Cotswolds Tour from London 2026
Visit to Burford, Bibury & Bourton-on-the-Water | Small group | Reserve now & pay later
About Cotswolds Tour from London
Escape the city on a Cotswolds day trip from London and explore the English countryside. Visit four iconic Cotswold villages: Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. Walk past Arlington Row, browse antique shops, and enjoy free time to explore. Visit landmarks like the 850-year-old St. John the Baptist Church and the oldest pub in England. Ready to see what the Cotswolds area is really like? Reserve your spot today!
Spend a full day in the Cotswolds, an area that has been protected since 1966. Explore medieval towns and villages, and enjoy the charming stone cottages.
Discover Burford, a town from the 11th century. Take a stroll in Bibury, famous for Arlington Row from the 1380s. Then, visit Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Each stop includes free time to explore. You can shop, enjoy tea, or walk along the River Windrush and scenic country lanes.
Ride in a comfortable minibus through peaceful country lanes and rolling hills. Enjoy the views of the beautiful Cotswolds area throughout the journey.
A local guide will go with you and share stories about the English Civil War. You’ll hear about old wool towns and historic landmarks, like St. John the Baptist Church in Burford.
Travel in a group of no more than 15, so you will enjoy a quieter, more personal experience on this full-day tour.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or book your Cotswolds tour from London now and pay nothing today.
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Peaceful day outside London
I loved seeing Arlington Row in Bibury. It felt like stepping into a postcard. Our guide explained how builders constructed the cottages in the 1380s for weavers. We had time to walk by the River Coln and even shop for some souvenirs. The peaceful countryside was so different from busy London. I’d go again just for the quiet.
History and views combined
Burford was my favorite stop. Our guide talked about the wool trade and how it made these villages wealthy in the Middle Ages. We also saw old merchant homes and walked the high street full of antique shops. Bourton-on-the-Water was also beautiful, with its little stone bridges over the stream. Our minibus was comfy and the drive through the countryside was peaceful. A great way to see a lot in one day!
DESCRIPTION
Cotswolds Day Trip from London
- Transportation in an air-conditioned minibus
- Local driver/guide
- Free time to explore each destination
ESCAPE TO ENGLAND’S COUNTRYSIDE
Join a full-day Cotswolds tour from London and explore one of England’s most scenic regions. The Cotswolds are an 800-square-mile Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The tour starts with a ride to the Cotswolds from London with a local guide accompanying you. Along the way, they will share stories about the area’s medieval past to prepare you for exploring. You’ll begin in Burford, often called the “gateway to the Cotswolds”. This medieval town is known for its High Street, lined with stone houses over 500 years old. It is also the home to the 15th-century St. John the Baptist Church, one of England’s largest parish churches. As you walk around, your guide will share stories of the wool trade that once made this town rich. You’ll also have some free time to explore, visit antique shops, or enjoy tea in a local café.
EXPLORE VILLAGES AND THEIR HISTORY
The next stop is Bibury, often called “the most beautiful village in England”. Walk along the River Coln to see Arlington Row. This spot features 17th-century cottages that were originally built for weavers. Did you know that these golden stone buildings appear on British passports? You’ll also find St. Mary’s Church, with roots tracing back to Saxon times. Your guide will also talk about the Bibury Trout Farm, the oldest working trout farm in Britain. Then you’ll head to Bourton-on-the-Water, known as “the Venice of the Cotswolds”. It earned that nickname because of its five stone bridges and shallow stream. In your free time, you can check out the quirky Model Village, a 1:9 scale replica of the town. You can also grab lunch at a riverside café or a traditional pub.
DISCOVER THE SOUL OF COTSWOLDS
End your day in Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds at 800 feet (244 meters). This market town dates to Roman times and was the site of the final battle of the English Civil War in 1646. Browse antique shops in the old market square or visit St. Edward’s Church, famous for its “Tolkien door”. These doors are rumored to have inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin in “The Lord of the Rings”. You can even grab a drink at The Porch House, said to be England’s oldest pub, dating back to 947 AD. After some free time to explore, you’ll meet with your group, get on the minibus, and enjoy a relaxing ride back to London.
RETURN TO LONDON
After that, you’ll be returning to London. To keep the peaceful countryside mood going, plan the following day in the same spirit. Start with a gentle walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens using your Kew Gardens tickets, and enjoy the calm beauty of nature in the heart of the city. Then, explore aristocratic elegance and royal history with Kensington Palace tickets – once home to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. For a relaxed finish, treat yourself to a classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour London, combining delicious sweets with scenic views from a vintage double-decker.
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!
Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!
Interesting facts about Cotswolds
- The name “Cotswold” comes from two words: “cot” means sheep shelter, and “wold” means hill. So, it means “sheep enclosures in the hills.”
- The Cotswolds have more than 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers) of dry stone walls.
- Every year, Bibury celebrates Boxing Day with a Duck Race on the River Coln. The event includes thousands of plastic ducks floating to the finish line.
- The Rollright Stones are a 5,000-year-old Neolithic site in the Cotswolds. It consists of a stone circle, a burial chamber, and a standing stone called the King Stone.
- Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds was Catherine Parr's last home. She was King Henry VIII's final wife and is buried in the castle's chapel.
- The Cotswolds were used as a filming location for the 2001 film Bridget Jones's Diary. The Christmas scene with Bridget and her family was shot at Barnsley House, near Cirencester.
Good to know before you go
- Dress in layers for the Cotswolds' changing weather. A mix of warm and light clothes and comfortable shoes is recommended.
- Mobile reception can be limited in remote areas. Ensure your device is charged.
- The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 passengers.
Meeting Point
The tour meeting point is at Urban Baristas coffee shop, near South Kensington station.
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FAQ - Cotswolds Tour from London
How long is the Cotswolds Tour from London?
The Cotswolds Tour from London is a full-day trip. It takes roughly 9.5 hours, depending on traffic and how fast the group goes.How much walking is involved in a Cotswolds day trip from London?
You can expect moderate walking on the Cotswolds day trip from London. The pace will be suitable for all fitness levels with plenty of breaks and free time to explore at your own pace.How far are the Cotswolds from London?
The Cotswolds are about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from London. The first stop on this tour is Burford, and the journey there will take about 100 minutes, depending on the traffic.Is the Cotswolds Tour from London suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. It's great for kids, especially for those who love exploring historic villages.How much time do you need in the Cotswolds?
You'll have about 1-1.5 hours in each village to explore. This will give you enough time to visit key landmarks, enjoy the scenery, shop, or grab a bite to eat.Are there other day trips where I can see authentic English landscapes?
There’s so much to see in and around London, no matter what you're into. If you want to explore more of the city, check out some of the best London tours and discover popular spots and hidden corners at your own pace. If you’d like to see more of England during your trip, there are great day tours from London to choose from – like the London to Stonehenge tour, a Cambridge day tour from London, a day trip to Oxford from London, or even trips to Downton Abbey for fans of the series. While in London, don’t miss iconic London attractions, enjoy a deeper look at world-famous art with a National Gallery guided tour, or visit exciting modern exhibitions with one of our Tate Modern tours. And for more ideas and inspiration, Visit London is a great place to start planning.Don’t wait! Book now!
- Expert tour guide
- Easy booking process
- Small group
- Reserve now & pay later
- Free cancellation