Things to do on the X52

Catch the Pulhams X52 bus, exploring the rolling hills of Cotswolds and connecting you to Cheltenham and Oxford.

The Pulhams X52 is a delightful jaunt through the Cotswolds, connecting Cheltenham and Oxford. Running up to every 2 hours, our buses will show you some of the best our local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has to offer while passing through the popular towns and villages of Andoversford, Northleach, Burford and Witney. There’s loads to see and do along the route, so we’ve put together just a few of our favourites to help inspire an X52 day out!

Plus, this Mayday, our GoAnywhere Group tickets are being discounted to just £10, perfect for a full family day out on the X52!

View the X52 timetable and route map.

 

Cheltenham

Situated on the western border of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a spa town famed for festivals, history, and horse racing. One of the most complete Regency towns in Britain, Cheltenham was a famous favourite of King George III and Queen Charlotte, as well as Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell, and it still draws royalty and celebrities today.

With pretty, white stucco facades and intricate ironwork at many a turn, it’s a perfectly Instagrammable place to wander as you explore chic boutiques and historic hideaways. The X52 stops right in the heart of Cheltenham, at Royal Well Bus Station, plus several other stops throughout the centre, making it the perfect way to get in and explore the town.

If you’re craving a little greenery between shops and cafés, Cheltenham has no shortage of peaceful pockets to escape to…

For those wanting to breathe in the fresh air, then start with Cheltenham’s award-winning Montpellier Gardens. Part of the Central Conservation Area, the park is made up of over 600 hectares of green spaces and recreational zones.

Tennis courts and a skate park are on-site for the sportily inclined, while the toddler’s play area is a great option for littler visitors. The Montpellier Garden Café sits at the heart of the park, serving delicious food and drink in a quieter spot away from the bustle.

Throughout the summer months, concerts are often held at the Bandstand, while the Garden Gallery is open year-round with a changing programme of events and exhibitions to wander through. To the west, a small arboretum sits waiting for visitors, young and old, to come and explore the branches of unusual and ancient trees. The park is perfect for a full day out or a short visit to let little legs run wild.

At the far end of Cheltenham’s High Street lies Sandford Park, a lesser-known pocket of greenery favoured by locals looking for a pause from shopping or a moment of calm during the workday.

Keen-eyed watchers may catch a glimpse of a kingfisher diving for his lunch, while ducks are commonly seen waddling alongside visitors, looking for scraps of lunch. Sections of Sandford Park are dedicated to Cheltenham’s twinned towns, with a Friendship Circle officially marking the developing links and relationships.

The Italian Gardens make for some stunning exploring, complete with a sunken pool and babbling fountains, while the Annecy Garden is a romantic replication of a French courtyard, complete with pergola timbers, covered in wisteria, ideal for an impromptu photoshoot or a quiet picnic.

The park also lies adjacent to Sandford Park Lido, a 1930-style heated swimming pool with oodles of green space and a café to grab a cuppa or two.

Just outside of Cheltenham, hop off the X52 at Dowdeswell Turn, just outside of Cheltenham, and visit Dowdeswell Woods and Reservoir. Home to some of the best views the area has to offer, with hundreds of trails for visitors to join, it’s easy to forget just how close to civilisation you are while immersed in wild woodlands.

The nature reserves are home to a huge range of native wildlife, making it perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Roe deer, dormice and owls can all be spotted moving amongst the orchids, ramsons and bluebells, while freshwater crayfish, dabchicks and grebes can be seen gliding along the waters of the reservoir.

Dowdeswell Woods is full of accessible paths easy to navigate either on your own or with the help of an app, making it ideal for a full family day out. Why not bring some crayons and paper for the little ones to create rubbings of different textures they find along the way? Or bring along your picnic basket for a spot of lunch alongside the water.

Beyond Cheltenham’s leafy loveliness, the X52 also connects you to some of it’s much-loved creative and cultural hotspots. A short walk from the stop at Royal Well Bus Station lies The Wilson Museum. Opened all the way back in 1899, the museum is named in honour of polar explorer Edward Wilson, a son of Cheltenham who took part in the famous Discovery Expedition, where he travelled further south than any other human had before.

