best cotswolds tours from london

11 Best Cotswolds Tours from London

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: May 26, 2024

If you’re spending some time in London, then a must-do is to escape the city for the day so you can see another side of life in the UK.

The Cotswolds are full of pretty cottages with thatched roofs and roses round the door and really do represent what many people consider quintessential England .

One of the simplest and most popular ways to do this is to book one of the best Cotswold tours from London – but with lots to pick from, how can you be sure of picking the best option? 

This guide reviews only the best London to Cotswolds tour options, covering the destinations visited, the length of the trip, and exactly what’s included.

If you want to go from London to the Cotswolds for a day trip, then stay here to find the ideal itinerary.

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For a truly bespoke and luxurious experience, we recommend booking a private driver-guided tour with the lovely Victoria of Cotswold Teacup Tours . Hear Victoria chat about the Cotswolds (and her fabulous tours) in episode 20 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast

➡️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PRIVATE BESPOKE TOUR OF THE COTSWOLDS WITH VICTORIA

Best of the rest Cotswolds tours from London

• Duration: 9 hours
• Destinations: Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury & Burford
• Departure time: 08.30 (08.15 check-in)
• Departure point: Mercure Kensington Hotel, near Earl’s Court underground
• What’s included: Transport, guide, free time to explore
• What’s not included: Lunch

This full day Cotswolds from London day trip takes in all the key highlights of the Cotswolds. The first stop, Bourton-on-the-Water, is renowned for its stone bridges that cross the shallow River Windrush running through the centre. 

Next you’ll call at Stow-on-the-Wold , one of the biggest Cotswolds settlements. There’s plenty of time here to discover the antiques shops and enjoy a pub lunch at the cosy English inn of your choice. 

In the afternoon, you can admire one of the prettiest villages in the whole of the UK while snapping Arlington Row, a line of old weaver’s cottages that Bibury is famous for. 

The last stop of the day is at Burford, aka the Gateway to the Cotswolds. This is a small place with an attractive historic church and medieval buildings, which you can wander around before the trip back to London, arriving at around 5.30pm. 

Click to book this London full day tour to the Cotswolds

• Duration: 11 hours
• Destinations: Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold
• Departure time: 08.15 (08.00 check-in)
• Departure point: Victoria Coach Station
• What’s included: Transport, guide, 2 course lunch

Another option for those seeking a full day Cotswolds day trip from London is this one with a two-course pub lunch included. The tour also takes in Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.

First you’ll stop in Burford, where the high street slopes down towards the River Windrush. After seeing the highlights, you’ll travel to Bibury – your lunch destination for the day.

A two course lunch is served at the Swan Hotel. This ancient, ivy-clad inn is located in the centre of Bibury on the banks of the River Coln, providing a scenic setting for a delicious pub meal.

In the afternoon Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold await, and your lively guide will walk and talk you through the best of what these beautiful villages have to offer before travelling from the Cotswolds to London for around 7.15pm.

Click to book this London to Cotswolds full day trip with lunch

• Duration: 10 hours
• Destinations: University of Oxford, Burford & Bibury
• Departure time: Varies according to date
• Departure point: Greenline Coach Terminal near Victoria Coach Station

If you want to admire Oxford’s famed dreaming spires as well as the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds, this Oxford and Cotswolds tour from London could be perfect.

Oxford is the morning’s destination, where you can discover the treasures at the Ashmolean Museum, climb a tower for sweeping city views and explore the prestigious university’s range of ancient colleges, including Christ Church and its Great Hall.

The afternoon Cotswolds tour from Oxford then takes in two of the area’s finest spots – the bustling market town of Burford and the postcard-worthy village of Bibury. At the latter you can wander along the row of old weaver’s cottages. 

This day trip returns to London after 10 hours of travelling and sightseeing. 

Click to book this London to Cotswolds villages and Oxford day tour

• Destinations: Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds & Oxford
• Departure time: 07.45 (07.35 check-in)
• Departure point: Stanhope Arms pub opposite Gloucester Road underground 

If you want to see it all in a day, this Cotswolds day tour also takes in Shakespeare’s home town and the city of Oxford. With a maximum of 27 other passengers, you’ll be taken for a tour of some of England’s most famous sights, taking in Stratford, the Cotswolds and Oxford.

