cotswolds coach tour

Cotswolds in a Day

From: £ 65.00

First-time visitor to the Cotswolds, or only have one day to explore? Then this is the small group tour of the Cotswolds for you! ( Prefer a private version of this tour? )

• Departures from Stratford-upon-Avon (8.50AM) and Moreton-in-Marsh (9.30AM)
• Free time in the historic towns of Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold
• Picture-perfect villages of Bibury , Bourton-on-the-Water , and our ‘secret’ Cotswolds village

2 days in the Cotswolds? Take this tour together with our Secret Cotswolds tour and save 10%!

Adult - £55: Adult ticket (16+)

Child - £45: Child ticket (0-15). Not recommended for small children - please see https://www.gocotswolds.co.uk/terms-conditions/ for conditions for children under 3. Children must be accompanied by a fare paying adult.

Description

• Are you new to the Cotswolds or just have a day to spare?
• Traveling alone, with a partner, or a small group?
• Looking for an affordable, car-free option?

Then this is the tour of the Cotswolds for you!

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, shared small-group guided tour then look no further than Go Cotswolds – we’re one of the ONLY tour companies in and around the Cotswolds who can meet this need. On our award-winning Cotswolds in a Day tour, you’ll explore the best of the Cotswolds in just one day.

Have 2 days in the Cotswolds? Take our Cotswolds in a Day tour one day, and our Secret Cotswolds tour another day for a comprehensive two-day north Cotswolds tour itinerary. Book as a package and save 10%!

Itinerary for this tour:

After picking you up from either Stratford-upon-Avon (8.50AM) or Moreton-in-Marsh (9.30AM), you’ll visit the following locations:

Note: We may vary the order in which we visit these locations, but times shown are approximately the amount of time you’ll spend in each location.  

• Dover’s Hill (20 minutes)* A wonderful viewpoint at the northernmost end of the Cotswold Hills. Take in panoramic countryside views and enjoy an introduction to the Cotswolds, as well as some of our more quirky traditions! *In poor weather, we may omit the stop at Dover’s Hill. It’s beautiful in nice weather, but it can be very muddy when it’s wet! 
• Chipping Campden (1 hour). Many of the buildings in this beautiful, historic town date from the 14th to the 17th Century. Chipping Campden is also the start point of the famous Cotswold Way trail. Use our unique maps, so you can explore our recommended things to see and do.
• Snowshill (20 minutes). This tiny hillside village is off the main tourist trail, but many people agree it’s the highlight of the tour!
• Stow-on-the-Wold (1 hour 10 minutes). A bustling Cotswolds market town, steeped in history and with wonderful independent shops to discover. Don’t miss the famous ‘Tolkien door’! Get a grab-and-go lunch so you’ll have time to explore properly – though the fantastic independent tea rooms and cafes can be hard to resist!
• Bibury (30 minutes). Home to the iconic ‘Arlington Row’ of chocolate-box cottages, tiny Bibury has been described as “the prettiest village in England”, so will you agree?
• Bourton-on-the-Water (45 minutes). A beautiful village where pretty Cotswold stone bridges cross the crystal waters of the River Windrush.

Pick up times and locations:

• 08.50: Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s Birthplace Coach Terminal, Windsor Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
• 09.30: Moreton-in-Marsh – Moreton-in-Marsh train station (wait in the car park near the ticket office)

Travelling from London, Reading, Oxford or Birmingham? Arriving by train, bus or car? Click here for more information about how to reach our pick up points.

If you would like to change your pick up point after booking, you can do so using the ‘Manage this booking’ link in your confirmation email, or by contacting Go Cotswolds. If you’re not sure which pick up point to choose, please ask!

Drop-off times and locations:

• 17.00 – Moreton-in-Marsh train station
• 17.30 – Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s Birthplace Coach Terminal

If you would like to be picked up in Stratford-upon-Avon and dropped off in Moreton-in-Marsh, or vice versa, no problem!

Train travel

From London (Paddington station), Reading, Oxford, Charlbury, Kingham, Honeybourne, Evesham or Worcester, take a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh. We’ll pick you up from right outside Moreton-in-Marsh train station.

From Birmingham, take a direct train to Stratford-upon-Avon – our pick up point is just a 5-10 minute walk from Stratford-upon-Avon train station. ( See this Google Map for walking directions. )

We always recommend you buy a flexible ‘anytime’ ticket that allows you to take any train. The times stated above are usually the latest we expect to get to the drop-off points – we are often a few minutes earlier, but we can never 100% guarantee this . If you have a flexible ticket, then you can take an earlier train and won’t have to wait around.

However, if you wish to book a particular train to take advantage of cheaper ‘advance single’ tickets, then we recommend you plan to depart after the drop-off times stated above.

We recommend The Trainline* for online train ticket bookings. Book train tickets 6-8 weeks ahead of the travel date for the best prices.

What to wear?

Please dress in comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather conditions. Bring a raincoat or umbrella if it’s raining, and a hat, water and sunscreen if it’s hot. Wear comfortable shoes.

What’s included?

• Transport in an executive class, air-conditioned 16-passenger seat Mercedes minibus.
• Plenty of free time, so you can explore several places in the Cotswolds in one day.
• Souvenir booklets containing maps, photographs and information. We’ve highlighted our recommended things to see and do at each stop, so you can make the most of your free time.
• Expert insights from one of our fun, friendly driver-guides. All of our guides are locals, so we’ll bring the story of the Cotswolds to life.

What’s not included?

• Lunch and refreshments – bring your own picnic, or purchase food and drinks at the stops on the tour.

Cancellation policy, terms and conditions:

Our Cotswolds in a Day tour may be amended, or cancelled for a full refund, up to 24 hours before departure. No refunds are given for no-shows or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time.

We’re sorry, children under 3 are not permitted on this tour.

Click here for our Terms and Conditions. 

You may also like...

Bath & Stonehenge

Cotswolds Walks & Villages

Castle Combe & Bath Christmas Market

Private Cotswolds in a Day Tour for 1-16 people

Sign up for our newsletter.

Sign up to receive the latest news and updates!

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email Address *

By providing my email I agree for Go Cotswolds to contact me via email with news, events and updates. Your data is stored securely and we never pass it on to third parties.

• Latest News
• Enewsletter
• Customer Support
• My Account: Login

Coach Holidays, Escorted Tours & Events

0330 440 3999, monday - friday 9am to 5pm, coach holidays to the cotswolds 2024, coach holidays to the cotswolds.

• Snowshill Church
• ©Cotswold Tourism

• Things to do
• Tips & Advice

Language: English Currency: Pound Sterling Time Zone: GMT Tipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required.

Deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds are picture book England, a quintessential cluster of time-defying honey stone villages and towns with endearing names like Adlestrop and Minchinhampton. Boasting ivy-clad cottages, some of the country's most unspoilt scenery and cosy pubs, it's little surprise that coach holidays to the Cotswolds are popular. Despite being heavily visited by tourists all eager to see the delights of this easy-on-the-eye corner of England, the area's charm never quite fades.

