London to Cotswolds day trip: Trains, sights & itinerary

Trains from London to the Cotswolds run regularly and serve different parts of the region, depending on which villages or market towns you want to visit. The following routes are the most reliable and direct for a one-day itinerary.

London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh

This is the most direct and commonly used route for a Cotswolds day trip. Trains are operated by Great Western Railway and depart from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh, a key access point to the northern Cotswolds. The average journey time is 1 hour 27 minutes, with the fastest trains taking 1 hour 24 minutes. The first train departs at 00:31 and the last train back leaves at 22:51. The distance covered is approximately 74 miles. Trains are regular throughout the day, and advance fares typically start from £7.00 when booked early.

London Paddington to Kemble

Kemble is the nearest station to Cirencester and serves the southern Cotswolds. Trains run from London Paddington and are operated by Great Western Railway. The average journey takes 1 hour 9 minutes, while the quickest trains can complete the trip in just 1 hour 6 minutes. The first service departs at 05:23, and the final return leaves at 23:32. The total distance is approximately 81 miles. Kemble station has good connections via bus and taxi to Cirencester and other nearby locations. Ticket prices generally start from £18.00 for an off-peak advance fare.

London Paddington to Oxford, then Charlbury or Kingham

For visitors heading to quieter parts of the Cotswolds, trains from London Paddington via Oxford offer access to Charlbury and Kingham on the branch lines. These stations are served by both Great Western Railway and Chiltern Railways. Trains to Charlbury take an average of 1 hour 11 minutes and cover around 62 miles. The first departure from Paddington is at 05:53, and the last return is at 23:39.

Kingham takes around 1 hour 20 minutes on average, with the first train at 00:31 and the final return at 23:14. Kingham is about 68 miles from London. Both stations offer access to walking routes, farm shops, and small villages nearby. Tickets can be found from as little as £6.00 if booked in advance.

Selecting the right train station is key to making the most of a day trip to the Cotswolds by rail. Each station offers access to different parts of the region, with varying onward transport options to reach charming villages and attractions beyond the platform.

Moreton-in-Marsh Station

Moreton-in-Marsh is the busiest and most practical station for day-trippers heading to the northern Cotswolds. Located on the Great Western Railway mainline, it's served by direct trains from London Paddington with journey times averaging around 1 hour 27 minutes. Moreton is a small market town with essential amenities, but the station acts primarily as a transport hub for visitors looking to explore the wider region.

From here, Pulhams Coaches operate the 801 bus route, which links Moreton-in-Marsh to iconic Cotswolds villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, and Chipping Campden. These buses run multiple times a day, but services can be limited outside peak hours and on weekends, so planning is essential.

Taxis are readily available at the station for greater flexibility. While the town holds a lively market every Tuesday, most visitors use Moreton as a stepping stone to the surrounding picturesque villages rather than a final destination.

Kingham Station

Kingham station offers a quieter alternative for travellers seeking a more relaxed, rural start to their Cotswolds day trip. It is served by Great Western Railway and Chiltern Railways, with direct trains from London Paddington taking approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Kingham is a charming village about a mile from the station, famous for its traditional Cotswold stone cottages and two well-regarded pubs. It's ideal for visitors wanting to combine scenic countryside walks with local food experiences, thanks to nearby attractions such as Daylesford Organic Farm and the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, which are accessible by a short taxi or limited bus ride.

This station is an excellent starting point for countryside walks, including the Kingham Station Short Circular Walk and the longer Mills and Meadows trail. Bus services around Kingham are sparse, so taxis or pre-arranged car hire are the most convenient options for onward travel.

Kemble Station

Kemble is the preferred station for those targeting the southern Cotswolds, especially the market town of Cirencester, often referred to as the "Capital of the Cotswolds." Great Western Railway operates regular trains from London Paddington to Kemble, with journey times averaging just over one hour.

