Things to do in Cotswolds, England: The Best Sightseeing Tours

May 20, 2022 Flossie Demartino

The Cotswolds (/ˈkɒtswoʊldz/ KOTS-wohldz, /-wəldz/ -wəldz) is an area in south central England containing the Cotswold Hills, a range of rolling hills which rise from the meadows of the upper Thames to an escarpment, known as the Cotswold Edge, above the Severn Valley and Evesham Vale. The area is defined by the bedrock of Jurassic limestone that creates a type of grassland habitat rare in the UK and that is quarried for the golden coloured Cotswold stone. It contains unique features derived from the use of this mineral; the predominantly rural landscape contains stone-built villages, historical towns and stately homes and gardens. The population of the District is about 84,000.
Restaurants in Cotswolds

1. Private Cotswold Villages from London: Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold

Kingdom Private Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Your expert guide will take you to a number of stunning English villages in the Cotswold region of the UK, near the city of Oxford, during this 10-hour journey. Enjoy free 4G WiFi to use all day inside the vehicle. You will be provided with free water to enjoy inside the vehicle as well. You will even get to stop at a secret place along the way to ensure you really do get that 'wow' factor. Your guide will know all the best places to stop and get that perfect photo and will even take them for you to make sure all of your group is in the photo together.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water, Professional guide/driver, Private small-group tour, Transport by private vehicle with working air-conditioning and heating and passenger sliding doors, Vehicle will seat 6 to 8 clients depending on group size we use brands like Ford, Mercedes, Hunyadi, Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Entrance fees. All entry tickets to all chargeable sites need to be purchased by the client direct from the site's own website in advance. You may also purchase them on the day direct from the site, but this may take longer due to queue times and may cost more, Lunch, Gratuities, We do not use coaches for tours we use 7 to 9 seater minivans

Reviewed By Dr_Ooo

First, let me begin by saying that this review is SUPER LONG OVERDUE! My deepest apologies Nikhil! Second, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER from across the pond (we share the same birthday)!!! I hope this message finds you and yours well during this strange time. Dec 2018 my family made plans to take my mother, who’s never been abroad, to London. My sis (whose birthday is 4.17) booked this tour for the 5 of us. We were Nikhil’s 2nd tour, but we would have never known had he not told us. Nikhil’s love for country, joy, and overall exuberance is infectious. He never lost momentum, energy, and we never wanted for information. Every question from London, to Windsor Castle, to Stonehenge, to Bath, Nikhil could answer it all!! We lucked out! Anyone blessed enough to have Nikhil as their guide/historian is fortunate and any company smart enough to employ him must know how much of an asset he is professional, and how beautiful an individual he is personally. As mommy told you Nikhil, your mum raised you right! Thank you for the joy of your presence and for making our trip to London memorable!! Hope you’re birthday’s been a blast!! I had ice cream cake for breakfast!!

2. Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace Private Day Tour from Oxford

Oxford, UK Undiscovered Cotswolds
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

On this tour we will explore key highlights of the Cotswolds, as well as some small hidden villages. We then finish off by taking a nice relaxing stroll around Blenheim Palace, before we drive you home. You have complete flexibility so that you get to see the sights which interest you the most.  We have a recommended route but the itinerary is totally flexible so if you would prefer to spend longer in a place you like or add an attraction which interests you then we can accommodate you. This tour is run by two locals who have lived here for a long time and are very passionate about what the area has to offer.

Inclusions: An eight hour tour, A modern comfortable air conditioned vehicle, Knowledgeable local driver-guide, Full control over the itinerary and route, Pick up/drop off within the North Cotswolds including Oxford & Stratford-upon-Avon

Exclusions: Food or refreshments, Pick up outside the North Cotswolds, Gratuities

Reviewed By mptaylor11

Our family had a wonderful time exploring Oxford and the Cotswolds with Graham, whom we found to be very knowledgable and friendly. The tour was well structured but also left enough flexibility for us to explore our specific interests. It felt like we were traveling with an old friend rather than someone we had just met. This was time well spent that provided us with fond memories from our family vacation.

