason for GPS.
Have a great trip.
The narrowness of the roads was more difficult than the driving on the opposite side. Do not get a large car, as many times it will be your car, a car coming the other direction, hedge on one side, stone wall on the other, and an occasional sheep. It can get very tight.
And then there are the roundabouts. As you enter them look at the signage to see which exit is yours. If you pass it just go around again to catch it. Takes a bit of practice.
Don't even attempt to map read yourself without a passenger (map reader), get a GPS. It was a lifesaver for us. I highly recommend it. "At the roundabout, take the third exit". Very helpful.
About maps: The locations on the signage signifies a town in the direction you are heading but the town you are looking for is not necessarily on the sign. A bit confusing at first. Another reason for GPS.
Have a great trip.
May 28th, 2011, 06:43 PM
#3
OK -- I am a bit confused. It is true you can't return a car in Bath on a Sat. afternoon or Sunday -- but why do you need to pick the car up and drop it at the same place (Bristol Airport)?
Unless you mean to do this whole shebang on one day? If that is what you mean -- then it is nigh on impossible. Bristol Airport to Bath and a few hours in Bath won't leave you any time for the Cotswolds.
If you don't mean doing the drive in one day -- you can pick up the car in London, LHR, Bath, Oxford, wherever -- and drop it at Bristol airport.
Unless you mean to do this whole shebang on one day? If that is what you mean -- then it is nigh on impossible. Bristol Airport to Bath and a few hours in Bath won't leave you any time for the Cotswolds.
If you don't mean doing the drive in one day -- you can pick up the car in London, LHR, Bath, Oxford, wherever -- and drop it at Bristol airport.
May 29th, 2011, 01:41 AM
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If you've never driven in the Uk before, then Bristol Airport is not that great to drive away from if you are heading north to the Cotswolds or east to Bath as you will have to cross Bristol city.
Like janis, I am confused about your timings and days - Saturday and Sunday. Also where are you going after Bath - back to London or elsewhere?
It occurred to me that to avoid Bristol, you could get a train somewhere else.
There is a small local company not far from where I live, 1st Call Auto Rentals. Now I just gave them a call, and while they are only open until 12noon on a Sunday, they are happy to accommodate a Sunday drop-off late afternoon/early evening.
However you would have to get a train to Gloucester. Trains go directly from Gloucester to London Paddington.
Now you are probably thinking why ever would I want to go to Gloucester. But my thinking is that it's just off the western edge of the Cotswolds but literally just a few miles of easy driving to get you out into the countryside and within an hour of what most people consider 'The Cotswolds'.
I spoke to Sean at the Gloucester office +44 1452 525252 and he was very helpful.
http://www.1stcallautorentals.co.uk/index.php
Now what could work even better for you is the Cirencester branch as this town is pretty much in the heart of the Cotswolds, and much more where you'd want to be. The nearest train station is Kemble (which is only one stop on from Swindon) and you'd have to get a taxi into Cirencester.
But the car rental place is on an industrial estate so that would be really easy to practise on, then you are on the Cirencester by-pass and the gateway to the Cotswolds! From Cirencester you really could see a reasonable amount of the Cotswolds in one day.
Kemble is also on a direct line to London Paddington.
So I'd suggest contacting the Cirencester branch and asking them. The phone number is on the website above.
Like janis, I am confused about your timings and days - Saturday and Sunday. Also where are you going after Bath - back to London or elsewhere?
It occurred to me that to avoid Bristol, you could get a train somewhere else.
There is a small local company not far from where I live, 1st Call Auto Rentals. Now I just gave them a call, and while they are only open until 12noon on a Sunday, they are happy to accommodate a Sunday drop-off late afternoon/early evening.
However you would have to get a train to Gloucester. Trains go directly from Gloucester to London Paddington.
Now you are probably thinking why ever would I want to go to Gloucester. But my thinking is that it's just off the western edge of the Cotswolds but literally just a few miles of easy driving to get you out into the countryside and within an hour of what most people consider 'The Cotswolds'.
I spoke to Sean at the Gloucester office +44 1452 525252 and he was very helpful.
http://www.1stcallautorentals.co.uk/index.php
Now what could work even better for you is the Cirencester branch as this town is pretty much in the heart of the Cotswolds, and much more where you'd want to be. The nearest train station is Kemble (which is only one stop on from Swindon) and you'd have to get a taxi into Cirencester.
But the car rental place is on an industrial estate so that would be really easy to practise on, then you are on the Cirencester by-pass and the gateway to the Cotswolds! From Cirencester you really could see a reasonable amount of the Cotswolds in one day.
Kemble is also on a direct line to London Paddington.
So I'd suggest contacting the Cirencester branch and asking them. The phone number is on the website above.
May 29th, 2011, 01:52 AM
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I hope all that made some sort of sense!
