Public Transport in the Cotswolds
Dec 20th, 2012, 01:58 PM
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Public Transport in the Cotswolds
We have set aside two weeks in Sept for the Cotswolds. Our original plan was to take an independent walking tour offered by one of the companies, and still may. However, after reading some literature, we might prefer to base in 3 or 4 villages and take local rambles from them. We don't drive well in the UK, so I am wondering about the feasibility of using public transport between villages. How difficult would this be? Also, any recommendations re which villages to base from would be appreciated.
Dec 20th, 2012, 03:13 PM
#2
OK - My first thought is why move - two weeks in one village would be great. Or at most two different villages/towns for one week each. Rent a cottage for two weeks (or two different 1-week rentals).
You could base in someplace like Chipping Campden or Stow-on-the-Wold or Burford. Each is a large enough to have relatively decent bus service and a variety of shops/restaurants/pubs, but small enough to have a village-y feeling.
You could base in someplace like Chipping Campden or Stow-on-the-Wold or Burford. Each is a large enough to have relatively decent bus service and a variety of shops/restaurants/pubs, but small enough to have a village-y feeling.
Dec 20th, 2012, 06:45 PM
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http://www.escapetothecotswolds.org....o/gettinghere/
Click on the link for the "Explore the Cotswolds by Public Transport Guide". Also click on the links to the bus maps for the Central Cotswolds AONB and North Cotswolds AONB.
The transport guide will give you some walk ideas, the bus maps, which lead to schedules, will perhaps assist in figuring out where you might want to stay.
What you want to do is feasible, as long as you don't get too hung up on villages. Villages are small, with small population and therefore limited public transportation. You really need to be looking at the towns.
I agree with Janet that 2 locations are enough. I would choose one in the North Cotswolds and one in the Central.
Click on the link for the "Explore the Cotswolds by Public Transport Guide". Also click on the links to the bus maps for the Central Cotswolds AONB and North Cotswolds AONB.
The transport guide will give you some walk ideas, the bus maps, which lead to schedules, will perhaps assist in figuring out where you might want to stay.
What you want to do is feasible, as long as you don't get too hung up on villages. Villages are small, with small population and therefore limited public transportation. You really need to be looking at the towns.
I agree with Janet that 2 locations are enough. I would choose one in the North Cotswolds and one in the Central.
Dec 20th, 2012, 11:14 PM
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There's little point in moving more than once.
The best-linked microtowns* for your purposes are Moreton in Marsh (which I think has a slightly transient feel to it) and Charlbury (outstanding for pubs, but merely OK for dinner), both of which have direct trains to London and Oxford and a reasonable selection of buses. Neither have quite the charm of the three microtowns* suggested by janisj, but are better suited for multiple walks. Burford (and Woodstock) are a pleasant walk from Charlbury: Stow and Chipping Campden from Moreton.
All have gazillions of walks friom their centres: "From the Thames to the Wye" (http://www.clpg.co.uk/clpgfwtt.htm and all good bokshops) is a set of walks centred on the railway, so you can go to one rural station, take the scenic route to another then get a train back home.
There's a useful spider map of public transport in the area on pages 14, 18 and 22 of http://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/user...guide-2012.pdf
*Microtowns. We get pissed off at tourists using "village" to describe proud towns that got their civic charter not just centuries before anyone had ever heard of America, but centuries before anyone had ever heard of the back of beyond heaps of permafrost those tourists' ancestors fled from. Those tourists get confused when we describe tiny, self-governing, lumps of Cotswold stone, with populations smaller than many city blocks, as towns.
The microtowns are the places to stay for most people. They combine a villagey feel with communications (including internet at the library) pubs and some restaurants. Those I've mentioned (though technically Woodstock's not in the Cotswolds), plus Northleach, Winchcombe and my favourite in the Southern Cotswolds, Tetbury. I'd say everywhere else on the spider maps is either too urban, too titchy to get more than one bus a fortnight, too dull, twee and overquoted on this forum to be more than a 2 sec photo-op on a walk (Bibury, Broadway and the Slaughters) or just a bit naff.
