Escape to the Cotswolds

Explore the
Cotswolds
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful areas of England, known and
loved by people across the world. Its distinctive golden buildings and stone
walls, rolling grasslands, beech woods and captivating villages make it an
outstanding landscape.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Visit ‘Escape to the Cotswolds’, the centre for the Cotswolds Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. Located in The Old Prison on the A429 at
Northleach. Open Tuesdays to Sunday (November to February) and daily
(March to October) from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Free parking and café available.
Free admission (but donations are very welcome).
l Bus and train route maps &
information
l Ideas for great days out
l Cotswold Way National Trail
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
l Places to see, things to do
WORCESTER
December 2014 – May 2015
Tel: 01451 862000
: @cotswoldsaonb
: facebook.com/cotswoldsaonb
Email: info@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk
Website: www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this booklet but the
Cotswolds Conservation Board can accept no responsibility for accidents, losses, delays or
difficulties resulting from the use of the information in this guide.
Many of the photographs in this publication are copyright Nick Turner. Others are copyright as
indicated (where relevant).
CotsAONB/12.14/8.1k
Cotswolds Conservation Board, Fosse Way,
Northleach, Gloucestershire, GL54 3JH
Design/production: www.generateuk.co.uk
Online information
available for:
Save money with our Cotswolds Discoverer
bus and rail ticket – see page 8
Check out full bus timetables at:
www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
Supported by:
Welcome
to the Cotswolds
Welcome to the sixteenth issue of this popular and widely acclaimed series
of ‘Explore the Cotswolds’ guides. Published by the Cotswolds Conservation
Board, they are designed to promote alternative methods of transport using
buses and trains throughout the Cotswolds, as well as offering great ideas
to explore the Cotswolds on foot or by bike using the extensive network of
trails, footpaths and recreational routes.
Gateways
to the Cotswolds by bus, train & coach
For the latest timetable information and route maps,
go to www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
Trains to/from Birmingham
New Street, Birmingham
Snow Hill and Hereford
This publication is intended to provide a useful guide to public transport
in the Cotswolds using maps split into three areas: Northern, Central and
Southern. Full and up to date details of bus timetables within these three
areas can be found by visiting: www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
Trains to/from Birmingham Moor
Street and Birmingham Snow Hill
Please check times and details with individual bus operators before travelling. The
Cotswolds Conservation Board cannot accept liability for inaccuracies or omissions arising
from the information contained within this publication.
The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB) in 1966 in recognition of its rich, diverse and high quality landscape.
Covering 2,038 sq km (790 sq miles) it is the second largest protected
landscape in England and Wales after the Lake District National Park.
The Cotswolds attracts numerous visitors all year round who are drawn to
the area by its rural charm, rolling countryside, picture-postcard villages and
vibrant market towns. It is a perfect place for walking, cycling and riding or
simply enjoying a relaxing day out or short break.
Trains to/from Birmingham
New Street and Bristol
Further information: For details on guided walks, downloadable walking
routes and cycle rides, plus a range of information on things to see and do, go
to www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk.
Trains to/from
Cardiff Central
Bibury
Trains to/from London
Paddington, Birmingham
New Street, Reading and
Southampton
Photo: William Crossley
Trains to/from
Exeter, Cardiff,
Birmingham
and London
Paddington
Cotswolds Conservation Board, Fosse Way,
Northleach, Gloucestershire, GL54 3JH
Tel: 01451 862000
: @cotswoldsaonb
: facebook.com/cotswoldsaonb
Email: info@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk
Website: www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk
Trains to/from London
Paddington and Bristol
Key
Trains to/from Bristol Temple
Meads, London Paddington,
Weymouth, Dorchester and Yeovil
Access to the Cotswold Way
National Trail
Access to the Thames Path
National Trail
Evesham
Route
Operator
Frequency
23
Stagecoach Warwickshire
Stagecoach Oxfordshire
Stratford-upon-Avon
