The Cotswolds region is known for its concentration of idyllic English villages surrounded by rolling green hills and beautiful landscapes. Full of cute stone cottages, cozy old pubs, and narrow cobbled streets – a visit to any Cotswolds village is like taking a step back in time.
If you’re short on time while visiting London and hoping to squeeze in a day trip to some of England’s prettiest villages, then you’ve come to the right place! This guide covers all of the best Cotswolds tours from London.
The best way to tick off multiple villages in one day is to take an organized Cotswolds day trip. Having an experienced guide to show you around will take the stress out of navigating so that you can relax and enjoy a memorable day in the countryside!
The fairy-tale villages of the Cotswolds appear to be frozen in time
I’ve taken the stress out of the planning and I’ve done the research for you. I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to selecting the very best Cotswolds tour from London to suit all preferences and requirements.
Below you will find 10 of the most highly rated and popular Cotswolds tours from London. Whether you’re looking to see some of the prettiest villages or a mix between villages and cities (like Bath and Oxford), there is a Cotswolds tour out there for everyone. The beauty of the English countryside awaits you…
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Cotswolds Tours from London in 2025
The charming Arlington Row of Bibury
Cotswolds Villages Tour from London with Lunch
Stops: Burford, Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold
Duration: 11 hours
Includes: English speaking tour guide, 2 course lunch, transportation by luxury coach
The pretty Swan Hotel in Bibury
This full day trip from London leaves at 8:15 am and takes you to three of the most iconic and lovely Cotswolds villages. The first stop of the day is the ‘gateway to the Cotswolds’, Burford.
The next stop will take you to the dreamy village of Bibury. The postcard perfect scene of Arlington Row has become world famous and has given Bibury the title of “the prettiest village in the Cotswolds“. Enjoy a 2 course traditional lunch at the gorgeous 17th century Swan Hotel.
The afternoon will take you to one more beautiful village, the lovely market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. The tour includes a guided walking tour through Stow-on-the-Wold before returning to London in the evening.
Keep in mind this is one of the most popular and highly-rated tours to the Cotswolds from London, book this one ahead of time if travelling during peak season months.
➤Find more information about tour prices and availability here.
Oxford and Cotswolds Villages
Stops: Oxford, Minster Lovell Hall (a stunning 15th century manor house), Burford, Bibury
Duration: 10 hours
Includes: English speaking tour guide, transportation by luxury coach
Discover the history of Oxford
This tour departs London at 9:15 am and travels by luxury coach stopping firstly at the beautiful, historic city of Oxford. You’ll spend the morning diving into centuries of fascinating history at England’s oldest university. Enjoy a wander through the ancient streets and admire an epic view of the city’s oldest spires from a vantage point.
The tour continues to the Cotswolds with a stop to explore the medieval market town of Burford. This lovely village lined with Tudor architecture is said to be the gateway to the Cotswolds.
Afterwards, you’ll head over to Bibury and finish the day off with a stroll along the famous Arlington Row before returning to London in the evening. This full day Cotswolds tour from London lasts for 10 hours and includes an experienced guide.
➤Find more information about tour prices and availability here.
Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds
Stops: Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds, Oxford
Duration: 11 hours
Includes: English speaking tour guide, transportation by luxury coach
Admire the beautiful cottages of Stratford-upon-Avon
Departing London at 7:45 am, the first stop of the day will take you to Shakespeare’s birthplace, the lovely town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore the town and visit Shakespeare’s house.
Admire the beautifully preserved Tudor architecture throughout the town and make sure to stop at the famous Swan Theatre.
The tour will continue with a scenic drive through the prettiest areas of the Cotswolds. Take in the breathtaking beauty of the English countryside as you pass through on the way to your next stop, Oxford.
Take a stroll through the famous university city stopping at all the best attractions recommended by your guide. Finish off the day with a meal and a pint in the city’s most haunted pub. Arrive back in London by 6:30 pm.
➤Find more information about tour prices and availability here.
Stonehenge, Bath, Lacock & Avebury Small Group Tour
Stops: Stonehenge, Bath, Lacock, Avebury
Duration: 11 hours
Includes: Entrance to Stonehenge and Visitor Centre, Admission to the Roman Baths, Entrance to Avebury Stone Circle, English speaking tour guide, transportation by mini-coach
Start off your day tour from London with a stop at Stonehenge to marvel at over 5,000 years of fascinating British history. Take a tour of this impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site followed by some time to check out the visitor centre for more information.
The next stop on the itinerary will be a trip to the historic city of Bath for lunch and to see the famous Roman baths. The tour will continue to the pretty town of Lacock where you’ll have a chance admire its cute cottages and beautiful church.
Lacock has been a famous filming location for many films and TV productions over the years. Fans of Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice may recognize some of the scenery around the village.
