Enchanting COTSWOLDS: Self-Guided Day Tour by Public Bus

Nestled in south-central England, the picturesque Cotswolds are the epitome of the British countryside with charming villages surrounded by rolling hills and endless meadows. The Cotswolds are often described as the Heart of England. As they stretch across several counties, covering an area of approximately 800 square miles, England certainly has a big, big heart.
And while the Cotswolds are considered a British dream destination, and many tour operators charge an arm and a leg for a day tour, in this post I’ll show you how easy it is to visit five of the most idyllic villages – self-guided and for very little money, simply by public bus. All you need is sturdy shoes – and a raincoat, too, because you never know, after all, this is England.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a rural, hilly region in south-western and west-central England. It covers roughly 2,000 square kilometers of land, touching upon six counties, mainly Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. There are fields and meadows, peppered with cute villages and remote estates. Considering the rural charm, it comes as no surprise that the region’s name derives from cot, meaning sheep enclosure, and wold, meaning hill.

One of the defining features of the Cotswolds is the honey-colored limestone. This distinctive building material gives the settlements their warm, golden hue. However, those settlements also offer charming cobblestone alleys, historic architecture, and lots of traditional English vibes.

In medieval times, the Cotswolds were a center of wool production. The prosperity from the wool trade funded the construction of amazing mansions and grand churches. Many of those still stand today. All in all, the area’s economic prosperity as well as cultural identity remain deeply linked to agriculture and traditional crafts. The charming towns host markets, food festivals, and craft fairs that celebrate regional products.

Due to the serene setting with numerous trails winding through fields, woods, and scenic valleys, the Cotswolds are a haven for hikers. The so-called Cotswold Way, a 102-mile-long trail, runs from Chipping Campden all the way to the city of Bath. You are crossing a breathtakingly beautiful countryside. Obviously, this has made the Cotswolds a popular holiday destination, or at least a lovely weekend retreat. Despite its popularity, the region has pretty much retained its rural charm and tranquility, which makes it one of the most alluring regions in the United Kingdom.

My Country Tour by Public Bus

Despite the internet and other sources of information, we still have such fixed images and ideas about places. It’s annoying when these prevent us from going there and seeing for ourselves. I always thought I’d never be able to afford a trip to Japan unless I won the lottery first. After I looked into the situation a bit, I realized that was complete nonsense.

I had previously seen fantastically beautiful, otherworldly images of the Cotswolds. Small cottages in the middle of endless meadows. For miles, nothing but sheep, and maybe the occasional lord in a Barbour jacket and Hunter rain boots on his way to five o’clock tea. A region where the stagecoach probably comes once every two weeks, and otherwise, you’re completely lost without your own vehicle.

I don’t drive. Therefore, the Cotswolds would certainly remain a never-fulfilled dream.

There’s a Bus

When I did just a little bit of research to see if I could visit at least one or two villages using public transport, it quickly became clear that the Cotswolds are not only a beautiful region, but all of these enchanting places are also connected by an excellent public bus system. Bus 801, for example, runs exactly the route I had in mind, and it runs every hour! This is absolutely perfect: if you just want to see the main sights in a village, an hour is just enough for a leisurely stroll, and you can then hop on to the next one. And if you want to take longer walks and maybe stop for a refreshment, you can simply take a later one.
The route and the timetable were simply perfect for what I had in mind!

Now, even from London, there are quite expensive day trips to the Cotswolds. This is certainly a valid alternative for those who don’t like organizing. It’s fine, but it’s really not necessary. There are trains that stop at Moreton-in-Marsh station, from where you can then continue by bus. The round trip by coach is also incredibly affordable. While a single trip for 3 GBP isn’t really expensive, you can even save more money by buying a day ticket for 8.50 GBP. This allows you to crisscross the Cotswolds to your heart’s content.
It doesn’t get any better than that!

