Cotswolds Day Tour from Oxford - Explore Downton and Beyond

7 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

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

What's Included

Pickup from central Oxford (St Giles Bus Stop C, outside the Ashmolean Museum) at 9.30am.
Souvenir booklets with maps, photos and information
Travel the back roads in a spacious, comfortable, 16-seater Mercedes minibus
Fun, friendly, local driver-guide to share stories and enhance your day
Gratuities
Food and drink - please bring your own, or money for food and drink on the go

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour departs from Bus Stop C on St Giles, Oxford (outside the Ashmolean Museum). Please arrive 10 minutes before the departure time.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Bampton

    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!

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Shilton (Pass by)

    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!

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Bibury

    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!

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Bourton-on-the-Water

    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.

    1 hour 15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Burford

    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!

    1 hour Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Kindly arrive at the pick up point at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure so we can get everyone checked in and depart right on time!.
Supplied by Go Cotswolds - Guided Tours

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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Historical Tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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