This tour will finish up in the town of Avebury where you will take a walk through the countryside to see the largest Neolithic stone circle in the world.
➤Find more information about tour prices and availability here.
Taking in the beauty of Bath
Downton Abbey Private Cotswolds Tour from London
Stops: Enjoy a private day tour from London to the famous Cotswolds villages of Bampton, Bourton-on-the-Water, Blenheim Palace & more
Duration: 9 hours
Includes: Pickup directly from your hotel in London, drop off at hotel at the end of the tour, private driver for the duration of the day, suitable for groups of up to 5 people
The beautiful town of Bourton-on-the-Water
This private full day Cotswolds tour is an excellent option for those who prefer a customised tour experience. It’s a great choice for couples seeking a romantic day trip or families who would prefer a more intimate tour setting.
This popular tour will take you through the most beautiful sections of the Cotswolds ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ stopping at a number of Downtown Abbey filming locations. Explore the quaint villages of Bampton and Bourton-on-the-Water and enjoy a tour of the stunning Blenheim Palace.
Avoid large groups and see the best of the English countryside and the Cotswolds region on this relaxing private day tour.
➤Find more information about tour prices and availability here.
Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds
Stops: Blenheim Palace, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bampton
Duration: 1 full day
Includes: Entrance to Blenheim Palace and gardens, audio headset tour, visit to 2x Cotswolds villages, English speaking tour guide, transportation by luxury coach
The breathtakingly beautiful Blenheim Palace
This full day Cotswolds tour from London departs first thing in the morning and brings you to the impressive 18th century Blenheim Palace. Take a guided tour of the palace’s majestic interiors followed by a stroll through the beautifully kept gardens.
The tour will continue to Bourton-on-the-Water, one the prettiest villages in the area. It’s often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” because of its many little bridges crossing the river that runs through the village.
The charming Cotswolds village of Bampton will be the final stop of the tour. Downton Abbey fans will recognize many of the famous filming locations around Bampton like the church, two local pubs and the Downton hospital.
➤Find more information about tour prices and availability here.
London to the Cotswolds: Iconic Village Tour
Stops: Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water
Duration: 9 hours
Includes: English speaking tour guide, transportation by mini-bus, tour of 4x Cotswolds villages
Soaking up the magic of the Cotswolds in Bibury
See the best highlights of the Cotswolds on this 10 hour tour that departs London in the morning and takes you to the medieval town of Burford. Spend some time exploring the village and make sure to check out the 500 year old church.
The tour will continue to the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Enjoy some free time to stroll through the pretty streets and admire the quintessential honey-coloured stone buildings.
The next stop will be a traditional lunch followed by a scenic drive through rolling hills and old country lanes. In the afternoon the tour will stop in Bibury, a place that’s often referred to as one of the prettiest Cotswolds villages.
Last but not least is a visit to the charming riverside town of Henley-on-Thames before making your way back to London to finish the day.
➤Find more information about tour prices and availability here.
Best of the Cotswolds & Blenheim Palace With Lunch
Stops: Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper & Lower Slaughter, Blenheim Palace
Duration: 1 full day (7:15 am departure)
Includes: Entry to Blenheim Palace, 1-course pub lunch, travel by luxury bus, Guided tours of Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-water, Upper & Lower Slaughter and Stow-on-the-Wold, Woodstock
The gorgeous village of Lower Slaughter
For those looking to squeeze in as many English villages as possible into your day trip from London, then look no further! This fully packed tour leaves quite early in the morning (7:15 am) but it’s worth the early start as you will maximize your day by seeing as much of the English countryside as possible.
Starting off with a beautiful drive through narrow country lanes, passing through the cute villages of Minster Lovell, Asthall and Swinbrook until you reach Stow-on-the-Wold. Take a guided tour through this iconic English village before carrying on to have a delicious 1 course pub lunch at a cosy old pub in Burford.
Not too far away is the small village of Bibury where you’ll have a chance to wander along the famous Arlington Row. Next, you’ll head over to yet another gem of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water. Take a tour of this charming village which is also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds.’
Enjoy some time to explore the villages of Upper & Lower Slaughter before finishing up the day at the majestic Blenheim Palace. This 18th century palace is famous for being the largest privately owned home in the country as well as the birthplace of Winston Churchill!
This day trip ends with a chance to explore the impressive interiors and gardens of Blenheim Palace before returning to London in the evening.
➤Find more information about tour prices and availability here.
Experience a real life fairy-tale when you visit the Cotswolds
Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford & Cotswolds Day Trip
Stops: Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle
Duration: 12 hours (multiple starting times available)
Includes: Professional English speaking tour guide, transportation by luxury coach, fast-track entry to Warwick Castle, entrance to Shakespeare’s schoolroom and guildhall, entrance to Shakespeare’s birthplace museum