A gallery depicting his life and accomplishments can be found within the museum’s halls, as well as a variety of other exhibits, from local history to world art and sculpture.

The Wilson Museum also hosts workshops and classes throughout the year, teaching new skills and hobbies to participants of all ages, such as drawing and painting. Why not hop aboard the X52 to head out and find some inspiration for your next masterpiece?

Sticking with the creative theme, Everyman Theatre on Cheltenham’s Regent Street is always worth a look. The oldest surviving ‘Matcham Auditorium’, the theatre is a stunning example of local architecture, built in red brick with the interior lined in gold and Scagliola marble, it truly is a sight to behold. There’s always something for everyone on at the Everyman Theatre, from backstage tours and workshops to musical delights and serious dramas. If you’re after an evening of theatrical joy, you should look no further than the Everyman!

As we touched on earlier, Cheltenham is a true festival town, with hotels often booked up to a year in advance, and nothing shows it off better than the world-famous Cheltenham Festival! Every year, visitors flock to the Racecourse for 4 days of silly hats and dramatic horse races. The grand prize is second only in value to the Grand National, so the stakes are high as hooves thunder towards the finishing line. It’s not just about the horses either! On Ladies Day, the competition opens up to visitors for the Best Dressed competition, where wacky hats and stylish suits shine for the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Horses aren’t the only reason to visit Cheltenham Festival, though they are certainly the highlight. The Shopping Village is home to unique and bespoke outlets of quintessentially British businesses. Different deluxe food and drink stalls are scattered throughout the showground, offering up everything from Greek mezze to luxury duck wraps. Keep an eye out for the Champagne Bar, offering four different bottle sizes for those who want to celebrate. With the Racecourse just a trot from the closest X52 stop, why not add it to the itinerary?

Are you a cool cat that wails in swingsville? Then listen up, Daddy-o! The annual Cheltenham Jazz Festival might just be for you. Both internationally acclaimed artists and brand-new breakthrough talents are on show for a groovy week of music and entertainment that takes over the town. It’s a free event for any and all who want to come along, with paid concerts scattered throughout for those after something specific. Have a rummage through the Record Lounge to find some vintage musical treasures, then grab some swinging street food from one of the local vendors. Be sure to try the limited-edition beer, brewed specially for the festival, then hop back on the X52 to get you home again.

As the great Duke Ellington once said, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!”, and there’s certainly no lack of it here!

Later in the year, bookworms and lovers of the arts descend on the festival town once more for the Cheltenham Literature Festival. With over 400 events, speakers and things to do, this ten-day event is a jam-packed literary marvel. Join poets, artists and authors as you browse bookshops and enjoy surprise performances. For little visitors, draw-alongs and storytelling are just a couple of options available to help inspire young minds.

The Festival Village is free to enter, leaving you with pennies to spend on novels, food and drink. Keep your ears open for celebrity speakers, who often give special readings and performances of their works. The X52 brings you right into the heart of Cheltenham, and a short walk from the village, giving you time to take in the architectural delights and get truly immersed in the festival vibes.

 

Andoversford

A small parish of less than 1,000 people, Andoversford is deceptive with the number of things to do. A hop into the border of the Cotswolds, the origins of the village can be traced back to the 13th Century, and provides a quaint look into local life and architecture. Cotswold stone walls and houses are dotted amongst native trees and stunning views of the area, making it a picture-perfect example of the British countryside. Hop off the X52 at the Cattle Market or Hunter’s Way to see everything that Andoversford has to offer!

The River Coln, a 27-mile tributary of the Thames, runs right through the heart of the village, giving you access to some fantastic walks, whether you prefer to amble freely or follow a set route. A great option is the Miles without Stiles route, which takes you from Andoversford along the river towards Brockhampton and back again, offering fantastic views of the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Join right from the X52’s bus stop for a steady 5-mile mosey through some of the best the area has to offer,  before looping back to catch your bus home.. If you’re in no rush and want to spend a full day out in the countryside, then Hello Blackberry Way might be for you. The walk also starts at the bus stop, and takes you through the fields of places like Shipton, Hampden and Syreford, before heading back. When in season, blackberries line the way, so be sure to take the opportunity to forage enough for a pie, or just a snack along the way.

