When we started planning our trip to the Cotswolds without a car, we worried we would feel limited in our exploration. The rolling hills, open pastures and bucolic villages are remote and rural – and driving is the touted way to get around.
Unwilling to get behind the wheel and drive on the left side of the road, we were resolute in seeing this legendary Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by using Cotswold buses.
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We crafted a carefully planned itinerary that allowed us to visit the quintessential honey-colored villages, enjoy long countryside walks and fully immerse ourselves in the beautiful British landscapes. And we did it all without driving.
Cotswolds Without a Car: Need To Know
Before we get to our No-Car Cotswolds Itinerary, there are a few things you need to know in order to make the trip plan work.
Choose a Base
The best way to visit the Cotswolds without driving is to stay in a town that is well connected by public transit. After some consideration, we made Cheltenham our home base for our weeklong stay.
Located on the western edge of the renowned district, Cheltenham is known as a Gateway to the Cotswolds. It boasts a number of regional bus routes and direct train service from London.
Plus, the historic Regency town is actually quite charming and well worth spending a day to explore.
Understand Public Transit
Although public transportation in the Cotswolds is limited, we were surprised by how well the region is covered by buses and trains.
That said, relying on public buses in far flung locations requires attention to detail, time management and a little bit of patience.
A good understanding of the routes and destinations is also essential. Throughout our itinerary – and at the end of the post – we share specific schedules and the transit companies that service the area.
Prepare to Walk
One of the best things about the Cotswolds is the ample public footpaths that delve deep into the serene and stunning landscapes.
We outline looping treks and one-way jaunts that will get you from one town to the next. It’s a fun car-free way to explore the Cotswolds!
Cotswolds Itinerary Without a Car
Planning our car-free Cotswolds Itinerary was challenging – but the good news for you is that we’ve already done all the hard work!
With our outlined 7 Day Itinerary, you can plan a full week of adventures. With less time, simply select specific days from our schedule to create your ideal trip!
Note that each day begins and ends in Cheltenham, where there are numerous options for evening entertainment.
DAY 1: Iconic Cotswold Towns
Kick off your Cotswold car-free trip by visiting two iconic towns: Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water.
To get from one to the next, stretch your legs on a long countryside stroll that takes you to two idyllic villages.
Morning: Stow-on-the-Wold
Get an early start and take the 9:30am Pulhams 801 Bus from Cheltenham to Stow-on-the-Wold; it’s about a 1-hour ride (timetable).
A historic Market Town that was once known for its wool trade, today Stow-on-the-Wold is a top destination when touring the Cotswolds.
Disembark at the Library Stop right in the middle of the Market Square. Although this ancient space is a busy parking lot today, we still think it’s worth a quick look around.
Not to be missed are the 15th century Crooked House (on the west side), the 500-year-old Kings Arms Hotel (on the south end) and the old Market Cross.
Make your way to St. Edward’s Church, which can trace its origins to the 12th century. On the north side, find the fanciful door famously framed by two Yew trees.
It’s said to have been inspiration for Tolkien’s Doors of Durin in Lord of the Rings. Now enter the church through the enchanting door to take in the impressive stained-glass windows.
Next, head for the atmospheric Sheep Street, which features rows of stone houses occupied by antique shops.
Mid-Morning: A Walk in the Cotswolds
After touring Stow-on-the-Wold, set off on an easy 4.2-mile walk along the Monarch’s Way. The one-way trek passes through the bucolic Lower Slaughter and ends in Bourton-on-the-Water.
The route winds through dense forest and open pastures, past a horse farm, near Netherswell Manor and over the River Dikler. Eventually, you will find yourself in Lower Slaughter.
We used this guide, but the path is well marked. If you are not up for a walk, you can hop on Bus 801(direction Cheltenham) and ride directly to Bourton-on-the-Water.
Mid-Day: Lower and Upper Slaughter
While ambitious walkers can push right through Lower Slaughter, we believe it’s best to slow down and savor this picturesque pocket of the Cotswolds.
The trail takes you right to St. Mary Church. It was founded in the 13th century; step inside if the doors are open. The churchyard has a few benches and it’s a good spot for a rest and picnic lunch.
Alternatively, head for The Field Kitchen at The Slaughters Country Inn for lunch, where you can dine at picnic tables alongside the River Eye.