The day includes 2 hours in Stratford-upon-Avon to spend as you wish, and your guide will be happy to offer suggestions. After departing Stratford, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Cotswolds before heading to Oxford.

In the famed university you can again spend your time as you like, though your guide can suggest a walking tour that includes Christ Church cathedral and the Bridge of Sighs at Hertford College.

Before returning to London at around 6.45pm you’ll have learned about Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland’s connections with Oxford and may even have enjoyed a drink or meal alongside the local dons in Oxford’s most haunted pub.  

Click to book this London day trip to Oxford, Stratford and the Cotswolds

• Duration: 1 day
• Destinations: Blenheim Palace, Cotswolds & ‘Downton Abbey’ villages
• Departure point: Varies according to date
• What’s included: Transport, audio headset, Blenheim Palace State Rooms

Those booking this trip can visit the Cotswolds from London while taking in the ‘Downton Abbey’ village as well as grand Blenheim Palace. The order in which these are visited may vary.

Highlights of the day tour include seeing Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace at Blenheim Palace . The majestic building is also a fine example of English Baroque style architecture, and you can explore the State Rooms’ impressive collection of art and tapestries during your visit.

The tour also takes in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds, a pretty place that’s packed with honey-coloured stone cottages and low bridges.  

Bampton-in-the-Bush is not only a glorious Cotswolds village – it is also featured on the famous TV series ‘Downton Abbey’. Here you can discover the pubs, homes, hospital and church used during filming.

Click to book this Day tour to Blenheim Palace, ‘Downton Abbey’ and Cotswolds villages

• Destinations : Highclere Castle, the Cotswolds & ‘Downton Abbey’ locations
• Departure point : British Museum, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury
• What’s included: Luxury transport, small guided group tour, Highclere Castle 

This Cotswolds tour from London by luxury mini-coach takes you a little off the beaten tourist track, as it includes a visit to Shilton, a village that cannot be reached by larger vehicles. 

In a group of up to 18, you’ll see other sites used for the filming of ‘Downton Abbey’ – as well as Bampton village, the main location. These include the real-life ‘Yew Tree Farm’ and Swinbrook’s Swan Inn.

The attractions of Shilton in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds include a pretty duck pond, an old pump and an ancient stone bridge. 

Your day also includes a tour of magnificent Highclere Castle, where you can admire the palatial interiors and wander among the latest exhibits. 

Click to book this Day trip to Highclere Castle, the Cotswolds and ‘Downton Abbey’ or read more about Planning a visit to Highclere

• Destinations: Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Bibury & Blenheim Palace
• Departure point: British Museum, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury
• What’s included: Luxury transport, small guided group tour, 1-course lunch

This Cotswolds day tour from London takes you on a more in-depth discovery of the Cotswolds before heading to Blenheim Palace to see England’s biggest privately-owned home – the birthplace of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. 

First you’ll travel along the twisting roads of the breathtaking Windrush Valley before admiring Stow-on-the-Wold’s handsome main square. You then travel to Bibury, a picturesque place with a traditional village green and a tinkling stream. 

After a freshly prepared one-course pub lunch, the luxury mini-coach will transport you to Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. You can marvel at the dining hall, landscaped grounds and library before returning to the capital.

Click to book this London to the Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace with lunch

• Destinations: Lacock village, Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Bibury
• Departure time: By arrangement
• Departure point: By arrangement
• What’s included: Luxury transport, private tour with expert guide 
• What’s not included: Lunch, Lacock Abbey entrance fee

Our final pick is for those seeking a special and more local experience. This day trip to Cotswolds from London by car is led by a former city taxi driver in a six-seater Mercedes, and you’ll be transported by luxury Mercedes to see the Cotswolds’ finest sights.

Lacock is a favourite location among film-makers, and highlights include the historic abbey and a clutch of 15th-century buildings. You’ll also visit Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford and Bibury, though as the tour is private it can be personalised to suit your preferences. 

This tour offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with this glorious part of the British Isles for a day you’ll never forget. Although it’s more costly, the price can be divided by up to six passengers.

As you can see, there are some great Cotswolds tours from London, and you can also take in other areas if you’d like to – including Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Stratford, Highclere Castle and even ‘Downton Abbey’ locations. 

