Oxford , United Kingdom

The Cotswold Tour

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(79 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Johnnie your local driver and tour guide, has lived and worked in The Cotswolds for three decades. As we navigate the picturesque countryside, Johnnie, with his passion for the Cotswolds and love of local history will provide an informative and interesting commentary. Visitors will be left with cherished memories of this timeless English countryside. Our tours showcase the beauty of the area while minimising time spent in the car and with this in mind, we have carefully chosen the routes and destinations. We aim to show you as much as possible whilst ensuring you have a relaxed and enjoyable experience and time to savour the Cotswolds. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, breaks for a bite to eat, a cream tea, or a pint in a cosy pub, as well as a chance to explore local shops.
This is a private tour and will include only you and your driver.
You will not share the car with anyone else.

Available options

The Cotswold Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

We drive from Moreton-in-Marsh via Bourton-on-the-Hill to Blockley, a beautiful village where many of the buildings date to when it was the centre of a silk spinning industry. It is also famous for being a the location of a popular BBC series; Father Brown.

We drive through Broad Campden, a village know for it's abundance of thatched cottages.

We stop at Chipping Campden, a town famous for its importance in the Cotswold wool trade. It will include a visit to the town's wool church and other historic buildings. Travellers can wander down the high street and visit it's cafés and independent shops.

Stop 4

We take a scenic route to Broadway Tower, where we park in the visitors centre. Travellers then walk to the tower to take in the view.

We drive on to beautiful Snowhill, one of the most photographed villages in the Cotswolds, where we stop to wander and take in the view.

We then drive from Snowhill to Broadway, passing some picturesque roadside cottages. We might stop to visit Church of St Aldhelm and St Eadburgha, dating from the 13th Century. Broadway has many independent shops, cafés and pubs, so this is a perfect opportunity to have some lunch and do some shopping.

After leaving Broadway, we pass through the lovely Cotswold villages of Longborough, Lower Swell, Upper Slaughter and others on our way to our next stop at Lower Slaughter.

We stop at Lower Slaughter to explore this famous village with its watermill, stream and picturesque cottages.

We Leave Lower Slaughter to arrive at the nearby Town of Bourton-on-the-Water. This is famous for the River Windrush which flows through the centre of the village and is crossed by five footbridges. This town is very popular with tourists and has many attractions.

We then drive on to the Town of Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. This again has many independent shops and cafés in its large town square..

We then drive from Stow-on-the-Wold back to Moreton-in-Marsh Train Station, or the final location agreed with the travellers. This will be the end of the tour.

What's not included

Dinner

Snacks

Entrance to any paid attractions on the tour.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

70 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

To be met immediately outside the train station.

About Oxford

Oxford is a historic university city renowned for its prestigious academic institutions and stunning architecture. With a rich history dating back to the 9th century, it offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

University of Oxford

One of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford is a must-visit for its historic colleges, libraries, and museums.

Historical/Cultural Half day to full day Free to £15 for guided tours

Bodleian Library

One of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian Library is a stunning example of architectural grandeur and historical significance.

Historical/Cultural 1 to 2 hours Free (some exhibitions may have a fee)

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is the UK's oldest public museum, housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities from around the world.

Museum 1 to 3 hours Free (some special exhibitions may have a fee)

Christ Church College

One of the most famous colleges at the University of Oxford, Christ Church College is known for its stunning architecture and historic significance.

Historical/Cultural 1 to 2 hours £12 for a guided tour

Oxford Botanic Garden

The oldest botanic garden in the UK, Oxford Botanic Garden is a beautiful and peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Nature 1 to 2 hours £7.50

Must-Try Local Dishes

Oxfordshire Sausages

Made from locally sourced pork and seasoned with herbs, these sausages are a staple of Oxfordshire cuisine.

Main Course Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Punting Lunch

A traditional Oxford experience, a punting lunch typically includes sandwiches, pastries, and drinks enjoyed while gliding along the River Cherwell.

Lunch Various options available, including vegetarian and vegan choices.

Oxfordshire Cheese

Locally produced cheeses, such as Cotswold cheese, are a must-try for cheese lovers.

Snack/Dessert Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans.

Popular Activities

Punting on the River Cherwell Cycling tours Hiking in the Cotswolds Visiting the Oxford Botanic Garden Punting with a picnic Enjoying a spa day Guided tours of Oxford's colleges and museums Attending theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest period, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with various events and festivals.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Oxford is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.

Getting there

By air

London Heathrow Airport • 60 miles (97 km)
London Luton Airport • 50 miles (80 km)

By train

Oxford Railway Station

By bus

Oxford Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network in Oxford is comprehensive and affordable, covering most parts of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center North Oxford Jericho Cowley Road

Day trips

Blenheim Palace

8 miles (13 km) • Half day to full day

A stunning baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and offers beautiful gardens and parkland.

The Cotswolds

20 miles (32 km) • Full day

A picturesque region known for its charming villages, rolling hills, and historic sites, the Cotswolds offers a quintessential English countryside experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon

60 miles (97 km) • Full day

The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town with historic sites, theaters, and beautiful gardens.

Festivals

Oxford Literary Festival • March Oxfordshire Artweeks • May and June Oxford Pride • September

Pro tips

Visit the Bodleian Library and other historic sites early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Book guided tours of Oxford's colleges in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore the city's vibrant food scene by visiting local markets and independent restaurants.
Take a punting tour on the River Cherwell for a unique and relaxing experience.
Use the park-and-ride facilities to avoid traffic and parking challenges in the city center.