After your meal, walk alongside the streaming river. Pass by the pretty houses that line the waterway as you make your way to the Old Mill.
With ample energy, hop on Wardens Way – a footpath that leads to Upper Slaughter, another exceptional village that is just one mile away.
Once there, be sure to see St. Peter’s Church (it’s hard to miss with its striking tower!). Then loop through town to view the beautiful homes before retracing your steps back to Lower Slaughter.
When you are ready, rejoin the Monarch’s Way where you left off and complete the walk to Bourton-on-the-Water.
As you approach Bourton, the Hawkstone Brewery is just a stone’s throw away. It’s a fun stop if you are thirsty for a beer or cider!
Afternoon: Bourton-on-the-Water
One of the most popular Cotswolds towns, Bourton-on-the-Water feels like a big city after visiting Upper Slaughter.
Coined ‘The Venice of the Cotswolds,’ Bourton is best known for the curving River Windrush that snakes through town and is spanned by multiple stone bridges.
The town thrives as a tourist destination with a multitude of shops, pubs and attractions. On sunny summer days, the riverside bustles with fellow travelers.
However, it’s easy to escape the crowds by wandering the attractive side streets. It’s possible to find some solitude on both Clapton Row and Victoria Street.
Then check out some of Burton’s top attractions. They include St. Lawrence’s Church (free), the elaborately detailed Model Village, the fun Motoring Museum and the family-friendly Dragonfly Maze (tickets required).
Now settle in for a beverage on the patio of The Willow (which happens to be just around the corner from the Newsagent bus stop).
Just be sure to keep an eye on the time, as the last 801 bus back to Cheltenham departs in the early evening (timetable).
DAY 2: Quaint Cotswold Villages and a Medieval Town
Today strings together three destinations – Northleach, Bibury and Cirencester – utilizing four different buses. Time management is imperative, but we believe it’s worth the effort!
Morning: Northleach
For this full day of Cotswold sightseeing, catch the 8:47 Stagecoach S2 bus from Cheltenham to Northleach (timetable).
Once a thriving Market Town (but no longer hosting a weekly market as of 2025), the top reason to visit Northleach is to see the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. It’s been monikered The Cathedral of the Cotswolds.
Remarkable both inside and out, spend some time touring the church (there are free pamphlets at the entrance). Built with money donated by a wealthy wool trader, the most unique feature is the monumental brasses.
If time allows, take a stroll along the High Street to admire the architecture. Otherwise, grab a coffee and sweet or savory pastries from one of the cafes while you wait for your next bus.
Trip Option: Old Prison
An alternative way to spend your time in Northleach is by visiting The Old Prison. Rather than riding the bus into the town center, exit at The Old Police Station stop.
Inside The Old Prison there is a café and small museum detailing the history of the 18th century jail. From there, you will need to walk 10 minutes into town via High Street to Market Place.
Mid-Morning: Bibury and Arlington Row
At 10:15am, catch the very infrequent Pulhams 855 bus from Northleach to Bibury (timetable).
Although just a small village, the picture-perfect Arlington Row – a stretch of iconic 17th century Cotswold cottages – has made the town a magnet for tourists.
Depart the bus at The Square stop – and follow the cute cottage-lined lane of the same name to St. Mary’s Church. Pop inside if it is open.
From there, follow the River Coln to Awkward Hill where you will find Arlington Row. It’s said to be the most photographed street in the United Kingdom and is even featured on the British passport.
Now leave the influencers behind and embark on a 4-mile, 2-hour circular trekking route through pristine countryside. Amble over gentle slopes, past grazing sheep and through Bibury Court. Trail details.
Once back in Bibury, head for the Trout Farm, where you can dine on fresh-caught fish and even try your luck at catching your own!
Hiking Alternative
Not up for another hike? No worries! After taking photos of Arlington Row, eat lunch at The Catherine Wheel. This 15th century, family-run pub is dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients.
Meander through the neighborhood across the street and then stop by the Bibury Trout Farm to feed the fish (ticket required).
Afternoon: Cirencester
Hail a Pulhams 855 bus (timetable) from the Trout Farm stop at 14:20 (2:20pm) for a ride to your next Cotswold destination: Cirencester.
Although the largest town in the Cotswolds, Cirencester boasts medieval charm and a fascinating Roman past.
