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Offered languages
- English
- English
Explore two locations in the stunning Cotswolds, plus the home town of William Shakespeare on this guided tour from Oxford. Visit the popular village of Bourton-on-the-Water, known for its scenic stone bridges and riverside charm, and the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, home to unique independent shops and the famous 'Tolkien Door.' With 1 hour and 45 minutes in Stratford-upon-Avon, enjoy free time to explore Shakespeare's legacy, from his birthplace to the picturesque Waterside area. This small group tour ensures a personal touch with local guides who provide insights into the area's rich history and culture.
- 7-hour tour departing Oxford at 09:30 and returning by 16:30
- Visit iconic locations including Bourton-on-the-Water and Stratford-upon-Avon
- Enjoy 1 hour 45 minutes of free time in Stratford-upon-Avon to explore at your own pace
- Transportation in an air-conditioned 16-seat minibus with local guide insights
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour departs from Bus Stop C on St Giles, Oxford (outside the Ashmolean Museum). Please arrive 10 minutes before the departure time.
Itinerary
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1Bourton-on-the-Water
Departing from our pick up point on St Giles, we'll leave the city of Oxford behind and head out to the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. A journey of 1 hour brings us to the beautiful and very popular Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Here, pretty Cotswold stone bridges cross the crystal waters of the River Windrush. For many, this is the ‘must-see’ destination in the Cotswolds! Grab a takeaway coffee while you take a relaxing stroll along the river, browse for gifts or take morning tea in one of many tea-rooms and cafés – if you have time after taking alllll the photos, that is!
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Stow-on-the-Wold
Leaving Bourton-on-the-Water, a short 15-minute journey will bring us to the ancient market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. The highest town in the Cotswolds, here they say "Stow-on-the-Wold where the wind blows cold" - but don't let a little breeze put you off! Stow-on-the-Wold is a bustling Cotswolds market town, steeped in history and with wonderful independent shops to explore. Don’t miss the famous ‘Tolkien door’ at St. Edward’s Church, rumoured to inspire The Lord of the Rings.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Stratford-upon-Avon
Departing Stow, we'll travel 45 minutes from the Cotswolds into Warwickshire, and the home town of the world's greatest playwright. First, we’ll drive you around the perimeter of Stratford-upon-Avon to help you get orientated. Then, we’ll drop you off in the touristic heart of the town, and you’ll have around 1 hour 45 minutes of free time to explore at your leisure. A short stroll from our drop off/pick up point, you’ll find Shakespeare’s Birthplace (entry fee applies, not included), as well as numerous cafés, bakeries, shops and street entertainers. Don’t miss the beautiful Waterside area, where you can admire the swans and canal boats on the river Avon, take a scenic stroll, or climb the tower at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre for incredible views (it’s free!).
1 hour 45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Oxford
We'll depart Stratford-upon-Avon at approximately 3.00pm, and make our way back to Oxford. We'll drop you off back where you started, near the Ashmolean Museum. The journey takes 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
5 minutes • 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!
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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!
- Look out for our friendly guide in Go Cotswolds uniform, driving a large white minibus with green and purple Go Cotswolds branding—you won’t miss us!
- If you are arriving in Oxford by train, note that our pick-up point is a 10-15 minute walk from Oxford railway station.
- Uber and similar services are not widely available in Oxford and the Cotswolds, and local taxis can be difficult to book last minute. We strongly recommend booking taxis in advance or using public transport where possible.
- If you're not at your pick-up point on time (09:30) and we can't contact you, the tour will depart without you. Make sure we have your correct mobile number with international dial code before your tour.
- After the tour, please plan any onward travel after 16.30.
- We have plenty of secure luggage space on board our vehicles, though please note our guides may not be able to assist with very heavy luggage
- Children aged 3–15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sorry, no children under 3.
- Tours run in all but dangerous weather—please dress appropriately!
- You may wish to visit some local museums during the day. Entry to attractions is entirely optional and at your own additional expense. Examples of attractions you may wish to visit include Bourton-on-the-Water's Model Village (£4.75 adults/£4.25 seniors/£3.75 children/infants under 3 free), The Cotswold Motoring & Toy Museum in Bourton-on-the-Water (£9.50 adults/£6.50 children 5-16/children under 5 free), Shakespeare's Birthplace (from £25 adults/£12.50 children), Shakespeare's Funerary Monument at Holy Trinity Church (£4.50)
- Accessibility: Users of lightweight mobility equipment such as canes, walking frames and foldable manual wheelchairs are welcome on our tours, provided you can climb 3 steps to get on and off our minibus, multiple times during the tour. Lightweight, foldable manual wheelchairs can be stored in the luggage compartment of our minibus. We're sorry, we cannot accommodate wheelchair users who are unable to get in and out of their chair unassisted, nor can we accommodate any electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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