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.
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.
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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.
The Cotswolds covers six counties and spans over 2,000 square kilometers. It is situated approximately 160 kilometers west of 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aside from London, you can also join tours to the Cotsowolds that depart from other cities in England: