Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle Tour

Overall, this was a well-organized tour that covered a lot of ground in one day, and our guide and driver did a good job keeping everything on schedule. However, there were several aspects that future travelers should be aware of. The biggest issue was the luggage policy. We were traveling onward after the tour and each had a carry-on suitcase. I contacted the company beforehand to ask if we could bring them, and was told no. They directed us to luggage storage at Victoria Station, which cost us £15 per bag. Once we boarded the coach, we discovered there was ample undercarriage luggage storage that easily could have accommodated our bags. To make matters worse, the tour didn’t even return to Victoria Station—it ended near Gloucester Road Station instead. We then had to make our way back to Victoria to retrieve our luggage, adding both time and expense to our day. The stop in Stratford-upon-Avon also felt far too rushed, given that this is where the tour expected us to get lunch. We had less than 90 minutes to find lunch and visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, which wasn’t enough time to enjoy either. An extra 15 minutes here would have made a significant difference. It could have been taken from the time we spent in Oxford. Warwick Castle was impressive, but our arrival coincided with numerous school groups. The castle was extremely crowded, making it difficult to enjoy the exhibits. Finally, if you’re booking this tour primarily to see the Cotswolds, you may be disappointed. The itinerary states you’ll drive through the Cotswolds, and technically that’s true, but we only skirted the edge of the region on the way to Oxford. We didn’t pass through any of the picturesque villages or scenic spots that make the Cotswolds famous. If seeing charming Cotswold villages is a priority, this probably isn’t the right tour. Another note: we were able to get student discount tickets online for much less than what the tour company was charging for tickets that included entry. For reference, our day was roughly: * 2-hour drive to Warwick Castle * 90 minutes at Warwick Castle * 30-minute drive to Stratford-upon-Avon * About 80 minutes for lunch and Shakespeare’s birthplace * 1½-hour drive to Oxford through the edge of the Cotswolds * 90 minutes in Oxford * 1½-hour drive back to London, arriving around 7:00 p.m. Overall, the tour is a good way to see several destinations in a single day, but it prioritizes covering a lot of ground over spending meaningful time at each stop.

Great experience! Had a fun guide with Oliver who explained everything in a funny way. Enough time at every stop to explore all that has to be seen!

Excellent. We love the tour guy

I did enjoy everything we saw but wished we could have changed the order of the itinerary to see inside more places in Oxford. We got there last and therefore could not enter anywhere. Oliver, our guide, was very knowledgeable but could stay with the group (or carry a flag). He tended to walk very fast and I’m sure it was hard for the people in the back to keep up. Miguel, our driver, was very skilled. For anyone wanting a long day with a lot of driving, this tour is for you.

Excellent tour, enjoyed the every minute of it. Oliver is fantastic guide, very knowledgeable and humorous, combines well education with entertainment. Miguel was the driver, equally highly skilled in his trade, nice ride and comfortable. Highly recommended the tour company and these gents for the future tours. Thank you !