I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Copyright TourRadar. The train line from Oxford also makes it easy to visit Charlbury, Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh. Our team members are all local to the Cotswolds and experts at what they do let us show you around this beautiful region we call our back yard. Another must-visit is Sudeley Castle & Gardens. There is also another train service which you can use to explore the Cotswolds the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Steam Railway. This ancient, ivy-clad inn is located in the centre of Bibury on the banks of the River Coln, providing a scenic setting for a delicious pub meal. Gaze up at the grand architecture and wander the stunning rooms until you feel like an aristocrat. Dog Friendly page The Cotswolds extends a very warm welcome to visitors and their four legged friends. The last stop of the day is at Burford, aka the Gateway to the Cotswolds. Once you have arrived you can visit one of the Tourist Information Centres where you will receive a personal touch to help you plan your trip further. They have a range of cosy and comfortable rooms on offer and a great breakfast available each morning. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello Lucy Dont be put off by their sinister-sounding names. we are from Vancouver Canada. Cotswolds - Drive through and explore the iconic region known as the . Click here to see their availability. It was a totally impressive, different character holiday. This full-day tour travels at a relaxed paced to be fully immersed in the highlights of the Cotswolds. This 15th-century fortress, with its 10 gorgeous gardens, stands on the site of a former 12th-century castle and boasts connections to the late royals Anne Boleyn and Katherine Parr, two of Henry VIIIs wives. Enjoy a Cotswold Cream tea tea, scones , jam and cream! We left Bath at around 4pm, and our first destination was the stunning village called Castle Combe. Deals of The Week:Spring into Solo Adventure! Terms apply for children under 3. Deemed the southern gateway to the Cotswolds, this beautiful town on the river Windrush remains a crossroads. In a group of up to 18, youll see other sites used for the filming of Downton Abbey as well as Bampton village, the main location. In the famed university you can again spend your time as you like, though your guide can suggest a walking tour that includes Christ Church cathedral and the Bridge of Sighs at Hertford College. Kate Daniel is a writer for The World Was Here First. Fact File: Population: 139,000 | Counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire Size: 2,038 km Explore all our tours Why you'll love the Cotswolds Wonderful Villages came across your layout/design and character of your website A day trip to the Cotswolds from the cities is a perfect antidote from the hustle and bustle. Morning mists, rolling hills, ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows. With an end goal that is the one-time home of actual Shakespeare, it's a pretty cool one at that. Stay at one of the many accommodation options and experience wonderful hospitality. Afterwards, grab dinner at The Broadway Indian Restaurant before packing it in for the day. It is said the poet John Milton stayed here and was inspired to write Paradise Lost. Tetbury is a Cotswold town of great architectural interest and is well placed as a base for touring the Cotswolds. But local train and bus links are good enough to reach the Cotswolds main towns and villages without a car, so not having access to one or not wanting to drive shouldnt put you off visiting. Yet another option is to ride a coach. The Cotswolds covers a huge area almost 800 square miles and runs through five counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire). Afterwards, venture a little further from the center to explore country roads and get a taste of local life. You can revoke your consent any time using the Revoke consent button. Don't make this mista, First time visitor, or have only one day to spend, Looking for a day trip from Birmingham? For larger groups, we work with a partner coach company to provide vehicles with up to 70 seats. This small-group tour of stunning Cotswolds locations includes beautiful countryside walks, with plenty of free time to explore Broadway and Burford. Every tour and experience will be an everlasting distinctive memory when you travel with us, No tour is ever the same with us, we will plan and deliver your tour and experience the way you want it. Level Contributor 44 posts 2 reviews 2. With our passion, years of experience and personal connections we are able to offer a truly unrivalled experience. Find something that suits your pocket or adventure type, and check in weekly for fresh new deals. Would suggest you break it down as Day 1 Bath (overnight Bath), Day 2 train to Chippenham and bus to Bibury (overnight Northleach), Day 3 bus to Bourton and Stow (overnight Moreton-in-Marsh), Day 4 bus to Broadway then walk or bus to Stanton. Based near Shakespeares home town of Stratford-upon-Avon, on the northern edge of the Cotswolds, Tom and Lisa established Go Cotswolds in 2014 to show visitors around this beautiful region they call their back yard. Satisfied Welcoming gastro pubs, cosy old inns and excellent restaurants make the Cotswolds a great foodie destination. Recommended Train, taxi Take the train from Bristol Temple Meads to Cheltenham Spa Take a taxi from Cheltenham Spa to Cotswolds 56 min 41 - 143 The Cotswolds: Day Trips and Tours from Bath. From Bourton its a lovely 1.5-mile walk along the River Windrush to Lower Slaughter, where you can do a short diversion to neighbouring Upper Slaughter, and on to Stow-on-the-Wold. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The converted building, with its original water wheel, is now a museum and craft shop with a caf. The Palace has a wonderful backdrop of more than 2,000 acres of extraordinary landscaped Parkland and formal Gardens. Stow-on-the-Wold is another of the Cotswolds most beloved and enchanting villages. And with services usually finishing by 6pm, if you want to stay out for dinner youll probably need to take a taxi (its a good idea to book in advance, especially at weekends). If so, could you recommend what would be the best way to do it? They have a number of beautiful rooms to choose from and lots of other amenities to make your stay fantastic. Indeed it can be argued that the buildings are some of the finest found on any tours of the Cotswolds. It's the tiny Cotswold villages that really capture your heart in this breathtaking locale, located about two hours west of London. Although the mill is no longer functional, there has been a mill in this location since the Domesday Book was published in 1086. Our tours to the Cotswolds from London take you to the fairytale villages and the most magical spots in the area. You can buy the passes at train stations or on board buses. Originally from Washington State, she is a slow traveler and digital nomad. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Its also an antique-lovers paradise, with numerous shops selling vintage and antique wares. For a long time- I had been put off visiting the Cotswolds due to my lack of transport knowledge in the area. The best places to see snowdrops in the Cotswolds. All Rights Reserved. Our private tours let you explore the lovely Market Town of Tetbury. Can you get around the Cotswolds without a car? info@gocotswolds.co.uk Our passion is about getting immersed into local life to provide a real authentic immersion into the culture and experience things that are not contrived. Then, walk along the shallow Eye stream past rows of limestone cottages to the Old Mill. Filton. Our 5 days in the Cotswolds was truly like no We realise that COVID-19 is a big worry for many people at the moment, here in the Cotswolds our tours and transfers have begun and we can still see all the normal sites and nothing is missed, and were able to offer a full chauffeur and tour service. We've got 27 adventures going to Cotswolds, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 24 days. Click to book this private day tour of the Cotswolds and Lacock village. 3. Park in Lower Slaughter and visit Copse Hill Road. You could either catch a train to one of the bigger towns or cities like Oxford or Cheltenham and do day trips by bus into the Cotswolds. The order in which these are visited may vary. A short break or even an extended holiday in the Cotswolds will leave you wanting more and youll be booking your next Cotswolds holiday as soon as you return home! This is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. Learn More 1 DAY TOUR cotswold bucket list day tour 7 hours 8 cotswolds locations This day trip to Cotswolds from London by car is led by a former city taxi driver in a six-seater Mercedes, and youll be transported by luxury Mercedes to see the Cotswolds finest sights. And rolling plains tumble into castles and manor houses. If youll be travelling around a lot, there are couple of passes available which can save you money on travel. Take part in the Cotswolds & Severn Vale circular cycling tour Enjoy a circular self guided cycling holiday tour, so you spend a week exploring the Cotswolds & Severn Vale, on your bike with optional day routes. Have any questions about this itinerary? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The buses don't tend to line up all that well and it would take most of the day but you could take the train from Moreton-in-Marsh/Kingham to Chippenham the bus from Stow to Moreton is fairly regular but you may need to take a taxi to Castle Combe. The manor house dates back to the 17th century and features Baroque details and a picturesque landscape. Embark on a full-day guided tour of the English countryside from London. Our guided tours last 7 hours and give you ample time to explore the traditional Cotswolds. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Prices start from 700. Comment below! 5 124 Reviews. Bampton-in-the-Bush is not only a glorious Cotswolds village it is also featured on the famous TV series Downton Abbey. Location: Gloucestershire, Cotswolds Enjoy a touch of class in a riverside Cotswold inn One of the closest cotswold villages to Bristol is Castle Coombe. However, if you dont have that luxury, it is quite possible to get a feel for the region and experience several of its highlights in a weekend break. Based in Shakespeares Stratford-upon-Avon, we provide fun, friendly guided tours of the nearby Cotswolds National Landscape, the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. So while visiting, make sure to tuck into the local delicacies. When she isn't writing, she is most likely befriending stray cats or sitting by the sea and daydreaming about the next adventure while eating copious amounts of fruit. 