Most of the main Cotswold towns, and many of the villages, are served by bus.
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Practical Information
All the essential practical information you need to make your trip to the Cotswolds run smoothly.
GETTING THERE
By air
The nearest international airport to the southern Cotswolds is Bristol (tel: 0871-334 4444; www.bristolairport.co.uk), while Birmingham (tel: 0871-222 0072; www.birminghamairport.co.uk) is the closest to the north. Flights from both Europe and the US arrive at both these airports.
By car
From London, the M4 and M40 motorways provide access to the Cotswolds within three hours. The M4 also provides rapid access from Wales, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, and the M5 from the Midlands and the north.
By coach
National Express operates daily services from all parts of the UK to Cheltenham, calling at Tewkesbury, Evesham, Gloucester, Stroud and Cirencester. Other services operate to Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford. For bookings and information, tel: 08717-818 178 or visit www.nationalexpress.com.
By train
Brunel’s Great Western Railway is one of the most scenic lines in southern England, especially the ‘Golden Valley’ line from Swindon to Cheltenham via Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse and Gloucester. A line also runs from London Paddington to Worcester via Oxford and Moreton-in-Marsh (journey time to Moreton-in-Marsh, 1 hour 40min). Southwest Trains runs services to Cheltenham and Gloucester from Wales, the Midlands and southwest England. London Midland trains run to Stratford-upon-Avon from Birmingham, and Chiltern Railways trains arrive there from London Marylebone.
For further information, call National Rail Enquiries (24-hour advance timetable and fare information) on tel: 0845-748 4950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. You can buy tickets online at www.thetrainline.com.
GETTING AROUND
Public transport
With determination, you can get around the Cotswolds using public transport, but expect to use taxis to reach destinations not on the bus or train routes. Tourist information centres can supply timetables, or you can download a copy of Explore the Cotswolds by Public Transport produced by the Cotswolds Conservation Board; www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk, with information on days out and visitor attractions. Main cities and towns such as Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon have a comprehensive bus network. The Public Transport Information Line (tel: 0871-200 2233) provides a useful service for people wanting public transport timetable information nationally and in and around the Cotswolds.
Most of the main Cotswold towns, and many of the villages, are served by bus.
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By car
The ideal way to see the Cotswolds is, without doubt, by car. There are many undiscovered roads that will take you through some of the most stunning scenery, which is only accessible by car or bike. You will find major car hire companies located in Gloucester, Stratford-upon-Avon and Cheltenham but there are more options in Oxford and Bath.
Avis: Gloucester Airport, Gloucester, tel: 0844-544 6114; Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 48 Swindon Road, Cheltenham, tel: 01242-514 411, or Unit 8, Swan Trade Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon, tel: 01779-403 920; Sixt: Whitworth Court, Baird Road, Gloucester, tel: 0844-499 3399.
By bike
Cycling is popular throughout the Cotswolds and there are many designated cycle paths. Although visitors often bring their own, reliable cycle hire companies can be found throughout the region (for more information, click here).
By taxi
Stow On The Wold: Cotswold Taxi 4U, tel: 07720-572 420. Cheltenham: Cheltenham Taxis, tel: 01242-790 019. Cirencester: Radio Cars, tel: 01285-651 117. Gloucester: Gloucester Taxi, tel: 01452-341 341. Moreton-in-Marsh: Cotswold Taxis, tel: 07710-117 471. Stratford-upon-Avon: A to B Taxis, tel: 01789-415 225. Tetbury: Express Taxis, tel: 07858-450 098.
Lace up your boots and ramble through the idyllic countryside.
iStockphoto
GOING GREEN
Cotswold District Council is committed to green tourism and supports the ‘Green Tourism Business Scheme’, which encourages visitors to walk, cycle or use public transport while in the region. A selection of leaflets on getting around in the Cotswolds using public transport can be downloaded from www.cotswold.com. Also take a look at The Cotswold Way National Trail website (www.nationaltrail.co.uk), which provides lots of information on walking and public transport in the area.
As part of this scheme the council offers suggestions to local tourism providers to encourage them to find ways of making a positive difference to the environment and local area. For example, ideas for saving water and electricity, buying local produce and helping visitors to consider their method of transport to and from and around the Cotswolds. The website www.green-business.co.uk lists businesses and accommodation options that have been accredited for their efforts in supporting going ‘Green’.
FACTS FOR THE VISITOR
Visitors with disabilities
Tourist information centres can help plan your trip and give advice on establishments suitable for visitors with disabilities. For information on places to stay with disabled access in the region check the website www.thecotswoldsguide.com and the national website www.goodaccessguide.co.uk. Information for travel within the UK for visitors with disabilities can be found on the government website www.gov.uk/transport-disabled.
Sections of footpaths and walking trails in the Cotswolds have been made more suitable for people with mobility problems: surfacing is to a high standard and gates are used instead of stiles wherever possible. The Cotswolds Conservation Board has developed the Walks on Wheels guides, a folder of 15 routes designed for families with pushchairs and people in wheelchairs and on powered scooters. The trails are no more than 2½ miles (4km) long and vary from challenging to easier routes. Copies can be downloaded from www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk.
Emergencies
In emergency, dial 999 for all services; for local police tel: 101.
