Exploring the Cotswolds by Train
Close your eyes and imagine a typical English village. What do you see? Chances are you’re imagining the honey-coloured buildings of Cotswold locations like Moreton-in-Marsh and Bourton-on-the-Water.
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And we’re here to help you do just that, and along the way we’ll answer some of the Cotswolds questions you’ve always wanted to ask.
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Which train stations are in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds cover a large area (nearly 800 square miles) over several counties. The area is mainly rural with small towns and villages but does include some larger urban areas like Cheltenham and Bath, which have their own train stations. Both are worth taking the time to explore; Cheltenham’s Regency architecture and Bath's Jane Austen connections are particularly popular with visitors.
Other main train stations in the Cotswolds include Bradford-on-Avon, Cam and Dursley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stonehouse and Chippenham. Many of these are on direct lines from London, Reading and Oxford. Wherever you choose to hop off the train, you won’t be disappointed, but we’ve selected a few stations below to give you some idea of what’s on offer on a day out by train to the Cotswolds.
Train stations to help you explore the Cotswolds
Moreton-in-Marsh station
Moreton-in-Marsh train station has good bus connections to Bourton-on-the-Water and its famous model village, but it would be a mistake not to explore Moreton itself before catching your bus.
Built on Britain's longest Roman road, the Fosse Way, Moreton-in-Marsh's high street is liberally sprinkled with historic buildings including the impressive Curfew Tower. Arrive on a Tuesday and you’ll find a bustling street market showcasing a wide range of artisan goods as well as local food and drink.
Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Moreton-in-Marsh | Image credit: Victor Huang | Getty Images
As so often happens, Moreton has its own claim to literary fame. Look out for the Bell Inn on the high street if you want to enjoy a drink in the pub that is said to have inspired Tolkien’s Prancing Pony. You could also take a wander to view Moreton-in-Marsh's Four Shire Stone boundary marker, which might seem familiar to those who remember the Shire’s Three-Farthing Stone from The Lord of the Rings.
Banbury station
‘Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross, to see a fine lady upon a white horse;’
Nobody knows exactly who the ‘fine lady’ is in the famous nursery rhyme above but get off the train at Banbury station and you can go and visit her statue as well as the current cross of the same name; built to celebrate the wedding of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter (also called Victoria).
South Oxford Canal | Image credit: Chris Kemp's Images | Canva Pro
Once you’ve paid your respects, how about a boat ride along the Oxford Canal from historic Tooley’s Boatyard (summer Saturdays)? Or you could up the exercise stakes and walk along the towpath. Whichever you choose, it would be rude not to sample a Banbury Cake (a bit like an Eccle’s cake) while you’re in the area. Watch out for the crumbs!
Charlbury station
Charlbury might not be the most popular Cotswold place to visit but it has direct train connections to London and Oxford and, compared to many towns and villages, is relatively upspoilt by tourism.
Once you’ve explored the town, why not take a station-to-station walk between Charlbury station and Finstock station via Wychwood Forest. If the weather is warm, there’s even a wild swimming spot in the River Evenlode near to Finstock station.
Kemble station
Kemble station’s main claim to fame is that it’s the nearest train station to the currently recognised source of the River Thames and the start of the 298-kilometre Thames Path hiking route. The source of the Thames is hotly debated and the water flow from the spring here at Lyd Well can sometimes be dry.
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Following the Thames Path towards London from pretty Kemble station will bring you to the Cotswolds Lakes area, which has over 180 stunning lakes forming a haven for wildlife. Enjoy a walk or cycle through or have a go at paddle sports or outdoor swimming (charges apply).
Where does the Cotswold Line train line go?
The Cotswolds are such a popular national treasure that they have their own train line, the Cotswold Line. Running between Oxford and Hereford, the line takes in the stunning Malvern Hills as well as smaller Cotswolds train stations like Moreton-in-Marsh, Kingham, Shipton and Ascott-under-Wychwood.
Hop off at any of these stations and you’ll find yourself exploring traditional Cotswolds streets and feeling like you’ve stepped back in time. Via strategic bus routes, the Cotswold Line also gives you access to a wider network of popular Cotswolds locations like Bourton-on-the-Water
Can I ride on a steam train through the Cotswolds?
With its rolling countryside, the Cotswolds are the perfect place for a steam train ride, and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is accessible by bus (or an hour’s walk) from Cheltenham’s main line train station.
From Cheltenham Spa station catch a bus to Cheltenham Racecourse to board for your steam or historic diesel ride. This scenic Cotswold railway line calls at a series of pretty stations on the way to Broadway.