Promenade along Market Place where ancient buildings house chic shops and hip cafes. Step inside the grandiose St. John the Baptist Church to see the dazzling interior. Visit Abbey Grounds to find ruins of the old Roman wall.
Walk along Black Jack Street lined with independent boutiques and up Cecily Hill to ‘The Castle’ – an armory built in 1857. If you have time (and interest), step inside the sprawling Cirencester Park (fee required).
End your visit sipping a locally produced craft beer at The Hop Kettle tucked into The Woolmarket shopping lane.
We share more detailed information in our Cirencester Walking Tour. When your sightseeing is complete, head back to Cheltenham on the Stagecoach 51 bus (timetable).
DAY 3: Winchcombe and the Cotswold Way
On your third day visiting the Cotswolds without a car, tour the timeless town of Winchcombe in the morning. Then, lace up your shoes and head out on the Cotswold Way long-distance trail in the afternoon.
Morning: Winchcombe
Start your day on the 9:25am Stagecoach W bus (timetable) for the 20-minute ride to Winchcombe, a delightful town of half-timbered houses and independent shops.
Marvel at the exquisite stained-glass windows and meticulously carved gargoyles at the 15th century St Peter’s Church.
Admire the buildings along Hailes Street and North Street – and peer through the gates at the pretty Dent’s Terrace.
Visit the free Winchcombe Museum housed in the former Town Hall to see a range of relics of the past. Also on display is a piece of a meteorite that crashed into a resident’s driveway in 2021!
Late Morning: Sudeley Castle
Make the 15-minute walk to the regal Sudeley Castle (ticket required). The palatial estate boasts 1,000 years of royal history – and it’s the final resting place for Queen Katherine Parr (King Henry VIII’s last wife).
Tour the elegant castle rooms, waltz through the gorgeous gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch in the expansive grounds.
Afternoon: Cotswolds Way and Belas Knap Long Barrow
The Cotswold Way National Trail extends 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath, passing through Winchcombe. The 5.6-mile stretch that weaves southwest toward Cleeve Hill is one of the most beautiful sections.
Depart from Sudeley Estate and follow the well-marked trail into the hills that rise to the south of Winchcombe. (Remember to look back for sensational views!)
After passing through woodland, you will reach Belas Knap Long Barrow – a Neolithic burial chamber that was excavated in the 1860s.
Continue down a steep descent, then along the Cotswold Bridal Path and back up to the Cleeve Hill Golf Club. On this course, golfers, long-distance walkers and sheep all freely pass through.
When the Cotswold Way swerves south toward Cleeve Hill, follow a side trail to The Rising Sun Pub and Hotel.
Grab a drink or something to eat in the beer garden before hopping on an early evening Stagecoach W bus back to Cheltenham. The stop is right in front of the hotel (timetable).
DAY 4: Queen of the Cotswolds
Although packed with intriguing places to visit, it will be a fairly leisurely day of sightseeing.
Adventures include exploring the town of Painswick (nicknamed Queen of the Cotswolds), visiting the Rococo Garden and trekking to a historic viewpoint.
Morning: Painswick
You don’t need to get a super early start today, so go ahead and sleep in a little! Depart Cheltenham on a Stagecoach 66 bus by mid-morning (we took the 10:35am; timetable).
Disembark at the St. Mary’s stop – and head straight for the main attraction: St. Mary’s Church. While the medieval structure itself is stunning, it’s the surrounding churchyard that is most notable.
The 2-acre graveyard hosts more than 100 sculpted Yew trees. Although legend has it that there can’t possibly be more than 99, as the devil would, no doubt, destroy the 100th.
Mid-Day: Rococo Garden
By midday, start heading north to the Rococo Garden, a whimsical outdoor space full of follies, a magnificent maze and magical photo ops.
Spend time touring the woodland paths and the 300-year-old gardens. Stay for lunch at the on-site café. (Tickets are required to enter.)
Afternoon: Trek to Painswick Beacon
Now continue northward to Painswick Beacon, an Iron Age hill fort and local landmark. The route takes walkers along a section of the Cotswold Way, through a golf course and uphill to the peak.
Rising to the height of 928 feet above sea level, the summit provides spectacular 360-degree, panoramic views of the Cotswolds’ rolling hills and pastureland.
