Cotswolds Villages Full-Day Small-Group Tour from Oxford
Description
We’re proud to offer the smallest small-group tour of the Cotswolds, giving you rare access to villages and back roads that other tour companies simply can’t reach. Experience the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds on this seven-hour, intimate tour, designed for travellers who want to explore beyond the crowds from London or Oxford. Starting and finishing at Oxford train station, the tour blends must-see highlights with hidden local gems—the kind usually known only to residents. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable local driver-guide and travel in one of our comfortable vehicles, limited to just seven guests, ensuring a relaxed pace, personal attention, and authentic encounters throughout the day.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your driver guide will meet you in the pick up area outside the front of Oxford Railway Station at 10am. Waiting is not allowed in the pick up area so they will arrive 5 minutes before the tour starts and will be standing with the Mercedes minibus holding a green sign saying Undiscovered Cotswolds. The pick up area is directly in front of the train station just past the bus stops and close to the bronze bull statue.
A real highlight of the tour which boasts plenty of Cotswold stone and thatched roofs, as well as holding the title of being the region's most haunted village. Minster Lovell is perhaps best known for the ruins of its 15th century hall, owned by generations of the Lovell family. A true hidden gem!
On route we go through some enchanting Cotswold villages to the town of Burford, often called the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'. A very iconic town and home to one of the most beautiful and ancient churches in the region. Stories aplenty!
Our next stop is arguably the most famous Cotswolds town and regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England; Bourton-on-the-Water. Known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds' there is plenty to see and do with a wealth of attractions, shops, restaurants and tea rooms. Here you have free time to explore and enjoy some lunch.
Our next stop is the picturesque village of Lower Slaughter, one of the most romantic villages in the Northern Cotswolds and set in the most amazing countryside. Larger vehicles are not allowed into this village so we are the only small group tour allowed access.
The centre of the wool trade in the Cotswolds. Here you'll have time to browse among honey-coloured buildings, cosy pubs, narrow streets, interesting shops and tiny tea rooms.
A fairy-tale village of thatched cottages and beautiful landscapes that is away from the tourists. The home of several famous characters.
You will drive around 40 minutes back to Oxford where your driver guide will drop you off at Oxford railway station.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 5 years
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Reviews(369)
A lovely day in the Cotswolds! Andrew is the perfect guide with so much knowledge, humour and passion. I highly recommend this tour.
Excellent itinerary and guide. In addition to the delightful Cotswold neighborhoods, our guide added in a quick view of the King's stone neolithic area. That turned out to be the highlight for my wife!
I’ve been to Oxford/London a few times and always wanted to visit the Cotswolds so I finally booked it. This tour was perfect for a solo traveler who didn’t want to drive on my own. It was a small group of 6. We stopped in 6 different towns, but it seemed like more because our guide, Sonja, pointed out other towns and sites along the way. She was an excellent guide, enthusiastic, had tons of information, related stories all day, very knowledgeable, answered all questions and all with a cheerful attitude. I agree with another review that we probably could have done without Bourton-on-the-Water even though I had an excellent lunch there. It was just so crowded, a nice Saturday and Sonja said that many families come out to picnic on days like this. I think our group decided we liked Stow-on-the-Wold best. With some of our free time the group enjoyed a drink at The Porch House which Sonja pointed out is England’s oldest Inn. It was a full 8 hour day! I would highly recommend booking it!
Sonja, was very friendly and helpful as very informative.
We had an awesome day in the Cotswolds! Great variety of villages and sights. Tour guide was very helpful and knowledgeable.
Very comprehensive visiting six villages and towns which were all very picturesque. The guide was very personable and knowledgeable and a really good driver.
It was lovely and never felt rushed despite covering a lot of ground. Low key and relaxed with a wonderful and friendly tour guide.
« Great tour! Six different stops in a full day is fantastic. We were a group of seven people in a comfortable Mercedes minivan. Being in a small group made some areas more accessible, which was great. Our driver-guide, Vince, went the extra mile to show us this beautiful region. After a while, you get used to the very narrow countryside roads, but I would never want to drive there myself! »
This day is an opportunity to discover the most well-known villages of the Cotswolds with a very pleasant guide who provides comments on the history of these villages.
A beautiful walk in the Cotswolds with a cultured, fun, and very friendly guide. Some villages deserved a longer stop, but overall it was a lovely trip.