6 cotswolds locations 375 PER VEHICLE The perfect introduction to the Cotswolds. Click to book this London full day tour to the Cotswolds. Broadway, Stow and Painswick are possibilities - probably only one of them though Report inappropriate content ynohtna Cape Town Central. Though the 1/2 doesnt run on Sundays and the 801 has three services on Sundays but only in summer. A full day guided tour (max 15 guests) to explore some of the most stunning Cotswold villages, towns and hamlets and to learn about the amazing history of this beautiful part of England. Like other Cotswold Villages the sheer beauty of Castle Coombe has attracted film makers. Visiting Cotswolds: a weekend in Bath and Cotswolds Once you're done with Bath, although, arguably, you can't be done with Bath, this city has so much to see, you can drive to Cotswolds. If you have time and a car you could start in Bristol, take some time around the south Cotswolds and then loop around the coast taking in Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia, and fly back out of somewhere more convenient. This 18th-century spa town is a convenient gateway to the region, with direct train links to London, Birmingham, and Bristol and public transit connections to several of the regions villages. Subscribe to our emails for tips and updates about our friendly tours across the UK & Europe. The Cotswolds have a diversity of rolling . Cotswold Riding has been perfect as I'm having excellent tuition and wonderful hacks in breathtaking scenery. This area boasts a hundred different varieties of cheese and a wide array of meats, vegetables, beers and ales. Unsurprisingly this landscape provides a rich harvest of food and drink with local cheeses, meats and drinks appearing prominently on the menus of the gastro pubs, old inns, colourful cafes and fine dining restaurants scattered generously across the region. In terms of mileage covered this is one of the longest day tours but you will have memories of three very different takes on the best of what England has to offer. Top Road Trip Stops: Guiting Power; Bourton-on-the-Water; Snowshill; Stratford-upon-Avon. With a maximum of 27 other passengers, youll be taken for a tour of some of Englands most famous sights, taking in Stratford, the Cotswolds and Oxford. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2c892c63f6adcb98f29a3839ee5ce3d" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! Every tour is important to our family company and your time with us matters. Report inappropriate content Penmere Cheltenham, United. You could either catch a train to one of the bigger towns or cities like Oxford or Cheltenham and do day trips by bus into the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds are a beloved part of England known for rolling green pastures, charming towns and woodlands. This blog has been sooo useful- especially the train/bus map. Discover Wales Small-Group Tour (from London) - 5 Days, Britain & Ireland Discovery (Classic, 24 Days), Grand Tulip Cruise of Holland & Belgium for Garden & Nature Lovers, Argentina & Brazil Highlights ( Until Feb 2021 ), Salkantay With Machupicchu Trek 4D/3N from Cusco. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Are you planning a visit to the Cotswolds? And when you stroll by its honey-coloured stone cottages, cosy tearooms and colourful flower gardens; youll understand why. Think of a traditional English town with cosy tearooms. First youll travel along the twisting roads of the breathtaking Windrush Valley before admiring Stow-on-the-Wolds handsome main square. Oxford is the mornings destination, where you can discover the treasures at the Ashmolean Museum, climb a tower for sweeping city views and explore the prestigious universitys range of ancient colleges, including Christ Church and its Great Hall. Instantly book a ready-made private Cotswolds in a Day tour for you and your family and friends (up to 16 people). Bursting with honey-coloured stone cottages, stunning scenery, gorgeous places to stay and things to do, they're perfect for a short break or longer stay. This Cotswolds day tour from London takes you on a more in-depth discovery of the Cotswolds before heading to Blenheim Palace to see Englands biggest privately-owned home the birthplace of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Stagecoach also has an Explorer ticket which gives you one day of unlimited travel on their services in the west, including the Cotswolds. The W connects Cheltenham with Winchcombe (30 minutes), as does the less-frequent 606, which carries on to Broadway (1 hour 35 minutes) and Chipping Campden (2 hours). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre 77 Horseback Riding Tours By hugo197355 Would highly recommend Bourton Vale to anyone wanting a unique riding experience in a friendly and well managed centre. If you havent yet been and have some spare time, you can stop at Stonehenge to the south of Oxford to the north along the way. Another option for those seeking a full day Cotswolds day trip from London is this one with a two-course pub lunch included. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If you want to visit the Cotswolds without a car but have no idea where to start planning your trip, these five sample itineraries might give you some inspiration. From fabulous gardens to amazing shops, we could go on but why not come and see for yourself? If youre limited on time or want an easy way to visit the Cotswolds without a car, there are also a range of guided tours that let you see some of the highlights in a day and include travel. Located at the Southern edge of the Cotswolds, an hour south of Cheltenham by car, Castle Combe is a bit of a trek but well worthwhile. Stately homes with immaculate gardens and vast interiors are dotted around the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds extends a very warm welcome to visitors and their four legged friends. 