AA Breakdown, tel: 0800-887 766.
RAC Breakdown, tel: 0800-828 282. Always keep the number of your breakdown company handy.
Hospitals: Cheltenham General, Sandford Road, tel: 0300-422 2222; Cirencester Hospital, Tetbury Road, tel: 01285-655 711; Gloucestershire Royal, Great Western Road, Gloucester, tel: 0300-422 2222 or 01242-222 222; Stratford Hospital, Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, tel: 01789-205 831.
Paths suitable for wheelchairs are described in Walks on Wheels.
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Guided tours
To help you make the most of a visit to the Cotswolds, there are many types of organised tours available, including ones on foot, by boat, bus, bike and more. The larger tourist information centres (Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stratford) offer a range of tours.
Cotswold and Gloucestershire Tourist Guides
These are qualified Green Badge Guides, with extensive knowledge and a real enthusiasm for the region. Walking tours of Cheltenham or coach tours for groups can be tailored to suit individual requirements.
Blue Badge Guided Tours
Tel: 024-7669 1212; www.bluebadgetouristguide.com.
A Blue Badge Guide can show visitors the best that Shakespeare Country has to offer.
City Sightseeing Stratford Tours
Stratford-upon-Avon; tel: 01789-412 680; www.citysightseeingstratford.com. Hop-on hop-off, open-top bus tours of Stratford-upon-Avon departing from the tourist information centre at regular intervals.
Gloucester Civic Trust
St Michael’s Tower, The Cross, Gloucester; tel: 01452-526 955; www.gloucestercivictrust.org.uk. Gloucester Civic Trust runs guided walks from April to September around Gloucester’s city sights and historic docks.
Bancroft Cruises
Tel: 01789-269 669; www.bancroftcruisers.co.uk. Experience the charm and beauty of Shakespeare country with a guided sightseeing cruise. Departs from the Holiday Inn Stratford.
Opening hours
Most town centre shops generally open Monday to Saturday 9am–5.30pm, sometimes with late-night shopping on Thursday (until around 8.30pm). Several stores also open on Sunday 10am–4pm. Neighbourhood stores and garage forecourt convenience shops often open much longer – 24 hours in many cases.
Tempted by cakes in a Stowon-the-Wold delicatessen.
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Tourist information
Bourton-on-the-Water: Victoria Street, Glos GL54 2BU, tel: 01451-820 211; Burford: 33a High Street, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4QA, tel: 01993-823 558; Cheltenham: Art Gallery and Museum, Clarence Street, Glos GL50 3JT, tel: 01242-522 878; Chipping Campden: The Old Police Station, High Street, Glos GL55 6HB, tel: 01386-841 206; Cirencester: Corinium Museum, Park Street, Glos GL7 2BX, tel: 01285-654 180; Evesham: The Almonry Heritage Centre, Abbey Gate, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4BG, tel: 01386-446 944; Gloucester: 28 Southgate Street, Glos GL1 2DP, tel: 01452-396 572; Moreton-in-Marsh: Moreton Area Centre, High Street, Glos GL56 0AZ, tel: 01608-650 881; Nailsworth: 4 The Old George, Fountain Street, Glos GL6 0BL, tel: 01453-839 222; Stratford-upon-Avon: Bridgefoot, Warwickshire CV37 6GW, tel: 01789-264 293; Stroud: Subscriptions Rooms, George Street, Glos GL5 1AE, tel: 01453-760 960; Tetbury: 33 Church Street, Glos GL8 8JA, tel: 01666-503 552; Tewkesbury: Out of the Hat Heritage Centre, 100 Church Street, Glos GL20 5AB, tel: 01684-855 040; Winchcombe: Town Hall, High Street, Glos GL54 5LJ, tel: 01242-602 925.
Useful websites:
Entertainment
Most visitors come to the Cotswolds for peace and tranquillity, hence the region does not have much in the way of lively late-night entertainment – most of what exists is found in Cheltenham. That said, the larger towns offer good opportunities to see a play, enjoy a variety of musical performances or catch a film.
Cinemas
Cineworld
The Peel Centre, St Ann Way, Bristol Road, Gloucester and The Brewery, Oxford Passage, St Margaret’s Road, Cheltenham; tel: 0871-200 2000; www.cineworld.co.uk (contact details for both cinemas).
Stratford Picturehouse
Windsor Street; tel: 0871-902 5741; www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/stratford_upon_avon.
Music and Theatre
The Bacon Theatre
Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham; tel: 01242-258 002; www.bacontheatre.co.uk.
Cheltenham Town Hall and Pitville Pump Room
Imperial Square, Cheltenham; tel: 0844-576 2210; www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk.
Everyman Theatre
Regent Street, Cheltenham; tel: 01242-572 573; www.everymantheatre.org.uk.
Playhouse Theatre
Bath Road, Cheltenham; tel: 01242-522 852; www.playhousecheltenham.org.
Gloucester Guidhall
23 Eastgate Street, Gloucester; tel: 01452-503 050; www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall.
Kings Theatre
Kingsbarton Street, Gloucester; tel: 01452-300 130; www.kingstheatre.uk2k.com.
Royal Shakespeare Company
Waterside, Southern Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon; tel: 0844-800 1100; www.rsc.org.uk.