The Cotswolds' popularity means that a range of day trips, weekend breaks and longer mid-week touring holidays are available. Bourton on the Water (called the Venice of the Cotswolds for its series of little bridges), Burford, Stow on the Wold and Broadway, otherwise known as the Jewel of the Cotswolds, are all top spots on a Cotswolds break and can be found on most itineraries. In addition to whiling away the hours over afternoon tea or capturing thatched roofs on camera, visitors can also embark on a number of enjoyable scenic walks; keep your eyes peeled for dedicated walking breaks which come with a mapped out route and walking guide. Walks are generally between five and ten miles, so go prepared with hiking shoes.

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. A number of carefully picked excursions will be available on any tour, allowing visitors to fully benefit from the beauty of the region. In amongst all the sightseeing, plenty of relaxing stops for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be made. Look out for trips that also pay a visit to the equally picturesque UNSECO World Heritage city of Bath, Warwick, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Tourist offices: For further information about The Cotswolds you can check out the official tourist board website at cotswolds.com

In addition to taking in the scenery and enjoying lunch in quaint, picturesque villages here are some other places to visit during your time in the Cotswolds:

Cotswold Falconry Centre Opening in 1988, the Cotswold Falconry Centre houses 150 Birds of Prey, featuring flying demonstrations throughout the day allowing you to see these magnificent birds in flight. Over 20,000 visitors pass through the doors of this centre each year and visit the wooded area created to encourage the birds to breed as they would in the wild.

Arlington Row – Bibury One of those quintessentially postcard pictures, this row of the houses represents the very essence of the Cotswolds. Built in 1830, these cottages were built as a wool store but were then converted into a 17 th  century style weaver's cottages. Henry Ford (founder of the Ford Motor Company) apparently tried to purchase the row of cottages to be shipped back to the USA!

Cotswold Motoring Museum Situated in the picturesque Cotswold village of Bourton on the Water, the Motoring Museum is a great day out, with a large collection of vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, original enamel road signs and caravans. It is also the home of childhood figure Brum, the little yellow car remembered by many for the TV series.

Hidcote Manor Garden Relax and unwind in one of the country's greatest gardens. Each garden room is exquisitely unique in character. With a collection of rare trees, plants and shrubs, visitors are given the chance to see unusual herbaceous borders. This garden is a delight to visit year round with beautiful spring bulbs on display, summer's colourful flowers and autumn's red and orange hue.

Tourist offices:

For further information about The Cotswolds you can check out the official tourist board website at cotswolds.com

To help you have an enjoyable holiday in the Cotswolds, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:

Health and Travel Insurance  Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.

If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance.  Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.

For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click  here

If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.

Crime  The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.

Local Laws and Customs  Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!

If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the  HM Revenues and Customs website  before you travel.

UK Entry Requirements  When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.

If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.

If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check  here  if a visa is required before you travel. 

In addition to being the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales, the Cotswolds are also home to some weird and wacky events, like giant cheese rolling and woolsack racing, dating back to the 17th Century.

Cotswolds Bus Tours

Cotswolds Bus Tours are part of the Shakespeare Coaches family. All our guides are local to the Cotswolds and are dedicated to providing our guests with unforgettable luxury adventures through The Cotswolds!

Our small-group day tours of the Cotswolds (max. 16 people) depart from our home town of Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh

Our multi-day Cotswolds Bus Tours for groups of up to 16 people run twice a week from London and our luxury guest accommodation is provided by Grove Road Cottages – luxury self catering cottages located in the heart of Stratford Upon Avon.e can arrange pick up for Private Group Tours from all cities across England.

Top Sellers

GUIDED TOURS

Www.cotswoldsguidedtours.co.uk [email protected] landline +44 (0) 1608 654 445 mobile / whatsapp +44 (0) 7756513150.

Cotswolds guided tours

'Cotswolds Guided Tours' was created by locals Lucy & Richard Lambert in 2017. Their aim was simple, to provide fun & affordable tours exploring the best the Cotswolds has to offer. The company has grown from strength to strength, with over 800+ excellent reviews. If you book with Cotswolds Guided Tours you will receive unrivalled quality at an affordable price

We are excited to also announce that 'Cotswolds Guided Tours' has been recommended in 'Rick Steve's 2023 England Travel Guide' It is amazing to be recognised for the work that we do & we are proud our little company has been featured !

Lucy & Richard specialise in tours throughout the North & South Cotswolds, bringing the region to life with local stories & quirky history. They focus on guests enjoying free time for self exploration at each stop & provide live guided commentary between each location. Cotswold tours are designed to ensure you have the maximum amount of time outside & the minimum amount of time in transit. So if you want a fun filled day out enjoying the Cotswolds countryside, towns & villages our tours are the perfect addition to your vacation. Book a Cotswolds Guided Tour with Lucy & Richard today! 

cotswold Tour Guides

Looking to explore a region that seems untouched by the passage of time? The Cotswolds is the perfect escape. Imagine wandering through villages with gorgeous cottages, steeped in history & surrounded by glorious countryside.  Lucy & Richard, love all things Cotswolds & are here to help you explore this wonderful region in a fun & relaxing way. Being locals, Lucy & Richard know all the best places to explore, whether you are visiting the Cotswolds as part of a larger UK holiday or if you are wishing to escape the city for the day, you will receive an unrivalled personal experience with these two fun & friendly local guides.

Lucy Lambert

Lucy loves meeting visitors from all around the globe. Having extensively travelled she has a passion for exploring & quirky history. 15 years ago, Lucy & Richard bought the Cotswold cottage that Lucy used to visit as a child, which they have lovingly restored into a beautiful family home.

Lucy is super organised & loves to help travellers plan their perfect trip. She is in charge of all the behind the scenes admin & social media!

richard lambert

Rich loves nature, exploring new places, walking & generally being outside. He enjoys taking photos, loves travel, history & local folklore which is perfect as he is our lead tour guide!

He is passionate about the Cotswolds & enjoys sharing hidden gems with guests. When he isn't working he can be found pottering in his Cotswolds cottage garden.

the cotswolds

The Cotswolds is one of the largest Area's of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. Covering almost 800sq miles the region is famed for its picture-perfect cottages, rolling hills & historic market towns. If you are planning a holiday to England, then the Cotswolds is the perfect choice for escaping the big cities & exploring the quintessential English countryside.

The Cotswolds is easily accessible as a day trip from London with regular trains from London Paddington to Moreton in Marsh. It is also only a 30 minute train ride from Oxford, making it super easy to visit for the day. If you are planning to stay in the Cotswolds, taking a tour with a local guide will ensure you don't miss a thing.

cotswold tour  availability

We would love to be part of your time visiting the Cotswolds!

Our little business runs award-winning Cotswold tours visiting the very best villages & market towns.

We fill the day with fun & quirky facts, travel down quiet country lanes & stop in the most wonderful locations. 

We are always over subscribed for our tours so do check we still have your preferred date available.

Lucy & Richard Lambert have created fun & affordable tours, showcasing the best the Cotswolds has to offer.

‘’We want you to feel like you’re visiting old friends; we will share with you the wonders of the Cotswolds. This is a friendly and relaxed Cotswolds tour where we will treat you as our special guests. We have both lived and worked in the Cotswolds for many years and we look forward to sharing the area's famous locations & hidden gems with you.’’ Lucy & Richard

Affordable private cotswolds tours

Our private Cotswolds tours visit t he very best & most beautiful locations. Designed to  maximise your time exploring & limit the time you spend travelling between stops.   Travel with your fun, friendly local guides Lucy & Richard. Enjoy live microphone commentary as you are driven down quiet country lanes. They will share the quirky history, local facts & make sure you don't miss a thing.  Make the most of your trip to the Cotswolds & discover hidden villages, quirky history & explore the region with a local guide. Lots of free time to explore so you can make the most of your day! Private tours are prices start at £395 per vehicle which can accommodate up to 7 guests . Collection & Return from your North Cotswolds accommodation or railway station.

Cotswolds guided Tours- our escape to the country story

Lucy & Richard have created an award winning tour company in an area of 'Outstanding Natural Beauty'. However their story starts when they first met in London. They were both working for the Metropolitan Police, Richard as a police officer & Lucy as a crime scene examiner & forensic trainer. They had a common goal.....to Escape to the Country which they did & they have never looked back. This year they were approached by the BBC TV show to share their story, find out more by reading our latest blog

If any of you are dreaming of escaping to the Cotswolds then make sure you take a tour with Lucy & Richard from Cotswolds Guided Tours. They love where they live & can't wait to show you around!

quick links

Cotswolds Guided Tours, is an award winning tour company run by locals Lucy & Richard. Spend a wonderful day out on a private Cotswold tour. Your Cotswolds day trip will be filled with fun & quirky facts, lots of free time to explore & visiting all the best locations. If you are looking to spend time in this beautiful region then taking a guided Cotswolds tour is the best way to ensure you don't miss a thing. Go Cotswolds exploring with Lucy & Richard for a fun & rewarding sightseeing experience. Cotswolds travel couldn't be easier, visit all the must see market towns & hidden villages on tour with us. The affordable way to explore, travel with confidence, Lucy & Richard have over 800, 5* reviews!

• Cotswold Club
• Design a Tour

Cotswold Tours & Travel

Experience the ultimate in private guided tours since 2004, our tour categories, what we can do for you.

• Tailor-Made Cotswold Guided Tours
• Unique Experience Tours in the Cotswolds
• Tours of England
• Tours of Wales
• Concierge Services of the Cotswolds & England
• Chauffeur Services in the Cotswolds
• Long Distance Travel to & from the Cotswolds
• Accommodation & Luggage Transfers
• Executive Travel in the Cotswolds
• Cotswold Wedding Transportation
• Cotswold Conference & Hospitality Transportation

Why Choose Us?

Distinctive Memories

Every tour and experience will be an everlasting distinctive memory when you travel with us

Tailor-Made Touring

No tour is ever the same with us, we will plan and deliver your tour and experience the way you want it

Every tour is important to our family company and your time with us matters.

Unique Experiences

Our Unique Experiences are exclusive experiences made by our team and will be a cherished memory of your time in the Cotswolds

Local Experience

Our Local Experts work and life in the Cotswolds everyday; they will immerse you life as a local!

Experience Luxurious and Authentic Cotswold Tours and Travel

At Cotswold Tours & Travel, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, luxury experiences and tours in the Cotswolds and throughout the United Kingdom. As a highly respected leader in the industry, our focus lies on delivering perfection and catering to your individual desires and interests. We understand the importance of listening to our clients, which allows us to respond and deliver tours that go above and beyond visiting the usual tourist destinations. .

We believe in providing immersive experiences that bring you closer to the heart of British culture. Our tours offer the opportunity to go behind the scenes, exploring authentic local life and experiencing things that are not contrived for tourism purposes. While many guides may simply recite historical facts and act as tiresome “teachers,” our tour guides are bursting with passion and enthusiasm. As proud local ambassadors, we share the stories we love and introduce you to real local life while showcasing the best the area has to offer. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to meet local characters who add an extra dimension to your journey.

With our unmatched passion, extensive experience, and personal connections, we can provide you with a truly unparalleled travel experience. Our certified and talented tour guides ensure that every day of your journey is perfected, while their in-depth knowledge of the region will help you make the most out of your vacation. In addition, you will travel in style and comfort in one of our luxury Mercedes vehicles-together ensuring a memorable and exquisite trip.

Private Day Tours delivered around England in 2024

Cotswolds Tours Provided in 2024

Different Tours & Unique Experiences within our Private Tour Portfolio

No Company Does Experiences Like This Company

Partnerships.

A Luxury Fleet Of Mercedes Vehicles To Handle All Requests

#cotswoldtoursandtravel on social.

Enquire Now

Preferred date*

Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Month January February March April May June July August October September November December

Year 2024 2025 2026

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and agree to be contacted by Cotswolds Tours & Travel.

Please leave this field empty.

Book Online or Call 0115 977 0080

• Our Heritage
• Financial Protection
• Driving School
• Holidays Overview
• Holiday Brands Explained
• The Optimum Experience
• City & Shorter Breaks
• Coastal & British Isles
• Special Events
• Continental
• British Breaks
• European Adventures
• Festive Breaks
• Cities & Shoppers
• Themes & Experiences
• France & The Low Countries
• Austria & Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• River Cruises
• Channel Islands & the Isle of Wight
• Devon, Cornwall & South West England
• South East England & East Anglia
• North West England & the Isle of Man
• Yorkshire & North East England
• Southern Wales & the Valleys
• Northern Wales
• Southern Scotland & the Borders
• Northern Scotland & the Highlands
• Shows & Events
• Hotel & City Breaks
• Railways & Heritage Tours
• Gardens & Flower Shows
• Spring & Easter Departures
• Christmas & New Year Departures
• Travel Advice
• Joining Your Holiday
• Our Door to Door Service
• Gift Vouchers
• Our Price Promise
• Private Hire
• School Coach Hire
• Request a Quote
• Derby County Away Travel
• SMC Pass Portal
• SMC Terms Conditions
• Travel Shops
• Sign up to our E newsletter

Cotswolds Historic Houses & Gardens

Immerse yourself in the historic Area of Natural Beauty with visits to Sudeley Castle and Gardens, Hidcote Manor Gardens, and a leisurely cruise on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

• Detailed Overview
• Tour Itinerary
• Other Information
• Home Pick-ups
• Pick-up Points
• Departure Dates

Embark on a journey to the exclusive world of fine country houses and estates in the enchanting Cotswolds. Immerse yourself in the historic Area of Natural Beauty with visits to Sudeley Castle and Gardens, Hidcote Manor Gardens, and a leisurely cruise on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. This enchanting break amongst the rolling hills is a privilege reserved for the discerning few.

Return luxury coach travel

4 nights half board

Visit to Worcester enroute

Admission into Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Hidcote Manor Gardens & Bowood House & Gardens

Cruise on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

Free time in Cheltenham

This morning, we visit Worcester enroute before continuing to our hotel. Worcester's cathedral, surrounding shops and historic streets make this a fantastic place for a lunchtime stop.

After breakfast, we set off to Gloucester for a relaxing cruise on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. From the comfort of Queen Boadicea II, one of the little ships that evacuated troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, we delve into the canal's rich history. We then have ample free time to unwind and explore the spa town of Cheltenham, a perfect blend of the traditional and modern, before returning to our hotel.

Travelling through the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds, we visit Sudeley Castle, the only privately owned castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds - Catherine Parr. Surrounded by over one thousand breath-taking acres of estate and ten award-winning gardens, the centrepiece is the stunning Queen's Garden, named after the four queens who once walked upon the original Tudor Parterre - Anne Boleyn, Catherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I. We later return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

After a leisurely morning, we make the journey to Bowood House and Gardens this afternoon. Home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, Bowood boasts a wealth of unique art and antiques, with over three hundred displayed exhibits. The private Georgian house sits amongst magnificent award-winning Italian-inspired formal gardens, regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of Capability Brown's work.

