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. 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. The order in which these are visited may vary. Deemed the southern gateway to the Cotswolds, this beautiful town on the river Windrush remains a crossroads. This day trip returns to London after a full 10 hours of travelling and sightseeing. By continuing to browse, you consent to our use of cookies. You can revoke your consent any time using the Revoke consent button. Many guides can reel off the history and be boring teachers, our tour guides burst with passion and enthusiasm and as local ambassadors we show our guests real local life, sharing the stories we love whilst showcasing the best of the area and meeting local characters along the way. Check the calendar forupcoming events, like cooking and floristry classes. On this full-day excursion from London, you'll begin your tour in Burford, where the magnificent High Street slopes down to the River Windrush. Victoria will collect you from Hanborough Train Station (only an hour by train from Paddington Station) and design a private Cotswold tour which is perfect for your interests. The Cotswolds isalso richly rural: more than 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways to explore; ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows; 4,000 miles of historicCotswold stone walls dividing up the landscape. For a truly bespoke and luxurious experience, we recommend booking a private driver-guided tour with the lovely Victoria of Cotswold Teacup Tours. 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. The day includes 2 hours in Stratford-upon-Avon to spend as you wish, and your guide will be happy to offer suggestions. info@cotswoldtoursandtravel.com This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Then you can backtrack to Moreton to catch the train onwards. Youll also visit Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford and Bibury, though as the tour is private it can be personalised to suit your preferences. Stonehenge & Cotswold Villages - 1 day tour | Rabbie's There are many exciting things to do for all the family. This blog has been sooo useful- especially the train/bus map. To reduce the cost and your carbon footprint, you can always hire a car once youve arrived via bus or train. Best Cotswolds Tours & Vacations 2023/24 | Intrepid Travel US Think of a traditional English town with cosy tearooms. But as well as having colleges, museums and gardens to visit, Oxford is also a good base to explore the eastern Cotswolds. I am able to amend the itineraries of the tours if there is something you especially wish to see. Thanks so much! 17 Best Villages in the Cotswolds - PlanetWare - Travel Guides by the The converted building, with its original water wheel, is now a museum and craft shop with a caf. The map below highlights the towns and cities in and around the Cotswolds which have train stations (shown in black with the British Rail logo) and also shows the main bus routes around the region (excluding services which only run once or twice a week). A 2-course meal awaits you in the heart of the Cotswolds at . If youre spending some time in London, then a must-do is to escape the city for the day so you can see another side of life in the UK. All Rights Reserved. The best places to see snowdrops in the Cotswolds. THE 5 BEST Cotswolds Horseback Riding Tours (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Dubbed The Queen of the Cotswolds, this historic town was recently featured in the BBCs The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. One is that transportation around the Cotswolds doesnt run very frequently. 2. Famous for its enchanting villages, idyllic rolling hills, and ancient buildings made of honey-colored limestone, it is one of the Isles most beloved treasures. What are you reading right now? This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees. Welcome tothe Cotswolds, a very special, very wonderful place. 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. This place earned the title of the prettiest village in England. Cirencester - " Capital of the Cotswolds". If youre planning to spend 2 to 3 days in the Cotswolds, then youre going to need to find a great place to rest your head in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are also numerous festivals throughout the year, including the enormously popular horse racing event, the Cheltenham Festival. High Street offers rows of independent shops, teashops, and cafes to explore with its aesthetically pleasing architecture and quaint character. With nearly 800 square miles of glorious countryside to explore, we know your dogs will have as much fun here as you will. 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. North Cotswolds 6 hour Tour from 450 per group ( 4 hour tour option from 350), South Cotswolds 6 hour Tour from 450 per group (4 hour tour option from 350), Bespoke Cotswolds 6 hour Tour from 500 per group (4 hour tour option from 400). Home - Cotswold Tours & Travel Where is it better to sleep the night? Larger groups can be accommodated contact us for details. Chauffeured by our friendly, fully qualified and insured drivers, our comfortable, luxury minibuses are ideal for transporting groups of up to 16 people. The tour also takes in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds, a pretty place thats packed with honey-coloured stone cottages and low bridges. Hello from both of us Tracy and Doug Collins. Its rumored that every time a 100th is planted, it dies. Satisfied +44(0)7832 915871 The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Cotswold Tours & Exploring the region The Cotswolds is a unique Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. Meander along the quaint streets and idyllic stone bridges crossing the River Windrush and streams. Not quite what youre looking for? Stately homes with immaculate gardens and vast interiors are dotted around the Cotswolds. I believe for two reasons, Age lol ! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. * There are also some tours starting in the Cotswolds, which cuts down on time on the bus, with one from Moreton-in-Marsh* and another from Oxford.