From here, retrace your steps to Painswick, continue to Popes Wood Walk or loop back to town via the Wysis Way along the Painswick Stream. We opted for Wysis Way – and used these helpful walking directions.
Once back in Painswick, take time to simply saunter around. We believe it’s one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds – yet it isn’t swarmed with crowds. Just be aware that the last Stagecoach #66 bus (timetable) departs at 17:40 (5:40pm).
Alternate Trip Plan: Stroud
Another option for Day 4 is to spend the afternoon in the city of Stroud. Known as the Covent Garden of the Cotswolds, the town is characterized by steep hills, walking trails, galleries and boutique shops.
The Stagecoach #66 continues from Painswick to Stroud. To get back to Cheltenham, either use the 66 bus or take a much faster GWR train to Cheltenham Spa station.
DAY 5: Northern Cotswolds
Today travel to the northern region of the Cotswold District to Chipping Campden and Broadway. To get from one town to the next, you’ll walk via the Cotswold Way.
Although we wish we could share our personal insight to this day trip, due to uncertain weather and lengthy travel times, we nixed it from our itinerary.
The buses from Cheltenham to Chipping Campden are extremely limited. On the Pulhams 606 route, one bus heads north in the morning and returns south in the evening – and no services on Sundays. (That said, it’s possible to use connecting buses through Moreton in Marsh.)
Furthermore, even though it’s just 25 miles north of Cheltenham, the ride takes at least 2 hours – so be prepared to settle in.
An alternative way to travel north is via the GWSR Steam Train. It departs from the Cheltenham Racecourse and terminates in Broadway, about one mile from the center.
Morning: Chipping Campden
Time is of the essence, as you need to be on the 8:40am Pulhams 606 bus (timetable). Disembark at The Bratches stop and waste no time getting acquainted with the village.
Chipping Campden realized great wealth during the heyday of the wool trade. The rich heritage is evident in the remarkable buildings.
Top things to see are the Market Hall, St. James’ Church and the outstanding High Street; it’s touted as the most beautiful High Street in all the Cotswolds.
Afternoon: Walk to Broadway
From the official trailhead of the Cotswold Way, journey 6 miles from Chipping Campden to Broadway.
Along the route, you are treated to excellent views from Dover’s Hill. The highlight, however, is Broadway Tower. Standing more than 1,000 feet above sea level atop Beacon Hill, the folly tower was completed in 1798.
Visitors can go to the top of the tower – as well as the on-site museum, bunker and deer park – with a ticket.
The trail then continues to the town of Broadway, which is known as The Jewel of the Cotswolds. Although rather small, it is said to be absolutely breathtaking.
Appreciate the golden hues along the High Street, pop into galleries and shops – and don’t miss the 17:39 Pulhams 606 bus back to Cheltenham!
DAY 6: Southern Cotswolds
For day six, switch directions and head south. Travel by train to the southern boundaries of the Cotswolds and the beautiful city of Bath.
Morning: Bath
Depart on a morning CrossCountry train from Cheltenham Spa to Bristol Temple Meads. There, switch to a GWR train toward London Paddington for the 11-minute ride to Bath Spa. Use National Rail to plan your journey.
On arrival, get right to it, because there is so much to see! Start at the ancient Roman Baths, then tour the Bath Abbey that is right next door (tickets required).
See Bath’s most striking architectural sights – like Queen Square, The Circus, Royal Crescent and the lovely Pulteney Bridge.
With ample time, you can parade up Great Pulteney Street, step inside the Holburne Museum (ticket required) and see the Sydney Pleasure Gardens.
For lunch, dine at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, which is known as the creator of the Bath Bun. For something a bit more posh, dine at The Pump Room (they do a phenomenal afternoon tea).
For more specifics about other sights to see while you’re there, check out our complete Guide to Visiting Bath.
Afternoon: Bristol
Although not in the Cotswolds, Bristol is a fun place to visit…and since you are passing through, you may as well check it out!
The city centers around the Floating Harbour, where there are a hefty number of museums (M Shed is our top pick…and it’s free!) and plenty of places to stop for refreshments.
Beyond the harbor, there are distinct districts to discover on foot, like Stokes Croft (the epicenter of counterculture), Bedminster (with invocative street art) and Clifton (an upper-class enclave at the east end of the famous suspension bridge).
