Whether you have one day or plan to spend a weekend, use this Cotswolds itinerary to experience the very best of this incredible region. 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. 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. * This site contains affiliate links, where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you. The biggest benefit of basing yourself in Moreton-in-Marsh is that its on a direct train line from London, so its an easy place to stay to explore the Cotswolds without a car, as many bus services stop by 6pm so arent much use if youre heading off after work. Just ninety minutes from London in the heart of the English countryside, the Cotswolds feature some of the most picturesque towns and villages in the UK. Theres plenty of time here to discover the antiques shops and enjoy a pub lunch at the cosy English inn of your choice. I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Copyright TourRadar. Morning mists, rolling hills, ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows. Not recommended for small children. So while visiting, make sure to tuck into the local delicacies. Cotswolds - Drive through and explore the iconic region known as the . 2023 The World Was Here First All rights reserved. Once you have decided on where you would like to go, you can then decide on what mode of transport you will take to get here. 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 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. Dubbed The Queen of the Cotswolds, this historic town was recently featured in the BBCs The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. Discover the beautiful Cotswolds and book one of our specialist Cotswold tours for groups. Read what our guests have written about our tours: Reviews. This is a classic Cotswolds road trip. Click to book this London day trip to Oxford, Stratford and the Cotswolds. It also has plenty to offer on its own, including a quiet, quaint High Street, the Wilson Museum and Art Gallery, and Sanford Parks Lido. The is one of the best blogs I've found on the web. But there are a few conditions it only covers Stagecoach buses (excluding the S2 between Cheltenham and Oxford) and trains after 8.50am between Oxford and Moreton-in-Marsh, Swindon and Ashchurch, and Gloucester and Yate. The Regency town of Cheltenham lies to the west of the Cotswolds, with good train connections to London, Birmingham and Bristol. The day includes 2 hours in Stratford-upon-Avon to spend as you wish, and your guide will be happy to offer suggestions. The easiest way to reach Bourton by public transport is via the train to Cheltenham or Kingham. With an end goal that is the one-time home of actual Shakespeare, it's a pretty cool one at that. By providing my email I agree for Go Cotswolds to contact me via email with news, events and updates. The Wolfman and Stardust has also used the village as a back drop. 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. They have a number of beautiful rooms to choose from and lots of other amenities to make your stay fantastic. Our guided tours last 7 hours and give you ample time to explore the traditional Cotswolds. Can you get around the Cotswolds without a car? 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. This guided 13-hour coach tour from London visiting iconic Stonehenge, Georgian Bath and Stratford, home of Shakespeare offers a long but rewarding day. Highlights of the day tour include seeing Sir Winston Churchills birthplace at Blenheim Palace. Of course, we are staying for some days so we have time. 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. 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 From the delightful Market place you can admire the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. 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. The most popular month to go is May, which has the largest number of tour departures. Cirencester is a must see place for any Cotswolds Tours. In the 6th century, however, the Saxons destroyed and rebuilt it. 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). It's the tiny Cotswold villages that really capture your heart in this breathtaking locale, located about two hours west of London. Not quite what youre looking for? Admiring the medieval buildings as we walk down Coxwell Street is well worthwhile. 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. The English countryside is a unique place. You can buy them on the bus or online with their app (which saves you a bit of money). The manor house dates back to the 17th century and features Baroque details and a picturesque landscape. Hello Lucy! If yes, then our Challenging Hiking Tours will be just right for you. Coach tours to the Cotswolds include return coach travel and with the exception of day trips, accommodation at a good quality 3 or 4* hotel at a convenient base usually about an hours' drive away. Click here to browse more Cotswolds hotels! We listen, respond, and deliver tours that go beyond the basic contrived sites. 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. Theres a vibrant buzz in places like Cheltenham, Cirencester, Tewkesbury, Stroud and Witney. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Like other Cotswold Villages the sheer beauty of Castle Coombe has attracted film makers. First youll stop in Burford, where the high street slopes down towards the River Windrush. 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. To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket. 55 adults (16+), 45 children (0-15 years) not recommended for small children or people with mobility issues. Famous as a centre for walkers, Winchcombe has a wonderful timeless quality about it, with Cotswold stone cottages standing side by side with distinctive black and white half-timbered buildings. 