9 of the best Cotswolds tours from London London full day tour to the Cotswolds Duration: 9 hours Destinations: Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury & Burford Departure time: 08.30 (08.15 check-in) Departure point: Mercure Kensington Hotel, near Earl's Court underground What's included: Transport, guide, free time to explore If I want to go to Stock-on-the-wold, Burton on the water, Bibury, Bath, Castle Combe, Stanton and Bath. How can I make it? Pioneer Equestrian Coaching 21 Cap off your first of 2 to 3 days in the Cotswolds with a stop in Broadway, a village whose name comes from its unusually broad High Street lined with numerous shops. this year I decided to try only Bus/Train All Rights Reserved. The Cotswolds Discoverer One Day Pass costs 10.50 for adults (5.25 for children or 6.90 with a Railcard*) and includes unlimited travel on many buses and trains. Each itinerary involves basing yourself in one place and visiting nearby places by bus or train over a few days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures. Our final pick is for those seeking a special and more local experience. Traditional Cotswold villages lend themselves to stunning film locations . Spend time exploring: Lower Slaughter, Bourton on the Water, Upper Slaughter, Snowshill, Broadway & Stanton A fabulous mixture of the famous villages & beautiful lesser-known locations. You can check available options on Rentalcars.com which aggregates results from many major car hire companies. Go Cotswolds is an award-winning family-run guided tour company. At the latter you can wander along the row of old weavers cottages. Even off-season its riverside gets packed by day-trippers, but using it as a base means you can have it almost to yourself in the early mornings and evenings. But although its undeniably easier to get around by car, it doesnt mean you cant visit the Cotswolds without one it just might need a bit more planning. And these landscapes are as tranquil as they are beautiful. Cotswold Tours & Travel are a highly respected leader in luxury travel and tours in the Cotswolds and the U.K. Cotswold Tours & Travel cares for perfection and puts you first, listening to your desires and interests. Or connect on to one of the smaller places like Broadway or Bourton-on-the-Wate r and stay there, using buses and footpaths to explore nearby.. Our Cotswolds public transport map shows the main train and bus connections - and at . Some tours also include lunch. And just outside the city is grand Blenheim Palace easy to reach on the S3/7 buses (50 minutes), and you get a 30% discount on entry if you arrive by bus. One of the simplest and most popular ways to do this is to book one of the best Cotswold tours from London but with lots to pick from, how can you be sure of picking the best option? Accessible by train from London, Reading, Oxford, Birmingham and other UK locations. The Cotswold Way is a popular long-distance walking trail and this 7-day trip is the perfect way to explore its southern section between Painswick and Bath. This company is awesome, they are revitalising what can be done in the countryside and are bringing locals with stories to tell closer to mainstream tourism. High Street offers rows of independent shops, teashops, and cafes to explore with its aesthetically pleasing architecture and quaint character. Admire the fairytale houses of the Cotswolds, the historic Oxford University, and the beauty of the English Countryside. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Discover the very best of the Cotswolds Lower Slaughter beautiful old Mill, Upper Slaughter delightful quiet village, Stow on the Wold large Market square , Broadway an old coaching town, Lacock backdrop for period drama filming , Cirencester Capital of the Cotswolds, Bibury the most beautiful Cotswold village. While you can rely solely on public transit, consider hiring a car, especially if you have just two or three days in the Cotswolds. There are many other attractions in Cirencester : Read more. care of the services and people, especially in the Bourton area. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Not recommended for small children. Like most of the U.K., it is connected via bus and train routes to nearby hubs, including London. Lacock - Harry Potter fans will get a kick out of visiting the Lacock Abbey Cloisters, which were used as Hogwarts' corridors in the movies. Youll also visit Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford and Bibury, though as the tour is private it can be personalised to suit your preferences. Logistics: 930am pick up from the Visitor Information Centre on Broad Street. Day tours from London usually include round-trip transport, a tour guide, and entrance fees. Cotswold Tours & Travel are a highly respected leader in luxury travel and tours in the Cotswolds and the U.K. Cotswold Tours & Travel cares for perfection and puts you first, listening to your desires and interests. To reduce the cost and your carbon footprint, you can always hire a car once youve arrived via bus or train. The second-highest point in the Cotswolds, it can be seen from the Welsh border on a clear day and is one of the best spots to catch the sunset. It has 1300 years of recorded history.In 681 Tettas Monastery was mentioned