The Cotswolds Tour

Join this friendly and relaxed small-group tour to the Cotswolds, and see the best of this area of outstanding natural beauty. The Cotswolds are the quintessential English countryside; known for beautiful landscapes, sheep farming traditions and charming villages with honey-coloured stone cottages. This full-day tour travels at a relaxed paced to be fully immersed in the highlights of the Cotswolds.

Our Complete Cotswolds Tour from London begins by travelling out of London to the north-west towards the scenic Chiltern Hills and our first stop of the day will be the historic town of Burford, nicknamed the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. This was a prosperous trading village during the Middle Ages and is steeped in local tradition. Burford is also one of the best preserved medieval towns in the region with many of the buildings up to 600 years old and the church of St John the Baptist regarded as one of the finest in England. Whilst here there will be time to explore the town, visit the church and stroll along the picturesque high street.

Next we’ll continue through the countryside, passing quaint villages as we travel towards our next destination, Bibury, often described as ‘the prettiest village in England’. This is one of the most iconic places in the Cotswolds where we can take a stroll along the river to see the iconic Arlington Row; a set of ancient cottages that are now one of the most symbolic sights of the Cotswolds, as seen in the images above.

This afternoon our journey through the heart of the Cotswolds continues, taking us to the picturesque town of Bourton-on-the-Water. Affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ due to its river setting, Bourton is one of the most charming places in the region. There will be plenty of time to enjoy this pretty town; take a stroll along the River Windrush, wander over the small bridges, admire the traditional stone cottages and have a traditional countryside lunch.

We’ll also visit the ancient town of Stow-on-the-Wold; a jumble of ancient inns & antique shops located around the bustling market square. Stow has been an important centre of local trade for centuries and is known historically for being the location of the last battle of the English Civil War in March 1646. The town has provided inspiration to JRR Tolkien and remains home to ‘England’s oldest pub’.

Throughout the day we’ll pass numerous small & lesser-known villages; travelling off the beaten track to explore the ‘quieter’ parts of the Cotswolds. Enjoy meandering drives through the rolling hills and along narrow country lanes, passing farms, country estates, and miles of dry-stone walls as we are immersed in this beautiful countryside region.

The Complete Cotswolds Tour from London returns to Urban Baristas, South Kensington, by approximately 5.30pm.