Cotswolds: Day Trips and Tours from Oxford

Picture the quintessential English countryside of rolling sheep-specked pastures, narrow streets lined with stone-built houses and ever-verdant hedgerows — chances are you’re picturing the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds cover just over 2,000 square kilometers, providing more than enough opportunity for scenic adventures.

This scenic region is the UK’s largest “Area of Outstanding Beauty” and a popular destination for Cotswolds day trips from Oxford — enchanting tourists from across the globe who make the journey to explore the picturesque villages and farmland.

Here's all you need to know about Cotswolds, one of the most exciting day trips from Oxford.

How to get to the Cotswolds from Oxford?

Rather than being a single location, the Cotswolds is an area in south-western England — incorporating many different towns, villages and hamlets.

From Oxford to the Cotswolds by car

It’s quite convenient to explore the Cotswolds by car from Oxford — and to do so, simply head out of Oxford on Woodstock Road, and then take the A40 to Burford.

You’ll find yourself on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds following a journey of 30 minutes and just over 30 Kilometers.

Guided tour to the Cotswolds from Oxford

Because the Cotswolds isn’t one place, but rather a region, a guided tour from Oxford is ideal for exploring the charming English countryside. And because it’s a guided expedition, you won’t have to figure out which village to visit and what route to take — an experienced tour leader will have the inside scoop on all the Cotswolds’ best destinations.

What is the typical itinerary?

As the Cotswolds is an entire region, no two tours are quite the same, meaning your itinerary will depend on the excursion you choose. However, these expeditions usually have some things in common, like an air-conditioned vehicle picking you up from your hotel in Oxford.

From here you’ll head to the Cotswolds, the bulk of which lies northwest of Oxford. The Cotswolds were once at the very center of the European textile industry, with wool from the region from Antwerp to Venice — a part of history that day trips will aim to explore while visiting one after the other quaint little town.

Some day-trips also have an air of the silver screen about them and you’ll visit locations and towns that feature in "Downton Abbey" and "Bridgerton", to relive some of their favorite moments from the hit series.

Following this, you’ll visit market towns and small villages that sprung up around the wool industry, leaving you with a holistic and comprehensive understanding of this beautiful landscape.

Finally, you might stop at Blenheim Palace — widely considered the most beautiful building in England — before returning to Oxford.

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

Cotswolds guided group tour from Oxford

This guided group tour of the Cotswolds will allow you the most accessible way of discovering this fabled landscape — making it perfect for travelers who are working within a time or monetary constraint.

Setting out from Oxford, your first stop is Bampton, a town that fans of "Downton Abbey" might recognize. Following this apt introduction to the Cotswolds, you’ll set off to explore six more towns and a castle, before heading back to Oxford.

Small group Cotswolds day trip from Oxford

A small group day trip to the Cotswolds will allow you more access to your guide, in turn, leaving you with a much clearer picture of this picturesque region.

You’ll wind your way through towns with charming names like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold — the latter being the highest town in the region and thus home to magnificent views of the countryside.

You’ll make a quick stop for lunch at a fine local establishment before traveling on through the valleys and hills. Finally, after a day filled with stunning villages and serene meadows, you’ll return to Oxford.

Private Cotswolds tour from Oxford

If you want to enjoy input while determining your Cotswold day trip itinerary, you should consider a private tour. Not only will you have the guide all to yourself — but you’ll also be able to confer with them, planning the dream trip through the English countryside.

You may choose a trip to the north, south or central Cotswolds, each with a distinct character and offering its own perks.

The Cotswolds and Downton Abbey full-day tour from Oxford

This day trip from Oxford is the ultimate crowd pleaser, as you visit a host of towns in the Cotswolds — as well as some of the most iconic settings from the hit series "Downton Abbey".

Start off your Downton Abbey tour in style, with a visit to the Abbey itself, or Highclere Castle as it is known in real life. Here, you can imagine yourself as part of the show, watching the Dowager sip on her tea while making disparaging remarks about some unlucky victim.

Following this, you’ll head to Bampton, which served as the "Village" in the show, and visit several of the other filming locations.

How much does a day trip to the Cotswolds from Oxford cost?

Guided group tours to Cotswolds from Oxford cost £70 per person, making them the most affordable Cotswold day trip available. Keep in mind that you’ll be part of a group of up to 25 people.

Small group Cotswolds day trips from Oxford cost £80 per person, providing a welcome balance between cost and experience. Groups are capped at seven travelers, ensuring a quality experience.

Full-day Cotswolds and Downton Abbey tours from Oxford will set you back about £110 per person.

Private Cotswolds tours from Oxford cost £500 per group of 3 people. These tours allow you to determine the itinerary of your day out.

What will you see and do?

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a region in southwestern England consisting of over 2,000 square kilometers of some of Britain’s most stunning landscapes and villages. The area is best explored during a full-day tour and under the guidance of a locale expert — allowing you to visit the best attractions while avoiding the crowd.

Burford

Located on the banks of the serenely named River Windrush, Burford is widely considered the gateway to the Cotswolds — especially when traveling from London or Oxford. The picturesque town is home to beautiful buildings like the Burford Priory and the historical Tolsey building.

When is the best time to visit the Cotswolds?

The best time to visit the Cotswolds is during late spring (May) and early autumn (September), when you'll experience pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a vibrant landscape. Springtime sees the region bursting with fresh blooms, while early autumn offers a golden hue to the countryside.

Both periods provide ideal conditions for exploring its picturesque villages, historic sites, and scenic footpaths. However, the region's charm is evident year-round, depending on individual preferences.

Are there any tours to the Cotswolds from other cities in England?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in England:

• Day trips to Cotswolds from London
• Day trips to Cotswolds from Bath
• Day trips to Cotswolds from Southampton

Travel tips

• The UK's weather can be unpredictable. Check forecasts and bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be walking through cobbled streets and potentially on countryside paths.
• Don't forget to ake a break in a traditional English pub or tearoom to try local delicacies, like Cotswold cheese.
• Remember that many villages in the Cotswolds are residential areas. Be considerate when parking or taking photographs.