It is perfectly possible to visit the Cotswolds from London just for the day, but we recommend that you plan to stay at least one night in the Cotswolds for two reasons. Firstly, there is so much to see and do, and secondly, by visiting popular villages at the start or end of the day you will avoid the crowds and have more chance to enjoy the wonderful cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops, as well as to meet local people.
The area is an excellent base for touring, with Bath, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Wales in easy reach.
Many towns and even some villages have train stations, with many on the direct train line from London. There are bus services and coach trips which are also a great way to get around.
Most attractions and many towns & villages have coach parking available.
Download a map of the Cotswolds, Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.
By Air
Travelling via air to the Cotswolds, Wye Valley and Forest of Dean couldn't be easier: Birmingham and Bristol are 1 to 1.5 hour drive away; of the two London airports, the region is best accessed from Heathrow - the 65 mile drive should not take more than 90 minutes - while Gatwick airport is 2 hours’ drive away. Cardiff airport in Wales also offers good access to the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean at just 90 minutes driving distance.
By Road
The Cotswolds is served by excellent links to the M4, M5 and M40, providing easy access to and from London, Birmingham and the national motorway network.
The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean is within easy access of the M4, M48, M5 and M50 motorways, as well as many other major roads.
Public Transport
As with many rural areas, getting around the Cotswolds by public transport is not always easy - larger towns tend to have regular bus services but many smaller villages are not served by public transport. The best source of information is probably www.traveline.info
By Rail
The Cotswolds, Wye Valley and Forest of Dean are at the heart of the British Rail network with main line trains to the Cotswolds from London, the Midlands and the North and the South West of England. There are main line railway stations at Abergavenny, Cam and Dursley, Cheltenham, Chepstow, Gloucester, Kemble (serving Cirencester), Lydney, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stonehouse, Stroud and Ashchurch (for Tewkesbury).
There are regular rail services through the area:
- Between London Paddington and Cheltenham via Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse and Gloucester
- Between London Paddington and Moreton in Marsh via Oxford
- Between Cardiff and Cheltenham via Gloucester
- Between Birmingham and Bristol via Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Dursley
For detailed rail information and prices for rail travel please look at the following sites: National Rail, Great Western Railway or The Train Line.
By Bus
The National Express network runs bus travel throughout England. It offers a range of discount fares and travel passes. The main route to the Cotswolds from London starts at Victoria Coach Station. The main bus stations in the Cotswolds, Wye Valley and Forest of Dean are at Cheltenham, Chepstow, Gloucester, Monmouth, Newent, Ross-on-Wye and Stroud.
For further information:
- download the Explore the Cotswolds by Public Transport Guide
- visit www.traveline.info
- visit www.nationalexpress.co.uk