The best-linked microtowns* for your purposes are Moreton in Marsh (which I think has a slightly transient feel to it) and Charlbury (outstanding for pubs, but merely OK for dinner), both of which have direct trains to London and Oxford and a reasonable selection of buses. Neither have quite the charm of the three microtowns* suggested by janisj, but are better suited for multiple walks. Burford (and Woodstock) are a pleasant walk from Charlbury: Stow and Chipping Campden from Moreton.
All have gazillions of walks friom their centres: "From the Thames to the Wye" (http://www.clpg.co.uk/clpgfwtt.htm and all good bokshops) is a set of walks centred on the railway, so you can go to one rural station, take the scenic route to another then get a train back home.
There's a useful spider map of public transport in the area on pages 14, 18 and 22 of http://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/user...guide-2012.pdf
*Microtowns. We get pissed off at tourists using "village" to describe proud towns that got their civic charter not just centuries before anyone had ever heard of America, but centuries before anyone had ever heard of the back of beyond heaps of permafrost those tourists' ancestors fled from. Those tourists get confused when we describe tiny, self-governing, lumps of Cotswold stone, with populations smaller than many city blocks, as towns.
The microtowns are the places to stay for most people. They combine a villagey feel with communications (including internet at the library) pubs and some restaurants. Those I've mentioned (though technically Woodstock's not in the Cotswolds), plus Northleach, Winchcombe and my favourite in the Southern Cotswolds, Tetbury. I'd say everywhere else on the spider maps is either too urban, too titchy to get more than one bus a fortnight, too dull, twee and overquoted on this forum to be more than a 2 sec photo-op on a walk (Bibury, Broadway and the Slaughters) or just a bit naff.
Dec 21st, 2012, 12:11 PM
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Having just moved to Painswick in the south Cotswolds, I'd suggest it could also make a good base for you, whether for a few days or a couple of weeks.
There's a good bus service between Stroud and Cheltenham, and trains to many places from each.
Driving is not difficult around here either, not like some other small villages.
There's a good bus service between Stroud and Cheltenham, and trains to many places from each.
Driving is not difficult around here either, not like some other small villages.
Dec 21st, 2012, 02:18 PM
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Thank you for the advice. How about Chipping Campdon for the north, or possibly Winchcombe, and Painswick, Circumcester, or Tetbury in the "South".? Also, might wish to spend a night or two in Bath.
Dec 22nd, 2012, 09:17 AM
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It's CIRENCESTER in case you are searching online for information.
Cirencester doesn't have a railway station in the town, you'd use Kemble which is about 5 miles out. Ditto Tetbury. Cirencester does have a slightly better bus service than Tetbury.
Both Cirencester and Stroud are easily reached by National Express buses from London (Victoria Station) and also Heathrow Airport.
Best bus links in the area are from Cheltenham or Gloucester bus stations, both easily reached from Stroud and/or Painswick.
Bath is easy to get to by rail from Stroud or Kemble stations. Just one change at Swindon.
Sorry, can't advise about the North Cotswolds. But let me know if you do decide to visit Painswick and I'll happily meet you for a coffee at Olivas or something stronger at the Falcon!
Cirencester doesn't have a railway station in the town, you'd use Kemble which is about 5 miles out. Ditto Tetbury. Cirencester does have a slightly better bus service than Tetbury.
Both Cirencester and Stroud are easily reached by National Express buses from London (Victoria Station) and also Heathrow Airport.
Best bus links in the area are from Cheltenham or Gloucester bus stations, both easily reached from Stroud and/or Painswick.
Bath is easy to get to by rail from Stroud or Kemble stations. Just one change at Swindon.
Sorry, can't advise about the North Cotswolds. But let me know if you do decide to visit Painswick and I'll happily meet you for a coffee at Olivas or something stronger at the Falcon!