3. 2-Day Stonehenge, Cotswolds, Bath and Oxford Private Tour from Southampton

Undiscovered Cotswolds
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Visit the beautiful Cotswolds, the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, Bath and Oxford on this Two-Day Private Tour from Southampton. Over two days see the prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge, discover Britain’s grandest Georgian architecture in the city of Bath, spend the night in a quaint Cotswold village, and wander beneath the dreaming spires of Oxford.  Highlights • Two day tour from Southampton to Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds and Oxford • Learn about the fascinating history of the Cotswolds villages • Explore the prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge; a World Heritage Site • Visit the Roman Baths in the city of Bath • See the dreaming spires of England's most famous university city - Oxford • Private tour ensures personal attention from your local guide

Inclusions: Professional local guide/driver, Transportation in a modern comfortable air-conditioned vehicle., Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Tickets to Stonehenge and the Roman Baths

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drink, unless specified, Entrance fees, unless specified, Accommodation in the Cotswolds

Reviewed By mptaylor11

Our family had a wonderful time exploring Oxford and the Cotswolds with Graham, whom we found to be very knowledgable and friendly. The tour was well structured but also left enough flexibility for us to explore our specific interests. It felt like we were traveling with an old friend rather than someone we had just met. This was time well spent that provided us with fond memories from our family vacation.

4. Private Cotswolds tour from Bath

10 Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AP, UK Undiscovered Cotswolds
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The beauty of your private Cotswolds Tour from Bath is the freedom and flexibility that it gives you on the day.  This tour has a set itinerary where we have a recommended route. Here we have combined idyllic villages with the more famous Cotswold towns. This gives you a wonderful overview and experience of what the Cotswolds is all about. As it is a private tour we are totally flexible as to how long you would like in each place. We are also very flexible and are more than happy to modify the itinerary on the day if you would like. 

Inclusions: A modern comfortable air conditioned vehicle, A nine hour tour, Fully designed and balanced itinerary with a mix of guidance and free time if required, Knowledgeable local driver-guide, Pick up/drop off within the Bath region and nearby towns and villages

Exclusions: Food or refreshments, Gratuities , Pick up outside the Bath or local region. Please contact us for more details.

Reviewed By mptaylor11

Our family had a wonderful time exploring Oxford and the Cotswolds with Graham, whom we found to be very knowledgable and friendly. The tour was well structured but also left enough flexibility for us to explore our specific interests. It felt like we were traveling with an old friend rather than someone we had just met. This was time well spent that provided us with fond memories from our family vacation.

5. Private Guided Tour of the Cotswolds 'Off The Beaten Track' in a Luxury Mercedes

Cotswold Tours & Travel
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

With this bespoke tailored private tour our knowledgeable local tour guides will tour you around the beautiful Cotswold countryside in luxury.This ‘bespoke’ tour is designed for anyone and everyone. For photographers, we’ll take you to the very best spots to catch that perfect image, for historians we’ll take you on a journey through the history of our “Sceptr’d Isle. If Literature or crafts are your thing, we’ll take you to Kelmscott Manor, home of William Morris. Maybe you are a Film and T.V. fan and want to see where they filmed ‘Downton Abbey’ or take a risk and visit the locations of ‘Father Brown’. You can tour antique shops in Stow-on-the-Wold, sample specialist food and drink, focus on ‘out of the way’ villages and historic churches, or hear folk tales, ghost stories and legends from around the Cotswolds.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Bottled water, Professional Driver Tour Guide, Transportation will be within a luxury Mercedes vehicle no older than 2 years old, Hotel pick up and drop off

Exclusions: Gratuities, Drinks, food and snacks are not included in the price of this tour

Reviewed By olivia_lucienne

Mr. Robin Dale came to my rescue! I was trying to get from Blockley Village to Moreton-in-Marsh station on an evening in December, and the bus I was waiting for never came. I called several taxi services, all of whom were unavailable, before someone gave me Mr. Dale's number. Though I believe it was after hours for him, he came out to get me and drive me the 15 minutes or so to the station. I was indeed getting a bit stressed and chilly out in an unfamiliar town at night, so to not have to wait another hour for a bus (which I was just hoping would come!) was such a blessing. I will always remember his graciousness with an abundance of gratitude -- he came to pick me up on his own time, simply because he did not like the idea of me waiting alone in the dark and cold, and was so pleasant throughout the drive. I cannot think of better, more above-and-beyond service. Do contact Cotswold Tours & Travel for your taxiing needs -- but preferably according to their schedule!

6. Cotswolds Private Day Tour

Cotswold Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

We are the only registered company by Cotswold tourism board and visit Britain. Each and every of our tour guides/drivers are fully DBS checked and license holders. This is a family run business run by people who was born in Cotswolds and we are passionate about what we do.

Inclusions: licensed guide

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Reviewed By Aditya R

We had a most amazing time is Cotswolds this summer. What a place to visit! Our Tour guide was knowledgeable and simply outstanding. Highly rated please to book this company.