Carterton
Stratford-upon-Avon
Witney
24
Swindon
Swindon
Dursley/Quedgeley
Gloucester
Kemble
Bourton-on-the-Water
Broadway/Willersey
Cotswold Green
Cirencester
Cheltenham Stroud
For train frequency and routes, please visit: www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
NX444/NX445
NX403 London Victoria Coach Station/Heathrow to Cheltenham, Gloucester and Hereford via Cirencester
London Victoria Coach Station/Heathrow to Bath via Chippenham
LONG DISTANCE COACHES – NATIONAL EXPRESS
TRAINS
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]] REGULAR (buses every one to three hours per day)
Stagecoach Gloucester
Pulhams Coaches
Marchants Coaches
Cotswold Green
Cotswold Green
Stroud
Tetbury
Cotswold Centre for Volunteer Services
Wessex Connect
Tetbury
APL Travel
Pulhams Coaches
Coachstyle
Old Sodbury
Cam & Dursley Stn
Stroud
Old Sodbury
Bath
Lechlade/Cirencester
Carterton
Yate
Stagecoach Oxfordshire
Pulhams Coaches
Chipping Norton
Malmesbury
Banbury
Bourton-on-the-Water
Go Ride CIC
Stagecoach Oxfordshire
Milton-under-Wychwood/Burford
Woodstock Frequency – Monday to Saturday daytime: ]]] FREQUENT (one or more buses per hour per day)
] INFREQUENT (three or less buses per day)
12/12A
855
606
54/54A
35
29
FROM GLOUCESTERSHIRE
27
620
Pulhams Coaches
Swanbrook Coaches
Chipping Norton
Gloucester
Stagecoach Warwickshire
Stagecoach Warwickshire
Stagecoach Oxfordshire
Pulhams Coaches
Stratford-upon-Avon
The Rissingtons Charlbury
Burford
FROM BRISTOL, BATH AND SURROUNDING AREAS
74/77
64
41
FROM WILTSHIRE
488/489
802
C1
233 (weekdays)
Oxford
X9
853
Banbury
Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton
Oxford
Kingham railway station
Chipping Norton
Oxford
Coventry
Pulhams Coaches
Johnson’s Excelbus
Moreton-in-Marsh
Cheltenham
Moreton-in-Marsh
N N Cresswell
Evesham
Stratford-upon-Avon
Willersey
First Wyvern Astons Coaches
Evesham
Tewkesbury
Worcester
50A
50
S3
X8
S1/NS1/S2/NS2
FROM OXFORDSHIRE
X16
801
21/22
FROM WARWICKSHIRE
R4
550/551
540
FROM WORCESTERSHIRE
BUSES Gateways to the Cotswolds by bus, train & coach
For the latest timetable information and route maps, go to www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
Places to see, things to do
Here are just some of the places to see and things to do in and around the
Cotswolds AONB, when travelling by public transport. Contact venue directly
for more details including opening times.
Find out more about attractions, places to visit and things to do in the
Cotswolds AONB by visiting www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk
These symbols are used on the following pages –
Parks/gardens
Special interest
Museum Ancient site
Refreshments
Toilets
National Trust Wheelchair access
Northern area Central area
1
Historic house/building
Restaurant
Limited wheelchair access
Gift/plant shop
Colours of number circles relate to areas of the AONB and timetable
information pages on www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel –
Numbers within circles refer to locations shown on maps.
Southern area
1
Kiftsgate Court Garden – The gardens at Kiftsgate Court offer a wonderful
combination of vivid colour and heady scent in the summer borders,
gentle white blooms in the tranquil sunken garden, and a pretty foursquare garden edged with box. The gardens were planted in the late 19th
and early 20th Centuries
and continue to evolve.
The bluebell wood is a
breathtaking sight in early
May. Getting there: nearest
train station – Moreton-inMarsh. Take the 21/22 bus,
alight at Mickleton. 4.8km/
3 mile return walk to the
gardens. www.kiftsgate.
co.uk Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire.
Tel: 01386 438777
2
Wellington Aviation – Open Sundays only
www.wellingtonaviation.org Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.
Tel: 01608 812387
3
Hidcote – Hidcote Manor
Garden has its origins
in the Arts and Crafts
movement and is regarded
as one of the most
influential gardens of the
20th Century.
Southern bus & train route map
For the latest timetable information and route maps,
go to www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
Tetbury
Busy, charming
old wool town.
Antiques centre,
specialist cheese
shops
Dursley
Busy market town
with good walking
opportunities and on
the Cotswold Way
©NTPL/Paul Harris
©NTPL/Paul Harris
It is designed as a series of
outdoor rooms divided by
clipped hedges and walls.
30
Wotton-under-Edge
A busy town and former centre
for the woollen industry.
Heritage centre
29
Each area has its own character, whether devoted to a particular species,
colour or mood, or as a profusion of cottage-style planting. Getting there:
21/22 bus, alight at Mickleton. 4.8km/3 mile return walk to the gardens
(route is uphill and steep).