Hop off along the route at Winchcombe for its popular cafe and Discovery Coach or shuttle buses to Sudeley Castle, and at Broadway for village-style shops, eateries and galleries or even a hike up Broadway Hill to discover Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown's iconic Broadway Tower. You’ll need tickets to enter the tower but not to walk past it as the Cotswold Way goes right past.
Are there train stations on the Cotswold Way walking route?
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The Cotswold Way hiking route is a UK National Trail that runs for 164 kilometres between Chipping Campden and the Roman city of Bath. Often running along the edge of the steep Cotswold escarpment, this hiking route offers unique Cotswold countryside views as well as access to some of the Cotswold’s lesser visited towns and villages. You can walk the route in either direction but starting at Chipping Campden is more common.
Walking a linear route is always easier if you don’t have to think about your car; and with some planning it is possible to walk sections of the Cotswold Way using trains and local buses. The start and end of the route are both easy to reach by train. Catch a bus from Stratford-upon-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh to the start at Chipping Campden and when you get to the end of the route at Bath Abbey, you’ll find it’s just a short walk to Bath Spa station.
Here are our other suggestions for accessing the Cotswold Way by train.
1. Cheltenham Spa station to Dowdeswell Wood (near Charlton Kings) – 1 hour’s walk
2. Stonehouse station to Ryeford on the Stroudwater Canal – 15 minutes' walk
3. Cam and Dursley station to Dursley bus station – 40 minutes by bus
4. Yate station to Old Sodbury – 40 minutes by bus
Are there any other train walk routes in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds have plenty of walking routes to suit all abilities and many of them are accessible directly from train stations. Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started:
From Moreton-in-Marsh, take a stroll through Batsford Arboretum via a short 35-minute section of the Monarch’s Way.
From Stonehouse station, enjoy a 2-hour station-to-station walk into Stroud along the fascinating Stroudwater Canal.
From Bath Spa station, walk the 2.5-hour Bath Skyline Walk for views down onto the city and a visit to intriguing Sham Castle.
Which Cotswold filming locations can I visit by train?
Bath | Image credit: lightshows | Getty Images Signature
One of the reasons most of us feel at home with the Cotswold landscapes and golden stone is that they appear so often on our cinema and home screens. These iconic Cotswold film locations are often popular with visitors and ‘set-jetters’ keen to walk in the footsteps of their favourite stars and characters.
The Cotswold filming locations below are accessible by train (and bus for Blenheim).
Blenheim Palace | Image credit: Michael Richardson | Unsplash
Blenheim Palace - Fans of Bridgerton will recognise Blenheim Palace from Bridgerton Series Three as well as the fabulous Queen Charlotte side-series. But this magnificent building has also been visited by the BFG, Cinderella and James Bond (Spectre). And if that wasn’t enough, if you explore the gardens, you might even find the ‘Harry Potter Tree’ from The Order of the Phoenix.
Regular buses to Blenheim Palace run from Oxford station and Oxford Parkway station. There is also the option of a free summer shuttle bus or a 50-minute walk from Hanborough station.
Gloucester cathedral | Image credit: cineman69 | Getty Images
Gloucester Cathedral – Harry Potter fans will recognise the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral as the corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Super fans may also be excited to find the Gryffindor common room door and the red door that was the scene of Moaning Myrtle’s flood from the girls’ toilets.
Gloucester Cathedral is a 10-minute walk from Gloucester train station.
Bath Pulteney arch Bridge and Weir | Image credit: Jennifer Sanerkin | Getty Images
Pulteney Bridge and Weir in Bath – Bath’s Royal Crescent and the Holburne Museum famously featured in the Bridgerton series, but did you know that the city was also the filming location for scenes in the musical film Les Misérables? Representing 19th Century Paris, iconic Pulteney Bridge was the location of Javert’s deathly plunge into the River Seine.
Pulteney Bridge is a 10-minute walk from Bath Spa train station.
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Which Cotswold stately homes can I visit by train?
As well as its picturesque villages and towns, the Cotswolds are home to an impressive collection of historic manor houses and stately homes. These have been inhabited by kings and queens as well as wealthy wool merchants, and many of them are open to visitors today.
The two historic Cotswold houses below can both be visited by train and local bus.
Image credit: Einar H. Reynis | Unsplash
Blenheim Palace
Did you know that magnificent Blenheim Place was the birthplace of Winston Churchill? Or that it was converted into a hospital during the First World War?
With a good choice of train and bus connections, Blenheim Palace is easy to visit by train. Journeys from London are recommended from London Marylebone or London Paddington to Oxford Parkway and Oxford stations respectively.
The nearest train station to Blenheim Palace is Hanborough station, where you’ll find free shuttle buses on weekends and bank holidays during the summer holidays. As a special welcome to those choosing sustainable transport, Blenheim Palace offers 20% off Palace, Park and Garden tickets.