Sunday is a Day of Rest

All of this is great, but I have to dampen your enthusiasm a bit. While the public bus reliably runs every hour from Monday to Saturday, on Sundays, it only runs on a limited route and only about every two hours.

There is, however, an alternative: For 20 GBP, you can take a hop-on-hop-off bus, covering more or less the same route as a public bus. The disadvantages are clear: The bus costs more than double that of a public bus, and the schedule is far more limited. But if, for whatever reason, you can only travel on Sundays, it’s at least an alternative.

I actually came to England specifically for this Cotswolds tour. Since there is no international airport in the Cotswolds, obviously, I basically had the choice between Bristol and Birmingham. I was in Bristol just a year ago, so my airport of choice was Birmingham International Airport. From there, I went to Chipping Norton, where my Cotswolds tour would begin.

There are several options, which almost always involve a combination of train and long-distance bus. My journey went from Birmingham New Street Station to Banbury. From there, I continued by bus #488 to Chipping Norton, where I had the afternoon to explore. I then spent the night in Chipping Norton and the next day visited the four other towns I’m featuring below. My tour ended with the last bus taking me to Cheltenham.

However, if you’re willing to get up quite early, you can do the entire tour in a single day.

What to Carry And What to Wear

You’re probably wondering how I managed my luggage since I was on the road practically the entire time. Well, if you’re doing the tour as a round trip, it’s quite easy, as your accommodation will surely be kind enough to store your luggage for you.

If, like me, you start at one end of the route and finish at the opposite end, I advise travelling extremely light. I only took a small daypack for the entire trip. I was wearing a pair of trousers, a top, and a jumper, and I packed another pair of trousers, tops, and underwear for three more days. Obviously, I packed toiletries in travel sizes and still kept them to a minimum. Luckily, I also brought a foldable raincoat. As you can see from my pictures, the weather was decidedly British, indeed.

That certainly sounds very Spartan, and it was, but it was doable, and I didn’t have to lug heavy luggage around. If you ask me, for a few days, convenience trumps vanity.

Chipping Norton

Although I must say that Chipping Norton was probably the least cutesy place of the villages and towns I saw on my trip, it is worth visiting for its heritage and culture. After all, in recent years, Chipping Norton has gained attention for the so-called Chipping Norton set, hence, celebrities who live in or around the area.

Once a thriving wool town, Chipping Norton has retained its medieval charm. Also, the town’s proximity to some of the Cotswolds’ most stunning attractions makes it a key hub in the northern Cotswolds and ideal for countryside walks and exploring historic estates.

The town center features a traditional market square surrounded by Georgian buildings, small specialty shops, antique stores, and artisanal food outlets. Markets are still held here, maintaining the town’s historic role as a trading hub.

In fact, the town’s name already reflects its trading origins. Chipping comes from the old English word ceping, meaning market, while Norton refers to its location as the northern town. The legacy of the prosperity can still be seen in some of its buildings, particularly St. Mary’s Church, an impressive 15th-century church, built with money from the wool trade.

What Not to Miss

In fact, St. Mary’s Church is, together with the Almshouses and the Chipping Norton Theatre, one of Chipping Norton’s three most significant landmarks. It dates back to the 12th century, but it was largely rebuilt in the 15th century.

The church is a striking example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Inside, you can admire beautiful stained glass windows, a wooden ceiling with intricate carvings, and a fine collection of medieval monuments. The church also houses a rare 15th-century rood screen and a medieval font.

The Chipping Norton Almshouses are a group of charitable houses dating back to 1616. The local benefactor Sir John Bampton, a former Lord Mayor of London, commissioned the houses to provide shelter for the town’s elderly and poor residents. The Almshouses consist of a row of cottages arranged around a central courtyard. With their distinctive tiled roofs and timber beams typical of the period, they are an excellent example of Tudor architecture.

The Almshouses have continued to serve their original purpose for centuries, providing affordable housing for residents in need.

