The Cotswolds is a popular relocation area for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and the area is home to some of the best commuter villages to London. For those in search of a slower pace of life without losing touch with the capital, the sweeping countryside along with the strong road and rail connections, makes it an ideal choice.
Direct Rail Links Make All the Difference
What puts the Cotswolds firmly on the map of many of the best commuter towns for London, is just how well it is connected by train to both London Paddington and Marylebone. Many of the stations can have you into London in under ninety minutes – the perfect time to settle down with a good book or catch up on the latest news.
Here are some key areas with train stations serving London:
- Kingham – A popular village, this station serves nearby towns like Chipping Norton, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, with direct trains to London Paddington in around 80–90 minutes. It’s impressive to think you can go from such beautiful countryside to the capital in under an hour and a half.
- Moreton-in-Marsh – Another charming market town, host to a weekly vibrant market, residents of Moreton can enjoy direct trains to Paddington with a journey time of around 90 minutes. One of the better-served stations in the region, it benefits from a frequent service making daily or part-time commuting feasible.
- Charlbury – Nestled in the Evenlode Valley, Charlbury is peaceful yet surprisingly well connected. Trains to London Paddington take about 75–85 minutes making it a popular choice for buyers looking for the best commuter towns outside London with real character.
- Kemble – Ideal for those near Cirencester or Tetbury, Kemble Station connects commuters to London in just over 70 minutes. The combination of journey time and countryside lifestyle is tough to beat.
- Oxford and Banbury – Perfect for those living in nearby villages, Oxford Parkway offers easy parking for those taking a direct train to London Marylebone throughout the week and at weekends. For commuters in the sought after spots of Bloxham, Deddington and Shipston-on-Stour, Banbury Station gets you into Marylebone in under an hour.
Road Links and Hybrid Working Options
For those not reliant on daily train travel, the Cotswolds’ access to the M4, M5 and A40 corridors makes commuting by car a viable option, especially if you’re only heading into the city two or three days a week. And thanks to the rise of remote working, the roads are clearer. Many professionals now consider the best commuter towns for London to be those with not just transport links, but a good local food scene, great school choices, reliable Wi-Fi and a strong local community.
Popular Cotswold Villages and Hidden Gems
There are many Cotswold spots that easily rank among the best commuter villages to London, not only for their ease of commute but for their surprisingly vibrant feel. There are a variety of locations that could be described as some of the best places to live in the Cotswolds – Great Tew hosts the annual Cornbury Music Festival each July, Moreton-in-Marsh is home to the largest open-air street market in the Cotswolds, Kingham has a fabulous annual festival and Burford, known as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, is a bustling town on the southern edge of the Cotswolds.
However, if you are looking for a truly slower pace of life you will be glad to know there are still several villages and hamlets that are our hidden gems, yet not too far from the nearest train station or A road. Close to Moreton-in-Marsh are the smaller villages of Ebrington, Sezincote and Bourton-on-the-Hill, each with a strong sense of local community. Closer to Kemble station you will find several charming small villages such as Cricklade, the first town on the River Thames, King’s Stanley, with its historic Church and picturesque Kingscote, home to Horsley woods.
Is It Worth the Move?
If you’re considering which of the best commuter towns outside London could be your next home, you certainly won’t need to compromise on local amenities for the sake of a slower pace of life. The Cotswolds proves you can live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and benefit from strong travel links.
But with the area covering over 800 square miles, don’t be surprised if you find it tricky to choose which of our spectacular villages to call home.
