How to visit The Cotswolds without a car

Exploring the Cotswolds without a car

The Cotswolds has been on my bucket-list for ages, and each year I’ve wanted to visit but never did. I used to think that visiting The Cotswolds without a car was impossible. As someone who doesn’t drive. The idea of exploring The Cotswolds without a car and relying on public transport felt daunting. I researched and discovered that it is actually much easier than I had anticipated.

I found the coziest hotel in the Cotswolds. You should stay there when you visit Bourton on the water.

Out of all the villages in the Cotswolds, I wanted to visit Boruton-on-the-water, known as the “Vince” of England. It’s the most popular one with its low-arched bridges and honey-coloured stone cottages. Exploring The Cotswolds without needing a car is indeed possible, especially when visiting nearby villages.

How to travel to Boruton-on-the-water without a car

Towns like Moreton-in-Marsh and Cheltenham have their own train stations with direct connections from London. On my trip, I took the train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh. Trains from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh run every hour. You can book your train tickets on Omio website for best rates.

From Morton-in-Marsh station there is a bus stop just 5 minutes walk. Bus 801 goes to Stow-on-the-wold, Bourton-on-the-water and other nearby villages. It’s a 20 minutes journey to Bourton-on-the-water. Having done this myself, it was easy to use the local bus. The cost of a ticket is £3 one way. For traveling the Cotswolds without a car, bus times and stop locations can change at any time. It’s best to check Google Maps for updates before you leave the station.

What is the best hotel in Boruton-on-the-water?

One of the best hotels in the Cotswolds and my favorite is The Old new Inn. It’s on the main road and just a couple of minutes walk from the river. A very good spot in Boruton on the water. You are walking distance to everything.

Why you should stay at The Old New Inn

The Old New Inn is a grade II 18th-century boutique hotel that has 9 beautiful en-suite rooms. There is a restaurant and bar; guests can book a table for meals. There is a dining room which serves breakfast in the mornings. And the best part is guests can visit the model village for free. The model village is a miniature replica of the real Cotswold village in the 1930s.

What to do in Boruton-On-The-water

There is a Motoring and Toy Museum with vintage cars. You can wander down the honey-stone streets. Browse the boutique and local crafts shops. Or enjoy cream tea at the many cafes dotted around the village. Boruton on the water has some great walking paths in the nearby countryside. Ask at the hotel who will direct you with a walking map and best walking paths. For another fun adventure. Visit the Cotswolds without a car means you can explore Jurassic Journey and see dinosaur models and birds. Or have a go at the Dragonfly Maze, they are great activities for the kids.

The Model Village

The model village is free when you stay at The Old New Inn. It’s behind the hotel, and all you need to show upon entry is your room keys. You can spend as much time as you wish once inside the place.

Places to eat in Bourton-on-the-water

If you stay at The Old New Inn, I recommend booking a table at the on-site restaurant, Tap. The dishes are locally produced. During my stay at The Old New Inn, I had their famous homemade roasted vegetable pie with creamy mash and a pot of seasonal vegetables. I can see why it’s a favorite, it truly delivered, with every bite.

A charming place to explore

Final thoughts….

If the Cotswolds is on your list, I recommend a visit to Bourton-on-the-water. The village is so picturesque and charming. Exploring without a car in the Cotswolds makes it convenient, as it’s not far from the train station. It’s close to other villages like Stow on the wold which you reach by bus 801. The Old New Inn is the perfect base for your stay. It’s clean and super cozy with the friendliest team. There are plenty of things to see by the river. But if you prefer a slower pace, a walk around the village and a pot of tea welcomes you.

For more travel inspiration on visiting The Cotswolds without needing a car. Check out my recent post on hotels in the Cotswolds.

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