A collage of 6 photos taken in the charming villages of Cotswolds : Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold

Cotswolds 1 Day Itinerary: By Public Transport

If you have just a day to explore Cotswolds using public transport, you have come to the right place! This one-day itinerary will immerse you in the region’s charm and beauty, making it easy to fall in love with the Cotswolds.

The Cotswolds feature some of the most picturesque villages in the UK. The honey-hued, traditional houses radiate a magical and a warm vibe.

Is a day trip to the Cotswolds worth it?

Absolutely! Cotswolds are filled with charming little villages. You can relax and enjoy a leisurely visit to at least a couple of them.

With this itinerary, you will get to explore two of the most scenic villages of Cotswolds: Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. Aren’t their names intriguing!

How to reach Cotswolds by Train?

Moreton-in-Marsh is a charming town in the Cotswolds with excellent train connections to major cities across the UK. It’s the perfect gateway for exploring the Cotswolds.

Whether you’re travelling from London, Birmingham or Bristol discover the best way to reach Moreton-in -Marsh. I have also included information about the places enroute, so be sure to check out the details on how to go there.

Just click the + for more details about the train and additional information

Starting at 5:52 am, there’s a direct train from London Paddington to Great Malvern that stops at Moreton-in-Marsh every hour. The journey to Moreton-in-Marsh takes about 1.5 hours.

The same train passes through Reading, Didcot Parkway, Oxford, Hanborough, Charlbury, and Kingham. So if you’re starting your trip from any of these locations, you can catch this train. For some great ideas on what to do in Oxford, check out my Oxford day trip guide with free attractions and self-guided ideas.

The last train returning from Moreton-in-Marsh to London Paddington departs at 10:01 pm.

There isn’t a direct train from Birmingham to Moreton-in-Marsh, so you will need to change trains. However, the journey only takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, to reach Moreton-in-Marsh from Birmingham which is easily manageable. Starting at 7:42 am, there is a train from Birmingham New Street to Moreton-in-Marsh almost every hour .

There are few different options for where you can change, but we would suggest choosing the one where you can change at Worcestershire Parkway. This route has the shortest travel time. At Worcestershire Parkway just switch to the train heading towards London Paddington and don’t forget to get off at Moreton-in-Marsh! ☺️

The last train from Moreton-in-Marsh to Birmingham New Street departs at 8:54 pm.

Trains from Bristol start at 5:30 am and from 6:00 am onwards, they run every hour. However there isn’t a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh and you will need to make 1 or 2 changes. Also there are a few routes you can take.

  • Bristol Temple Meads to Didcot Parkway/Reading (heading towards London Paddington):Change at Didcot Parkway or Reading and board the train heading towards Great Malvern. Make sure to get off at Moreton-in-Marsh. This train passes through Bath Spa, Chippenham and Swindon, so you can also start your journey from any of these stations.
  • Bristol Temple Meads to Worcestershire Parkway (heading towards Manchester): Change at Worcestershire Parkway and catch the train heading towards London Paddington and get off at Moreton-in-Marsh.
  • Bristol Temple Meads to Cheltenham Spa (heading towards Manchester Piccadilly): Change at Cheltenham Spa and take the train heading towards Nottingham. At Worcestershire Parkway, switch to the train heading towards London Paddington and get off at Moreton-in-Marsh.

The last train from Moreton-in-Marsh to Bristol Temple Meads departs at 10:01 pm. If you’re planning a visit during the colder months, don’t miss my guide to the perfect winter day trip to Bristol for some cozy and fun ideas.

Does Cotswold have public transport?

Now that you know how to reach Moreton-in-Marsh, you might be wondering how to get around the Cotswolds.

Several bus companies, like Stagecoach, Pulhams, and National Express, operate services between the various villages. For this trip, however, you will be using Pulhams. It’s budget-friendly, with each trip costing just £2 as of 2024.

When you arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh railway station, look out for the “Buses and Coaches” sign. The bus stop is just a few steps from the station. Hop on the number 801 bus heading towards Cheltenham.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Your first stop will be Bourton-on-the-Water. Enjoy the views from the bus as it leaves the charming town of Moreton-in-Marsh, taking you through rolling hills and stretches of greenery. Be sure to get off at the “Newsagent” stop. We made the mistake of getting off at “The Cotswold Academy” which meant a 0.6 mile walk to reach the town centre. Avoid our mistake by getting off at “Newsagent”. The journey from Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water takes about 30 minutes.

Charming street in Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold

After you have explored Bourton-on-the-Water, hop on the 801 bus heading towards Chipping Norton to reach Stow-on-the-Wold. Make sure to get off at the “Library” stop which is right in the town centre. The ride takes about 20 minutes.

When you’re ready to head back to Moreton-in-Marsh, catch the 801 bus. The last bus departs at 7:33 pm, so make sure to catch it in time. It takes about 15 minutes.

Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water to Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold to Moreton-in-Marsh

Important Note

Monday to Saturday, buses from Moreton-in-Marsh are available every hour starting at 8 am. However on Sundays and Bank holidays, the number of buses are quite limited. If you are planning to travel over the weekend, we recommend taking this trip on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. Keep in mind that the last bus is around 7 pm.

What are the most interesting towns in the Cotswolds?

Finally, here are two lovely and interesting towns that are part of the Cotswolds’ one day itinerary.

Bourton-on-the-Water

River Windrush winds through this romantic village, giving Bourton-on-the-Water its name. There are charming little bridges to cross the river with lovely shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants lining either side. This delightful village is home to fascinating spots like The Model Village, Birdland Park & Gardens and Cotswold Motoring Museum making it a perfect place to explore whether you’re visiting as a couple or with family. Spend at least four hours here to fully appreciate everything this place has to offer.

A photo of The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water

Stow-on-the-Wold

A serene church with two majestic yew trees flanking its north door, is a sight to behold. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, it is believed that J.R.R. Tolkien drew inspiration for the Doors of Durin in The Fellowship of the Ring from this very spot. You can stroll around this enchanting village, explore its lovely lanes, and uncover its rich history. Stow-on-the-Wold was also the site of the Battle of Stow in 1646, the final battle of the First English Civil War.

Yew trees flanking the north door of St Edward's Church

Tip: Start Early!

Start early to make the most of your trip, as Bourton-on-the-Water is quite popular and can get crowded by mid day.

Ready to explore Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds are all about taking it slow, soaking in the scenery, and savouring every moment. So why wait any longer? Pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready to explore these picture-perfect villages. Just don’t forget to catch that last bus back!


Similar Posts