Kemble is a small village with limited facilities, but it is the main rail gateway to Cirencester, about four miles away. A frequent Stagecoach bus service, route 882, connects Kemble station directly to Cirencester town centre, taking around 15 minutes. Taxis are also available for quicker and more flexible onward travel.

Cirencester offers a rich blend of Roman history, boutique shopping, and vast parklands, including Cirencester Park, ideal for walkers and families. From Kemble, visitors can also access attractions such as the source of the River Thames, Westonbirt Arboretum, and the Cotswold Water Park.

Taking the train from London to the Cotswolds gives you the freedom to enjoy a day packed with beautiful scenery and plenty of walking, all without worrying about traffic or parking. This itinerary centres on Moreton-in-Marsh, offering easy connections to some iconic Cotswold spots.

Morning:

Catch an early train from London Paddington to reach Moreton-in-Marsh by around 08:30. Begin your day with a coffee and breakfast at one of the cosy cafes near the station, such as The Olive Tree or The Art Cafe.

Spend 30-45 minutes wandering the small market town, soaking in the traditional stone architecture and browsing quaint shops. If time allows, stroll to the nearby Batsford Arboretum for a brief morning walk among beautiful trees and gardens, just a short taxi ride away.

Midday:

From Moreton-in-Marsh, hop on the Pulhams 801 bus or grab a taxi to Stow-on-the-Wold, about 15 minutes away. This hilltop town is famed for its market square lined with historic inns, boutique shops, and galleries. Spend some time browsing the local stores, and don't miss the "Tolkien Door" at St Edward's Church or pick up some local crafts before lunch at a traditional pub like The Old Butchers, The Bell Inn or The Porch House, one of England's oldest inns.

After lunch, take a short taxi or bus ride to Bourton-on-the-Water, the "Venice of the Cotswolds." Spend an hour or two wandering along the River Windrush, visiting the Model Village, or checking out the quirky Cotswold Motoring Museum.

Afternoon:

Take a short taxi ride from Bourton-on-the-Water to Broadway, an elegant village perfect for wandering its tree-lined streets and browsing art galleries or tea rooms. If time and energy allow, hike up to Broadway Tower, an 18th-century folly offering spectacular views across the Cotswolds and beyond.

Alternatively, visit Chipping Campden, a few miles north, known for its exquisite architecture and historic Market Hall. Either destination rewards you with stunning architecture and countryside walks. Wrap up your afternoon by returning to Moreton-in-Marsh station in time for an evening train back to London, with your heart full of Cotswold charm.

Planning ahead and being prepared for the countryside are key to making the most of your day trip from London to the Cotswolds. These simple tips will help you travel smoothly and enjoy every moment.

• Book train tickets in advance: Booking early means cheaper fares and guaranteed seats on busy trains. This helps avoid last-minute stress and secures your preferred travel times.
• Use PlusBus where available: PlusBus offers discounted combined train and local bus tickets, making onward travel easier. It's a cost-effective way to reach villages without relying on taxis.
• Check bus schedules carefully: Buses in the Cotswolds can be limited, especially outside peak hours. Have a taxi option ready just in case public transport isn't running when you need it.
• Travel light and wear walking shoes: Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring village streets and countryside paths.
• Bring water and snacks: Carrying refreshments energises you between cafes and attractions. This is especially helpful during longer walks or when waiting for transport.
• Download offline maps or guides: Mobile signal may be unreliable in rural areas. Offline navigation tools ensure you won't get lost, even without internet access.
• Dress in layers and check the weather: The weather can change quickly in the Cotswolds, so layers and waterproofs are essential.

A guided tour is a smart and efficient alternative if you'd prefer to avoid the stress of coordinating bus schedules or arranging last-minute taxis in the Cotswolds. Here are some companies offering guided tour packages:

• From London: Full-Day Cotswolds Group Tour
• Cotswolds Villages and Oxford Full Day Tour from London
• Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London
• The Cotswolds Guided Day Tour from London