There is so much more to this bustling market town on the edge of the Cotswolds than its busy high street and vast number of coffee shops.
Visiting Wotton-Under-Edge will leave you with some new ghost stories, a caffeine overdose, and a love for steak!
Looking for more things to do in the area – check out this list of 50 amazing things to do in the Cotswolds!
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Getting there
By car
Wotton-Under-Edge is just 5-miles and a 10-minute drive from junction 14 of the M5 motorway.
If you arrive by car, there are 3 free car parks in the town:
- Chipping car park – GL12 7AD (Short stay maximum 3-hours, long stay maximum 23-hours)
- The Civic Centre – GL12 7DN (Maximum stay 23-hours)
- Potters Pond – GL12 7HF (Maximum stay 23-hours)
By train
The nearest train station is Cam and Dursley which is 7-miles from Wotton. When you arrive at the this station, catch the number 60 bus service heading towards Thornbury – this bus stops in Wotton-Under-Edge.
There are 7 buses that make the journey from Cam and Dursley station to Wotton Monday – Saturday, with no services on this route on Sundays.
Bus times (Cam and Dursley station – Wotton-Under-Edge):
- 06:12AM
- 08:22AM
- 10:22AM
- 12:22PM
- 14:22PM
- 16:27PM
- 18:37PM
This journey will take 40-minutes and drop off in Wotton-Under-Edge near the War Memorial – a central location and great base to explore the rest of the town from by foot.
For the return journey from Wotton to Cam and Dursley train station, there are also 7 buses a day Monday – Saturday, with none on Sundays.
Buses pick up and drop off at the same place near the War Memorial. The journey will take 40-minutes.
Bus times (Wotton-Under-Edge – Cam and Dursley station):
- 06:10AM
- 08:10AM
- 10:10AM
- 12:10PM
- 14:10PM
- 16:10PM
- 18:15PM
By bus
If you are travelling from Gloucester, you can take the number 60 bus directly to Wotton-Under-Edge. This bus picks up and drops off opposite Gloucester train station and the War Memorial in Wotton.
From Gloucester Transport Hub Bay F, there are 7 buses a day Monday – Saturday making the trip there and back, with no services on a Sunday. The journey will take 1-hour 20-minutes – 1-hour 30-minutes.
Bus times (Gloucester – Wotton-Under-Edge):
- 05:33AM
- 07:38AM
- 09:43AM
- 11:43AM
- 13:43PM
- 15:43PM
- 17:53PM
Bus times (Wotton-Under-Edge – Gloucester):
- 06:10AM
- 08:10AM
- 10:10AM
- 12:10PM
- 14:10PM
- 16:10PM
- 18:15PM
Looking to get to the Cotswolds without a car – see this detailed guide on getting to the Cotswold by train, or the cheaper option – travelling to the Cotswolds by coach.
Coffee shops
After all that travelling – you’ll probably be in the mood for a coffee or 2. You’re in luck, if anything there is too much choice here.
Head to the high street to begin your coffee crawl!
The Wotton Coffee Shop
Original name – I know. But, it’s a great place to start your day with a traditional English breakfast roll, or indulge in an afternoon tea.
Be sure to check out the homemade scones on offer here, and the quaint garden at the back of the coffee shop!
Parsons
If you’re in the mood for some pastries – check out Parsons. A great selection of cakes, bread, pastries and homemade sandwiches.
To make sure they don’t waste anything – they even have discounts on these delicious treats in the afternoon!
The Edge Coffee Shop
For a larger lunch and some more choice, go for The Edge Coffee Shop. Fish finger sandwiches and pies, some great breakfast options, and of course, some good looking cakes. They even have pizzas nights!
A really friendly and helpful place if you’re new to the area, with a nice garden at the back.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available here.
The Ancient Ram Inn
If you love a good ghost story – this place is a must visit. It is said to be one of the most haunted houses in Britain!
The original 12th century Inn was built on an ancient pagan burial site from over 5,000 years ago, and it stands on a stone age burial mound. 2 Ley Lines intersect in the middle of the house, and you can trace one of them on a map all the way to Stonehenge. Are you scared?
It has even been investigated and featured on television shows such as Most Haunted and Ghost Adventures.
The Inn is open for day and night visits – and even available for wedding photography and family portrait shoots!
By foot, the Inn is located at the bottom of the high street and less than 200 metres from the War Memorial where the bus drops off and picks up.
Swimming pool
Fancy a dip? This outdoor swimming pool in Wotton is open from May – September. If the weather isn’t that great – they even have a retractable roof!
There are separate male and female changing rooms, toilets on site, and hot showers available.
If you visit by car, use the Chipping car park which is only 150 metres away.
Newark Park
This Tudor hunting lodge is just outside of Wotton-Under-Edge in an almost untouched area of the Cotswold countryside. The house has some intriguing history and is blessed with spectacular views out across the surrounding countryside.
Newark Park is open daily from 11:00AM – 17:00PM. Snacks and drinks are available here, as well as a toilet on site.
Why not grab some food in Wotton before and take a picnic? Or, if you have the time, enjoy this picturesque place for longer and stay in one of their lodges overnight.
From Wotton, it is just under 2-miles. If you’re feeling adventurous – it will take around 45-minutes by foot. If you have a car, the drive will take less than 10-minutes.
Cinema
Why not experience a film at one of the oldest picture houses in the country!
They have everything from new releases to comedies and music concerts on show. There are a limited number of screenings so be sure to check out their website for up to date film times before you visit.
If you’re arriving by car, this place is on the edge of the Chipping car park. If you’re arriving using public transport and exploring by foot, it’s just over 100 metres from the high street.
Pubs
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is a traditional Cotswold pub in the heart of Wotton-Under-Edge. It has a nice garden at the back to relax in, and there are separate bar and restaurant areas. Try out some of their home cooked food, or grab a drink and soak up Cotswold life in the bar.
If you’re visiting Wotton on a Saturday – be sure to check out their brunch between 10:00AM and noon – a nice full English breakfast served with tea or coffee!
If you’re arriving by car, they have an on-site car park. If you’re arriving in Wotton by bus and walking, this pub is at the top of the high street.
The Falcon
To finish your visit to Wotton, why not treat yourself to a nice steak at The Falcon. Not the cheapest food you will find in this country town – but you will not be disappointed!
The beef served here is sourced from local farms, including their own family farm, which are all within 10-minutes of their kitchen.
If you’re just after a quick snack, the nibbles and starters on the menu are a great choice – and don’t forget to try one of their delicious homemade puddings!
Vegetarian and vegan dishes are also available here.
Why not check out the nearby market town of Berkeley while you’re in the area – spoiler – there’s a castle here!
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