Rail service back to Cheltenham is rather frequent and runs late into the evening – so stay in Bristol for a night out! Just be sure to read our article on the Best Bristol Things To Do.
DAY 7: Cheltenham
Wrap up your one-week Cotswold itinerary by relishing a transit-free day and discovering the gems in Cheltenham!
Morning: Explore Cheltenham on Foot
Begin in the Montpellier district with a tasty breakfast. Sit down for a meal at The Ivy, which is housed in the former Rotunda spa.
For something lighter, grab a bite to go from Otis and Belle Bakery and eat in the vibrant Imperial Gardens.
With a full stomach, spend the rest of the morning exploring the top sights in the city center. See the Imperial Gardens, cruise through Sanford Park and find the dazzling Neptune Fountain.
Stop by the free Wilson Art Gallery Museum and visit St. Mary’s Minster – the oldest building in in the city.
Afternoon: Pittville Park and Cheltenham Racecourse
After midday, push north to Pittville Park. Established in 1825, the sprawling green space is home to the historic Pump Room, which is open to visitors on a limited basis.
Beyond the Pump Room, top features of the area are the lake, a natural woodland and wide-open lawns.
From here, you can continue your expedition to the famous Cheltenham Racecourse. Nestled among Cotswold hills, the course has hosted horse racing since 1902. The springtime Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest races in the UK.
Although the track isn’t open to visitors, you can see it from a countryside walk – like this one.
Alternate Plan: The Suffolks
This district to the south of the Cheltenham city center is brimming with unique places to shop, eat and drink.
Bath Road hosts a number of fun establishments and events are held in this neighborhood throughout the summer months.
If you have additional time, we share more details about what to see and do in our Cheltenham One Day Itinerary!
Map for Carless Cotswold Itinerary
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Cotswold map below to plan your trip!
LEGEND: Day 1=Red; 2=Orange; 3=Yellow; 4=Green; 5=Blue; 6=Purple; 7=Black
Tips for a Car-Free Cotswold Trip
Now that you know what to do in the Cotswolds without a car, we have some honest advice that will hopefully enhance your experience.
Get Familiar with Cotswolds Bus Routes
We said it before, but we will say it again: Review the bus schedules beforehand! Pay close attention to the Sunday services – as well as school schedules.
We shared links to the buses we used, which were the ideal routes when we planned our trip. Google Maps can be useful, but we found a few discrepancies, so always double-check with the official timetable.
When you board the bus, let the driver know which stop you plan on alighting (it’s necessary to calculate your ticket cost). Most buses announce upcoming stops but some don’t, so be ready to track where you are on your phone.
Fares and Tickets
We paid for all of our fares by contactless credit card. Each of our single trips were £3 or less, but we traveled during a summer special, so expect prices to be more in the future.
Day tickets are available, but as we only ever took two buses by the same company each day, they were not a good value.
Verify Bus Stop Locations
Always check bus stop locations. In Cheltenham, buses depart from several streets. There are also sometimes more than one stop in the villages of the Cotswolds.
Furthermore, make sure to verify the correct bus stop location for your return trips. Twice, we encountered stops that had been moved for construction.
If you are uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask a driver! We found them to be knowledgeable and friendly.
Public Transit Companies
The two main bus providers in the Cotswolds are Pulhams and Stagecoach. For trains, we use the National Rail Journey Planner to find routes and current fares.
The Robin Bus is a mini-bus service that transports passengers between smaller towns (but not to Cheltenham). We never used it, but it could be a good option for car-free tourists based in other towns in the Cotswolds.
Consider Taking a Cotswolds Tour
If the idea of using public transit to get around the Cotswolds is too stressful, you can join an excursion instead.
This highly rated – yet affordable – day trip from London visits the towns of Burford, Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water. Get the details!
For travelers already in the Cotswolds, this outstanding tour from Bath visits Stonehenge, then continues to the Cotswold town of Castle Combe.
Another option is this mini-bus tour that navigates to multiple top destinations in the Cotswolds and departs from Stratford-upon-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh.
Pick a Centrally Located Hotel
For your car-free trip, you want to be located in the heart of Cheltenham so that you can easily get to the city center bus stops.
Because of our long stay, we opted for an Airbnb. That said, if we were looking for traditional accommodation, the centrally-located (and incredibly classic) Queens Hotel would be our first choice!
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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