On the road between Cheltenham and Andoversford, the X52 stops at Whittington Turn, just a short walk from Whittington Court. A stunning Tudor/Jacobean manor, the origins of the site date back to a Roman villa. In September 1592, Queen Elizabeth I dined at the house while passing through on a tour of Gloucestershire, and now you too can explore the halls. Home to unusual furniture, ancient Egyptian artefacts, and collections of glass, minerals and fossils, Whittington Court acts as a sort of museum for guests to wander through. The Textiles Studio, meanwhile, shows off the processes behind creating block-printed cotton and linens, worked by the house’s owner.  A Tithe Barn, Stables and St Bartholomew’s Church are also on site for history and architecture buffs to discover.

After a long hike or an educational day out, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Offering a true Cotswolds welcome while serving delicious food and refreshing drinks, The Royal Oak at Andoversford is a perfect example of a Cotswolds country pub. Just a 5-minute walk from the X52’s bus stop, the pub has served the local community since 1628 with local real ales and warm log-burning fireplaces. Share your meal with one of the (wooden) horses scattered around the bar and be sure to ask about any upcoming live music event, held outside on the patio.

 

Northleach

Northleach is a market town in the very heart of the Cotswolds. Traceable back to AD 780, the town grew with the local wool trade, and is populated by honey-hued stone buildings and ivy-laden walls. Postcard pretty, Northleach is home to little local shops and cafes, the kind that have disappeared from many other places. The X52 has multiple stops along the main drag at Northleach, including one at the Market Place, perfect for shops and exploring the wider town.

In 1790, years after the introduction of the Penitentiary Act, Sir George Oneisphorus began construction of the ‘House of Correction at Northleach’. Now known simply as ‘The Old Prison’, the building acts as a beautifully preserved heritage site, capturing young imaginations and keeping grown-ups just as intrigued. Explore the old cells, and let little legs run through the exercise yard while you peek inside and discover what life was really like back in the old gaols. The museum promises to be an educational, interactive and exciting day out for all ages!

Over the years, it’s not just prison conditions that have improved; the food has too! The Old Prison Café offers up the perfect place to rest and refuel after a long day of ‘hard time’. Set right beside preserved cells, the café serves up delightful treats and hearty meals, made with local ingredients and sure to appeal to the whole family. The X52 stops right outside of The Old Prison, at The Old Police Station, making it easy to add to your Cotswolds day out.

History buffs may also enjoy a visit to the Church of St Peter & St Paul in Northleach, known locally as the Cathedral of the Cotswolds. The earliest records of a church in Northleach are from around 1100, though the oldest part of the current building can be traced back to the 14th Century. The church boasts eight bells, stunning stained glass and intricate stone-carved architectural details for you to peruse and enjoy. With regular choirs and services, the church provides a place of quiet reflection and contemplation in a beautiful, free-to-enter setting. Just a 3-minute walk from the X52 Market Place bus stop, it’s absolutely worth a visit when exploring the Cotswolds.

Fancy a match? Northleach Tennis Club is just 2 minutes from the X52’s Tannery Lane stop! Set against a stunning background of rolling hills and towering trees, non-members are more than welcome at the courts, who can book in advance online, and the club is always accepting new members for those who want to play regularly. Coaching is available for all ages and skill levels, perfect for tennis newbies and rusty returners alike.

Northleach was also used as the filming location for BAFTA award-winning mockumentary This Country. You can follow a self-guided tour of the village to follow in the footsteps of Kerry and Kurtan’s antics throughout the show. Visit Kerry’s house, The Keeper’s Arms and more while you mosey about the Mucklowe’s home.

