The Cotswolds tour from London

The Cotswolds are located in south-central England, stretching across parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. Just a couple of hours from London, the area is perfect for a relaxing countryside escape.

The Cotswolds are famous for their gentle hills, dry-stone walls, sheep farming history, and honey-coloured stone villages. It’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and often considered one of the most picturesque regions in England.

Arlington Row is a historic row of weavers’ cottages in the village of Bibury, dating back to the 14th century. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds and represents traditional English architecture at its finest.

Bourton-on-the-Water is nicknamed the “Venice of the Cotswolds” due to the River Windrush running through the village centre, crossed by beautiful low stone bridges. Its riverside charm and local shops make it a highlight of any visit.

Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the most historic towns in the Cotswolds, known for its large market square, antique shops, and traditional coaching inns. Its medieval church door is often said to have inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin. Stow also played a key role in history as the site of the last battle of the English Civil War in 1646, adding a layer of significance to its already rich heritage.

Yes! A day trip to the Cotswolds from London is an ideal way to explore the region’s iconic villages. Our small-group tour visits four of the most beautiful locations in one relaxed and scenic day.

Cotswolds stone is a distinctive honey-coloured limestone found throughout the Cotswolds region. It’s what gives the area’s villages their iconic golden glow, especially in sunlight. Formed over 150 million years ago, this oolitic limestone has been used for centuries in traditional cottages, churches, and manor houses, helping to create the timeless charm that makes the Cotswolds so picturesque.

The Cotswolds is beautiful year-round, but spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November) are especially stunning. In spring, you’ll see blooming wildflowers and green rolling hills, while autumn offers golden foliage and quieter village streets. Summer brings warmer weather and vibrant gardens, though it can be busier with tourists. Our day tours run in all seasons, each offering a different kind of charm.

The Cotswolds is full of postcard-perfect villages, and our tour visits some of the very best. Bibury is often called the prettiest village in England, known for its famous Arlington Row cottages. Bourton-on-the-Water, with its stone bridges and riverside charm, is a firm favourite. Stow-on-the-Wold offers a blend of history, cosy teashops and antique shops, while Burford, with its sloping High Street and medieval architecture, is often described as the gateway to the Cotswolds. These stops give you a true flavour of the region’s beauty and heritage.

While it’s possible to reach some parts of the Cotswolds by train or bus, public transport is limited and doesn’t connect easily between villages. That’s why joining a guided day tour is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the area. With transport, expert commentary and carefully planned stops included, our Cotswolds tour makes seeing the highlights simple, relaxed, and stress-free.