Bear in mind it will probably take you quite a lot longer to get a train from Bath to Bristol and then the shuttle bus out to Bristol Airport than it will to get a train to Kemble or Gloucester even with a change at Swindon.
I'm being really helpful today, I just spoke to Lee at Cirencester and he says absolutely no problem with a late drop-off.
So there you are, perhaps I've got this part of your trip sorted for you! Just look at the google map provided on the website and scroll out, and you'll see how easy it will be to drive from Cirencester up to Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, and all those other lovely places.
+44 1285 659555
Bear in mind it will probably take you quite a lot longer to get a train from Bath to Bristol and then the shuttle bus out to Bristol Airport than it will to get a train to Kemble or Gloucester even with a change at Swindon.
I'm being really helpful today, I just spoke to Lee at Cirencester and he says absolutely no problem with a late drop-off.
So there you are, perhaps I've got this part of your trip sorted for you! Just look at the google map provided on the website and scroll out, and you'll see how easy it will be to drive from Cirencester up to Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, and all those other lovely places.
+44 1285 659555
May 29th, 2011, 07:58 AM
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Thanks for the help. I am staying north of Bristol and can take the train from London to Bristol and pick up a car at the airport. Am also wondering how far the airport is from the train. Thanks
May 29th, 2011, 08:20 AM
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This is rather doing my head in.
If you want to go to the Cotswolds, why get a train to Bristol? It's a lot easier to hire a car at Bristol Parkway (which is sort of north of Bristol) than to mess about with airports and central Bristol.
Not as close to the Cotswolds as the Hertz at Oxford, and a great deal pricier to get to. But...
If you want to go to the Cotswolds, why get a train to Bristol? It's a lot easier to hire a car at Bristol Parkway (which is sort of north of Bristol) than to mess about with airports and central Bristol.
Not as close to the Cotswolds as the Hertz at Oxford, and a great deal pricier to get to. But...
May 29th, 2011, 09:06 AM
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To get to Bristol Airport from Temple Meads station in Bristol you have to get the bus. Info here...
http://flyer.bristolairport.co.uk/
But I also don't understand why go all the way out to the far side of Bristol if you want to see Bath and the Cotswolds.
If it is just because you want to drop off on a Sunday, well I've told you in a previous post above that you can do that in the heart of the Cotswolds in Cirencester - they said anytime on a Sunday would be fine, you can just park up and leave the keys.
It is also easier to get to Bath from Cirencester than from Bristol Airport believe it or not. It may be a few miles more but it is a much easier drive, and very much more scenic if you want to see the South Cotswolds than driving across Bristol.
Kemble station is 1 1/4 hours from London Paddington, Bath Spa is 1 1/2 hours. A taxi from Kemble station to the car hire will take barely 10 minutes.
http://flyer.bristolairport.co.uk/
But I also don't understand why go all the way out to the far side of Bristol if you want to see Bath and the Cotswolds.
If it is just because you want to drop off on a Sunday, well I've told you in a previous post above that you can do that in the heart of the Cotswolds in Cirencester - they said anytime on a Sunday would be fine, you can just park up and leave the keys.
It is also easier to get to Bath from Cirencester than from Bristol Airport believe it or not. It may be a few miles more but it is a much easier drive, and very much more scenic if you want to see the South Cotswolds than driving across Bristol.
Kemble station is 1 1/4 hours from London Paddington, Bath Spa is 1 1/2 hours. A taxi from Kemble station to the car hire will take barely 10 minutes.
May 29th, 2011, 09:15 AM
#12
tttman: I fear you have 'over thought' yourself into a bit of a box. Bristol airport is not near or convenient to ANY of the places you mention. Not Bath, not London, and not the Cotswolds.
You've been reluctant to share you itinerary -- just ask questions and leave us to figure out <i>why</i> and try to help.
If you are "<i>picking it up several days earlier.</i>" Then why on earth are you collecting the car Bristol airport? Unless you are flying into Bristol. But I don't think you've ever mentioned anything like that.
Schlepping out there once is bad enough, but to do it twice just doesn't make sense. You can pick it up elsewhere and drop it at the airport if you must (there are seldom drop off charges)
Or use one of julia_'s suggestions.
"<i>I am staying north of Bristol</i>"
Where? North of Bristol could be anywhere and there might be a car hire close to where you are staying.
You've been reluctant to share you itinerary -- just ask questions and leave us to figure out <i>why</i> and try to help.
If you are "<i>picking it up several days earlier.</i>" Then why on earth are you collecting the car Bristol airport? Unless you are flying into Bristol. But I don't think you've ever mentioned anything like that.
Schlepping out there once is bad enough, but to do it twice just doesn't make sense. You can pick it up elsewhere and drop it at the airport if you must (there are seldom drop off charges)
Or use one of julia_'s suggestions.
"<i>I am staying north of Bristol</i>"
Where? North of Bristol could be anywhere and there might be a car hire close to where you are staying.