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote Chipping Campden,
Gloucestershire. Tel: 01386 438333
4
Court Barn Museum – www.courtbarn.org.uk Chipping Campden,
Gloucestershire. Tel: 01386 841951
5
Mill Dene – www.milldenegarden.co.uk Moreton-in-Marsh,
Gloucestershire. Tel: 01386 700457
6
7
TO SWINDON
31
32 33
34
Key
Sezincote House and Gardens – www.sezincote.co.uk
Bourton-on-the-Hill, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01386 700444
35
36
Broadway Tower – www.broadwaytower.co.uk
Broadway, Worcestershire. Tel: 01386 852390
9
10
Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railway – www.gwsr.com
Toddington, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01242 621405
Hailes Abbey – www.english-heritage.org.uk
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01242 602398
Winchcombe Folk and Police Museum – www.winchcombemuseum.org.uk
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01242 609151
2
Frequent buses and
trains between Bristol
and Bath
37
Bath
A beautiful
city and World
Heritage Site –
visit Prior Park
with its own bus
link
21
Access to the Cotswold Way
National Trail
Access to the Thames Path
National Trail
Kingswood
8
Westonbirt
Year round
delight from
bluebells in
the Spring to
Autumn fire
in the maple
glade
38
Bradford-on-Avon
Attractive riverside
town. Ancient bridge
over the Avon. Historic
Tithe Barn
39
29
Tetbury Police Museum
30
Cotswold Water Park
31
Westonbirt Arboretum
32
Abbey House Gardens
33
Athelstan Museum
34
Malmesbury Abbey
35
Dyrham Park
36
Chippenham Museum
37
Roman Baths
38
Prior Park Landscape Garden
39
Barton Farm Country Park
22
19
Batsford Arboretum – Batsford
Arboretum is home to one of the largest
private tree collections in the country,
offering visitors year-round interest.
Enjoy lush, flowering bulbs in spring as
well as magnolias, Japanese flowering
cherries and our famous Handkerchief
tree; insect-rich wildflower areas and
cool shade in the height of summer and
nature’s fireworks display of reds, golds
and yellows in autumn.
For train frequency and routes, please visit: www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
You’ll also find beautiful plants and
gardening essentials, fabulous food in
the Garden Terrace Café and unusual,
quirky gift ideas in the Gift Shop and
Applestore. Winner of the Cotswold
Tourism Large Visitor Attraction of the
Year 2013.
Getting there: 801/21/22 bus, alight at Batsford at the end of their drive.
1 mile walk up the drive towards the arboretum. www.batsarb.co.uk
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01386 701441 12
Sudeley Castle – www.sudeleycastle.co.uk Winchcombe,
Gloucestershire. Tel: 01242 602308
13
Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection –
www.cotswold-motor-museum.co.uk Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01451 821255
14
Model Village – www.theoldnewinn.co.uk Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01451 820467
15
Birdland Park and Gardens – www.birdland.co.uk
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01451 820480
Snowshill
TRAINS
Cirencester
881
]] REGULAR (buses every one to three hours per day)
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Cotswold Green
]
Marshfield
635
Tetbury
Faresaver
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Kingswood
Chippenham
Wessex Connect
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634
Tormarton
Wessex Connect
Old Sodbury 620
Bath
]]
Coachstyle
Malmesbury/Cirencester
Chippenham
Wessex Connect
Wotton-under-Edge/Kingswood
]]
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Coachstyle
Yate
]
Cotswold Centre for Volunteer Services
Cotswold Green
Stroud
92/93
20
Frequency – Monday to Saturday daytime: ]]] FREQUENT (one or more buses per hour per day)
] INFREQUENT (three or less buses per day)
For more details: visit www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/oldprison
or call 01451 861563
Yate
GET THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Pulhams’ bus service 801 and 855;
Swanbrook bus service 853. See Central area rail and bus timetables
online at: www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
84/86
Open Tuesdays to Sunday (November to February) and daily (March
to October) from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Café and historic court room also
available to hire for private functions and events.
Malmesbury
The Cotswold Lion Café offers delicious locallysourced, homemade food throughout the day and
is the perfect place to enjoy a light lunch, morning
coffee or an afternoon tea. Special deals take place
weekly for mums and toddlers, families and over-60s,
plus a comprehensive events programme means
there is always something new and interesting happening!