in a charter by King Ethelred of Mercia. By providing my email I agree for Go Cotswolds to contact me via email with news, events and updates. Depart London on a full-day tour that takes you west to experience the beauty of the Cotswolds countryside, and the university city of Oxford. Click to book this London to the Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace with lunch. Click to book this London day trip to Oxford, Stratford and the Cotswolds. Cotswolds tours typically take in a number of nearby points of interest, many by foot, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Dine in one of the prettiest villages in England. One of the nations most stunning gardens, Hidcote features different outdoor rooms, each with distinct character, as well as colorful plants, exotic trees, topiary, fountains, and ponds. Dubbed The Queen of the Cotswolds, this historic town was recently featured in the BBCs The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. Spanning a whopping 40 square miles, this park has 180 lakes and offers the ideal destination for bird and animal watching. Choose a ready-made private Cotswolds Day Tour, or create an itinerary that is completely tailored to your needs. This includes Winchcombe Antiques Centre, with its basement tearoom serving afternoon tea, warm beverages and cakes. Fortunately, in the medieval era, the town came into its own once more finding prosperity as a major wool hub. Catch the 801 bus to Stow-on-the-Wold (20 minutes) or Bourton-on-the-Water (30 minutes). Also of note is the south porch built around 1490; it is one of the most elaborately decorated porches and gleams in the sunlight having been recently restored. You will find inspiration, tips and resources to help you make the most of your travels whether you are a first time visitor or a UK resident wanting to see more of what England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have to offer. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. The Cotswolds covers quite a large area in the West of England, so I assume that your plan is to experience the Cotswolds character, history and countryside. The Regency town of Cheltenham lies to the west of the Cotswolds, with good train connections to London, Birmingham and Bristol. Tetbury - " an unspoilt market town". If the weather is nice and youre keen on a hike, consider taking the footpath trail from Market Place. You can even pick up some gifts and souvenirs too. You can reach Cirencester via trains to Swindon, Kemble, Gloucester or Cheltenham. Then there is the colourful Cecily Hill leading up to the Cirencester Park. There are lots of accommodation options to choose from so if youre looking for the perfect place to stay in the Cotswolds, browse through these suggestions: The Lamb Inn This idyllic pub located in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water is the perfect place to stay in the Cotswolds. For a truly bespoke and luxurious experience, we recommend booking a private driver-guided tour with the lovely Victoria of Cotswold Teacup Tours. But as well as having colleges, museums and gardens to visit, Oxford is also a good base to explore the eastern Cotswolds. I believe for two reasons, Age lol ! , Day 1 Cheltenham, Hidcote Manor & Broadway, Day 2 Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold & More, Day 3 Hop Between Iconic Cotswolds Villages. Our Unique Experiences are exclusive experiences made by our team and will be a cherished memory of your time in the Cotswolds. Next, pay a visit to the 18th century Painswick Rococo Garden, the only one of its kind in the country. Read more about how we use cookies and how you can control them by clicking Cookie Settings. This place earned the title of the prettiest village in England. Larger groups can be accommodated contact us for details. If you want to admire Oxfords famed dreaming spires as well as the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds, this Oxford and Cotswolds tour from London could be perfect. Go Cotswolds is an award-winning family-run guided tour company. Or connect on to one of the smaller places like Broadway or Bourton-on-the-Water and stay there, using buses and footpaths to explore nearby. The attractions of Shilton in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds include a pretty duck pond, an old pump and an ancient stone bridge. Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Steam Railway, 9 easy day trips from Cheltenham to Cotswolds (without a car), Worcestershire Parkway > Pershore > Evesham > Honeybourne > Moreton-in-Marsh > Kingham > Charlbury > Hanborough > Oxford (and on to London), Cheltenham > Gloucester > Stonehouse > Stroud > Kemble > Swindon (and on to London), Bristol > Yate > Cam and Dursley > Gloucester, Cheltenham Racecourse > Gotherington > Winchcombe > Toddington > Broadway. Hear Victoria chat about the Cotswolds (and her fabulous tours) in episode 20 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PRIVATE BESPOKE TOUR OF THE COTSWOLDS WITH VICTORIA. Looking at photos of the Cotswolds, you will more than likely come upon the Great Yew in the yard of the medieval St. Edwards Church. From Cheltenham the 801 bus takes 40 minutes to reach Bourton. This tour offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with this glorious part of the British Isles for a day youll never forget. Chauffeured by our friendly, fully qualified and insured drivers, our comfortable, luxury minibuses are ideal for transporting groups of up to 16 people.