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. 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. With over 35 years experience exploring the UK we are here to help you plan your travels to (and around) the UK. A 2-course meal awaits you in the heart of the Cotswolds at . Book your trip All Rights Reserved. So often its quicker and easier to catch a bus between two places rather than having to change trains and hang around waiting at stations. 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? As well as 9 of the best, we also cover a couple of bonus private tour options. Great experiences make great gifts! So you need to plan carefully and keep an eye on the time, especially to make sure you dont miss the last bus. Enjoy a Cotswold Cream tea tea, scones , jam and cream! You can buy the passes at train stations or on board buses. Discover wonderful attractions and many other things to see and do to keep you entertained. Most recently Stephen Speilbergs War Horse used the main street setting. , You need to book NOW if you want to take a tou, The Cotswold Way is for everyone, not just for har, Hey, London travellers! Before returning to London at around 6.45pm youll have learned about Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderlands connections with Oxford and may even have enjoyed a drink or meal alongside the local dons in Oxfords most haunted pub. Bampton-in-the-Bush is not only a glorious Cotswolds village it is also featured on the famous TV series Downton Abbey. 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. Undulating hills blanket nearly 800 square miles and five counties that make up this picturesque region. Learn More British Tours Ltd Private driver-guided tours. However, as many villages and small towns are sparsely populated, service is limited within the region. 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. Lacock - Harry Potter fans will get a kick out of visiting the Lacock Abbey Cloisters, which were used as Hogwarts' corridors in the movies. 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). Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. 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 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). The Cotswolds: Day Trips and Tours from Bath. Read more about how we use cookies and how you can control them by clicking Cookie Settings. Admire the fairytale houses of the Cotswolds, the historic Oxford University, and the beauty of the English Countryside. Although you can reach most of the main towns and villages using a combination of train and bus, if you want to get out and explore then youre limited by the bus timetables. If youre one or both, take a hike from the village to Belas Knap, an ancient Neolithic Burial Ground, and Hailes Abbey, the remnants of a 13-century Cistercian Monastery. Cotswold Riding has been perfect as I'm having excellent tuition and wonderful hacks in breathtaking scenery. Castle Combe - Wander through 'England's prettiest village' and try to spot the places where a number of movies were filmed. Our Unique Experiences are exclusive experiences made by our team and will be a cherished memory of your time in the Cotswolds. 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. For a truly bespoke and luxurious experience, we recommend booking a private driver-guided tour with the lovely Victoria of Cotswold Teacup Tours. info@cotswoldtoursandtravel.com The 300 year old Yew hedge screening Lord Bathursts Manor is a sight indeed! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The train takes about two hours though with a change in Reading. Ideal for first-time visitors to the Cotswolds or if you only have one day to spare. See the town's small tea houses before heading south to picturesque Bibury for lunch. South Porch in Cirencester You can even pick up some gifts and souvenirs too. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Moreton-in-Marsh Yes there are some villages and attractions which you cant get to without a car or which would take too long or involve too many connections to be worth it. 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. I have always used a car for travel Although I am a little bit lost with something. I believe for two reasons, Age lol ! 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 What are you reading right now? This is a small place with an attractive historic church and medieval buildings, which you can wander around before the trip back to London, arriving at around 5.30pm. The dovecote and garden at Rousham in winter. Th, Hands up if you know the connection between Snowsh, Where can you find this woolly winter wonderl, 16 more sleeps! this year I decided to try only Bus/Train Chauffeured by our friendly, fully qualified and insured drivers, our comfortable, luxury minibuses are ideal for transporting groups of up to 16 people. You can also take the Golden Valley Line that connects Swindon and Gloucester/Cheltenham Spa. The homes in the surrounding villages are all made of yellow Cotswold stone, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the ancient area. 2. So, as for how many days to spend in the Cotswolds, you could easily spend a week or more in the area without getting bored. Then there is the colourful Cecily Hill leading up to the Cirencester Park. Then its only 10 minutes from Stow back to Bourton on the 801 bus. The majestic building is also a fine example of English Baroque style architecture, and you can explore the State Rooms impressive collection of art and tapestries during your visit.

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