Trains to The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of our most popular rural places. Featuring delightful hillsides known as 'wolds' and a collection of charming villages, this official Area of Outstanding National Beauty is the Britain of chocolate boxes and picture postcards. Its rolling fields and pretty limestone cottages attract thousands of Brits and foreign tourists every year and have a special place in the heart of ramblers. During medieval times, the Cotswolds was famous for its sheep, which were renowned throughout Europe for their dense fleeces and high-quality wool. The wool brought a high price, and wealth flooded the area, resulting in many of the grand manors that dot the landscape to this day. Part of the region's appeal is its old-world feel.
Much of the farming landscape was laid out in the 18th and 19th centuries or even earlier, and so drystone walls are everywhere - the product of one of Britain's most ancient crafts, and one still practiced by a handful of Cotswolds residents to this day. Away from the countryside, the Cotswolds are ringed by buzzing cities and towns, including Bath and Oxford. It's also home to hundreds of villages, such as Painswick, Burford, Castle Combe and Northleach, whose striking church is known as the Cathedral of the Cotswolds.
You'll be surprised how easy it is to get the train to the Cotswolds. Due to the area's size, there are many stations that can act as gateways to it, including:
- Moreton-in-Marsh
- Kingham
- Hanborough
- Kemble
- Stroud
- Bath
- Oxford
- Cheltenham
- Banbury
- Cam and Dursley
- Gloucester
- Charlbury
If you're travelling from London, you'll need to depart from Paddington, and can expect a journey of about 90 minutes. There are also direct routes to several of the above stations from all four corners of the UK.
If you're looking for some inspiration on what to see and do in The Cotswolds in a day, you might enjoy this article from one of our travel experts.
Planning your next family holiday in the UK and not sure where to go? Check out our guide to the best family staycations in the UK, the Cotswolds is one of them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main train station in The Cotswolds?
The main train station in The Cotswolds is Moreton-in-Marsh. Check out live arrivals and station facilities for Moreton-in-Marsh.
Which train companies run trains to The Cotswolds?
The primary operator of trains to The Cotswolds is GWR.
How do I find cheap tickets to The Cotswolds?
It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to The Cotswolds. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains to The Cotswolds running?
There are frequent daily services to The Cotswolds, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to The Cotswolds.