41
Eat, drink, relax
Old Sodbury
Through colourful display panels and artefacts
including fossils and dry stone walling, Escape to
the Cotswolds tells the story of the Cotswolds AONB
– how geology has shaped the landscape, how the
wealth of the area came as a result of the golden
fleece of the Cotswolds sheep and how people have
left their own marks in the landscape.
Tetbury
Escape to the Cotswolds
29
One of the most substantial collections of
agricultural and rural history in the county is housed
at the Old Prison as a reminder of days gone by. As
well as a range of distinctive wagons and carts, you
can also see the Blacksmith’s workshop plus a vast
number of wonderfully-named farming machinery and tools such as the
seed fiddle, cake breaker, whippletree and upsetting machine.
Route
Rural Life Collection
Tetbury
The Old Prison, located on the Fosse Way
at Northleach is a fascinating place to visit
for the whole family. Not only giving you a
glimpse into life in an 18th century former
house of correction, this grade II* listed
building also houses the extensive Rural Life
Collection, the Escape to the Cotswolds visitor centre and the
Cotswold Lion Café. Built in the 1790s, the former Northleach
House of Correction became the blueprint for penal reform
across the country and provided the role model for London’s
Pentonville Prison. Explore one of the original cell blocks and
discover what life was like for many of its original residents.
27
The Old Prison, Northleach
Southern bus routes
BUSES
NORTHLEACH
For the latest timetable information and route maps, go to www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
Great days out
11
3
16
Bourton Model Railway – www.bourtonmodelrailway.co.uk
High Street, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.
Tel: 01451 820686
17
Dragonfly Maze – Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.
Tel: 01451 822251
18
Blenheim Palace – The
birthplace of Sir Winston
Churchill – a masterpiece
of English Baroque
architecture, designed by
Sir John Vanbrugh. See
gilded state rooms and
the elegant Long Library.
The Palace is set in 2,100
acres of spectacular
parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown and surrounded by sweeping
lawns and formal gardens. Getting there: Take the S3 bus to the gates of
Blenheim Palace on Hensington Road in Woodstock. Please ask the driver
to identify the appropriate stop. The bus runs every 30 minutes.
www.blenheimpalace.com Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Tel: 0800 849 6500
19
Central bus & train route map
For the latest timetable information and route maps,
go to www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
Frequent trains and buses
between Gloucester and
Cheltenham
20
Burford
An ancient wool town on
the River Windrush. Visit the
Norman and Gothic church.
Tolsey Museum of local
history in the 16th Century
merchants’ meeting place
19
Painswick
Queen of the
Cotswolds – 15th
Century church
with 99 yew
trees. Originally
a wool town and
centre for cloth
dyeing
21
23
Gloucester Cathedral – A warm
welcome awaits you at Gloucester
Cathedral. This glorious sacred
space has been a place of Christian
worship for over 1,300 years. It is
one of the finest medieval buildings
in the country, the burial place of
royalty and the city’s main heritage
attraction.
Holst Birthplace Museum – The
museum is a memorial to Holst,
one of England’s most respected
composers, best known for his work
The Planets. The story of the man
and his music is told alongside
a fascinating display of personal
belongings including his piano. It is
one of only two composer birthplace
museums in the country (the other
being Elgar’s). Visitors may learn more of Holst’s life, his music, his
family and friendships, whilst being reminded of domestic life at the end
of the 19th Century. See website for opening hours. Getting there: located
in the centre of Cheltenham which has many regular bus services.
www.holstmuseum.org.uk Clarence Road, Cheltenham. Tel: 01242 524846
4
Bibury
Visit Arlington Row, a group
of 17th Century weavers’
houses. Exceptionally
beautiful church, part Saxon
22
24
25
26 27
Trace 1,000 years of architectural
styles from Norman through
Perpendicular to the present day, including magnificent stained glass,
royal tombs, and the spectacular medieval fan-vaulted cloisters. Getting
there: Take the 12/91, 14, 852 or 853 bus, alight at Gloucester.
