Cheltenham or Winchcombe?

[SusanSeattle]

As part of my summer trip, I have a week on my own after my mom departs and before my husband and kids arrive. I had originally thought to spend the whole week in the Peak district in Buxton. I later decided that I really didn't need that long in Buxton and decided to spend the last 3 nights in Oxford. I've been to Oxford before and really enjoy it, so I thought I was all set. Then we decided to go to Oxford as part of our family trip (the kids want to see the colleges and Bletchley Park.) So, I'm not trying to find a new spot to stay for the 3 nights in July which are a Friday to Monday. I won't have a car.

One option is to go to either Cheltenham or Winchcombe. I stayed overnight in Winchcombe in September 2013 when a friend and I were walking the Cotswold way. We really liked the town, but didn't have any time to explore and I'd like to go back. To get to Cheltenham from Buxton, I can easily take a train (3.5 hours), and to get on to Winchcombe, I'd probably take a taxi. (after these days, I need to meet my 16 year old at the Birmingham airport which is an easy connection from Cheltenham)

So, my dilemma is, do I stay in the larger town of Cheltenham in an apartment I've found on the Promenade and take day trips to the countryside, or do I stay in Winchcombe at the Lion Inn (stayed there on the walk and loved it.) I would love to get some feedback on my options.

Here are links to the places I've found to stay:
http://www.cotswold-perfumery.co.uk/accommodation/promenade-apartment

http://www.thelionwinchcombe.co.uk/

 

[Pauline]

I would stay in Winchcombe. I like Cheltenham but it is a city. I got lost driving across Cheltenham yesterday and realized it is much bigger than I thought it was! Winchcombe is charming (as you know). We spent a month there in 2004 and have been back many times. There are interesting shops and restaurants. And the walking is very good. You could even take the bus to Broadway and walk back on the Cotswold Way again.

If you want to visit the countryside and do some walking, best would be to stay in a smaller town in the countryside. From Winchcombe you can take the bus to Broadway, then another bus to Chipping Campden. You could even walk to Temple Guiting or Naunton (a nice long walk) and take a taxi back.

We are away from June 26 - July 11, but if you visit is not during those dates we could come up and meet you.

I have a good walking brochure for Winchcombe which I could scan and email to you if you like.

 

[SusanSeattle]

Hi Pauline,
That is exactly the kind of info I wanted to hear! Cheltenham seems like a more 'practical' base, but I really do like the idea of having easy access to the walks. If it's easy for you to scan the walks, I would love to see them.

My dates are July 10th - 13th. If you are not too tired from your trip, it would be great to meet up in Winchcombe on Sunday the 12th.

 

[Pauline]

We can meet you on the Sunday - let's arrange it closer to the time. I will scan that map and send it to you - writing a sticky note now to remind me.

 

[SusanSeattle]

Sounds great!

 

[Pauline]

@SusanSeattle I sent you a message on these forums to arrange our meetup in Winchcombe!

 

[SusanSeattle]

got it!