Dec 23rd, 2012, 11:19 PM
#8
From a visitor's and walker's point of view, and having stayed in most of the places mentioned here over the last few years, I'll just say that my favorites were Winchcombe, Tetbury and Painswick. I also liked Northleach which has good shops and a wine shop I liked but fewer shops than the other 3, if I recall. I did not, however, like Moreton in Marsh and while it's easy to get to found it souless. Cirencester was big for my tastes but it's a good place to get a bus onward. Same for Cheltenham which has train service and a bus on to Winchcombe.
If you plan to do independent walks I would not choose a place because it's either north or south but by which towns have nearby walks that interest you. There are some great houses and gardens which could be incorporated into your walking plans. Or use other criteria which will add to your pleasure other than points on the compass which is really meaningless in most ways, I think. Finding bus service that will get you to your personal places of interest may be impossible as the services go to towns, as has been mentioned, and much of the countryside in between is without service. So getting there by foot (or car) is the only possibility. Do your homework.
If you plan to do independent walks I would not choose a place because it's either north or south but by which towns have nearby walks that interest you. There are some great houses and gardens which could be incorporated into your walking plans. Or use other criteria which will add to your pleasure other than points on the compass which is really meaningless in most ways, I think. Finding bus service that will get you to your personal places of interest may be impossible as the services go to towns, as has been mentioned, and much of the countryside in between is without service. So getting there by foot (or car) is the only possibility. Do your homework.
Dec 24th, 2012, 09:32 PM
#9
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Sorry about Cirencester! (Dumb Yank) Agreed, if no tour company, will base in no more than two places. After reading Diz White's memoir, there lots of places we'd like to see, including many pubs. They appear so spread, and from some replies above (Thank you very much.) We may need to hire a car now & then. We've had bad experiences before, especially in Devon, and generaslly creaTED BY TOUR BUSSES. i WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE AN ASSESSMENT OF DRIVING CONDITIONS IN THE cOTSWOLDS. btw, WOULD THINK IT GRAND TO HAVE COFFEE OR STRONGER WITH ANYONE WILLING TO PUT UP WITH US.
Dec 25th, 2012, 04:19 AM
#11
First of all, please stop with the "dumb Yank" stuff...it demeans you considerably.
I've driven in the Cotswolds more than once and my suggestion would be to get yourself a good set of maps or an atlas or rent a car that has a GPS. We did both and the GPS I used last time I brought from home here in the US. It was absolutely invaluable, knew every single "back road" (I'm certain Flanner will be back to tell us calling anything a back road in that neck of the woods is mis-information but that's what some of them are and they are delightful).
I ended up never having to even look at the atlas (Collins) we had bought on line prior to our last arrival.
I cannot help you if you have other "issues" with driving on the "correct" side of the road unfortunately.
I've driven in the Cotswolds more than once and my suggestion would be to get yourself a good set of maps or an atlas or rent a car that has a GPS. We did both and the GPS I used last time I brought from home here in the US. It was absolutely invaluable, knew every single "back road" (I'm certain Flanner will be back to tell us calling anything a back road in that neck of the woods is mis-information but that's what some of them are and they are delightful).
I ended up never having to even look at the atlas (Collins) we had bought on line prior to our last arrival.
I cannot help you if you have other "issues" with driving on the "correct" side of the road unfortunately.
Dec 25th, 2012, 07:58 AM
#12
just a quick note: You definitely can get by w/o a car but having one will give you much more flexibility.
The driving in the Cotswolds is generally easier than in parts of the SW especially parts of Devon and Cornwall. While the roads can still be narrow - some of the roads in South Devon and Dartmoor are REALLY narrow.
The driving in the Cotswolds is generally easier than in parts of the SW especially parts of Devon and Cornwall. While the roads can still be narrow - some of the roads in South Devon and Dartmoor are REALLY narrow.