*. Don't make this mista, First time visitor, or have only one day to spend, Looking for a day trip from Birmingham? 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. For more information, see our privacy policy. Gloucester Road North. Cotswold Tours | Private tours of the Cotswolds with an expert driver Places to visit in the Cotswolds | VisitEngland info@gocotswolds.co.uk Cotswolds Tours from London - Evan Evans Tours Sightseeing & Tour Guides in the Cotswolds Like most of the U.K., it is connected via bus and train routes to nearby hubs, including London. Although the Cotswolds is pretty well connected by bus, its not the easiest thing to get your head around not least because services are run by six different bus companies! The village is also home to several boutiques and antiquarians and Englands oldest inn,The Porch House, which has served shelter and sustenance for over 11 centuries. Next, pay a visit to the 18th century Painswick Rococo Garden, the only one of its kind in the country. In the afternoon, you can admire one of the prettiest villages in the whole of the UK while snapping Arlington Row, a line of old weavers cottages that Bibury is famous for. Or the 802 connects with trains from London at Kingham and will take you to Bourton in just under an hour. Sign up to receive the latest news and updates! Hiking in England | Cotswold Way Walking Tours | Walk in the Cotswolds Hi Sara, Stow to Castle Combe is a bit of a challenge! Off the beaten path of the usual tourist route, Winchcombe is an excellent spot to escape the crowds in summer. 11 Best Cotswolds Tour from London Options and Top Tips From the delightful Market place you can admire the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Cotswold Tours & Exploring the region Did you know? From 99.00. Guests can appreciate this monument along with many others on our day tour. I am begining to plan the 2023 3 wk holiday and in my search I Instead, "Just about the only tour company I could find tha, And we're off! Afterwards, stop by the Old Rectory Tea Room for fresh-baked scones before heading to the next stop on your Cotswolds itinerary. Packed with charm, they have a range of comfortable and clean rooms available, a car park and a pub downstairs to eat and drink at. 2 days in the Cotswolds is preferable, although three days in the Cotswolds is better yet if you can manage. Whether you are a Downton Abbey fan or have seen Steven Speilbergs Warhorse its covered on a Guided Cotswolds Tour. The twin villages monikers come from the Old English word for a muddy or boggy place, slough, and belie their quaint characters. We've got 26 adventures going to Cotswolds, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 24 days. Weekend in Bath and Cotswolds: 3-day road trip itinerary One of the countrys most picturesque villages, it is also one of the Cotswolds most famous, having starred in films like Doctor Thorne, Doctor Dolittle, Robin Hood, Stardust, War Horse, and Poirot. The Cotswolds extends a very warm welcome to visitors and their four legged friends. 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 Admire the fairytale houses of the Cotswolds, the historic Oxford University, and the beauty of the English Countryside. My private tours are for groups of 1 to 6 guests couples, families, friends and solo guests. Cotswolds tours with Go Cotswolds | Guided tours from 55 Of course, we are staying for some days so we have time. Sometimes you dont need a guide, you just need to get to, from and around the Cotswolds. Morning mists, rolling hills, ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows. See the town's small tea houses before heading south to picturesque Bibury for lunch. If you have time, stop by Greystones Nature Reserve, home to wildflower meadows, Iron Age ramparts and a replica Iron Age roundhouse, and an organic farm. The manor house dates back to the 17th century and features Baroque details and a picturesque landscape. Although the mill is no longer functional, there has been a mill in this location since the Domesday Book was published in 1086. About 45 minutes north of Castle Combe is Stroud, a former industrial capital set against the stunning backdrop of the Five Valleys. Broadway, Stow and Painswick are possibilities - probably only one of them though Report inappropriate content ynohtna Cape Town Central. 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. The tour also takes in Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. Embark on a full-day guided tour of the English countryside from London. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This heritage railway runs steam trains along the following route: Their trains dont run every day and the timetable varies through the year, but its a scenic way to travel around the Cotswolds and is particularly useful for visiting Broadway from Cheltenham which is fiddly by bus. While you can still visit some of the towns former mills, its now better known as a creative haven with a bohemian atmosphere and eclectic medley of independent cafes, cosy pubs, galleries, and antique shops. Our guided tours last 7 hours and give you ample time to explore the traditional Cotswolds. I am impressed with the straightforward help and support The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Montpellier Itinerary, The Perfect 1, 2 to 3 Days in Toulouse Itinerary, The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). Traditional Cotswold villages lend themselves to stunning film locations . Then, walk along the shallow Eye stream past rows of limestone cottages to the Old Mill. Thanks so much, great to hear it was useful. Based in Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, we provide fun, friendly guided tours of the nearby Cotswolds National Landscape, the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. 