Care-free, car-free Cotswolds

Think car-free Cotswolds travel is nigh-on impossible? Wrong!

Here at Go Cotswolds we hear time after time that people think you “have” to have a car to visit the Cotswolds. After all it’s filled with quiet country lanes and public transport is hard – right?

But if you’re nervous about driving, or trying to make more sustainable travel choices, then we’re here to say that care-free car-free Cotswolds travel absolutely IS possible!

This week (16-22nd June) it’s Better Transport Week – a nationwide celebration of sustainable travel, so what better time to give some tips on exploring the Cotswolds without taking a car?

Let the train take the strain

Travelling by train to the Cotswolds is more scenic, less stressful, and often far quicker than driving. No traffic jams, no motorways – just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

If you’re new to UK trains, it can seem a bit confusing – there are lots of different companies, ticket types and passes. The UK Train Travel Tips Facebook group is great for advice, as is the associated UK Travel Planning website.

We also really like The Trainline* to plan journeys and buy tickets. It’s simple to use, explains the ticket options really clearly, and works well for international visitors. You can download tickets straight to the app – no need to print anything. For the best fares, try to book 6–8 weeks in advance, and no more than 12 weeks ahead or you’ll pay the highest price!

(*affiliate link; costs nothing to you, helps support us!)

To join our tours by train, it’s super easy: just hop on a direct Great Western Railway (GWR) train from London Paddington (or Reading or Oxford) to Moreton-in-Marsh – we’ll be right outside the station waiting for you at 9.30am!

Or, come via the West Midlands Railway (WMR) route from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon – our pick-up point in Stratford-upon-Avon is just a short walk from the station. The tour departure time here is 8.50am. More info on our pick up points here.

Choose the bus

Long-distance buses to the Cotswolds are limited; however, there are some great local routes once you’re here. Moreton-in-Marsh is an ideal base because not only does it have a rail station and is a pick-up point for our tours, but it’s also served by buses including the #801 (timetable here). The #801 stops at popular spots like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water. It even runs on Sundays and costs just £3 one way!

For more help getting around, check out the Facebook group Exploring The Cotswolds Without a Car. It’s run by local blogger Lucy Dodsworth. Her website, Explore the Cotswolds, has loads of helpful info – including guides to regular bus routes and “The Robin”, a flexible, bookable community minibus service that covers more remote areas of Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.

Use your feet? The ultimate in car-free Cotswolds travel

The Cotswolds is a walker’s paradise, with miles of beautiful, well-marked footpaths – including the famous 102-mile Cotswold Way.

For expert advice or specialist walking tours, check out our friends at Cotswold Walks – they’re the local hiking pros.

Not up for a full-on hike? Join our gentle, sociable Cotswolds Walks & Villages tour – a relaxed walking tour running on select dates from May to September.

Take a car-free Cotswolds small group tour

Join a minibus or coach tour to help to reduce the number of cars on the roads. By doing so, you’ll skip the stress of driving, parking, and navigating country lanes. Smaller vehicles like ours can take scenic routes and reach charming villages big coaches can’t. Therefore, you’ll see more, with less hassle. Our small groups (max. 16 passengers per tour) are fun and friendly too!

Plus, by touring with a local company like us, you’re supporting the local economy. We also support great causes like Good Journey, the Cotswolds National Landscape, The Cotswold Way Association, The Rollright Trust and Cotswolds Tourism.

Listen to this UK Travel Planning trip report podcast. Kristen and her family recently took some tours with Go Cotswolds and said we provided a “perfect” car-free Cotswolds experience!

We hope we’ve convinced you that car-free Cotswolds travel is not only possible, but a wonderful adventure!

We hope to see you in the Cotswolds very soon!