Discover the picturesque beauty of the Cotswolds on this new day tour from Oxford with an established, award-winning local company! Visit charming villages like Bampton (the real-life 'Downton'!), and enjoy free time to explore the idyllic surroundings of Shilton, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Burford. With insights from fun, friendly, local driver-guides, you'll learn about the rich history and culture of the Cotswolds while enjoying a leisurely day in the countryside. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking an affordable and enjoyable day trip experience.
- Full-day tour departs central Oxford at 09:30 and returns by 16:30
- Explore Bampton, Shilton, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Burford
- Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with a local guide
- Free time at each location to enjoy shops, cafes, and stunning views
This tour departs from Bus Stop C on St Giles, Oxford (outside the Ashmolean Museum). Please arrive 10 minutes before the departure time.
A scenic, 40-minute drive from Oxford city centre brings us to the edge of the Cotswolds and the pretty village of Bampton – though fans of a certain TV show may know it better as ‘Downton’! There are cafés and shops here to stock up on snacks and a small Downton Abbey exhibition for the superfans!
After a 15-minute drive from Bampton, we'll arrive in the lovely village of Shilton - a hidden gem here in the Cotswolds! This charming village is off the tourist trail, quiet and peaceful, with a very picturesque ford (river crossing the street). It’s a beautiful place to stop and get snap-happy with your camera!
Leaving Shilton, we'll take the scenic back roads (30 mins), via the pretty villages of Eastleach and Coln St Aldwyn's, to arrive at your next stop - the popular village of Bibury. Home to the famous Arlington Row of cottages, Bibury is often described as "the prettiest village in England". See for yourself!
16-seater minibuses can travel on roads unsuitable for larger coaches - and the 40-minute scenic route from Bibury to Bourton-on-the-Water is a perfect example of this! Winding our way through the gorgeous Coln Valley, we'll arrive in the must-see village of Bourton-on-the-Water (a village where larger coaches cannot park). You'll have approximately 1 hour 15 minutes of free time here to explore this pretty riverside village. Perhaps have some lunch in one of the many charming tea-rooms or cafés, stroll along the river Windrush, shop for gifts or visit a local museum.
Leaving Bourton-on-the-Water, a 25-minute drive - passing through the lovely villages of Great Barrington and Taynton - brings us to your final stop in the historic Cotswold market town of Burford. Hike up ‘The Hill’ for gorgeous cottages and far-reaching views, shop for gifts and antiques, or have a cream tea in one of the local tea-rooms. Don’t miss the impressive ‘wool church’ of St. John The Baptist with its surprising history!
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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