Car-free UK
How To Visit the Cotswolds From London Without a Car
A realistic guide for seeing the Cotswolds by train, bus, taxi and walking, without pretending public transport is perfect.
The honest version
You can visit the Cotswolds without a car, but you need a smaller plan. The trains are useful. The buses are limited. The tiny villages are not all connected. Aim for two or three places and build in walking time.
Best gateway: Moreton-in-Marsh
Take the direct train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh. It usually takes around 90 minutes and is the most useful car-free entry point for the northern Cotswolds.
Easy route from Moreton
- Train: London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh.
- Bus: Moreton to Bourton-on-the-Water.
- Walk: Bourton to Lower Slaughter and back, or continue gently if time allows.
- Bus: Bourton or Stow back to Moreton.
- Train: Moreton-in-Marsh back to London.
Southern route: Kemble and Cirencester
For a quieter southern Cotswolds day, take the train from Paddington to Kemble, then use local buses or taxis for Cirencester and Bibury. This is good if you want a softer, less coach-tour feeling.
When to use a taxi
A short taxi can save the whole day. Use it for Bibury, Snowshill, Castle Combe, lavender fields or any village that looks close on the map but is not served by frequent buses.
Rules for a good car-free day
- Do not plan more than three stops.
- Check bus times before leaving London.
- Be careful on Sundays: service can be thin or nonexistent.
- Carry snacks and water, because not every village has a late-opening cafe.
- Wear shoes you can actually walk in.
Useful links
National Rail · Pulhams buses · Stagecoach buses