www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk College Green, Gloucester. Tel: 01452 528095
20
TO WORCESTER
28
Cirencester
Capital of the Cotswolds
and the second largest city
in Roman Britain. Visit the
Corinium museum. Fine
parish church, the largest in
Gloucestershire. Cirencester
Park has 3,000 acres of
parkland, woodland and
farms
TO MALMESBURY
Tetbury
Busy, charming old
wool town. Antiques
centre, specialist
cheese shops
Key
Access to the Cotswold Way
National Trail
Access to the Thames Path
National Trail
17
19
Gloucester Cathedral
22
Painswick Rococo Garden
26
Corinium Museum
20
Holst Birthplace Museum
23
Chedworth Roman Villa
Cirencester Park
21
The Bird and Deer Park,
Prinknash
24
27
Bibury Trout Farm
25
Cotswold Woollen Weavers
28
18
Chavenage House
15
16
For train frequency and routes, please visit: www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
Operator
Stagecoach Gloucester
Cotswold Green
Cotswold Green
Cotswold Green
Stagecoach Swindon
Cotswold Green
Pulhams Coaches
Stagecoach Gloucester
APL Travel
Coachstyle
Stagecoach Gloucester
Pulhams Coaches
Swanbrook Coaches
Pulhams Coaches
Pulhams Coaches
APL Travel
Cotswold Green
Route
Gloucester
Dursley/Quedgeley
Stroud
Tetbury
Stroud
Cam & Dursley Station
Stroud
Wotton-under-Edge
Cheltenham
Cirencester/Swindon
Stroud
Cirencester
Carterton
Swindon
Gloucester
Stroud
Swindon
Lechlade/Cirencester
Cirencester
Malmesbury
Wotton-under-Edge
Stroud
Cheltenham
Moreton-in-Marsh
Oxford
Gloucester
Cirencester
Yanworth/Winson
Bourton-on-the-Water
Kemble
Lechlade
Cirencester
Cirencester
Tetbury
BUSES
12/12A
29
35
40
51 54/54A 64
66
74/77
93
504 (Weekdays only)
801
853
854 (Weekdays only)
855
865
881
The cycling map can be purchased for £3.99
from visitor information centres in the
Cotswolds. Alternatively, day cycling routes can
be downloaded from the Cotswolds Tourism
website www.cotswolds.com.
For the latest timetable information and route maps, go to www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
Cycling is a wonderful way to see the stunning scenery and distinctive
character of the area, with time to pause and explore along the way.
Routes range from gentle slopes to steeper climbs leading you up and
down the rolling Cotswold hills and valleys.
The variety of terrain gives the cyclist a chance to enjoy the extensive
network of quiet country lanes. The route passes through plenty of small
towns and beautiful villages and you’ll never be far from a pub, cafe, shop
or visitor attraction to break up your journey.
22
Painswick Rococo
Garden – The sole
surviving garden in
the English Rococo
style. Planted as a
flamboyant pleasure
garden in the 1740s
the garden has
been the subject
of a remarkable
restoration project.
It features long vistas,
geometric patterns
and intriguing
architectural garden
structures. The woodland is carpeted with a spectacular display
of snowdrops early in the year. Getting there: Take the 46 bus,
alight at Painswick. Just north of Painswick opposite Golf Course
Lane, just off the Cotswold Way. www.rococogarden.org.uk
Painswick, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01452 813204
23
Chedworth Roman Villa – www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Yanworth, nr Northleach, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01242 890256
24
Bibury Trout Farm – One of Britain’s oldest, and certainly most attractive,
trout farms, spanning 15 acres in one of the most beautiful valleys in the
Cotswolds, the Coln Valley.
Children will delight in
seeing the trout leap out of
the water in their quest for
food thrown by visitors – be
careful not to get splashed!
In the summer, our ‘Catch
Your Own’ fishery is an ideal
opportunity for the more
adventurous of all ages to
catch some supper or try a
new hobby.
A large variety of other
wildlife can be seen –
cygnets and ducklings are a very popular sight. Getting there: Take the
855 bus to Bibury, stops right outside. www.biburytroutfarm.co.uk
Bibury, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01285 740215
TRAINS
Thanks to Cotswolds Tourism and the Cotswolds AONB
Sustainable Development Fund, a new circular cycling
holiday guide is available, allowing you to spend a week
exploring the beautiful Cotswolds landscape.
]] REGULAR (buses every one to three hours per day)
Cotswolds 7-day circular cycling tour
Central bus routes
Frequency – Monday to Saturday daytime: ]]] FREQUENT (one or more buses per hour per day)
] INFREQUENT (three or less buses per day)
CYCLING TOUR
The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash – www.thebirdpark.co.uk
Cranham, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01452 812727
Frequency
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Great days out
21
5
25
Cotswold Woollen Weavers – www.naturalbest.co.uk
Filkins, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01367 860491
26 Corinium Museum – www.coriniummuseum.org
Northern bus & train route map
Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01285 655611
27
Cirencester Park – www.cirencesterpark.co.uk
Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01285 640410
28
Chavenage House – www.chavenage.com
Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01666 502329
29
Tetbury Police Museum – www.visittetbury.co.uk/police-museum
Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01666 504670
30
Cotswold Water Park – www.waterpark.org
Tel: 01793 752413
31
Moreton-in-Marsh
An ancient market
town with a wide
market street
Broadway
A beautiful village,
typical of the area.
