Best place in the Cotswolds for commute to Birmingham or Bristol?

[Olivea17]

We are looking to relocate to the Cotswolds from Surrey to be closer to my parents who live in Painswick. We are looking for an area which is easily accessible to either Birmingham or Bristol via train within an hour. We have been looking at Malvern but have realised there are probably places closer to my parents and with similar commute times. We would like to live in a nice area, a couple of shops and a nice local pub and also somewhere great for when we start a family. We are after a property with a bit of character and 3/4 beds. Any help would be hugely appreciated!

I would have thought you want to be not too far from the M5. Places like Wooton under Edge (and surrounds), Dursley, or anywhere in the Severn Vale for example. I have found that geting to the M5 from further in the Cotswolds can be quite time consuming at busy times. I live fairly close (but not too close) to a junction and it is so easy to nip down to Bristol (35 mins) or Birmingham (1 hour). If you have to add on a 20 minute drive through busy lanes it makes quite a difference.

Oh sorry, just noticed that you said by train... Cam (near Dursley) has trains to Bristol, not so sure about getting to Birmingham, but we have gone there by train from Gloucester but had to change at Cheltenham as far as I can recall. Bear in mind that buses are often not that frequent, so you will more than likely need to drive to the station anyway.
It is honestly easier and quicker to drive to these cities.

Thanks very much for your reply. My husband has quite an intense job so he would prefer to sit on a train than do the drive each day. He currently gets the train into London each day and doesn’t mind the current 40 min commute by train. I’m finding it really tricky finding the right spot, plus house hunting whilst living two hours away. You find a house you think is great and then find out the area isn’t great.

Wondering if I should stick to looking in Malvern, there are houses a short walk to the station and then the train is an hour to Birmingham.

I know about the house hunting aspect! I moved from Surrey to the Cotswolds over 30 years ago. I wished I had had more time to look around more because I could have got better value for money (although I lived happily in my previous house for 15 years).
One place I liked was Pershore in Worcestershire ( and I still like it very much). My parents lived in the North Cotswolds, so it was handy for them, but it isn't much further from Painswick for you. Have a look.
Anyway, good luck with your search.

Thanks so much. I’ve actually seen a couple of houses we really like in Pershore and saw it was rated one of the best places to live. I’ll see if I can arrange some viewings for next weekend when we are going to be in the Cotswolds - that’s if they haven’t sold by then. Yes I’m getting quite anxious about choosing an area to buy a house and moving and not actually liking it after spending all that money 🙈 We were in painswick over Easter and I was really blown over by how friendly all the locals were in the pub, dogs all off their leads, tiny kids heading to the shop by themselves and outstanding countryside. I want to be close to greenery, and a more relaxing way of life. I think I’m definitely old before my time!

We are looking to make a similar move so that my husband can commute to Birmingham - I was wondering if you went ahead with your relocation to the Cotswolds?

I think you need to 'tag' the op @cconstant. So @Olivea17 .

Could you rent first for a year to see if it all works?