Travel Information
Pond Cottage is set in a peaceful rural location in the Vale of Berkeley in the foothills of the Southern Cotswolds and is easy to reach from London or Bristol airports. Driving gives you the most flexibility to explore the countryside, while trains and coaches provide scenic and straightforward alternatives, with a short taxi ride to the Cottage. If you’re using public transport, it’s best to plan your journey in advance and book local taxis ahead of time. Whether you choose car, train, or coach, Pond Cottage makes a perfect base to enjoy the region at your own pace.
Getting Here
By Air:
BRISTOL AIRPORT ~1 hour drive
Public Transport: ‘Airport Flyer’ shuttle bus to Bristol Temple Meads station (every 10–15 mins, ~30 min journey), then train to Cam & Dursley (direct trains every hour, ~36 min), followed by a local taxi to Pond Cottage (~15 min).
LONDON HEATHROW ~2–2½ hours drive; ~1½ hours by train
Public Transport: Train from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington station (every 5–10 mins, ~20 min journey).
Option A – Quickest: Paddington → Stonehouse (direct trains every hour, ~90 min), then taxi to Pond Cottage (~20 min);
Option B – Cheapest: Paddington → Victoria (Underground train Circle or District line, 10–15 min), then National Express coach to Stroud (every 2–3 hours, ~3–3½ hrs), followed by a taxi to Pond Cottage (~30 min).
By Car:
From the North (M5 J13): Turn right on A419, then take the first exit at the roundabout signposted Bristol A38, Dursley (A4135). Continue on the A38 for 11 miles. Turn right signposted Breadstone, Halmore, Purton after the railway bridge to enter Breadstone.
From the South (M5 J14): Turn left on B4509, then right at the traffic lights signposted Gloucester A38, Berkeley, Sharpness, Dursley. Continue on the A38 for 8 miles. Turn left signposted Breadstone ¾, Halmore 2, Purton 3½.
Finding Pond Cottage: Follow the road through Breadstone for ~1 mile until you reach Breadstone Care Home on the right. Immediately after the Care Home, take the next turning on the right through a gap in the trees and continue straight on to Pond Cottage. The house sign is on a boulder to the left of the gate.
By Rail:
Nearest stations: Cam & Dursley (~5 miles) and Stonehouse (~10 miles).
Both stations have services to London Paddington, but Stonehouse offers direct trains every hour, taking ~90 minutes.
Local Taxi Companies:
Chris at CJ’s Taxis, Berkeley: 07840 338889
Pieter at Stroud Taxis, Stroud: 01453 750211
Apollo Taxis, Stonehouse: 01453 823344
By Foot:
We provide a GPS map for the route from the Cotswold Way at Stinchcombe Hill (OS Grid Reference ST 7391 9874). The route is ~3½ miles, all downhill(!), but if you’ve had a long day you may prefer to book a taxi from Dursley. We also offer a free transfer back to the Cotswold Way after your stay.