After departing our hotel, we visit Hidcote Manor Gardens. Created by the talented American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston, Hidcote is home to one of the most remarkable gardens in the country! Explore the maze of narrow paved pathways and discover secret gardens, magnificent vistas, and plants that burst with colour. After our visit, we return home today.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Leonardo Hotel Swindon 4*

A 4-star hotel located on Fleming Way, this modern hotel is a short walk from the town centre and boasts a contemporary restaurant, bar and stylish guestrooms.

Hotel Facilities

It is not possible to display the home pick-ups map because JavaScript is disabled in your web browser.

It was not possible to contact Google to display the home pick-ups map. Please try again later.

The map below can be used to check the price of a home pick-up. The map shows the price bands for each area we service. To check the price from your address either click your street on the map or enter your postcode or city/town and click the 'Check Price' button.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

It is not possible to display the map. This may be due to Google Maps not being supported in your browser.

Pick-up Point Times

To make a booking firstly select the correct number of passengers that will be travelling. This will perform an availability check to see that there is sufficient space on the tour. If the date you want is available select the Book Now button and you will be guided through the online booking process. If your date is unavailable you can use the Call Back facility to discuss further options.

There are currently no departures available on this tour.

The website timed out while searching for the departure dates. Please try again.

Availability Search

Keyword Search

• Travel Insurance
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Gender Pay Gap Reporting
• The Guild of British Coach Operators
• Careers and Driving Academy

Quick Links

Contact info.

Belgrave Road

Skills, Belgrave Road, Bulwell, Nottingham, NG6 8LY. Registered in England Number 546349. VAT Registered Number 660 5538 34.

Skills Holidays, CoachStyle & Skills Days are trading names of Skills Travel Ltd.

We guarantee 100% financial protection on all of our tours and breaks operated by Skills Holidays and Skills Coachstyle.

Tel: +44 (0)115 977 0080  Email: [email protected]. All content is copyright © Skills Travel Ltd.

This website uses cookies to store essential information. By continuing to browse the website you are agreeing to their use. With your permission we would like use additional cookies. For more information you can view our cookie policy . Select Settings to change your cookie preferences. To allow the use of all cookies select Accept.

The Cotswolds by public transport: How to visit the Cotswolds without a car

By Author Lucy Dodsworth

Posted on Last updated: 25 August 2024

Spread over 800 square miles of countryside, the Cotswolds isn’t the most obvious place to visit by public transport. But although it’s undeniably easier to get around by car, it doesn’t mean you can’t visit the Cotswolds without one – it just might need a bit more planning. Our bumper guide to public transport in the Cotswolds explains just how to do it, with details of train and bus routes across the region and five great suggested itineraries for visiting the Cotswolds without a car.

Can you get around the Cotswolds without a car?

Some people might say visiting the Cotswolds by public transport is too difficult to bother, but we disagree! Yes there are some villages and attractions which you can’t reach without travelling by car – or which would take too long or involve too many connections to be worth it.

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 shouldn’t put you off visiting.

There are a few things you need to be aware of though if you’re planning on visiting the Cotswolds by public transport. One is that transportation around the Cotswolds doesn’t run very frequently. Although you can reach most of the main towns and villages using a combination of trains and buses, if you want to get out and explore then you’re limited by the bus timetables.

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. So you need to plan carefully and keep an eye on the time, especially to make sure you don’t miss the last bus.

And with services usually finishing by 6pm, if you want to stay out for dinner you’ll probably need to take a taxi (it’s a good idea to book taxis in advance, especially at weekends or holidays).

If you’re planning to visit the Cotswolds without a car and only have a few days to spare, our advice is to base yourself in one place and take trips out.

You could either catch a train to one of the bigger towns or cities like Oxford or Cheltenham and do day trips into the Cotswolds by bus. Or catch a bus to one of the smaller town or villages like Broadway or Bourton-on-the-Water and stay there, using buses and footpaths to explore nearby. (Check out our post on where to stay in the Cotswolds without a car for more suggestions).

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.

Cotswolds public transport map

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 (we’ve excluded services which only run once or twice a week). You can also click here to download and print a larger PDF version of our Cotswolds public transport map.

The Cotswolds by train

Mainline trains.

There are three main train routes which run through the Cotswolds – one in the north of the region, one in the centre and one in the south. They call at:

• 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

There are also railway stations in larger towns and cities just outside the Cotswolds which are on different train lines: Stratford-upon-Avon, Chippenham, Bradford on Avon and Banbury.

Though one thing to beware of if you’re planning on travelling around the region by train is that the routes don’t link up all that well. So often it’s quicker and easier to catch a bus between two destinations rather than having to change trains and hang around waiting at stations.

UK train tickets can normally be booked 12 weeks before the date of travel, with the cheapest fares available furthest in advance and if you avoid peak times (6.30am–9.30am and 3.30pm–6.30pm). You can avoid paying a fee by booking directly with one of the train operators like Transport for Wales * (they sell tickets for any rail journey in the UK, not just their own services).

The Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Steam Railway

There’s also another train service which you can use to explore the Cotswolds – the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Steam Railway . This heritage railway runs steam trains along the following route:

• Cheltenham Racecourse > Gotherington > Winchcombe > Toddington > Broadway

Their trains don’t run every day and the timetable varies through the year, but it’s a scenic way to travel around the Cotswolds – and is particularly useful for visiting Broadway from Cheltenham which is fiddly by bus. You can get normal single and return tickets as well as rover tickets which let you use the service all day and cost £26 for adults and £10 for children aged 5–15.

The Cotswolds by bus

Although the Cotswolds is pretty well connected by bus, it’s not the easiest thing to get your head around – not least because services are run by nine different bus companies! The map above shows the route numbers and you can find a list of the routes by number below, showing the main stops and with a link to the timetables to check days, times and where the bus stops are.

Most UK bus fares are capped at a maximum of £2 until the end of 2024.

• 1 / 2 : Stratford-upon-Avon > Chipping Campden > Broadway > Moreton-in-Marsh ( Stagecoach )
• (Rural) 4 : Evesham > Broadway > Willersey ( NN Cresswell )
• 41 : Malmesbury > Old Sodbury > Yate ( Coachstyle )
• 50 : Stratford-upon-Avon > Shipston-on-Stour > Chipping Norton ( Stagecoach )
• 51 : Cheltenham > Cirencester > Cricklade > Swindon ( Stagecoach )
• 51 : Stratford-upon-Avon > Shipston-on-Stour > Moreton-in-Marsh ( Pulhams )
• 54/54A/X54 : Stroud > Cirencester ( Cotswold Green )
• 60 : Dursley > Wotton-under-Edge > Thornbury ( Stagecoach )
• 63 : Gloucester > Stroud > Nailsworth > Forest Green ( Stagecoach )

