Whether you're planning a full car-free getaway or just looking to enjoy a few days without driving once you’ve arrived, the Cotswolds offers scenic, sustainable, and surprisingly easy ways to explore. Leave the car behind and discover hidden gems, charming villages, and breathtaking countryside – all accessible by public transport, bike, horse, canoe or on foot.
Why Go Car-Free?
Travelling without a car in the Cotswolds isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for you too!
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Discover more – walking, cycling, horse riding, canoeing .... and using public transport opens up places you might otherwise miss.
Arriving by train or bus is simple, with fast, direct links from London, Oxford, Birmingham, and other major hubs. Once here, regular buses, scenic rail routes, local tours, and well-marked walking and cycling paths make it easy to explore without needing a car.
Discover the Cotswolds Without a Car
Visiting the Cotswolds without a car is not only possible—it’s one of the best ways to experience the region’s natural beauty, charming towns, and peaceful countryside. With excellent public transport links, scenic walking and cycling routes, and eco-friendly travel options, exploring the Cotswolds sustainably has never been easier.
Travelling to the Cotswolds without a Car
The Cotswolds is well-connected by train and coach from major cities including London, Birmingham, Oxford, Bath and Bristol. Regular train services run to stations across the region, such as Moreton-in-Marsh, Hanborough, Kemble (for Cirencester), Charlbury, Stroud and Cheltenham. From the stations, local buses and taxis can take you deeper into the region, or you can choose to explore by bike or foot directly from the stations.
Exploring the Cotswolds without a Car
Once you’ve arrived, leave the traffic behind and explore at a slower pace. Many villages and attractions are connected by local bus services, while the Cotswold Way and other footpaths offer fantastic walking opportunities through stunning countryside. Cycle hire is available in several towns and many companies will deliver bikes to you, allowing you to enjoy the rolling landscapes on two wheels.
Enjoy Days Out with a Discount
Travelling the Cotswolds without a car isn’t just a more sustainable way to explore – it also comes with added perks. Many attractions and activities across the region now offer special rewards to visitors who arrive by bus, train, bike, on foot, or even by canoe!
From reduced-price entry at historic sites to complimentary guidebooks, free drinks in cafés, and discounts in gift shops, going car-free makes your day out even more rewarding.
We’re proud to be working in partnership with Good Journey, helping visitors travel more sustainably. Good Journey makes it easy to find places that welcome and reward eco-conscious travel, with directions and offers for arriving car-free.
Check out our growing list of participating businesses and start planning your discounted, car-free adventure in the Cotswolds.
Car-free Stays with a Special Offer
Staying in the Cotswolds without a car is easier – and more rewarding – than ever. A range of accommodation providers, from cosy B&Bs and boutique hotels to countryside cottages and luxury glamping sites, are now offering special incentives for guests who travel by train or bus.
Whether it’s a discounted stay, a complimentary night, a bottle of bubbles on arrival, or even a free firepit experience under the stars, going car-free can make your trip even more memorable.
We’re proud to be working with Good Journey to encourage and celebrate low-impact travel. Together, we’re highlighting accommodation that not only welcomes car-free guests but also goes the extra mile to reward their eco-conscious choice.
Our list of participating businesses is growing all the time, so check back regularly to find the perfect car-free place to stay – and enjoy something a little extra for travelling the greener way.
Book Your Train Tickets with Trainhugger
When planning your car-free Cotswolds adventure, booking your train travel through Trainhugger is a simple way to make a positive impact. For every ticket purchased, Trainhugger plants a tree – meaning your journey helps restore nature and support biodiversity right here in the UK.
You’ll pay the same price as other major ticket platforms, but with the added benefit of knowing your trip is contributing to a greener future. It’s an easy, meaningful way to make your travel more sustainable without spending a penny more.
So, whether you’re arriving in the Cotswolds from London, Birmingham, Oxford or beyond, book through Trainhugger and let your journey do good from the very start.
Plan your trip and book tickets at www.trainhugger.com.
Tread lightly, wander kindly, leave only stories.
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