Both the Almshouses and St. Mary’s Church are integral parts of the town’s history and offer a glimpse into its medieval past.

Another cultural highlight of the town is the Chipping Norton Theatre. It is a small but vibrant theatre that presents plays, comedy, music, and films. It is located in a converted Victorian warehouse.

Moreton-in-Marsh

You’ll be amazed to learn that all these places are about a 20-minute bus ride from each other, and Moreton-in-Marsh was my first stop after a restful night in Chipping Norton. This vibrant market town with a rich history, excellent transport links, and a bustling atmosphere actually serves as both a gateway to the Cotswolds and a lively destination in its own right.

The town lies along the ancient Fosse Way, a Roman road that historically connected Exeter to Lincoln. This strategic location has contributed to Moreton-in-Marsh’s long-standing role as a trade center. To this date, its weekly Tuesday market, first established in the 13th century, remains one of the largest and oldest street markets in the Cotswolds, drawing visitors from across the region.

Moreton-in-Marsh’s architecture reflects its development from a medieval market settlement into a thriving 18th- and 19th-century coaching town. Elegant Georgian stone buildings, traditional inns, and small specialty shops line the town’s High Street. As a matter of fact, there are a couple of stores, like The Cotswold Cheese Company, that you’ll find in each of the towns I visited. Nevertheless, their products actually make wonderful and very original souvenirs.

In addition to its historical and practical appeal, an alluring countryside surrounds the town. Just on the outskirts lies the Batsford Arboretum, which is home to one of Great Britain’s largest collections of trees and shrubs.

What Not to Miss

The town’s most striking public building is Redesdale Hall, located in the middle of the High Street.

Built in 1887 in memory of Lord Redesdale, it boasts an ornate Victorian style with a gabled facade and clock tower. Originally used as a town hall and public meeting place, it remains an important venue for events, concerts, and exhibitions.

Diagonally opposite is the Curfew Tower. Dating back to the 17th century, it is one of the oldest structures in Moreton-in-Marsh. It once housed the town bell, which in earlier centuries was rung at curfew time. This small, domed stone tower is a rare surviving example of everyday life in the Middle Ages.

And then there’s the Bell Inn*, a historic coaching inn on the High Street. Dating back to the 18th century, it is not only known for its architecture but also for its literary connections.

It is widely believed that J.R.R. Tolkien used the Bell Inn* as the model for the Prancing Pony in The Lord of the Rings. With its traditional stone facade and half-timbered interior, it is a living testament to the era of stagecoach travel.

Stow-on-the-Wold

I continued on to Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds. Perched on a hill at nearly 800 feet above sea level, Stow-on-the-Wold is the highest of the Cotswold towns. This elevated position once made it a strategic military and trading post. This is even reflected in its name as Stow means meeting place, while Wold refers to the region’s rolling hills.

However, just like the other townlets, Stow-on-the-Wold was an important centre for wool trading during the Middle Ages. To this date, small specialty shops, tea rooms, art galleries, and historic inns surround the ancient market square. The narrow alleyways known as tures around the square were used to herd sheep into the market. To this day, you can admire this distinctive architectural feature.

Stow-on-the-Wold is also steeped in Civil War history. In 1646, it was the site of the last major battle of the English Civil War, where Royalist forces were defeated by the Parliamentarians.

And last but not least, its central location makes Stow-on-the-Wold a great base for exploring nearby Cotswold villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter, and Chipping Norton.

What Not to Miss

One of the most iconic buildings in Stow-on-the-Wold is St. Edward’s Church, a medieval parish church with a mystical aura. It is especially famous for its north door, which is flanked by ancient yew trees and often cited as the inspiration for the Doors of Durin in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The church itself dates back to the 11th century and features beautiful stained glass and intricate stonework.

Right in the center of the market square stands St. Edward’s Hall.