• 64 : Gloucester > Stonehouse > Stroud ( Stagecoach )
• 65 : Stroud > Uley > Dursley > Stonehouse > Gloucester ( Stagecoach )
• 66 : Cheltenham > Painswick > Stroud > King’s Stanley > Stonehouse ( Stagecoach )
• 69 : Old Sodbury > Westonbirt > Tetbury > Nailsworth > Stroud ( Stagecoach )
• 76/77 : Lechlade > Fairford ( Stagecoach )
• 84/85 : Yate > Chipping Sodbury > Wotton-under-Edge ( The Big Lemon )
• 93 : Malmesbury > Cirencester ( Coachstyle )
• 94 : Cheltenham > Gloucester ( Stagecoach )

• 95/95A : Chippenham > Castle Combe ( Faresaver )
• 99 : Swindon > Royal Wootton Bassett > Malmesbury > Chippenham ( Coachstyle )
• 233 : Burford > Minster Lovell > Witney ( Stagecoach )
• 488 / 489 : Chipping Norton > Hook Norton > Banbury ( Stagecoach )
• 606 : Chipping Campden > Broadway > Stanton > Winchcombe > Cheltenham ( Pulhams )
• 620 : Bath > Yate > Chipping Sodbury > Old Sodbury ( Stagecoach )
• 801 : Cheltenham > Andoversford > Notgrove > Bourton-on-the-Water > Stow-on-the-Wold > Moreton-in-Marsh > Chipping Norton ( Pulhams )
• 802 : Kingham > Stow-on-the-Wold > Bourton-on-the-Water ( Pulhams )
• 855 : Cirencester > Barnsley > Bibury > Northleach ( Pulhams )

• 882 : Gloucester > Cirencester > Kemble > Tetbury ( Stagecoach )
• D1 : Bath > Bradford on Avon ( First Bus )
• S2 : Cheltenham > Northleach > Burford > Witney > Oxford ( Stagecoach )
• S3 : Oxford > Charlbury or Oxford > Chipping Norton ( Stagecoach )
• V19 : Chipping Norton > Kingham ( Villager )
• W : Cheltenham > Prestbury > Winchcombe ( Stagecoach )
• X9 : Chipping Norton > Charlbury > Witney ( Pulhams )
• X31 : Chippenham > Corsham > Bath ( Faresaver )
• X34 : Chippenham > Lacock > Frome ( Faresaver ).

As well as the regular scheduled buses around the Cotswolds, there’s also an on-demand minibus called The Robin . This covers rural areas and smaller villages which don’t have regular bus services. So you can explore some of the Cotswolds’ hidden gems without needing a car.

There are several different regions, including:

• North Cotswolds (which covers Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill, Upper and Lower Slaughter)
• South Cotswolds (which covers Cirencester, Lechlade, Kemble and Tetbury)
• Berkeley Vale (which covers Stonehouse, Dursley, Nailsworth and Wotton-under-Edge).

You can use it to travel between two destinations in the same region, where there isn’t a scheduled bus service (see the links above for a full list of the different stops available in each region). There’s no fixed timetable, instead the drivers go to wherever they’ve been booked.

The service runs from 7am–7pm (excluding Sundays) and you can book your journey online, via their app or by phone, from two weeks in advance right up to an hour before you want to travel. You just search for the route you want and it gives you different options to choose from.

The Robin is available to anyone, and journeys are only £2 under the price cap.

Cotswold travel passes

If you’ll be travelling around a lot, there are couple of passes available which can save you money on travel. The Cotswolds Discoverer One Day Pass costs £13 for adults (£6.50 for children or £8.67 with a Railcard *) and includes unlimited travel on many buses and trains.

You can buy the passes at train stations or on board buses. 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, Gloucester and Yate.

Stagecoach also has a West Gold DayRider ticket which gives you one day of unlimited travel on services operated by Stagecoach West. You can buy them on the bus or online with their app (which saves a bit of money). Tickets cost £8 for adults or £7 for over 60s/children under 15.

5 Cotswolds public transport itineraries

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. Each itinerary involves basing yourself in one place and visiting nearby destinations by bus or train over a few days.

Our itineraries for visiting the Cotswolds without a car keep it simple so you don’t have to manage connecting buses or spend your entire time travelling.

1. Moreton-in-Marsh

The benefit of basing yourself in Moreton-in-Marsh is that it’s on a direct train line from London , so it’s an easy place to stay for a weekend break in Cotswolds without a car, as many bus services stop by 6pm so aren’t much use if you’re heading off after work. Moreton is a traditional market town in the Evenlode Valley with plenty of charm and a good selection of places to stay and eat.

From Moreton you can reach some of the Cotswolds’ best-known towns by bus. Catch the Pulhams 801 bus to Stow-on-the-Wold (20 minutes) or Bourton-on-the-Water (35 minutes).

You can also take the Stagecoach 1/2 bus to Broadway (25 minutes) where you can walk to the Broadway Tower , or carry along on the same line to Chipping Campden (40 minutes). Note the 1/2 doesn’t run on Sundays (the 801 has three services on Sundays from May–September only).

Read more: 10 easy day trips from Moreton to Cotswolds (without a car)

2. Cheltenham

Regency Cheltenham lies to the west of the Cotswolds, with good train connections to London, Birmingham and Bristol. It’s also linked to many towns in the central and northern Cotswolds by bus. The Pulhams 801 runs northeast to Bourton-on-the-Water (45 minutes), Stow-on-the-Wold (1 hour) and Moreton-in-Marsh (70 minutes), with around nine services a day.

The Stagecoach W connects Cheltenham with Winchcombe (25 minutes), as does the less-frequent Pulhams 606, which goes on to Broadway (1 hour 40 minutes) and Chipping Campden (2 hours). You can also reach Painswick on the 66 bus (35 minutes) or Cirencester on the 51 (40 minutes).

Alternatively, you could catch the train to Stroud where it’s a seven-mile walk along the canal to Stonehouse, where you can pick up a return train to Cheltenham. Or you can visit Winchcombe, Toddington and Broadway on the vintage Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Steam Railway . Services depart from Cheltenham Racecourse but they don’t run every day so check timetables.

Read more: 9 easy day trips from Cheltenham to Cotswolds (without a car)

3. Cirencester

The ‘capital of the Cotswolds’, Cirencester is a market town dating back to the Romans. Although it doesn’t have a train line, it does have plenty of bus connections. You can reach Cirencester via trains to Swindon, Kemble, Gloucester or Cheltenham. Kemble is the closest, with the Stagecoach 882 bus connecting to trains from London and only taking 12 minutes to reach Cirencester.

From Cirencester you can head north on the Pulhams 855 bus to visit Bibury (17 minutes), where Arlington Row is one of the Cotswolds’ most photographed spots. You can also head south on the Stagecoach 882 bus to visit the town of Tetbury (35 minutes), or take the Coachstyle 93 bus south to Malmesbury (50 minutes), which is known as the ‘Queen of Hilltop Towns’.

Read more: 7 easy day trips from Cirencester to Cotswolds (without a car)

4. Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Wate r is one of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds – as well as being one of the busiest. Even during the low season its riverside is packed with day-trippers, but using it as a base means you can have it almost to yourself in the early mornings and evenings.

The easiest way to reach Bourton-on-the-Water by public transport is via the train to Moreton-in-Marsh or Cheltenham. The Pulhams 801 bus takes 35 minutes to reach Bourton from Moreton-in-Marsh, or you can also take the same bus from Cheltenham to Bourton in 45 minutes.

