Cotswolds: Day Trips and Tours from London

Nestled in the heart of England, the Cotswolds is an idyllic region renowned for its picturesque villages and rolling hills. With plenty of charm and a taste of history, the Cotswolds gives an insight into the traditional British countryside lifestyle.

It's easy to take a day trip to the Cotswolds from London, in order to explore some of its chocolate box villages, such as Stow-on-the-Wold. Or, if you’re craving nature, take a hike through one of the area’s many scenic landscapes.

You will find below everything you need to know about the Cotswolds, one of the best destinations for a day trip from London.

Traveling to the Cotswolds from London

The Cotswolds covers six counties and spans over 2,000 square kilometers. It is situated approximately 160 kilometers west of London.

• By car: To make the 2.5-hour journey to the Cotswolds from London by car, you'll travel west out of the capital city along the M40, turn off at Swindon and travel along the A40.
• By public transport: You can take a direct train from London to towns that straddle the Cotswolds, including Cheltenham, Stroud and Gloucester. The train journey takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, followed by local bus services to countryside villages.
• Guided tour to the Cotswolds: Cotswolds day trips meet at a variety of destinations across London, the most popular of which is Victoria Coach Station.

Typical itinerary for Cotswolds day tours from London

Cotswolds day tours transport you from London in a coach or minibus, depending on the excursion you choose.

Many day trips will visit the city of Oxford en route, to view its world-renowned university. Others stop at the gateway town of Burford, which sits on the outskirts of the Cotswolds.

Some tours will take a scenic drive through the Cotswold on their way to other destinations, such as Stratford-upon-Avon. However, the focus of many Cotswolds excursions is the villages themselves, and you may hop between several of the most stunning townships throughout the day.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Cotswolds?

Small-group tours to the Cotswolds from London

These Cotswolds day trip start with a visit to the gateway town of Burford. You’ll then continue to three of the most picturesque villages in the area — Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-World.  Over the course of the day, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the river Coln and shop for homemade goods at a bustling market.

Our pick: Small Group Cotswolds Tour

• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, driver/guide
• Price: £99 per traveler
• Duration: 9.5 hours

Private Cotswolds tours plus Bath and Stonehenge from London

Upgrade your excursion to the Cotswolds with a Get a taste of glamour and heritage in the spectacular Cotswolds, with stop at Castle Combe or Lacock Abbey, which have appeared in several Hollywood movies. You'll then travel to the fascinating city of Bath, followed by a visit to the prehistoric World Heritage site of Stonehenge.

Our pick: Private Tour to Stonehenge, Bath and Cotswolds

• Includes: Roundtrip private transfers, hotel pick-up, driver/guide
• Price: £900 per group (up to 7 travelers)
• Duration: 10 hours

Day trips to the Cotswolds plus Blenheim Palace from London

Explore the birthplace of Winston Churchill — one of the most iconic wartime leaders in the world — on a Cotswolds day trip that visits Blenheim Palace. You'll also see several casting locations of the series "Downton Abbey" as you discover the village of Brampton, including two of its traditional pubs.

Our pick: Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & The Cotswolds Full-Day Tour

• Includes: Roundtrip transfers, English-speaking tour guide, personal audio headset
• Price: £79 (without entrance fees), £110 (with entrance fees)
• Duration: 10 hours

Day tours to the Cotswolds plus Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle from London

These tours are an opportunity to discover Shakespeare's England, by driving through the striking villages of the Cotswolds. You can also look forward to an excursion to Stratford-upon-Avon, the medieval Warwick Castle and the esteemed city of Oxford.

Our pick: Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle Tour

• Includes: Roundtrip transfers, walking tour of Oxford, professional guide, optional entries to Shakespeare's Birthplace and Warwick Castle
• Price: From £85 (no entry fees) to £114 (full entrance fees)
• Duration: 10.5 hours

Prices of Cotswolds excursions from London

For small-group tours of the Cotswolds, you'll pay between £80 and £130, with day trips on the higher end typically including lunch.

Prices for day tours to the Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace start at around £80 per person.

If you wish to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge and the historic town of Bath, you can expect to pay approximately £110.

Similarly, you'll pay between £85 and £110 for a tour that fits Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Warwick Castle into its itinerary.

Highlights of Cotswolds day trips from London

Stow-on-the-World

Snuggled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-World is often referred to as the "prettiest village in England." It is full of the thatched roofs and chocolate box buildings that the Cotswolds is famed for, and was founded in the 11th century.

If you head to the town's main square, you'll find a bustling area full of boutiques and antique shops. In the 12th century, the square was used as a trading place for up to 20,000 sheep. A bi-weekly market is still held in this spot and sells a range of homemade products, from decadent fudge to fragrant soap.

Bampton

The town of Bampton dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period and has long been known for its traditional Morris dancing. In more recent times, Bampton has become famous as the setting for the popular TV series “Downton Abbey.”

Many of the exterior shots for the show were filmed in and around the town, and several of the historic buildings were used as locations. These include St Mary’s Church, which served as the setting for many of the wedding scenes, as well as the Dog and Duck pub.

Rollright Stones

There are numerous hiking paths to choose from in the Cotswolds, that vary dramatically in length, including The Rollright Stones walk. The hike covers 16 kilometers and starts in the market town of Chipping Norton.

You'll walk to the village of Salford and out over the panoramic countryside. The main highlight of the walk is the Rollright Stones, which are a collection of megalithic boulders, including a stone circle and burial chamber.

Continuing on your walking tour, you'll reach the village of Over Norton, where you can stop for a well-deserved pint or return to your starting point.

Best time to visit the Cotswolds

A jaunt to the Cotswolds is charming at any time of year. During the spring and summer months, you'll find the weather to be the most reliable and you’ll be able to see the flower fields in bloom. Alternatively, there are few ways to enjoy the crisp chill of winter more than with a brisk walk through the English countryside.

Tours to the Cotswolds from other cities in England

Aside from London, you can also join tours to the Cotsowolds that depart from other cities in England:

• Day trips to the Cotswolds from Oxford
• Day tours to the Cotswolds from Bath

Travel tips

• Cotswolds day tours usually include a fair amount of walking. Be prepared for this by wearing comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Visit the Cotswolds between April and August to witness its famous lavender fields in bloom.
• Enjoy a traditional English pint at the Porch House in Stow-on-the-World — Britain's oldest pub.
• There is an abundance of independent boutiques and independent shops throughout the Cotswolds. Support the village vendors by purchasing local goods.