It was built in 1878 from unclaimed money placed in the Town Savings Bank and numerous generous gifts to provide the town with a meeting place. A bell turret, added in 1894, houses a fire bell and is complete with a lowered belfry atop the tower.

Today, its lower level serves as the public library and reading room, while upstairs houses a large assembly hall.

A third iconic structure that I’d like to point out is The Porch House*. Dating back to 947 AD, it is arguably England’s oldest inn. It features original stonework, timber beams, and period fireplaces. It’s both an architectural landmark and a living piece of history, offering visitors an opportunity to travel back in time and experience centuries of local hospitality.

Actually, these three landmarks encapsulate the religious, commercial, and convivial heart of Stow-on-the-Wold.

Lower Slaughter

Although the so-called Slaughters lie about halfway between Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, many visitors literally leave them by the side of the road. Yet, the Slaughters are particularly small, cute, and secluded, and definitely worth a visit. The bus stop is called Slaughter Pike, and from there it takes about ten minutes to walk to Lower Slaughter, and another ten minutes to Upper Slaughter. I skipped the second leg, though. Not because Upper Slaughter isn’t worth it, but because while I was walking through Lower Slaughter, it started to rain heavily, which certainly didn’t encourage me to walk any further.

Lower Slaughter is a particularly picturesque village. Despite its ominous-sounding name, derived from the Old English word slough for a muddy place, Lower Slaughter is anything but gloomy. On the contrary, it is known for its postcard-perfect scenery, charming stone houses, and peaceful rural charm.

A tranquil watercourse winds through the village. Stone footbridges cross the river at several points, and well-kept houses with mullioned windows and steep roofs line its banks.

One of the most striking aspects of the village is its uniform architectural style. Almost all of the buildings are constructed from traditional Cotswold limestone and retain their traditional appearance thanks to strict building regulations and listed building regulations.

With no major shops or tourist attractions in Lower Slaughter, the village’s appeal lies in its tranquility, seclusion, and authenticity. It embodies an idyllic vision of English rural life. Whether for an afternoon stroll or a longer stay in one of the traditional inns or cottages, Lower Slaughter offers an excellent retreat in the heart of the Cotswolds.

What Not to Miss

As you walk from the bus stop through the meadows and fields to Lower Slaughter, Lower Slaughter Manor will be one of the first buildings you’ll notice. It’s a 17th-century stately home combining Jacobean and later Georgian features. It’s picturesquely situated amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. This manor house adds a touch of grandeur to the village and reflects the aristocratic influences in the area. Today, it’s a luxury hotel.

Right next door is St. Mary’s Church. It’s a small but elegant parish church with origins in the 13th century. It was extensively restored in the 19th century. It features Gothic architecture, including pointed arch windows, a square tower, and a tranquil churchyard. The church remains an active place of worship and reflects the village’s long-standing religious and community traditions.

Last but not least, the Old Mill is probably Lower Slaughter’s most recognizable landmark. Dating back to the 19th century, it features an old, still-working waterwheel powered by the River Eye. Once a corn mill, the building now houses a museum, a gift shop, and a café.

Together, these structures bear witness to the religious, commercial, and aristocratic heritage of Lower Slaughter, each contributing in its own way to the village’s character.

Bourton-on-the-Water

At the end of my tour lies Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. Often called the Venice of the Cotswolds, it is known for its low stone bridges and the clear, shallow River Windrush, which flows right through the village.

However, be prepared for the fact that, while Bourton-on-the-Water is charming, it is also one of the most popular and therefore most crowded villages. After the tranquility and seclusion of Lower Slaughter, this was a bit of a shock.

The village, however, is immediately recognizable by its charming stone houses, verdant greenery, and a series of elegant stone arch bridges, some of which date back to the 18th century. The shallow, gently flowing river is popular with families in the summer, when children can splash around while ducks glide across the water.

Despite its modest size, Bourton-on-the-Water has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Archaeological remains have been found in the village and its surroundings. Its layout and architecture reflect centuries of careful development. Strict heritage protection regulations help preserve the traditional charm of the place.