Charles II and
Cromwell rested at
the Lygon Arms
4
7
Blockley
5
Westonbirt Arboretum – www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01666 880220
10
12
32
Abbey House Gardens – www.abbeyhousegardens.co.uk
Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Tel: 01666 822212
33
Athelstan Museum – www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk
Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Tel: 01666 829258
34
Malmesbury Abbey – www.malmesburyabbey.com
Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Tel: 01666 826666
35
Dyrham Park – www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Dyrham, nr Chippenham, Wiltshire. Tel: 0117 9372501
36
Chippenham Museum – www.chippenham.gov.uk
Chippenham, Wiltshire. Tel: 01249 705020
37
Bath - Roman Baths – www.romanbaths.co.uk Tel: 01225 477785
38
Prior Park Landscape Garden – www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bath. Tel: 01225 833422
39
Barton Farm Country Park – www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire. Tel: 01225 718647
6
For the latest timetable information and route maps,
go to www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
Buses and trains
to Worcester
9
8
Stow-on-the-Wold
Highest of the
Cotswold towns
with an impressive
market square
Chipping Norton
An old wool town with 17th
Century stone buildings. Look out
for the Guildhall windows with
their Tudor origins. Beautiful
church – St Mary’s
11
6
Warden’s Way and The
Windrush Way
Two excellent walks
between Winchcombe and
Bourton-on-the-Water
Charlbury
A rural town, small
museum. Brunel railway
station. Once a centre of
the glove making industry
13 14 15
16 17
18
Northleach
An ancient wool town.
Some cottages date
from the 17th Century.
Beautiful wool church
Key
Access to the Cotswold
Way National Trail
1
Kiftsgate Court Garden
2
Wellington Aviation
Bourton-on-theWater
Known as the
‘Venice of the
Cotswolds’ with its
five bridges along
the River Windrush
which runs through
the village
TO CIRENCESTER
3
Hidcote Manor Garden
Broadway Tower
4
7
Court Barn Museum
8
GloucestershireWarwickshire Railway
12
Sudeley Castle
9
Hailes Abbey
13
10
Winchcombe Folk and
Police Museum
Cotswold Motoring
Museum and Toy
Collection
14
Model Village
5
Mill Dene Garden
6
Sezincote House and
Gardens
13
11
Batsford Arboretum
14
15
Birdland Park and
Gardens
16
Bourton Model Railway
17
Dragonfly Maze
18
Blenheim Palace
Northern bus routes
1 week £20
4 weeks £76
buy from your driver
buy from your driver,
in a travel shop or online
* Except night buses and certain school services.
Prices correct at time of print.
buy longer term tickets at: www.buymymegarider.com
11
If you don’t wish to walk the entire length of the Cotswold Way, there are a
number of circular walks along the trail between 3 and 6 miles long, available
to download from www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/cotswoldway
CHIPPING
CAMPDEN
9.6km/6 miles
BROADWAY
Northern area
10.5km/6.5 miles
WOOD STANWAY
8.8km/5.4 miles
LECKHAMPTON
Central
area
WINCHCOMBE
CLEEVE HILL
8.9km/5.5 miles
7.6km/4.7 miles
PAINSWICK
9km/5.6 miles
DOWDESWELL RESERVOIR
BIRDLIP
9km/5.6 miles
13.9km/8.6 miles
12.6km/7.8 miles
KING’S STANLEY
11.6km/7.2 miles
DURSLEY
11.8km/7.3 miles
WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE
Southern area
For train frequency and routes, please visit: www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
]] REGULAR (buses every one to three hours per day)
Operator
Go Ride CIC
N N Cresswell
Stagecoach Oxfordshire
Stagecoach Oxfordshire
Pulhams Coaches
Pulhams Coaches
Pulhams Coaches
Johnson’s Excelbus
Stagecoach Warwickshire
Stagecoach Warwickshire
Stagecoach Oxfordshire
Stagecoach Oxfordshire
Pulhams Coaches
Astons Coaches Marchants Coaches
Pulhams Coaches
Pulhams Coaches
Swanbrook Coaches
Pulhams Coaches
12
The illustration below shows how the Cotswold Way is split across three
areas in this booklet and on the new online timetables at
www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel.
