The Cotswolds
the prettiest hills in england
Honey-stone villages, drystone walls and green hills. Hop off at Moreton-in-Marsh and walk between the prettiest villages in England.
Free to visit · Moreton-in-Marsh · Gloucestershire · Paddington → Moreton-in-Marsh · GL56 0AA
The Cotswolds are the bit of England the postcards mean by countryside: honey-coloured stone villages, drystone walls and soft green hills. Moreton-in-Marsh is the one you can actually reach by direct train, and from there the whole area opens up on foot.
Walking is free and that is the whole point. Follow the footpaths towards Bourton-on-the-Water or the Slaughters, wander market squares full of old stone and find a hillside for your sandwiches. You only spend if you fancy a cream tea.
Getting there from London: Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh, 1h40 direct, advance singles from £20 each way. The villages, the footpaths and the views are free. Only lunch and the train cost anything.
Getting there: Moreton-in-Marsh has a direct train and is the easiest Cotswold base by rail. Footpaths and the odd local bus link it to the smaller villages.
Best time to go: Late spring and early autumn for the colours and fewer crowds. Some village shops shut on Sundays, so pack a picnic.
Official site: https://www.cotswolds.com
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