 

Burford

Sitting on the banks of the River Windrush, Burford is arguably one of the most historic towns of the Cotswolds. Founded in the Saxon period, the town was once named on Forbes list of “Europe’s Most Idyllic Places to Live”. In the summer, the local schools hold a procession as part of the annual fête, inspired by celebrations in centuries past for the Battle of Burford, a fight between King Cuthred of the West Saxons and King Æthelbald of the Mercians. It is said that at this battle, Cuthred stole Æthelbald’s standard, featuring the golden dragon of Uther Pendragon.

Burford has also played host to the execution of the Banbury mutineers during the Civil War, the Easter Synod and the production of the iconic Oxford Blue cheese. The X52 stops right on the edge of Burford at Oxford Road Layby, making it easy to hop off and explore the town.

The town spills down its famous sloping medieval high street before meeting the River Windrush. As you follow it downhill, you’ll soon find yourself pass the half-timbered Burford Tolsey Museum, an archive of local knowledge and history. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the museum regularly hosts different talks and events, perfect for those wanting to learn a little more about the Cotswolds. The collections feature everything from photos of residents past and golden effigies to ancient documents and highwaymen’s pistols. The museum is actually housed in the Tolsey building, hence the name. Built in the early 16th Century, it originally served as a market house, where local traders paid tolls to sell in the marketplace, and the Borough Court would convene on trade regulations and merchant law.  It’s just a ten‑minute walk from the X52 bus stop, making it an easy and worthwhile stop on your visit.

Burford is also known as a shopping hub with boutiques and artisanal stores dotted along the High Street. Pop into The Cotswold Cheese Company for some local dairy delights, or The Madhatter Bookshop to lose yourself in the written word and discuss your favourites in the book club. The Burford Sweet Shop provides a nostalgic hop back in time with glass jars and retro goodies, while the sheer number of antique shops cannot be understated. A short way out of town, Upton Smokery has a farm shop selling wines, meats and cheeses for you to peruse. To the south of town, Burford Garden Centre is a lovely option for the green-thumbed.

If you’ve worked up an appetite exploring Burford, then look no further than The Farmer’s Dog. Owned by Jeremy Clarkson, the pub features heavily on his Amazon Prime show Clarkson’s Farm. The Farmer’s Dog has almost an entirely British menu, including Hawkstone beer, Diddly Squat ‘cow juice’ and Condimaniac’s ketchup. Snap a pic of the tractor, suspended from the ceiling and chromed by Richard Hammond, before heading outside to the farm shop, housed inside the Grand Tour tent. It’s always recommended to book ahead, as the pub can get quite busy. For an impromptu visit, The Farmer’s Puppy is based in the garden. With a separate food menu and drinks available, you can sit at a bench and take in the stunning views the pub has on offer.

A little closer to town, Thyme & Loveage Riverside Café sits alongside the waters of the Windrush. Serving up sustainable, seasonal food and drink, the café regularly hosts events and workshops that aim to deepen connections between guests and the rich cultural heritage of the area around them. Enjoy lush green gardens and slate stoned floors as you take in the smells and flavours that make the Cotswolds what they are.

 

Witney

Once a hub of the blanket industry, Witney is the home of politicians, musicians, footballers and TV personalities. Sitting alongside the River Windrush, the market town is a bustling hub of things to do and see, from your favourite high street brands to worldly eateries and family activities. The X52 stops at Witney’s Market Square, perfect for getting your shop on.

A 9-minute walk from the X52 bus stop on Cogges Hill Road, Cogges Manor Farm makes an excellent day out for visitors of all ages! Set in 17 acres of tranquil greenery, the former working farm now serves as a heritage museum, petting zoo and park. The manor itself dates back to the 13th Century, perfectly preserved as generations past would have lived. Tour around the house for a fascinatingly educational experience to see how our ancestors might have lived, and how far our homes have come over 1,000 years. Just around the corner is Yew Tree Farm,  a familiar sight from the big screen in shows such as Downton Abbey. The farm is also home to a wide range of heritage breed livestock for you to meet! Say hello as you learn more about how these animals shaped both Witney and the wider Cotswolds into what they are today. If you’re getting nibbly, Cogges Kitchen Café serves delicious treats and meals made with fresh, local ingredients. They also offer homemade snacks for four-legged friends, who are more than welcome to join you at the farm.