Bourton-on-the-Water offers a wide selection of tearooms, pubs, and small specialty shops. Many are housed in centuries-old stone buildings.

It’s worth noting, however, that the range of goods on offer is somewhat repetitive across Cotswold villages. Some shops that appear to be small corner stores are actually chain stores found in almost every Cotswold village. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just helpful for your planning, knowing that you won’t have to buy that delicious local cheese or artisan gin at the beginning of your tour and then lug it around with you all day.

What Not to Miss

One of the biggest attractions in Bourton-on-the-Water is St. Lawrence’s Church. Dating back to the 14th century, it is the village’s historic parish church.

It features a 15th-century tower and was rebuilt in the Georgian style in the 18th century, later further restored in the Victorian style. The church’s interior features elegant arches, stained-glass windows, and memorials to local families.

Another attraction, especially for families with children, is the Model Village. It is a miniature replica of Bourton-on-the-Water, constructed in the 1930s at a scale of 1:9.

In the heart of the village is the Cotswold Motoring Museum, a treasure trove of vintage cars and motorcycles.

Practical Information

How to Get There And Around

You can reach the Cotswolds easily by train or long-distance bus from various cities that also have airports. The closest two are Bristol and Birmingham. However, Moreton-in-Marsh has a railway station with direct service to London Paddington, making it one of the most accessible Cotswold towns. From there, you can easily explore nearby villages.

I already described in great detail at the beginning how I went about my tour of the Cotswolds. The starting and finishing point was Birmingham. From there, I traveled by train and bus to Chipping Norton and then through the villages listed. The final leg was Cheltenham, from where I returned to Birmingham after an overnight stay. With a little more effort, the tour could have been done in one day without overnight stays. But somehow that contradicts my idea of ​​an idyllic country outing.

As I mentioned, the public bus service is somewhat limited on Sundays. For those who want to visit the Cotswolds on Sundays, there’s the option to explore the area by a restored vintage hop-on-hop-off bus. A day pass for this so-called Heritage Bus Service 11 costs only 20 pounds, and the bus runs every two hours. It connects Moreton-in-the-Marsh, Stowe-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Northleach, and Burford. Note that this service is only available on weekends between May and September and operates like a regular bus service. Booking in advance is therefore not necessary.

Visiting Organized

Of course, you can make it easy for yourself and take an organized day tour through the Cotswolds from London, Bristol, Bath, and other cities. Here are some tours to choose from*:

Where to Stay

While you can visit a handful of villages in the Cotswolds on a day trip, I definitely would opt for slow travel and spend at least one night in the area.

Actually, I arrived in Chipping Norton in the afternoon, walked around, spent the night, and explored the other four villages the next day.

However, you’ll find cozy, beautiful guest houses in every village, albeit they aren’t exactly cheap. Use this form to find suitable accommodation in a village of your choice*:

What to Eat

The Cotswolds are a region that also delights the senses with its rich culinary heritage. The food here is deeply rooted in the land and has been shaped by generations of farming, foraging, and traditional cuisine. From artisan cheeses and traditional farmed meats to hearty pub grub and delicious sweets, the region offers the pure taste of rural England.

One of the culinary cornerstones of the region is the excellent local products. Gloucester Old Spot pork, a traditional local breed, is known for its tender, flavorful meat and is commonly used in sausages, roasts, and charcuterie. Cotswold lamb, raised in the hills’ lush pastures, has a delicate, tender flavor that is widely celebrated.

Cheese lovers will delight in the typical varieties of the region. Single Gloucester, a protected origin cheese made from Gloucester cows’ milk, and the richer, creamier Double Gloucester, featured in many local dishes, are just two of the delights.

The region also offers other specialties such as Cotswold Gold rapeseed oil, a nutty, cold-pressed alternative to olive oil. And finally, there’s Tewkesbury mustard, a fiery blend of mustard and horseradish with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. The local orchards produce excellent cider and perry.