7. Royal Windsor Cotswold & Shakespeare Country in Executive Vehicle Private Tour

My Transfers UK
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore 2 of the most Historical sites in England, in a Private Vehicle Shakespeare's Birthplace is a restored 16th-century half-timbered house Visit Mary Arden's Farm Discover the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother. Visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the beautiful 500 year old cottage where Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be. See original furniture including the Hathaway bed and uncover five centuries of stories in this picturesque cottage and 13 generations of the family who lived there. The Cotswolds. One of the delights of visiting the Cotswolds is exploring the different areas, each with its own identity, yet all with those defining Cotswold features: golden stone and rolling hills, the ‘wolds’. All Tours Carried out in Executive Vehicles Our definition of “private tour” simply means your tour, where all ground services are provided by your very own personal driver, with a private vehicle and chauffeur. Especially convenient if you are traveling with children or elderly people.

Inclusions: Bottled water, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Gratuities, Entry fee to any sites

Reviewed By D A

Could not go on trip because cancellations of travel restrictions because of COVID. They say you get a refund but refused to give refund. Not an honest company. Never again.

8. Private Full Day Excursion to the Cotswolds in an Iconic London Black Cab

Bespoke Black Cab Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Spend a fantastic day out of the city and visit the Cotswolds, a protected 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', truly one of the most beautiful areas of the country and for sure full of those picture perfect quintessential English market towns villages and hamlets, places like Burford the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds', Stow, the highest market town inn the cotswolds, Bourton on the Water, Venice of the Cotswolds, and the village of Lower Slaughter, regularly voted the prettiest village in the Cotswolds. Please note this is a Full Day excursion, so you are advised not to make any bookings for the evening!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees, refreshments provided in the taxi

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, any entrance fees to sites, personal expenses

Reviewed By shazzay2020

What a fantastic day, Paul was very professional,very knowledgeable, answered all questìons, in my opinion the best way to see the festive lights and at the same time see the sights of London ....highly recommended..5 star experience.

9. Guided walking tour : Ghosts & Giggles Of Gloucester

Westgate Street Car Park, Gloucester GL1 2SZ, UK Ghosts & Giggles Haunted Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Gloucester is two routes, which will be alternated every week. The routes are as follows: Route One *Folk Museum *Dick Whittington *Old Crown Inn *Fountain Inn *Bull Lane *Old Kings Theatre (Poundstretcher) *Fleece Hotel *McDonald’s *A.G. Meek *New Inn *Debenhams Route Two: *Bishop Hoopers Memorial *Cathedral *Comfy Pew *Fountain Inn *Fleece Hotel *Old King's Theatre (Poundstretcher) *Old Argos *Bell Lane (Eastgate) *St Michael’s Tower *Cross Keys Inn *Cafe Rene *Greyfriars The walks are, Newent on Friday night, Gloucester on Saturday night at 8pm. Private Tours are also welcome, please also book for these.

Inclusions: Laser grid pen. , Motion sensor light ball

Exclusions: Please bring your own bottles water, there may be places where you can fill up, especially in spring and summer as it can get very hot.

Reviewed By 319theg

A Brilliant interesting Tour. Full of History . Ghost Stories and Giggles along the way. A lovely Tour Guide and very Helpful.

10. Whisky and Gin Private Tour in the Cotswolds

Bespoke England Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

8 hour driver-guide tour to The Cotswolds Distillery and to visit the Cotswolds. All our tours have been made Covid secure and are carried out in daily sanitised vehicles. We have personal protective equipment (PPE) such as antibacterials, face coverings and disposable gloves.  Our staff carry out a daily health check with temperature checks. The venues have sanitising stations and respect UK government rules on social distancing and safe travel. Enjoy a distillery visit followed by a tasting of whiskies and spirits at The Cotswolds Distillery, one of England's premier whisky and gin producers. Photo stops in The Cotswolds which is the postcard image of the English countryside: rolling hills, stone villages, thatched roofs and timber framed cottages. Have a picnic in a scenic spot (not included). Bring your own or we can provide you with an indulgent one for an extra fee. A hedonistic experience. * Additional £15 per person to be paid on the day for distillery tour and tastings.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Bottled water

Exclusions: Pub lunch is not included in tour cost. Guests will pay their own bill at the eatery., Distillery tour and tasting not included in tour cost, it's £15pp and is payable cash on the day, Gratuities. (We suggest a tip of approximately 10% of the tour cost for outstanding service).

Reviewed By AdeWotton

I have a completed three of David's Virtual Tours during lockdown including Shoreditch Street Art, China Town and Covent Garden. David always goes above and beyond and has a wealth of knowledge and is very interactive and accessible. Really recommend him

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