If you’ve picked up a taste for Witney’s history, The Witney & District Museum is there to keep the education going! Run entirely by local volunteers with a passion for the place they live, you’ll always find someone on hand to tell you more about the area’s rich history and what each exhibit is  about! The ground floor is dedicated to the story of Witney and its surrounding villages. Visitors can delight in artefacts from archaeological finds, the Wychwood Brewery and more as they learn about how Witney came to be. Upstairs, the Bartlett Taylor Gallery, hosts exhibitions from local artists and historians that celebrate the town, past and present. Its an interesting, educational stop, and absolutely worth popping in for a visit, simply hop off the X52 at the High Street!

Witney Market began back in the Middle Ages and still thrives today! Held weekly on a Thursday and Saturday, the market hosts a variety of stalls for you to peruse, from local bakeries and cake makers to unique clothing and floral arrangements. It’s lovely to spend an afternoon perusing the stalls, whether window shopping or seeking a bargain. After browsing the market, you could start looking a little further afield at some of Witney’s other retail offerings. The town is home to some great little shops and outlets that are sure to tickle anyone’s fancy. Within the Woolgate Centre, Mystic Games are open for card connoisseurs and Warhammer professionals, while Just for Pets offers a huge range of treats and accessories for your furry friends. Market Square is your best stop for shops and the market.

Stepping back into the natural world, Witney Lake and Country Park is a gateway into the Lower Windrush Valley and is called home by a rich variety of native wildlife and fauna. Spot woodpeckers and kingfishers flitting about the trees as you picnic on the lake’s shores. A walk around the water and park is marked in quarter-mile increments, each named after a local species you can spot within the grounds. It’s fun to turn the walk into a game for younger visitors, drawing a picture of the animal on each marker to take home, or trying to see each one to tick off a list. Hop off the X52 at Market Square to explore this stunning slice of nature.

 

Oxford

The home of great universities and ancient histories, Oxford is a county town of great renown. Officially founded all the way back in the 8th Century, over the years, the City of Dreaming Spires has been the site of riots, wars, industry and world-changing discoveries. With hundreds of things to do and explore in the city and its suburbs, it’s difficult to narrow it down to just a few, but we’ve included some of our favourites below. The X52 stops on Magdalen Street for those wanting to explore the city.

Carfax Tower is considered to be the very central point of Oxford. Grade II listed, the tower is home to a ring of six Woodstock-cast bells and, if you’re lucky, you may hear the Oxford Society of Change Ringers playing them on special occasions. Carfax Tower is all that remains of St Martin’s Church, as the rest of the 12th-century building was demolished to make way for traffic in the 1800s. Tradition dictates that no building in Oxford may be built taller than Carfax, leading to some unparalleled views and photo opportunities from the top, if you’re daring enough to tackle the 99 steps!

Travelling the streets of Oxford for over two decades, City Sightseeing Oxford are the expert in tours and history in the city. Their open-top bus tours visit 18 key stops, letting you hop on and off as you like to see the sights and explore the area. The tour is available in 14 languages, with Mia Cloo’s kids’ commentary and adventure for younger visitors to get stuck in and learn in a fun, friendly way. Throughout the year, events like the Bunny Hop Trail and the Passport Trail are on hand, giving kids the chance to explore and solve puzzles for prizes and sweet treats. City Sightseeing Oxford also offer walking tours for those who prefer to explore on foot. The Oxford Uncovered Walking Tour is an hour of accessible discovery through the city centre, uncovering the fascinating history of the City of Dreaming Spires, with your guide ready to answer any and all questions you might have. The tours offer the perfect way to familiarise yourself with Oxford and learn something new along the way.

