Cotswolds Day Tour from Oxford
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore charming Cotswolds villages
- Visit historic market towns
- Discover scenic countryside landscapes
- Experience traditional English architecture
- Enjoy local culture and heritage
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of the Cotswolds
- Transportation from Oxford
- Visit to picturesque villages
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
Burford is a picturesque market town where cobbled streets, golden stone cottages, and centuries-old pubs create a perfect Cotswold escape. As part of your tour, it offers a relaxed, authentic taste of English heritage—ideal for browsing local shops, enjoying riverside views, or soaking up timeless charm.
Bibury, often called the most beautiful village in England, is a quintessential Cotswold gem. The village is best known for Arlington Row, a row of 17th-century weavers' cottages that look like they’ve stepped straight out of a fairy tale. These iconic stone cottages, with their steeply pitched roofs and picturesque setting, are one of the most photographed sights in the Cotswolds. The tranquil River Coln winds through the village, adding to its charm, with ducks and swans gliding gracefully on its clear waters. Bibury also boasts lush meadows, charming tea rooms, and the historic Bibury Trout Farm, where visitors can learn about traditional trout farming or simply enjoy the serene surroundings. With its timeless beauty and enchanting atmosphere, Bibury offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the English countryside.
Once a major Roman stronghold, Cirencester blends rich history with vibrant market town energy. Explore ancient ruins, boutique shops, and the stunning parish church at its heart. With its lively atmosphere and cultural charm, Cirencester adds depth and character to any Cotswold tour.
Known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," Bourton-on-the-Water is a picturesque village famous for its charming low stone bridges arching over the River Windrush. Stroll along the tree-lined banks and admire the quaint stone cottages that line the streets, creating postcard-perfect views at every turn. You can explore attractions like the Model Village, a detailed replica of Bourton itself, or visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum, home to vintage cars and nostalgic memorabilia. Enjoy riverside cafes, artisan shops, and traditional pubs, all set against the idyllic backdrop of the rolling Cotswold countryside. Bourton-on-the-Water offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and timeless charm.
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming market town brimming with history and picturesque beauty. You’ll find cobbled streets lined with honey-colored stone buildings, quaint tea rooms, and unique boutique shops. The iconic Market Square, once a bustling hub for wool trading, is now a tranquil space adorned with antique stores and galleries. Stow is also home to the historic St. Edward’s Church, famed for its enchanting doorway flanked by ancient yew trees, said to have inspired the gates of Moria in The Lord of the Rings. With its rolling countryside views and timeless appeal, Stow-on-the-Wold offers a quintessential Cotswold experience steeped in tradition and charm.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the picturesque landscapes and villages.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
Great day trip to Cotswolds
The trip was great! There’s enough time to roam around the towns and still get the facts and info to love Cotswolds. Martin was perfect.
Exceptional and Unforgettable Cotswold Tour
My husband and I had an extraordinary travel experience visiting the Cotswolds with Footprints Tours- they have an unmatched combination of authentic, local knowledge and keen attention to detail. With personalized consultation and thoughtful consideration of our interests and timeline, they created a fantastic bespoke itinerary without a single wasted moment. The phrase "off the beaten path" may be a cliche, but Footprints truly takes you there. Our guide Martin was so engaging and accommodating, with the highest commitment to ensure every aspect of our trip was a success. Whether you are going for a day or a week, look no further for an exceptional and unforgettable Cotswolds vacation.
Great day in the Cotswolds!
Fantastic experience! Vehicle was spacious and comfortable. Tour leader and driver was on time and kept to a good schedule with good planning. Leader was also exceptionally knowledgeable about details of what we were seeing and the historical context.
Nice way to spend the day in the Cotswolds.
Our tour guide Martin was excellent, very knowledgeable and loved the Cotswolds. He provided great information on the history and character of the sights. The size of the tour group was great and the van very comfortable.
Excellent overview of the Cotswolds
Martin did a splendid job on our tour today. He filled us with wealth of information about each area we visited as well as those we passed along the way. His commentary was interesting and included historical, cultural, political, and religious information relevant to each area we visited. I especially enjoyed information about some of the estate owners and others that live or have properties in the area. We left promptly at 8:30 am and were back to our starting point by 4:30 pm. The motor coach is comfortable and I felt like we had enough time to get a good understanding and view. Overall, it was a day well spent and I highly recommend Martin and this tour.