A Lot on Your Plate

All these ingredients are featured in the Cotswolds’ traditional dishes. A classic lamb and mint pie showcases the region’s tender meat, often encased in buttery pastry with a fragrant mint gravy. Gloucester sausages, seasoned with sage and pepper, are a rustic favourite, while bubble and squeak, a humble yet delicious fried dish of cabbage and potatoes, often appears on pub menus. Another staple is the ploughman’s lunch, a hearty plate of local cheese, bread, pickles, and sometimes ham or apple, ideal for a leisurely midday break.

In addition to savoury fare, the Cotswolds offer plenty for those with a sweet tooth. Lardy cake, rich with spices, dried fruit, and lard, is a dense, traditional treat. Many tea rooms serve regional baked goods, pillowy and sweet, often served with jam or clotted cream. Local honey, harvested from the wildflower meadows, is delicately floral and perfect on toast or paired with cheese.

Game also plays an important role in Cotswold cuisine. With numerous estates across the region, dishes featuring venison, pheasant, and partridge are common, especially in autumn and winter, often found in stews or game pies.

Whether you’re dining in a centuries-old pub or browsing the artisan stands at a farmers’ market, the Cotswolds offer something for every appetite. Farm shops like Daylesford Organic and The Cotswold Cheese Company provide a chance to sample and take home local produce, while local markets let you experience the area’s culinary culture firsthand.

Ultimately, food in the Cotswolds connects you to the land and the people. It is rich in history, strictly seasonal, and crafted with care.

My Tip

If you don’t feel like spending a long time in a restaurant and just want to grab a snack, the last resort for a quick and filling meal is supermarkets and refrigerated sections at drugstores like Boots. Here you will find a selection of pre-packaged sandwiches, yoghurts, and other snacks. Often, three items can be combined into a so-called meal deal.
No, this won’t be the fanciest meal during your tour of the Cotswolds, but it’s a quick alternative if you’re hungry and don’t have time for a regular meal.

Cash And Cards

Sterling is the world’s oldest currency that has been in continuous use since its inception. It is the currency not only of the United Kingdom but also of nine of its associated territories.

The term Sterling refers to the currency as a whole. It is divided into Pounds and Pence. The exchange rate is 1 US$ = 0,74 GBP, respectively 1 €UR = 0,87 GBP as of September 2025, but you can check the conversion on this page.

Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Especially if your card is equipped with NFC, you can pay quickly and easily just by tapping your card. As a matter of fact, during my entire trip through the Cotswolds, I didn’t pay cash one single time.

Connection and Communication

Since June 2017, no roaming charges have applied within the EU with a European mobile phone contract. This applies in all 27 countries of the European Union, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Great Britain – temporarily even after Brexit.

Obviously, you can connect to the internet without any issue at basically every museum, eatery, or café, and, of course, your hotel.

If you insist on being online 24/7, you can get a SIM card, obviously. However, not every card that you buy in the UK will offer free EU roaming! EE and Three UK still offer this service, O2 only on some of their plans, and Vodafone UK doesn’t offer it at all. Hence, if you intend to use your local SIM card also in continental Europe, you have to check your options very thoroughly.

In Great Britain, they use plug type G. Their voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Whereby, since nowadays, all these chargers have integrated adapters, in general, the voltage and frequency don’t really matter.

By the way, you’ll find this information and many more comprehensive travel tips in my post World’s Most Complete Travel Information. It’s an indispensable globetrotter classic.

Map

On this map, I’ve traced my route and marked the most fascinating sights you shouldn’t miss. For more clarity, I’ve set up a layer for each location. This way, you can either view everything at once, or simply click away the layers you don’t need and see only the location that interests you. Try it out, it’s really easy.
Click the slider icon in the top left or the full-screen icon in the top right to display the entire map, including the legend.

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