Visiting the Cotswolds without a Car
It’s safe to say that the Cotswolds are having a moment right now. Everywhere you look, people are sharing photos of their trips. Nestled in the Cotswolds hills, these picturesque villages are a rural delight. The drawback of this beautiful countryside is that it can be out of the way and difficult to reach. This is especially true if you don’t have a car. But should you abandon your dream trip if you don’t have access to a car? Absolutely not! With the correct planning, a trip is more than possible, maybe even better because of it.
What and Where are the Cotswolds?
Even if you don’t know exactly where they are, you have probably at least heard of the Cotswolds. Defining what they are exactly can be a little confusing, as they are a rural area rather than one specific space.
The Cotswolds cover just under 800 square miles and cover six counties. The northernmost border is often considered Stratford-upon-Avon, and Bath lies to the south. However, you will find people who argue it is two completely different places!
What people can agree on is that they are home to the famous ‘Cotswolds stone’. This honey-hued stone can be seen everywhere in the Cotswolds as it was the main building material for a long time. It is still used today. It is this stunning stone that makes the Cotswolds villages so beautiful and perfect to photograph.
Can You Get to Them Without a Car?
Getting to the Cotswolds without a car can be tricky, but it is definitely possible. Most of the larger villages and towns have decent transport links. However, many of the smaller villages lack train stations and the bus services can be limited.
By Train
Although it can be a little tricky, it is possible to visit some of the Cotswolds by train. Many villages don’t have train stations, so you will struggle to travel around extensively. The villages that have train stations are: Charlbury, Moreton-in-Marsh, Kingham, Kemble, and Hanborough.
The Cotswold Line
The Cotswolds Line runs between Oxford and Hereford and takes two hours. It stops at a few of the Cotswolds villages in the eastern part of the area, including Charlbury, Kingham (for Daylesford), Hanborough (Blenheim Palace), and Moreton-in-Marsh.
From London
If you are arriving in London, you can take a direct train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh. This train takes an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can get a train to Oxford, and from there, take the Cotswold Line.
From Birmingham and Bristol
If you are traveling from Birmingham, Bristol, or anywhere north, the best way to reach the Cotswolds is by catching a train to Worcester (Worcester Parkway for Bristol). From here, you can take the Cotswold Line.
By Bus
Most villages are connected to at least one other by bus. However, these generally finish by early evening and don’t run particularly frequently. Buses run from Oxford to Cheltenham, stopping at Witney, Burford, and Northleach. From Northleach, you can catch a bus to Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Cirencester.
More information (including timetables and prices) can be found on the Stagecoach and Pulman websites.
Another great option is the Robin Bus. This bookable minibus service is run by Gloucester County Council. There are six buses that cover different areas, including Cotswolds (North), Cotswolds (South), and Berkeley Vale. To use this service, you must book it online through their website here. Single journeys cost £3, making this a very affordable option if you are good at planning in advance.
By Coach
Without a car, one of the easiest ways to get around the Cotswolds is with a coach tour. Although they may conjure up images of a decidedly older clientele, these days they are popular with all ages. One of the benefits of exploring with a coach trip is that you can choose your preferred departure, tour length, and where you want to visit. The biggest drawback is that you will generally be visiting the villages during peak times, meaning you can’t avoid the crowds.
By Taxi
Traveling by taxi is an option (albeit an expensive one). If you do require a taxi, it is a good idea to prebook it as they can be hard to flag down. Local taxi firms are your best bet as Uber doesn’t really operate here!
FAQs
Can I visit the Cotswolds without a car?
Yes, it is definitely possible to visit the Cotswolds without a car. However, as public transport is limited, you will need to do a bit more planning to get around.
What are the benefits of visiting the Cotswolds without a car?
It is no secret that the roads in the Cotswolds can be terror-inducing. Often, the only way to get somewhere is a single-track lane. If this isn’t scary enough, you can come across a car/tractor/bus/horse coming the other way! Reversing back to a passing space is testing for even the most confident drivers.
Parking can also be hair-raising in some of the villages. Historic, rural villages weren’t designed to take hundreds of cars, so it is unsurprising that there is a general lack of parking spaces. This can make it a cutthroat business, rewarding those people who arrive early or much later in the day.
Is there an area more suited to car-free travel?
Generally speaking, the North Cotswolds is easy to get around without a car. Buses run regularly between the major towns and villages, and there are more villages with train stations. This area includes popular villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broad, and Moreton-in-Marsh.
Where should I stay if I don’t have a car?
Choosing where to stay can make a big difference to your experience of the Cotswolds. By staying in one of the larger villages, you will have access to more transport links. Although it lacks the idyllic beauty of some of the smaller villages, Moreton-in-Marsh is a great choice as it has both a train station with trains to London Paddington, and buses to other villages. There are also several pubs and restaurants to keep you entertained in the evenings when the buses stop.
