Small-Group Cotswolds Tour (From London)
Description
Join this small-group day tour to the Cotswolds from London, and explore the highlights of the beautiful English countryside. Travel in a minibus in small, friendly groups as your Driver-Guide explains the history of the region and tells you the local stories. Along the way you'll meander along country lanes, see remote countryside and visit the most charming villages in the region. • Explore the highlights of the Cotswolds in one day • Get off the beaten path and travel along the narrow country lanes • Visit a mix of charming villages, historic towns and beautiful countryside • Small groups with a maximum of 16 passengers
Tour Options
Itinerary
The day begins by departing London and travelling towards the quintessentially English countryside of The Cotswolds; an area that is famous for its beautiful landscape, charming villages and honey-coloured stone cottages. Our first stop will be the traditional town of Burford; known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. This is a historic place where many houses date back nearly 600 years and little has changed for centuries. During the visit there will be time to explore Burford, visit the magnificent church and stroll along the high street to visit a mix of independent family-run shops.
The village of Bibury is often described as the 'prettiest village in England'. It's charming scene is a snapshot of traditional English country life. Wander along the gentle river and see the iconic Arlington Row; a set of weavers cottages that are now one of the symbols of the Cotswolds.
Our lunch stop is the charming settlement of Bourton-on-the-Water. The town's river setting has seen it become known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'.
We'll continue through the countryside to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds that is a jumble of ancient inns & antique shops located around the bustling market square. This historic town was a place of inspiration for JRR Tolkien and is also where the last battle of the English Civil War took place in 1646.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under the age of seven are not permitted to travel
- Operating Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
Reviews(3,044)
Our one day Cotswolds Tour from London was really good. A small group tour of sixteen in a comfortable mini bus highlighted four Cotswold locations: Burford, Bibury, Bourton on the Water, and Stow-on-Wold. All locations were very different and it was a comfortable and well paced guided tour with plenty of time to spend browsing shops or exploring the sights, or trying the regional food offerings. Our guide Sean did a great job, laying out what lay ahead during the day, telling the stories behind the locations and pointing out various options at each stop so that we could decide what we wanted to do at the locations before moving on. Highly recommended tour and a great option to get out of London for the day especially when you have limited time. Many thanks again Sean for a good day.
The experience was good. The trip was long but we were able to see a lot. I would suggest that in some of the more scenic areas the driver could have slowed down on even pull off so that pictures could be taken. Overall met the stated objectives nicely.
A Great Tour! The driver Rob was funny and extremely knowledgable, providing information along the way. The stops and scenic views were amazing. The added stop to see the Hawkstone was appreciated. It was disappointing to learn late we wouldn't be able to get inside the Diddly Squat Shop or be seated inside at the Farmer's Dog. Perhaps the tour could have started sooner to beat those long lines. Otherwise, that I formation should be included in the description.
The tour was very organized, everything was clear and the day went smoothly. It was a small group and the bus was comfortable. Our guide Nigel was very sweet and considerate, the amount and the variety of the information he gave was amazing. It was a day trip full of history, nature, and unique atmospheres. I definitely recommend the tour!
Ollie was great! A nice leisurely day. A good mix of information/history and then plenty of time to explore on our own.
Wonderful day spent traveling through the English countryside. Very knowledgeable & helpful guide. Say all the highlights of the Cotswolds.
Driver / Guide was very good. Location was far and the towns were crowded. No longer the quaint little towns they may have been in the past. Bus was not as comfortable as we would have wanted. The seats were not very wide at all.
Len, our driver/guide was fantastic! His vast knowledge of the area, charming style, and great story-telling skills created a wonderful day. We stopped at four picturesque villages for just the right amount of time. Great day!!!
Nigel was a great guide! He was so knowledgeable about the area and history. Great music for the drive. He made an extra stop at a site of standing stones! It was my favorite spot of the tour!
Excellent way to see and learn about the Cotswolds. James was a fantastic driver/tour guide. He provided a history of the area and made recommendations for things to do at each stop. Very entertaining and great music selection for our journey there and back.