From Bourton it’s a lovely 1.5-mile walk along the River Windrush to Lower Slaughter , where you can do a short diversion to neighbouring Upper Slaughter , or 4.2 miles to Stow-on-the-Wold . Then it’s only 10 minutes from Stow back to Bourton on the 801 bus. You can also reach Chipping Norton (20 minutes) using the 801 or visit foodie hub Kingham (55 minutes) on the Pulhams 802.

You could easily spend a few days in the ‘city of dreaming spires’ and not run out of things to do. But as well as having colleges, museums and gardens to visit, Oxford is also a good base to explore the east of the Cotswolds. North of the city is grand Blenheim Palace – it’s easy to reach on the Stagecoach S7 or S3 bus (35 minutes), and you get a 20% discount on entry if you arrive by bus.

The Stagecoach S3 bus connects Oxford with Chipping Norton (65 minutes). Or you can take the Stagecoach S2 bus to the medieval town of Burford (1 hour), which then calls at Northleach (1 hour 15 minutes) on its way to Cheltenham (1 hour 45 minutes). A direct railway line from Oxford also makes it easy to visit Charlbury, Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh by train.

Read more: 9 easy day trips from Oxford to Cotswolds (without a car)

Cotswold tours

If you’re 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.

There are lots of Cotswolds tours departing from London * and most include similar stops – Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold – but some also visit Oxford * or Stratford-upon-Avon .* There are also some tours starting in the Cotswolds, which cuts down on time spent on the bus, with one departing from Moreton-in-Marsh * and another from Oxford .*

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Save for later

You might also like

Where to stay in the Cotswolds without a car

How to plan a day trip from London to Cotswolds (with or without a car)

A guide to the Cotswolds Discoverer public transport pass

Tuesday 18th of June 2024

Hello Lucy, we are staying in Moreton in Marsh August 22-29 and would like to visit a market that is similar to MIM. Stroud Market has been recommended. I believe it is on Saturday August 24. What is the best route going and return? Thankyou!

Lucy Dodsworth

Hi Wendy, you can actually get from Moreton to Stroud by train – it does take 2 hours though (with a change in Didcot Parkway) so it's not the quickest, but is an easy journey.

Sunday 9th of June 2024

Hi Lucy Am planning a day and a half trip to Cotswolds in July. Train from London to Moreton. Visit Burton/ slaughter/Stow with night in Moreton. For Day 2 would like to visit Bibury and Cirencester and then back to London (via train from Moreton). However, this seems a bit time consuming (almost 2 hrs by bus). Can you suggest a better alternate to visit Bibury from Moreton and back to London without going back to Moreton. Thnx

Monday 17th of June 2024

Hi Tanuja, yes Bibury is a bit awkward from Moreton. You would need to take the 08.45 Pulhams 801 bus to Bourton, then change onto the Pulhams 855 which leaves at 10.00 and arrives into Bibury at 10.35.

To get back without retracing your steps you could take the 855 to Cirencester at 14.20, arriving 14.37. And then the Stagecoach 882 to Kemble at 14.45/15.45 (depending on what day of the week it is) which only takes 10 minutes. Then you can catch a train to London from Kemble. Or a taxi from Bibury to Kemble costs around £30.

Otherwise Go Cotswolds run a day tour from Moreton which visits Bibury as well as various other places.

Monday 26th of February 2024

Hi, im going to Cotswolds on May 3, 2024 to May 5, 2024, it happens to be Friday to Sunday , are there public buses run on the weekend? Thank you very much.

Friday 8th of March 2024

Hi, generally most bus routes run on Saturdays but services are very limited on Sundays – depending on where you want to visit you can check the latest timetables with the links above.

Monday 30th of October 2023

I am new to this site. I will be in Oxford 11-15th November, after 4 days in London and visiting the UK for the first time in many years. My compliments for the wonderful information given here by Lucy. I need to do some planning and am very grateful to have discovered this site. I already hope to be back and stay much longer to explore the Cotswolds. Much appreciation!

Thanks Carla, really glad to hear it was useful and hope you have a brilliant trip!

Myriam Croce

Friday 25th of August 2023

Hola! Soy de Argentina y me emociona encontar alguien tan amable dispuesta a consejar!! Tengo planeado un tour de 3 dias todo en bus. La ultima noche me alojo en Stratford, per debo llegar a dormir alli un sábado. Me da miedo las frecuencias escasas de ese dia. Me conviene llegar desde Broadway o Chipping Candem? Tendré opciones por la tarde para acceder a ese tramo sin problema? Muchas gracias!!🙏🏻

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

Hola Myriam! El autobus "Stagecoach" numeros 1/2 y pasa por Chipping Campden y Broadway antes de llegar a Stratford. No hay autobuses los domingos pero hay tres cada sabado, y el ultimo sale cerca de las seis de la tarde (https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/Midlands/Leamington%20Timetables/Current/S123_TT_220725.pdf). Espero que pases un buen viaje!

Copying of content from this site is not permitted.

11 Best Cotswolds Tours from London

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: May 26, 2024

If you’re 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.

The Cotswolds are full of pretty cottages with thatched roofs and roses round the door and really do represent what many people consider quintessential England .

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? 

This guide reviews only the best London to Cotswolds tour options, covering the destinations visited, the length of the trip, and exactly what’s included.

If you want to go from London to the Cotswolds for a day trip, then stay here to find the ideal itinerary.

BEST PRIVATE TOUR – COTSWOLD TEACUP TOURS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Go cotswolds, the english bus, london full-day tour to the cotswolds, london to cotswolds full day trip with lunch, london to cotswolds villages and oxford day tour, london day trip to oxford, stratford and the cotswolds, day tour to blenheim palace, ‘downton abbey’ and cotswolds villages, day trip to highclere castle, the cotswolds and ‘downton abbey’, london to the cotswolds and blenheim palace with lunch, private day tour of the cotswolds and lacock village (no longer available), which of the best cotswolds tours from london will you book, our top 3 picks: best cotswolds tours from london.

For a truly bespoke and luxurious experience, we recommend booking a private driver-guided tour with the lovely Victoria of Cotswold Teacup Tours . 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

Best of the rest Cotswolds tours from London

• 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’s not included: Lunch

This full day Cotswolds from London day trip takes in all the key highlights of the Cotswolds. The first stop, Bourton-on-the-Water, is renowned for its stone bridges that cross the shallow River Windrush running through the centre. 

Next you’ll call at Stow-on-the-Wold , one of the biggest Cotswolds settlements. There’s plenty of time here to discover the antiques shops and enjoy a pub lunch at the cosy English inn of your choice. 

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 weaver’s cottages that Bibury is famous for. 

The last stop of the day is at Burford, aka the Gateway to the Cotswolds. 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. 

Click to book this London full day tour to the Cotswolds

• Duration: 11 hours
• Destinations: Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold
• Departure time: 08.15 (08.00 check-in)
• Departure point: Victoria Coach Station
• What’s included: Transport, guide, 2 course lunch

Another option for those seeking a full day Cotswolds day trip from London is this one with a two-course pub lunch included. The tour also takes in Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.

First you’ll stop in Burford, where the high street slopes down towards the River Windrush. After seeing the highlights, you’ll travel to Bibury – your lunch destination for the day.

A two course lunch is served at the Swan Hotel. 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.

In the afternoon Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold await, and your lively guide will walk and talk you through the best of what these beautiful villages have to offer before travelling from the Cotswolds to London for around 7.15pm.

