Escape to the Cotswolds: London to Bourton-on-the-Water by Train & Bus

#myfavoriteroute Sometimes called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water is all golden stone bridges, babbling brooks, and charming tea rooms. And yes — it’s absolutely worth the journey. While there’s no direct train, the ride from London to Moreton-in-Marsh, followed by a short bus, makes for a delightfully scenic countryside adventure. 🌿🧳🍰 ⸻ 🎯 Highlights Along the Way • Departing from London Paddington 🚉 Hop on a Great Western Railway (GWR) train toward Moreton-in-Marsh, a classic Cotswold market town. The ride is smooth, quiet, and gets greener by the mile. • Cotswolds Countryside Views 🌾 • Pass through Reading and Didcot Parkway, watching London’s suburbs fade into green fields • Between Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh, the views are stunning — rolling hills, grazing sheep, and dry-stone walls lining the land • Keep your eyes out for thatched cottages, woodland groves, and distant church spires • From Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water 🚌 • Take the Pulhams bus 801 (or a short taxi) — a scenic 30-minute ride past fields and villages like Stow-on-the-Wold • The bus drops you in the heart of Bourton, where the River Windrush flows gently under little arched bridges ⸻ 📍 Why Visit Bourton-on-the-Water? • 🌉 Fairy-Tale Views: The low stone bridges and sparkling river that cuts through the village make it one of England’s prettiest spots — perfect for photos and picnics • 🦆 Wildlife & Walks: Wander along the riverbank, visit the Birdland Park & Gardens, or stroll to nearby Lower Slaughter via peaceful footpaths • 🏛️ Miniature Marvels: Don’t miss the quirky Model Village, a perfect one-ninth replica of Bourton itself — even the tiny trees are pruned to scale! • 🍵 Tea & Treats: Cosy up in a traditional tearoom or riverside café — Bakery on the Water is a favourite for warm pastries and cream teas • 🚗 Cotswold Motoring Museum: A nostalgic gem full of vintage cars, enamel signs, and toys — great for families or classic car lovers ⸻ 🗺️ Getting There • Train: London Paddington → Moreton-in-Marsh (~1 hr 30 mins, direct via GWR) • Bus: Pulhams 801 Moreton-in-Marsh → Bourton-on-the-Water (~30–40 mins) • Total Journey Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours • Top Tip: Check train-bus timings in advance, especially on Sundays when services are less frequent ⸻ 🌟 Tips from a Cotswold Commuter • 🪟 Best Seat: Sit on the right from Oxford onwards for long-range countryside views • 🥐 Snack Hack: Pack a pastry from Paddington’s PAUL bakery and enjoy it by the Windrush when you arrive • 📸 Golden Hour Goals: The bridges glow at sunset — head to the central green just as the light fades • 🥾 Hidden Gem Walk: From Bourton, take the 1.5-mile walk to Lower Slaughter — it’s flat, peaceful, and postcard-perfect • 🛍️ Local Finds: Browse little shops for Cotswold-made soaps, honey, and crafts — perfect for souvenirs that aren’t touristy