How to Travel from London to the Cotswolds


Living in the city is exciting with a buzzing life right on your doorstep, but have you ever daydreamed about escaping to the countryside? Even just for a short Cotswold break or maybe a spa weekend? We see a lot of Londoners getting away from the hustle and bustle of London life to relax in this area of outstanding natural beauty during a staycation in the UK.

Unspoilt countryside, quaint villages, and picturesque views are just a few hours away. If you’re considering coming to stay with us from London, read on for some travel advice.

Travel from London to the Cotswolds by Car

If you are travelling by car, this trip will take you roughly 2 hours. The area is served by the M4, M5 and M40 motorways, so access is easy.

Some of the most charming villages require navigating narrow country lanes, but the larger villages are all easily accessible from the motorways and you won’t run out of things to do.

Travelling by car will also come in handy when you’re here, allowing you to explore the area at your own pace with some extra freedom. Adding to this, it’s easier to bring any pets with you via car if you’re staying in a dog-friendly property.

Places to Stop Off

If you have some extra time or even a night to spare, we recommend driving via Oxford and stopping off to see the sights. Oxford is a beautiful city of stunning architecture, history, and culture. You’ll find historic and modern colleges, fascinating museums and galleries, and plenty of parks to relax in.

Your onward trip from Oxford to the Cotswolds will be a more scenic one as you will travel through Burford, Bibury and Cirencester before reaching the Cotswold Water Park.

Travel from London to the Cotswolds by Train and Bus

While some of the most-visited sightseeing destinations in the Cotswolds aren’t accessible via train, it is possible to get to some of the region’s larger towns and cities from London by rail.

If you’re staying in one of our properties, the most common route using public transport is a mix of train and bus. London guests typically get a train from London Paddington to Swindon in less than an hour, and then take a 40-minute bus ride up to the Gateway Centre which is where we’re based.

For a more direct route via train only, guests can get the train from London Paddington to Kemble. This will take 1 hour 15 minutes and will leave you around a 15-minute taxi away from the Gateway Centre.

Escape the Hustle and Bustle and Stay in the Cotswold Water Park

In summary, it’s easy to take a staycation in the Cotswold Water Park if you’re currently in England’s capital city, regardless of your mode of transport. So why not travel down to this stunning corner of the country?

All of the information above is correct at the time of writing, but we strongly recommend you do your own research before planning your trip to ensure you have the most up to date information. We can help you with your travel plans.

Whether you’re looking to escape for a fishing holiday, spa break, or if you’re simply here for a flying visit and are looking for a base to explore from, take a look at our website for up-to-date availability across the Cotswold Water Park.

Travelling from London to the Cotswolds

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