With evidence of teaching dating back to 1096, the University of Oxford is the oldest English-speaking university, and the second-oldest university in the world. Made up of 43 iconic colleges, the university boasts alumni that include 31 Prime Ministers, 76 Nobel laureates and 160 Olympic medals, as well as authors, artists and inventors. The University also owns and maintains different museums, gardens and parks throughout the city, many of which are free to visit throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to visit and tour many of the colleges, some for free and others for a small admission fee. Follow in the footsteps of iconic detectives Morse and Lewis at Balliol and Wadham, or visit the serene chapel at Christ Church, home to the bones of Oxford’s patron saint, St Frideswide and a major Harry Potter filming location.

In 1071, Norman baron Robert D’Oyly arrived in Oxford and began construction of Oxford Castle. Later rebuilt in stone, the castle served as a vital military outpost for many centuries, including the English Civil War when King Charles I made the city his capital, though it was this war that led to the destruction of much of the original building. Sometime in the 18th century, the castle began to serve as the local prison, officially changing its name to HM Prison Oxford in 1888. The prison is now closed, and the castle can be explored on characterful guided tours, discovering the spooky history of residents of the past, willing or otherwise. The castle is also reputed to be haunted, with many visitors claiming to see a monk deep in the crypt or a lady in white escaping castle walls across a frozen river.  Whether you view these as folklore or simply part of the site’s colourful past, the history alone makes the castle worth a visit on your trip to Oxford on the X52.

Oxford serves as a shopaholic’s dream, with the variety of different stores and outlets almost second to none. The Westgate Centre, completely remodelled in 2017, is home to over 100 shops, cafés and restaurants for you to try. John Lewis dominates one end of the shopping centre, including a café, clothing, homeware and tech.  World‑renowned bookseller Blackwell’s, itself an institution since 1879, has also opened a store in the Westgate. An Oxford staple since 1879, explore new and old titles under the branches of a great tree. Shopped till you’ve dropped? Sign up for the free Westgate PLUS+ service to have your purchases delivered straight to your door! No need to worry about bags, just hop back on the X52 home, and leave the heavy lifting to the concierge.

Just a 4-minute walk from the X52’s stop, The Covered Market in Oxford offers visitors a step back in time with traditional, independent shops and eateries, all set in an 18th-century market hall. Brown’s Café has been a staple of the market since 1924, and maintains a vintage charm while serving up British classics with a Portuguese twist. Around the corner, Gulp Fiction is an indie bookshop, bar and coffee house all in one, ideal for a quiet cuppa and people watching.

Oxford and museums go hand in hand, and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a perfect example. A short walk from the X52 bus stop, visitors can become immersed in the natural world, past and present, with skeletal dinosaurs dominating the great, glass-domed halls of the gallery. The natural world is woven into the very fabric of the building, with each stone column carved from different British minerals. Entry is free to the museum, with different events, exhibits and talks available throughout the year for visitors of all ages to attend. Discover more about our planet with interactive exhibits and exciting new discoveries. Get hands-on with a meteorite that’s estimated to be 4.5 billion years old and discover the evolution of today’s mammals at the Skeleton Parade.

Accessible through the Museum of Natural History is the Pitt Rivers Museum. Founded by and named after Augustus Pitt Rivers in 1884, the museum houses more than 600,000 items relating to human history and anthropology. Also free to enter, Pitt Rivers visitors can find everything from ancient Roman shoes and tools to totem poles and a witch in a bottle. Regular workshops and family activities invite visitors to create art inspired by the exhibits or follow trails around the collections for a fresh way to explore.

Keeping families in mind, just a short jaunt from your X52 stop is The Story Museum. A fan favourite, the museum welcomes visitors into the pages of 1001 stories from across the world for you to read and enjoy. Kids especially will love the interactive exhibits, live storytelling and dressing up as beloved characters. Jump on a giant bed, spin a pirate’s wheel and uncover mythical tales, all in the walls of the museum. Getting nibbly? Tasty treats, locally sourced lunches and delicious drinks are on offer at the museum café. Plus, with buggy parking, bottle warming and toys and games available, kids will stay entertained throughout the entire visit!