Click to book this London to Cotswolds full day trip with lunch

• Duration: 10 hours
• Destinations: University of Oxford, Burford & Bibury
• Departure time: Varies according to date
• Departure point: Greenline Coach Terminal near Victoria Coach Station

If you want to admire Oxford’s famed dreaming spires as well as the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds, this Oxford and Cotswolds tour from London could be perfect.

Oxford is the morning’s destination, where you can discover the treasures at the Ashmolean Museum, climb a tower for sweeping city views and explore the prestigious university’s range of ancient colleges, including Christ Church and its Great Hall.

The afternoon Cotswolds tour from Oxford then takes in two of the area’s finest spots – the bustling market town of Burford and the postcard-worthy village of Bibury. At the latter you can wander along the row of old weaver’s cottages. 

This day trip returns to London after 10 hours of travelling and sightseeing. 

Click to book this London to Cotswolds villages and Oxford day tour

• Destinations: Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds & Oxford
• Departure time: 07.45 (07.35 check-in)
• Departure point: Stanhope Arms pub opposite Gloucester Road underground 

If you want to see it all in a day, this Cotswolds day tour also takes in Shakespeare’s home town and the city of Oxford. With a maximum of 27 other passengers, you’ll be taken for a tour of some of England’s most famous sights, taking in Stratford, the Cotswolds and Oxford.

The day includes 2 hours in Stratford-upon-Avon to spend as you wish, and your guide will be happy to offer suggestions. After departing Stratford, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Cotswolds before heading to Oxford.

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.

Before returning to London at around 6.45pm you’ll have learned about Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland’s connections with Oxford and may even have enjoyed a drink or meal alongside the local dons in Oxford’s most haunted pub.  

Click to book this London day trip to Oxford, Stratford and the Cotswolds

• Duration: 1 day
• Destinations: Blenheim Palace, Cotswolds & ‘Downton Abbey’ villages
• Departure point: Varies according to date
• What’s included: Transport, audio headset, Blenheim Palace State Rooms

Those booking this trip can visit the Cotswolds from London while taking in the ‘Downton Abbey’ village as well as grand Blenheim Palace. The order in which these are visited may vary.

Highlights of the day tour include seeing Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace at Blenheim Palace . 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.

The tour also takes in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds, a pretty place that’s packed with honey-coloured stone cottages and low bridges.  

Bampton-in-the-Bush is not only a glorious Cotswolds village – it is also featured on the famous TV series ‘Downton Abbey’. Here you can discover the pubs, homes, hospital and church used during filming.

Click to book this Day tour to Blenheim Palace, ‘Downton Abbey’ and Cotswolds villages

• Destinations : Highclere Castle, the Cotswolds & ‘Downton Abbey’ locations
• Departure point : British Museum, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury
• What’s included: Luxury transport, small guided group tour, Highclere Castle 

This Cotswolds tour from London by luxury mini-coach takes you a little off the beaten tourist track, as it includes a visit to Shilton, a village that cannot be reached by larger vehicles. 

In a group of up to 18, you’ll see other sites used for the filming of ‘Downton Abbey’ – as well as Bampton village, the main location. These include the real-life ‘Yew Tree Farm’ and Swinbrook’s Swan Inn.

The attractions of Shilton in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds include a pretty duck pond, an old pump and an ancient stone bridge. 

Your day also includes a tour of magnificent Highclere Castle, where you can admire the palatial interiors and wander among the latest exhibits. 

Click to book this Day trip to Highclere Castle, the Cotswolds and ‘Downton Abbey’ or read more about Planning a visit to Highclere

• Destinations: Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Bibury & Blenheim Palace
• Departure point: British Museum, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury
• What’s included: Luxury transport, small guided group tour, 1-course lunch

This Cotswolds day tour from London takes you on a more in-depth discovery of the Cotswolds before heading to Blenheim Palace to see England’s biggest privately-owned home – the birthplace of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. 

First you’ll travel along the twisting roads of the breathtaking Windrush Valley before admiring Stow-on-the-Wold’s handsome main square. You then travel to Bibury, a picturesque place with a traditional village green and a tinkling stream. 

After a freshly prepared one-course pub lunch, the luxury mini-coach will transport you to Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. You can marvel at the dining hall, landscaped grounds and library before returning to the capital.

Click to book this London to the Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace with lunch

• Destinations: Lacock village, Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Bibury
• Departure time: By arrangement
• Departure point: By arrangement
• What’s included: Luxury transport, private tour with expert guide 
• What’s not included: Lunch, Lacock Abbey entrance fee

Our final pick is for those seeking a special and more local experience. This day trip to Cotswolds from London by car is led by a former city taxi driver in a six-seater Mercedes, and you’ll be transported by luxury Mercedes to see the Cotswolds’ finest sights.

Lacock is a favourite location among film-makers, and highlights include the historic abbey and a clutch of 15th-century buildings. You’ll also visit Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford and Bibury, though as the tour is private it can be personalised to suit your preferences. 

This tour offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with this glorious part of the British Isles for a day you’ll never forget. Although it’s more costly, the price can be divided by up to six passengers.

As you can see, there are some great Cotswolds tours from London, and you can also take in other areas if you’d like to – including Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Stratford, Highclere Castle and even ‘Downton Abbey’ locations. 

Taking a guided trip takes the stress out of touring the Cotswolds from London, so you can sit back and enjoy the unparalleled scenery and history this gorgeous area has to offer. 

More to read about the Cotswolds

• Best places to stay in the Cotswolds
• How to get from London to the Cotswolds
• Things to do in the Cotswolds
• 10 pretty Cotswolds villages and towns to visit

• Windsor Castle Half Day
• Canterbury & Dove
• Stonehenge & Bath
• Harry Potter
• Canterbury & Dover
• Stonehenge & Avebury Stone Circles
• Oxford & Cambridge
• Isle of Wight
• Stonehenge & Circles of Avebury
• Special Access – Evening
• Special Access – Morning
• Stonehenge & Windsor Castle from London
• Stonehenge Summer Solstice

Popular Weekly Tours

Stonehenge Tours

Other Day Tours

• See All Day Tours See All Day Tours

London Tours

• For Tours Outside London

European Tours

• The Roman Baths
• Evening Cream Tea
• Tower of London
• River Cruise
• Theatre: Live Shows

UK & Europe

Outside London

For Private Tours Outside London Please Contact Us

Attractions & Activities

• The Roman Baths The Roman Baths

• Evening Cream Tea Evening Cream Tea

• Tower of London Tower of London

• River Cruise River Cruise

• Theatre: Live Shows Theatre: Live Shows

Anderson Travel

From london: day trip to the cotswolds, the cotswolds guided day tour from london.

Use “WELCOME” for 10% OFF

Get ready to head out of London for the day to the delightful Cotswolds region! What's included? • Live commentary on board • Professional guide • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points • Air-conditioned vehicle

The Cotswolds Guided Day Tour

A Day in Quintessential England The Cotswolds are known for their traditional, English, countryside villages with buildings made from distinctive gold-coloured Cotswold limestone and for their gorgeous rolling hills. The Cotswolds has been designated the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. The 2 villages that we always visit are Burford & Stow on the Wold, with likely visits to other Cotswolds' villages too, subject to timing, the size of the group & other changeable factors. The town of Burford is known as the southern gateway to The Cotswolds. Here you will have time to explore the town including the main street that slopes gently to the River Windrush lined with shops on either side that has not changed much since the 1500s & the Burford Parish Church of St John the Baptist, where hundreds of Levellers (a group fighting for equality and democracy) were imprisoned - and some executed - during the English Civil War. Stow on the Wold is a pretty market town and a good place to grab some lunch. Here you can explore the old church featuring its iconic door with two trees growing around the sides. Visit the Porch House, the 'oldest pub in Britain'', that was once part of Evesham Abbey plus there is a traditional village 'stocks' and plenty of Civil War history too.