11.9km/7.4 miles
HAWKESBURY UPTON
12.4km/7.7 miles
TORMARTON
10.6km/6.6 miles
TRAINS
Valid on any service operated by Stagecoach West, plus all
Stagecoach Services in Wiltshire, South Wales and Oxford City *.
Frequency – Monday to Saturday daytime: ]]] FREQUENT (one or more buses per hour per day)
] INFREQUENT (three or less buses per day)
WEST megarider
Route
Burford
Witney
Willersey
Evesham
Oxford
Carterton
Oxford
Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton
Kingham railway station
Witney
Chipping Norton
The Wychwoods
Burford
Stratford-upon-Avon
Moreton-in-Marsh
Chipping Norton
Stratford-upon-Avon
Banbury
Stratford-upon-Avon
Burford
Woodstock Banbury
Chipping Norton
Cheltenham
Gotherington
Tewkesbury
Evesham
Cheltenham
Willersey
Moreton-in-Marsh
Cheltenham
The Rissingtons
Bourton-on-the-water
Oxford
Gloucester
Moreton-in-Marsh
Cirencester/Kemble
Explore our whole network with a
BUSES
C1
R4
S1/NS1/S2/NS2
S3
X8
X9
X10
21/22/23
50
50A
233 (weekdays)
488/489
527
540
606
801
802
853
855
The map is available free of charge from
visitor information centres, or can be ordered
online for just £2.50 inc P&P from
www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/shop.
For the latest timetable information and route maps, go to www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
A handy new fold-out Cotswolds
visitor map and guide is now
available highlighting special
features and places to explore in
the AONB.
Alongside descriptions of the AONB’s geology,
built heritage and nature, a map locates
key sites to enjoy days out, including nature
reserves, stunning viewpoints, Roman villas,
gardens and manor houses – with plenty of
colourful illustrations and photographs.
The Cotswold Way National Trail has 16 places where it is practical to start
and finish your walk using public transport from nearby towns. It covers just
over 100 miles of quintessentially English countryside.
Frequency
]
]
]]]
]]]
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]]
]]
]]
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]]
]]]
]]
]
]]
NEW Cotswolds AONB visitor
map and guide
Cotswold Way National Trail
COLD ASHTON
16.5km/10.2 miles
BATH
7
THE
Cotswolds
Discoverer
PASS
Discover the beauty and attractions of the
Cotswolds by bus and train – and save money too!
From just £10, you can enjoy unlimited*
travel by bus and rail around the Cotswolds
– one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes.
* conditions apply - see website for details
www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/discoverer
THE 7 WONDERS OF THE COTSWOLDS
The Seven Wonders of the Cotswolds were voted on by the
general public and then turned into ‘Wonder Walks’ by the
Cotswold Voluntary Wardens. These great walks are available to
download from: www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/wonderwalks.
WESTONBIRT, THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM
An historic, Victorian picturesque landscape and internationally
important tree and shrub collection.
THE ROLLRIGHT STONES
An ancient Neolithic and Bronze Age site located on the
Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border.
COTSWOLD LIMESTONE
The Jurassic oolitic limestone that lies beneath the Cotswolds and
gives the area its distinctive character.
WOODCHESTER MANSION AND PARK
A Grade I listed 19th Century Victorian Gothic mansion which was
mysteriously abandoned mid-construction in 1873.
COTSWOLD WAY NATIONAL TRAIL
Stretches 102 miles along the Cotswolds escarpment between
Chipping Campden in the north to Bath in the south.
CLEEVE HILL & COMMON – see page 9
At 330 metres, Cleeve Hill and Common is the highest point of the
Cotswolds and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
STROUD FARMERS’ MARKET
Multi-award winning and well known as one of the biggest and
most popular farmers markets in the UK.
8
Great days out
Great days out
The Cotswolds’ highest common affords fabulous views
to the Malverns and Wales. If the top is covered by cloud
choose another day!
The golden stone streets of Bradford on Avon rise in
seemingly organic, tightly wedged steps up the hillside
above the river: a beguiling outpost of the Cotswolds on the
western edge of Wiltshire.