Sudeley Castle
For train enthusiasts, this could be the ultimate Cotswold day out because getting to Sudeley Castle by train involves a steam train ride (from Cheltenham) on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway with a shuttle bus from the line’s Winchcombe station.
When you arrive, you’ll find award winning gardens, historic artwork and decorated opulence as you walk in the footsteps of English kings and queens. With its adventure playground, Sudeley Castle is a great house to visit with the family, and you can even sleepover in one of the Sudeley Estate’s beautiful Cotswolds cottages.
What is the Cotswold National Landscape?
Formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), National Landscapes are areas of the UK that are recognised as nationally important natural landscapes and offered protection in a similar way to our National Parks. With almost 800 square miles, the Cotswolds is Britain’s largest National Landscape.
If you love the countryside and enjoy being active, the Cotswolds National Landscape website is a fantastic resource for walking, cycling and horse-riding routes, and has plenty of handy visitor information to help you plan your visit and understand the geology, history and traditions of this fascinating area.
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Why is Cotswold stone yellow?
Have you ever wondered why the buildings and dry stone walls in the Cotswolds are such a lovely honey colour? Whether it’s reflecting the sunshine or shimmering in the rain, warm Cotswold limestone is as much a part of this stunning landscape as the green fields that surround its towns and villages.
Cotswold limestone was formed under the sea. It is millions of years old, and its lovely warm colour comes from iron oxide. Different quarries yield slightly different colour stone, meaning that the tone of villages and towns changes as you travel across the Cotswolds.
Cotswold stone has always been popular with local builders because it comes from quarries in the area and is durable but easy to carve. These qualities as well as its colour have led to it being used in some famous buildings such as Royal Crescent in Bath and Gloucester Cathedral. But perhaps the best place to see Cotswold Stone in all its glory is at Bourton-in-the-Water where you get to view the buildings twice; once in full scale and again in miniature 1/9th scale at the famous Bourton-in-the-Water model village.
Image credit: Kodachrome25 | Getty Images Signature
With such amazing connections to London and so much to discover, visiting the Cotswolds by train is a confirmed bucket-list item for many people. Why not avoid the traffic and parking crowds this summer and start exploring the Cotswolds at your own pace. The fun will begin as soon as you take your seat on the train.
Frequently Asked Questions: Getting Around the Cotswolds by Train
Which train stations are in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds span around 800 square miles and include a mix of countryside, market towns and cities like Cheltenham and Bath, both with major train stations. Other key stations include Moreton-in-Marsh, Cam and Dursley, Chippenham, Stonehouse, and Bradford-on-Avon. Many of these have direct services from London, Oxford and Reading, making them ideal entry points for a Cotswolds day out or weekend trip.
Can I ride on a steam train through the Cotswolds?
Yes, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway offers scenic rides through the Cotswolds. Accessible by bus (or an hour’s walk) from Cheltenham’s main line train station, you can board at Cheltenham Racecourse for a historic journey through picturesque stations like Winchcombe and Broadway.
Are there train stations on the Cotswold Way walking route?
Yes, the Cotswold Way hiking route is a UK National Trail that runs for 164 kilometres between Chipping Campden and the Roman city of Bath. Often running along the edge of the steep Cotswold escarpment, this hiking route offers unique Cotswold countryside views as well as access to some of the Cotswold’s lesser visited towns and villages. The start and end of the route are both easy to reach by train.
Which Cotswold filming locations can I visit by train?
Several iconic Cotswold locations have been featured in films and TV shows. Notably, Blenheim Palace has appeared in productions like Bridgerton and James Bond's Spectre. Gloucester Cathedral served as a filming location for Harry Potter scenes. Bath's Pulteney Bridge and Weir were featured in Les Misérables. These sites are accessible by train, with convenient connections from nearby stations.
Which Cotswold stately homes can I visit by train?
The Cotswolds are home to several historic manor houses and stately homes. Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, is accessible via train to Hanborough station, with shuttle buses available. Sudeley Castle can be reached by taking a steam train from Cheltenham to Winchcombe, followed by a short shuttle bus ride.
What is the Cotswold National Landscape?
Formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), the Cotswold National Landscape is a protected area in the UK. Spanning nearly 800 square miles, it offers a wealth of walking, cycling, and horse-riding routes, along with rich geological, historical, and cultural heritage.
Why is Cotswold stone yellow?
Cotswold limestone, formed millions of years ago under the sea, is rich in iron oxide, giving it a distinctive warm yellow hue. This natural stone has been used in many iconic buildings across the region, contributing to the Cotswolds' unique architectural character.
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