55 per adult (16+), 45 for children (0-15). Explore the gilded State Rooms and the priceless collections. Fortunately, in the medieval era, the town came into its own once more finding prosperity as a major wool hub. The train line from Oxford also makes it easy to visit Charlbury, Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh. If youll be travelling around a lot, there are couple of passes available which can save you money on travel. 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. After a freshly prepared one-course pub lunch, the luxury mini-coach will transport you to Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Theaccommodation is just as wide ranging and welcoming: enjoy the finest of country house hotels, go chic and boutique, take a spa break, snuggle up in a charming B&B, put up a tent at a beautifully located campsite. Voted the most romantic street in Britain in a poll for Google Street View, the road features traditional Cotswold architecture, gorgeous views, secluded getaways, fine restaurants and hotels, and a charming ambience. Click to book this London day trip to Oxford, Stratford and the Cotswolds. 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. The first stop, Bourton-on-the-Water, is renowned for its stone bridges that cross the shallow River Windrush running through the centre. Many people even visit via day trips from London or Birmingham, but this doesnt give you much time to enjoy one of the areas finest assets: its serene ambience. Dont be put off by their sinister-sounding names. Afterwards, venture a little further from the center to explore country roads and get a taste of local life. Stow-on-the-Wold is another of the Cotswolds most beloved and enchanting villages. Ideal for first-time visitors to the Cotswolds or if you only have one day to spare. COTSWOLDS, BATH, AVEBURY & OXFORD SMALL GROUP 2-DAY TOUR FROM LONDON Cotswolds, Bath & Oxford 2-day tour from London Not currently available. * This site contains affiliate links, where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Highlights of the day tour include seeing Sir Winston Churchills birthplace at Blenheim Palace. And rolling plains tumble into castles and manor houses. Walk to the top of High Street and take in the view of the rows of centuries-old buildings sweeping down to the River Windrush, straddled by an impressive three-arched medieval bridge. Destination Expert for Cotswolds Level Contributor 5,498 posts 10 reviews Learn More 1 DAY TOUR cotswold bucket list day tour 7 hours 8 cotswolds locations As its name denotes, the Cotswolds Line provides a straight shot between Oxford and Hereford and is linked to London Paddington. The Cotswolds covers a huge area almost 800 square miles and runs through five counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire). The M5 motorway also connects the Cotswolds with Birmingham, a route that takes about an hour and a half by car. Check out St. Andrews Church, initially erected in the 13th century with later additions and restorations. Learn more The Cotswolds are the quintessential English countryside; known for beautiful landscapes, sheep farming traditions and charming villages with honey-coloured stone cottages. Busy routes might have one bus an hour each way, but many smaller services only have two to four buses a day and on Sundays or public holidays there might not be any. The English countryside is a unique place. 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. Before you go, grab a bite in the caf or pick up some picnic supplies like salads, cheeses, and veggie tarts. Stonehenge Although many of its constituents are small, exploring the Cotswolds region encompasses five counties and several towns and villages. Our final pick is for those seeking a special and more local experience. Adult tickets cost 7 or there are versions for children under 15 for 4.80, concessions for 5.30 or groups of up to four people travelling together for 15. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Our Cotswolds public transport map shows the main train and bus connections and at the end of the post we have five simple itineraries for exploring by public transport to get you started. , Day 1 Cheltenham, Hidcote Manor & Broadway, Day 2 Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold & More, Day 3 Hop Between Iconic Cotswolds Villages. (Sorry for the bad english, chilean here). You can also take the 1/2 bus to Broadway (25 minutes) where you can walk up to the Broadway Tower, or carry along on the same line to Chipping Campden (45 minutes). Discover the fascinating town of Woodstock - a medieval new town with fine Georgian facades disguising far older buildings that house all manner of fascinating hotels and cafes, shops and galleries. Privacy PolicyTerms of Use & CopyrightDisclosure & Disclaimer, Directory Cottages line up on cobbled lanes. After departing Stratford youll enjoy a scenic drive through the Cotswolds before heading to Oxford. From the delightful Market place you can admire the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. Click to book this Day trip to Highclere Castle, the Cotswolds and Downton Abbey or read more about Planning a visit to Highclere. Tours - Go Cotswolds Level Contributor 44 posts 2 reviews 2. Relish in the culinary delights on offer at the wonderful restaurants, pubs, cafes and tea rooms in the Cotswolds. This guide takes you through only the best London to Cotswolds tour options, covering the destinations visited, the length of the trip and exactly whats included. Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, is routinely voted one of Englands prettiest villages. The 801 runs northeast to Bourton-on-the-Water (45 minutes), Stow-on-the-Wold (60 minutes) and Moreton-in-Marsh (70 minutes), with around nine services a day. Are you planning a visit to the Cotswolds? It has 1300 years of recorded history.In 681 Tettas Monastery was mentioned in a charter by King Ethelred of Mercia. Location: Gloucestershire, Cotswolds Enjoy a touch of class in a riverside Cotswold inn 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. First youll stop in Burford, where the high street slopes down towards the River Windrush. Although its more costly, the price can be divided by up to six passengers. Cotswolds - Drive through and explore the iconic region known as the . Cirencester the Capital of the Cotswolds. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2c892c63f6adcb98f29a3839ee5ce3d" );document.getElementById("b934630cd5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi! The Cotswolds by public transport: How to visit the Cotswolds without a Ideal for first-time visitors to the Cotswolds or if you only have one day to spare. Then, visit The Model Village, a 1/9th stone scale model for an alternate birds-eye view of the town. Top Road Trip Stops: Guiting Power; Bourton-on-the-Water; Snowshill; Stratford-upon-Avon. This small-group tour of stunning Cotswolds locations includes beautiful countryside walks, with plenty of free time to explore Broadway and Burford. Concierge Services of the Cotswolds & England, Long Distance Travel to & from the Cotswolds, Cotswold Conference & Hospitality Transportation. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Explorequintessentially English villages of honey-coloured stone; take insplendid, lively market towns; visit some of the countrys greatest palaces, castles and country houses;marvel at the natural world in acclaimed reserves and at some of the most famous arboretas in Britain; walk through breath-taking landscapes along historic trails; or make a splash in our lake-land area with its own inland beach. You then travel to Bibury, a picturesque place with a traditional village green and a tinkling stream. We left Bath at around 4pm, and our first destination was the stunning village called Castle Combe. One of the closest cotswold villages to Bristol is Castle Coombe. The 300 year old Yew hedge screening Lord Bathursts Manor is a sight indeed! Go Cotswolds has featured in national and international press, and is recommended in guide books including Rick Steves Great Britain, and Japans PLAT series. Gift vouchers are available for any of our Cotswolds tours and, with a two-year expiry, theres plenty of time to find the right date. Not recommended for small children. Cotswolds Tours from London - 2023 Travel Recommendations | Tours Thank you for writing this Lucy. Click to book this London to the Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace with lunch. To: Stratford-upon-Avon. 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. Adult from 174.25 pp (based on 2 people sharing) Small group Avebury Bath - chance to see Roman Baths Lacock Bibury & Stow-on-Wold Overnight accommodation & breakfast BOOK NOW Top of the page Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Alternatively I can design a bespoke tour for you - a perfect Cotswolds guided . From London: Cotswolds and Oxford Guided Day-Trip 55 adults (16+), 45 children (0-15 years) not recommended for small children or people with mobility issues. My boyfriend and I will be visiting the Cotswolds this December from Spain. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Find something that suits your pocket or adventure type, and check in weekly for fresh new deals. 2022 was our 28 th trip to the Cotswolds 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. Address: Cotswold Outdoor Bristol Filton. Walks are generally between five and ten miles, so go prepared with hiking shoes. South Cotswolds 6 hour Tour - from 450 per group (4 hour tour option from 350) Lacock - " backdrop for period drama filming ". With an end goal that is the one-time home of actual Shakespeare, it's a pretty cool one at that. A day trip to the Cotswolds from the cities is a perfect antidote from the hustle and bustle. Which of the best Cotswolds tours from London will you book? However, our tour guide will point out that the majority of the church is from the 15th Century coinciding with the prosperous period of wool and local cloth. Bibury - "the most beautiful Cotswold village". Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds and one of the busiest. Spread over 800 square miles of countryside, the Cotswolds isnt the most obvious place to visit by public transport. Click to book this private day tour of the Cotswolds and Lacock village. The Cotswolds have a diversity of rolling . Some tours also include lunch. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. 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). The town centre is dominated by the pillared Market House built in 1655. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Sign up for free and earn commission on every booking by registering as an accredited TourRadar Agent. 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. The Cotswolds are typified by picturesque green landscapes, rolling hills and postcard-pretty villages and really encapsulate what many people consider quintessential England. 6 Perfect Cotswolds Day Trip Itineraries - Kats Gone Global We listen, respond, and deliver tours that go beyond the basic contrived sites. Next up on your three days in the Cotswolds itinerary is Painswick, just a short 11-minute drive north from Stroud. The capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a market town dating back to the Romans. Next, head a few miles east to Daylesford Organic, a trendy, award-winning farm shop and caf specializing in organic, sustainable local foods, including produce grown on-site, as well as an in-house butcher and creamery. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Click to book this London full day tour to the Cotswolds. 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. Whether you have one day or plan to spend a weekend, use this Cotswolds itinerary to experience the very best of this incredible region. check available options on Rentalcars.com. View Tour. Its iconic door looks like a portal to another realm, so much so it is thought to have inspired Tolkiens Doors of Durin in the Lord of the Rings. 2 nights in The Cotswolds Explore quintessentially English villages of honey-coloured stone; take in splendid, lively market towns, and visit some of the country`s greatest palaces, castles and country houses in the Cotswolds, a collection of small, rural villages with acclaimed reserves and some of the most breath-taking landscapes available in England.