Travelling by train from London, Reading or Oxford between 23rd and 26th October? Here’s some important rail travel info for you!

If you are staying in London or Oxford and want to take a day trip to the Cotswolds, then we think taking a train to join a Go Cotswolds tour is the best way to go.

While we can’t beat the convenience of a tour departing directly from London, if you want the benefit of touring with an award-winning, top-rated local family business, then it’s very easy to hop on a train at London Paddington to reach our tour pick up point at Moreton-in-Marsh. As well as being more environmentally friendly, the relaxing 90-minute journey passes through beautiful English countryside. You’ll also get to spend more time in the Cotswolds, and less time stuck in London traffic!

Likewise, if you want to take a Go Cotswolds tour and you’re staying in Oxford, simply take a train from Oxford station and you’ll be at Moreton-in-Marsh in just 33 minutes!

If you’re planning a tour with us in between Monday 23rd and Thursday 26th October 2023, however, there’s something you should know…

Engineering works affect the rail service between London, Reading, Oxford and Moreton-in-Marsh 23-26th October 2023

Between Monday 23rd October and Thursday 26th October 2023, part of the ‘North Cotswold line’ between Charlbury and Moreton-in-Marsh will be closed for improvement work.

If you take a train from London, Reading or Oxford on one of these dates, then you will be able to ride the train to Charlbury. At Charlbury, there will be a rail replacement bus service to take you to Moreton-in-Marsh.

The rail replacement bus will add approximately 45 minutes to your journey.

To join a tour with us on these dates, please see the information below.

The rail service will be back to normal on Friday 27th October.

If you’re travelling from London 23-26th October

Take the 06.50 train from London Paddington to Charlbury. At Charlbury, you’ll switch to a rail replacement bus and ride all the way to Moreton-in-Marsh.

Please note: usually, the 07.50 train from London Paddington will get you to Moreton-in-Marsh in time for our tour departure time of 09.30. However, between Monday 23rd and Thursday 26th October, you will need to take the earlier 06.50 train to make the tour in time.

If you’re travelling from Reading 23-26th October

Take the 07.18 train from Reading to Charlbury. At Charlbury, you’ll switch to a rail replacement bus and ride all the way to Moreton-in-Marsh.

If you’re travelling from Oxford 23-26th October

Take the 07.48 train from Oxford to Charlbury. At Charlbury, you’ll switch to a rail replacement bus and ride all the way to Moreton-in-Marsh.

Will this journey be more difficult? Do I need to change my ticket?

The rail replacement bus will make your journey a little slower, and timetables have been adjusted, so you will probably have to leave earlier than the usual timetable. But don’t worry, it’s not difficult at all!

If you need to switch to a rail replacement bus, the way to go will be clearly signposted at the departure station, and there will be staff nearby to help if needed.

You don’t need a separate ticket for the bus, and you don’t need to change your existing rail ticket. Just board the bus with your rail ticket.

Our Cancellation Policy

Our standard cancellation policy is in place (see below). If you have booked a tour direct with us and you would like to transfer your booking to another date, or cancel and receive a refund, then please contact us at least 24 hours before the tour departure.

Get Your Guide/Tripadvisor/Viator/other third-party customers: please refer to your agent’s cancellation policy. The policy below applies only to bookings made direct with Go Cotswolds at www.gocotswolds.co.uk.

If we have to cancel

Very rarely, we may need to cancel a tour or journey you have booked with us. Examples of such occasions might be if a member of our team becomes ill, one of our vehicles breaks down, or if there is dangerous weather (such as heavy snow or very high winds).

If we have to cancel your tour or journey, we will contact you at the earliest opportunity and offer you:

• A transfer to a future available date, or
• A gift voucher to the value of your purchase (so you can rebook a future available date at your convenience), or
• A full refund

If you need to cancel

If you need to cancel your place on a small-group tour, then please let us know as soon as possible and at least 24 hours before the start of your tour. In line with our usual Terms and Conditions, we will offer you:

• A transfer to a future available date, or
• A gift voucher to the value of your purchase (so you can rebook a future available date at your convenience), or
• A full refund

To cancel or amend a private tour or private vehicle hire booking, please give us 14 days notice. Due to the additional administration involved in a private tour, and higher payment service provider fees, there is a £50 cancellation fee (per day, for multi-day hires).

For our full terms and conditions, please click here.