May 29th, 2011, 09:54 AM
#13
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First of all, thank you to everyone for the great advice. I am providing a link which shows all I want to see in The Costwolds, Bath, etc. We will leave London as early as possible on Thursday and we want to return the car on Sunday. Of course we want to rent as close to a train station as possible. Here is our itinerary map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?clien...02d6d22856&z=8
Our hotel is the yellow (house shape) marker and the sights we would like to see are the blue markers. Thanks again, it will be great to meet you and have a few pints.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?clien...02d6d22856&z=8
Our hotel is the yellow (house shape) marker and the sights we would like to see are the blue markers. Thanks again, it will be great to meet you and have a few pints.
May 29th, 2011, 10:25 AM
#14
OK -- if you are starting in London -- pick up the car at <u>Heathrow</u>. Why the faffing about w/ Bristol and train stations? LHR is by far the easiest/quickest option.
But since it is on your itinerary -- you could also take the train to Cardiff and pick up your car there.
But since it is on your itinerary -- you could also take the train to Cardiff and pick up your car there.
May 29th, 2011, 10:28 AM
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"But since it is on your itinerary -- you could also take the train to Cardiff and pick up your car there."
I'd really like to kick back and see some scenery via train, meet some people and find a rental car I can drop off on Sunday near a train station.
I'd really like to kick back and see some scenery via train, meet some people and find a rental car I can drop off on Sunday near a train station.
May 29th, 2011, 10:48 AM
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The most scenic TRAIN route to Cardiff from where you are staying at Tortworth Court is via Gloucester where you cross the River Severn and then travel down the banks on the other side. It's scenic all the way to the Severn Junction stop, and after that very dull along the south Wales corridor Newport to Cardiff.
Taking the train to Cardiff from Bristol Parkway, you go under the river in a big tunnel and then it's all industrial stuff all the way to Cardiff. You won't see any nice scenery that way.
I go to Cardiff several times a year, and always take the train via Gloucester.
Driving across the river on the M48 Old Severn Bridge is the most scenic route - follow the signs on the M4/M5 to Chepstow. Otherwise you'll cross on the M4 new crossing, which is a long causeway-type bridge. Either way, you have to pay a toll to get into Wales, but it's free to get out of Wales!
Taking the train to Cardiff from Bristol Parkway, you go under the river in a big tunnel and then it's all industrial stuff all the way to Cardiff. You won't see any nice scenery that way.
I go to Cardiff several times a year, and always take the train via Gloucester.
Driving across the river on the M48 Old Severn Bridge is the most scenic route - follow the signs on the M4/M5 to Chepstow. Otherwise you'll cross on the M4 new crossing, which is a long causeway-type bridge. Either way, you have to pay a toll to get into Wales, but it's free to get out of Wales!
May 29th, 2011, 11:32 PM
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As I've said before, you can get a direct train to and from London from either Kemble or Gloucester. Both stations are on the same line, but Gloucester is further along.
1st Call Auto Rentals operate in Cirencester (3 miles from Kemble) and Gloucester. The branch in Gloucestr is 2-3 miles from the railway station. Whichever you choose you will have to take a short taxi ride from the station to the branch.
I would suggest Cirencester for several reasons...
1 - London/Kemble is a 30 minutes shorter train ride than London/Gloucester (and will cost less too!)
2 - the branch at Cirencester is on a small industrial estate just off the ring road, so you will have a really easy drive to get used to driving on the other side of the road for several miles.
3 - It is very much better situated for getting to the places you want to see in the Cotswolds.
4 - It will be easier to get to Tortworth from Cirencester via Tetbury, and you'll see much more pretty scenery and views along the way.
1st Call Auto Rentals operate in Cirencester (3 miles from Kemble) and Gloucester. The branch in Gloucestr is 2-3 miles from the railway station. Whichever you choose you will have to take a short taxi ride from the station to the branch.
I would suggest Cirencester for several reasons...
1 - London/Kemble is a 30 minutes shorter train ride than London/Gloucester (and will cost less too!)
2 - the branch at Cirencester is on a small industrial estate just off the ring road, so you will have a really easy drive to get used to driving on the other side of the road for several miles.
3 - It is very much better situated for getting to the places you want to see in the Cotswolds.
4 - It will be easier to get to Tortworth from Cirencester via Tetbury, and you'll see much more pretty scenery and views along the way.
May 30th, 2011, 10:11 AM
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julia_t, thanks, looks like I will go with Cirencester. Are taxis readily available there?
I know we ask the same questions over and over, but understand, cross-country trains are really unheard of in the US. AND, for the most part, we call more ambulances than taxis. They don't exist in small towns.
I know we ask the same questions over and over, but understand, cross-country trains are really unheard of in the US. AND, for the most part, we call more ambulances than taxis. They don't exist in small towns.