Historic Landmarks

Discover a much-loved region of the English countryside with its quaint villages full of stone cottages, quirky shops & cafes.

Guided Tour

Enjoy the day with one of our friendly, knowledgeable tour guides, helping you to fully experience the beauty and heritage of the sites.

An Unique Experience

We have crafted & refined our tours with a personal touch over the past 25+ years to offer you an extraordinary day out.

Luxury Coach

We use our own luxury minibuses & coaches, which are designed with your comfort and safety in mind.

Payment Options

We accept most major card types for online payments. We also accept payment by card over the phone or cash to our central London office.

Have a Question?

Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

• +44 207 436 9304
• [email protected]
• Return Luxury Coach Travel from London
• Burford Visit
• Bourton-on-the-Water Visit
• Surprise Visits to Other Cotswolds Villages

From London: Tour the Stone Circles of Avebury and Stonehenge

Cardiff Day Trip from London

Tour from London: The Cotswolds and Broadway Tower with Cream Tea

Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge Guided Day Tour from London

Privacy overview.

Cotswolds Coach Breaks 2024/2025

Steeped in history, growing up on the prosperity of the medieval wool trade in the 15th and 16th century, it has many fine churches and manor houses.

Take a weekend coach break to visit the quintessentially English town of Broadway at the gateway to the Cotswolds, with one of the longest high streets in England, the delightful market town of Stow-on-the Wold with its many fine antique shops, galleries and gift and craft shops, or picturesque Bourton on the Water, regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England.

The Cotswolds have always been looked upon as the Heart of England, with unsurpassed idyllic charm and breath-taking scenery at every turn.

Cotswolds Coach Holidays

Coach Holidays to The Cotswolds

One of the unspoilt regions of England, the lovely Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty, covers six English counties and draws coach trips visitors from all over the world. Renowned for its rolling meadows, meandering river valleys, pretty woodland, gentle hillsides and of course it’s sleepy ancient limestone villages and market towns, the area hasn’t changed much for over 300 years.

Stratford-upon-Avon & Cotswolds Villages Weekend

Return coach travel 3 nights at a selected hotel in the Coventry with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursions to Stratford-upon-Avon & the Cotswolds (Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold & Broadway)

Oxford & Cream of the Cotswolds

Return coach travel 3 nights at a selected hotel in the Coventry area with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursions to Oxford, Bourton-on-the-Water & Stow-on-the-Wold

Book Your Cotswolds Coach Break Online Today

The Cotswolds

Welcome to the old world.

"Think of England as a very large book. The Cotswolds would be an unfussy chapter in the middle somewhere where there is lots of limestone and even more sheep.” - Susan Meissner, Secrets of a Charmed Life

Unfussy. Because life slows down in the Cotswolds. Trickling rivers flow under toy-town bridges. Cottages line up on cobbled lanes. Rolling plains tumble into castles and manor houses.

Instead what you feel is a great surge of gratitude that a place like this exists. That you're lucky enough to be here. That your camera is fully charged and all that's expected of you is to enjoy where you are. 

Explore the Cotswolds tours

Why you'll love the Cotswolds

Wonderful Villages

The Cotswolds is an English paradise full of charming little hamlets like Bibury.

This place earned the title of the prettiest village in England. And when you stroll by its honey-coloured stone cottages, cosy tearooms and colourful flower gardens; you’ll understand why.

Romantic Restaurants

Welcoming gastro pubs, cosy old inns and excellent restaurants make the Cotswolds a great foodie destination.

This area boasts a hundred different varieties of cheese and a wide array of meats, vegetables, beers and ales. So while visiting, make sure to tuck into the local delicacies.

Manicured Estates

Stately homes with immaculate gardens and vast interiors are dotted around the Cotswolds.

Gaze up at the grand architecture and wander the stunning rooms until you feel like an aristocrat.

Lovely Landscapes

Morning mists, rolling hills, ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows.

This is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. And these landscapes are as tranquil as they are beautiful.

Cotswolds Tours

Select by month

Oxford & Traditional Cotswold Villages - 1 day tour

Explore the beauty and history of Oxford and the quintessential villages of the Cotswolds.

Prices from £95.00

DEPARTING FROM: London

Centuries of Stories: Stonehenge & the Cotswolds - 1 day tour

Stories await among the stones of Stonehenge and Avebury, and echo in the streets of the Cotswolds.

Prices from £50.00

DEPARTING FROM: Bath

Stonehenge & Cotswold Villages - 1 day tour

A day out exploring myths, history, and the quintessential villages of the Cotswolds.

DEPARTING FROM: Bristol

Discover Wales - 5 day tour

It's time to discover the wild beauty of Wales, a country packed with a wealth of wonders.

Prices from £395.00

Beyond the Spires: Untold Oxford & the Cotswolds - 1 day tour

It's time to explore the history of Oxford and the time-worn streets of the Cotswold villages.

Prices from £55.00

Beyond the Cobbled Streets: Untold Cotswolds & Oxford - 1 day tour

Explore myths, history, and the ivy-woven villages of the Cotswolds and the dreamy city of Oxford.

Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Oxford - 2 day tour

Adventure is yours as you roam Roman baths, picturesque Cotswolds villages, and a royal wonderland.

Prices from £159.00

Step into the Storybook: Enchanting England & Wales - 2 day tour

Discover history exploring world-famous Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare.

Prices from £129.00

Cotswolds Tours & Trips

• Choose from 5 Cotswolds tours
• 100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

The best Cotswolds tour packages

Compiled by

Steff Cotswolds travel expert at TourRadar

Discover Wales 5-Day Small-Group Tour from London

Heart of england, taste of britain - 7 days/6 nights (8 destinations), taste of britain - 7 days/6 nights (9 destinations).

“His knowledge, humour and punctuality was impressive.” Megan Hayne, traveled in May 2024

• Christmas & New Year
• Learn about ancient Celtic culture
• Explore three national parks
• Visit an incredible array of castles

“This tour was excellent. I highly recommend travelling with Tour Rad.” Janice Spencer, traveled in December 2023

• Coach / Bus
• Visit Shakespeare's childhood home
• Explore Oxford with a local guide
• Discover Bath's Roman Baths and Royal Crescent

“What a great tour of beautiful locations in southern England! Each one was better than the last.” Kim Murphy, traveled in May 2023

• In-depth Cultural
• Enjoy high tea and tour Lacock Abbey

“Nice accommodations, knowledgeable guides, organized.” Laurie Ellen Bailey, traveled in April 2023

• Tour the Roman Baths in UNESCO-listed Bath
• See Big Ben and more on a London bus tour
• Explore Windsor Castle and St George's Chapel

• Educational
• Sightseeing
• Tour the Roman Baths in Bath
• Explore the historic Tower of London
• Experience Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile

Discover TourRadar