Dec 29th, 2012, 08:47 PM
#13
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Good advice all, thanks. Strongly considering Chipping Campdon for a week, and then possible Winchcombe, Painswick, or Burford for the second week. To stay at some of the places that look nice *lodging), it looks like we wouldd have to rent a car. London or Oxford, no way. We'll fly to Heathrow and then train to somewhere. What would be the best strategy for car hire under these conditions? Thanks again to all who have responded.
Dec 29th, 2012, 10:24 PM
#14
To be honest -the easiest place to collect a car is actually AT Heathrow. The other easy location is the <i>Hertz</i> location just north of Oxford off the Woodstock road. Everyplace else would have you starting out from the middle of congested/difficult towns/cities. You'd take an express coach to Oxford and then a taxi to the rental location.
But really - sleeping off the jet lag at Windsor (or even in central London) and getting the car at Heathrow is easiest.
Ideally - one would land at LHR, spend the first day/night car-less in Windsor, collect a rental car the next morning and head out. Or collect the car after arrival and drive just the 7 miles to Windsor, see the Castle and town, get a good night's sleep, recover and be ready to drive the next day.
Another viable option would be to take the coach to Oxford and spend the day/night there. Then taxi out to north Oxford for the car
But really - sleeping off the jet lag at Windsor (or even in central London) and getting the car at Heathrow is easiest.
Ideally - one would land at LHR, spend the first day/night car-less in Windsor, collect a rental car the next morning and head out. Or collect the car after arrival and drive just the 7 miles to Windsor, see the Castle and town, get a good night's sleep, recover and be ready to drive the next day.
Another viable option would be to take the coach to Oxford and spend the day/night there. Then taxi out to north Oxford for the car
Jan 11th, 2013, 03:54 PM
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I've found it quite easy to fly into Gatwick or Heathrow, catch a bus to Oxford, Cheltenham or Bath depending on that particular trip's agenda. You can enjoy the ease of a bus ride, inexpensive, relaxing and in your jet lagged state you arrive at your destination a couple of hours or whatever later. I began this routine when going to study programs at Oxford but learned it's quite a nice way to rest up, enjoy a place for a night or two, then pick up a rental car and head into the heart of the Cotswolds. I'm chicken about driving on the left but my friend isn't. We fly from different home bases so this arrangement works well for us and provides a way to connect with one another. Woodstock is small and charming and an easy taxi ride from Oxford. I very much enjoyed Painswick and Chipping too.. Quite near Chipping Campden is Broad Campden with the lovely Malt House. The Corswolds are quite special!
Jan 12th, 2013, 02:19 AM
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Where to stay in Painswick?
Well there are lots of B&Bs to choose from. These are all very central in Painswick so it's easy to walk everywhere and you are very close to the bus stops.
http://www.st-annes-painswick.co.uk/
http://www.troy-house.co.uk/
http://www.ashtonhousebedandbreakfast.co.uk/
Fodorite kodi stayed at Ashton House and liked it very much.
http://www.stmickshouse.co.uk/ (Also a restaurant)
http://www.accommodation.uk.net/hambutts.htm (about 500m further out of the village)
Then there's the Falcon Inn
http://www.falconpainswick.co.uk/
and the Cotswold 88 hotel if you want something a bit fancier
http://www.cotswolds88hotel.com/
Well there are lots of B&Bs to choose from. These are all very central in Painswick so it's easy to walk everywhere and you are very close to the bus stops.
http://www.st-annes-painswick.co.uk/
http://www.troy-house.co.uk/
http://www.ashtonhousebedandbreakfast.co.uk/
Fodorite kodi stayed at Ashton House and liked it very much.
http://www.stmickshouse.co.uk/ (Also a restaurant)
http://www.accommodation.uk.net/hambutts.htm (about 500m further out of the village)
Then there's the Falcon Inn
http://www.falconpainswick.co.uk/
and the Cotswold 88 hotel if you want something a bit fancier
http://www.cotswolds88hotel.com/
