The Cotswolds, a region I had the pleasure of exploring, is renowned for its picturesque old villages, charming English gardens, and beautiful landscapes, not to mention a must-see destination for anyone traveling to the UK.
However, visiting the area can prove challenging, especially if you’re short on time or don’t want to rent a car (remember, they drive on the left-hand side in the UK!).
For this reason, I’ve compiled a list of the best tours to Cotswolds from London, so you can enjoy the beauty of this rural historical area for a day without the stress of driving there yourself.
I also recommend you read my post on the best Cotswolds villages to visit before you book a tour, in order to have a better idea of which locations you want to see.
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My Top 3 Picks: Cotswolds tours from London
Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour 🥇
✓ Free time in 4 Cotswolds villages and towns
✓ Includes Bourton-on-the-Water
Cotswolds & Oxford Guided Tour 🥈
✓ You’ll visit both Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water
✓ Includes a 3-hour visit to Oxford
Full-Day Cotswolds Tour with Lunch🥉
✓ You’ll visit 4 Cotswolds villages and towns
✓ Includes lunch in Bibury (main dish and dessert)
Best Day Tours to Cotswolds from London
01. Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 (2200+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you are looking to visit as many locations in Cotswolds as possible without feeling overwhelmed, this full-day Cotswolds tour from London can be a very good choice.
This guided small group tour takes you to two picturesque villages (Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water), as well as the historic market towns of Burford and Stow on the Wold.
Not only you’ll be able to see the iconic Arlington Row cottages in Bibury or Bourton’s charming low bridges, but you’ll also get free time to explore at your own pace during each stop.
Overall, this tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty and charm of the Cotswolds in a day, without the hassle of navigating the area on your own.
02. Cotswolds and Oxford Guided Day-Trip
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 (1500+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you’re looking for a day trip that combines the rural beauty of the Cotswolds area with the history and culture of Oxford, this guided tour from London is a great option.
The tour takes you to two of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds: Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water, where you’ll get to admire numerous picturesque cottages and colorful gardens.
You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the historic city of Oxford, where you’ll have around three hours for exploration and lunch.
With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the Cotswolds region as well as Oxford, making this tour a great way to experience the best of both in a single-day trip from London.
03. Full-Day Cotswolds Tour with Lunch
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 (900+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | ✅ Book it!
This is another tour that takes you to both Burton-on-the-Water and Bibury, as well as the market towns of Burford and Stow on the Wold. In addition, lunch (made up of a main dish and dessert) in Bibury is included.
A plus of this tour is the fact that you’ll have free time in Bourton (which in my opinion is the most picturesque village in the Cotswolds) to explore on your own.
04. The Cotswolds and Broadway Tower with Cream Tea
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 (10+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you are interested in visiting the Broadway Tower (which is located near the village of the same name) then this tour would be an ideal option (the ticket is included).
In addition, you’ll also get to visit Bibury with its famous Arlington Row and the small town of Burford, which is said to be the gateway to Cotswolds.
05. Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace & Downtown Abbey
⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 (400+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 day| ✅ Book it!
This tour is an excellent option to consider if you seek to combine a trip to the Cotswolds with a visit to the popular Blenheim Palace, which is the birthplace of Winston Churchill.
However, if your primary interest is to see the mansion featured in the Downton Abbey TV show (which is actually called Highclere Castle in real life), then I would recommend against booking this tour and instead opting for “Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London.”
This is because the tour we’re discussing here only includes a brief stop in the village where Downton Abbey was filmed (Bampton) and not a visit to the castle itself.
Furthermore, this tour also incorporates a stop at the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
FAQs about visiting the Cotswolds
Where exactly is the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds area is primarily situated in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, but it also spans across portions of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire.
How far is London from the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds region is located roughly around 100 miles (161 km) away from London, meaning it’s a drive of 2 – 2.5 hours.
What is the famous Cotswold Street?
The famous Cotswold Street is located in the village of Bibury and it’s called Arlington Row.
✓ For those who prefer not to plan their trip or drive on the left side of the road, tours provide an excellent alternative.
Best Cotswolds tours from London: Final thoughts
In conclusion, the Cotswolds is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With its picturesque villages, stunning countryside, and rich history, it’s no wonder that it’s become one of the most popular destinations in the UK.
So book your tour today and experience the region’s beauty for yourself! Also, don’t forget to check out my other blog posts about the UK for more travel inspiration and tips.
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