CLEEVE HILL
Cleeve Hill Wonder Walk
Distance: 6.5km/4miles with an up and down of 168m/550ft and some steep
sections. Time: 2.5 hours
Start: Cleeve Common, off the B4632 three miles north of Cheltenham at top
of hill. Go up narrow lane signed to golf club and at the top cross a bumpy
cattle grid and turn L on rough track into old quarry car park. SP 989/271
Refreshments: Municipal golf clubhouse open to the public.
Route: From quarry car park turn R to follow track signposted Cotswold Way
(CW) past first tee. Go through gate and on to a second gate.
Where path splits, take middle path and
bear slightly R descending to CW post.
Ignore L-hand path (CW) and continue
ahead on level grass track to meet a wall
and trees on your L. Track widens and curves
L to small pond and sheep washpool on L.
Follow track to white post. Turn R following
lower path up valley floor following stream.
Further up, water bubbles out at the source
of the River Isbourne.
Continue up the valley, bear R where path
forks. Follow path (bearing WSW) until valley
levels out meeting track joining from R. Turn
L, walk 50m up to well-defined track with
Winchcombe Way post.
At post turn R and follow track for 60m. Turn L along grass track, bearing
slightly L where path splits. Cross common with radio masts to your L. Head
for solitary tree inside stone wall.
From tree head to hill fort approx. 200m ahead (Cheltenham centre in the
distance (SW). With your back to seat by tree, go straight ahead.
At fort turn R along top of mound (N). Skirt L around golf green and head for
CW post. Views of Cheltenham and racecourse below.
Follow CW posts. Past 16th tee CW bears R passing over cross dyke before
ascending to a topograph.
Here turn L (west) and descend to CW post. Bear L and follow CW posts.
Further on you reach disused quarries on R. Before two CW posts close
together, turn R towards small exposed cliff face in disused quarry.
Retrace footsteps to path. Turn R, follow stoney track back to clubhouse/
quarry car park.
For further details and a map of the walk mentioned here visit
www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/wonderwalks
See Northern area rail and bus timetables online at:
www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/travel
9
BRADFORD ON AVON
Bradford on Avon
There has been settlement here from the Iron Age, and later legacies include
(recently discovered) remains of a Romano-British villa and a rare Saxon
church; the town’s name probably derives from Anglo-Saxon ‘Bradenforda’, or
broad ford. Today’s streetscapes were mostly shaped by a flourishing textile
industry, which peaked in the 18th century, later to be replaced by rubber
manufacture. Now the renowned Moulton Bicycle Company flies the flag for
quality manufacture and former woollen mills and weavers’ cottages provide
handsome homes.
See and do: Bradford on Avon Museum, Bridge Street, has displays ranging
from Roman heritage to the fascinating recreation of a Victorian chemist’s
shop that once served the town. Follow the town trail (leaflets 20p, Tourist
Information Centre) around a remarkable span of architecture: from tall,
narrow St Laurence’s Saxon church, to the 14th-century tithe barn with
cathedral-like timber cruck roof, and the quirky 17th-century toll house turned
lock-up on the bridge. Views from Tory, the highest of four rows of picturesque
weavers’ cottages, and St Mary Tory Chapel are superb.
Eat and shop: Homemade cakes or cream teas served by staff in period dress.
Enjoy Mr Salvat’s 17th-Century Coffee Room or the Victorian atmosphere of The
Bridge Tea Rooms (double winner of the UK’s Top Tea Place). There’s a modern
menu with Mediterranean influences at The Three Gables; traditional British at
The Swan; Boatman’s Breakfasts at the canalside Lock Inn Café; fine dining and
live music at The Fat Fowl Restaurant. Independent shops abound, including
Orton Jewellery whose goldsmiths work on the premises in Market Street;
Ex Libris books along the Shambles; and the Tithe Barn Workshops, home to
artists, craft workers and restorers.
Walking and exploring: In
January 2011 Bradford on Avon
became Wiltshire’s first Walkers
are Welcome town and there
are also numerous cycle/
walking trails – the Kennet &
Avon Canal towpath is popular:
saunter eight miles to Bath,
past Dundas and Avoncliff
aqueducts. Or hire a trip boat
from the wharf (Easter to end
of October).
Get there by public transport: Buses to Bradford on Avon include First
Service 264/265 (Warminster-Bath) and Faresaver 96, 72, X96, 98, 14
(Trowbridge-Corsham). Direct trains from Bath Spa. The Tourist Information
Centre, Westbury Gardens, opens daily 10am-5pm (4pm Sun and Nov-Mar).
Further information: www.bradfordonavon.co.uk
10