Taking a guided trip takes the stress out of touring the Cotswolds from London, so you can sit back and enjoy the unparalleled scenery and history this gorgeous area has to offer. 

More to read about the Cotswolds

• Best places to stay in the Cotswolds
• How to get from London to the Cotswolds
• Things to do in the Cotswolds
• 10 pretty Cotswolds villages and towns to visit

11 Best Cotswolds Tours from London in 2024 (local approved!)

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Ready to tour the gorgeous Cotswolds on a Cotswolds tour from London?

You’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to explore the best 11 Cotswolds tours that depart from London – all led by expert guides who want to share the beauty of this part of England and help you skip the tourist traps.

If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, then don’t worry.

The best Cotswolds tour from London is this Small Group Complete Cotswolds Enchanting Tour.

It has about 400 amazing reviews, so there’s no going wrong.

The Cotswolds are one of the most beautiful, picturesque and incredible parts of England filled with friendly people, thatched rooves, local pubs, and more.

If you want to see what your other options are, here are 10 more Cotswolds day trips from London that are definitely worth your time.

So let’s get into the list of the best tours of the Cotswolds from London so you can book it already!

PS – booking in advance is highly, highly recommended so you don’t miss out.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Cotswolds tour from London is this Small Group Complete Cotswolds tour.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Cotswolds Tour from London Picks

11 best cotswolds tours from london, 1. small group complete enchanting cotswolds tour.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 480+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Round-trip transportation from London
• A dedicated driver guide
• Small group atmosphere (16 people or less)
• Tours of Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the Water, Stow-on-the-Wold

Let’s talk about why this tour gets the top spot for one of the best Cotswolds tours from London.

Firstly, this trip to Cotswolds from London is perfectly paced, with four villages en route throughout the day (more on that in a second).

You’re only seeing the Cotswolds on this tour – that’s what you came for, right?

No extra stops, no cramming in other places that aren’t in the Cotswolds, just a full day of fun in the countryside with charming local guides who know the area like the back of their hands and an air-conditioned tour van that will take you along the winding roads with only a handful of other people on board.

You’ll start in the charming town of Burford to see houses that date back almost 600 years and churches that you have to see to believe.

You’ll get time to stroll the shops on the high street, before heading out to Bibury, making this also a Bibury tour from London!

Known as the “prettiest village in England,” Bibury is basically what you see on all of the screensavers.

Yes, seriously.

This is the symbolic Cotswolds, but it’s so real.

For lunch, you’ll get to explore Bourton-on-the-Water. Choose a place next to the river and enjoy an extended period of time here.

The last stop of the day is Stow-on-the-Wold, which inspired JRR Tolkien and is also a great place for history buffs, as it was where the last battle of the English Civil War took place.

After a full day out, relax on the bus as you get dropped back off in London, near South Kensington tube station, and head back to your London hotel filled with Cotswold memories.

2. Lunch in the Cotswolds Tour from London

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 680+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• 2-course lunch in the Cotswolds
• Stops in Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold

Want a fantastic lunch included on your Cotswolds bus tour from London?

This tour follows a similar route to my #1 pick, starting off in Burford so you can see the incredible tea shops, then heading onto Bibury for some pictures of the iconic thatched houses.

But Bibury holds another treasure on this tour – lunch at the Swan hotel!

Dine with your traveling companions as you overlook the river, soaking in the views and appreciating a magical day out.

You don’t have to wait until everyone is finished with lunch – if you finish early, you can explore a bit before taking off to the next location with the group.

Your private tour guide will take you on short walking tours so you can see the sights of the Cotswolds, and you’ll finish the day with some free time in Stow-on-the-Wold before heading back to London.

This is a larger group experience, with up to 50 people allowed per tour on the tour bus, so keep this in mind when choosing if this one is right for you.

3. Discover Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 110+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Entry to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Entry to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (no, not the actress)
• Photo stops in the Cotswolds

This tour is a fantastic pick if you’re more into the Cotswolds for the photo opportunities, but also want to see another beautiful town in England.

You’ll spend most of your day in Stratford-upon-Avon, exploring the gorgeous winding roads, Shakespeare history, and quaint side streets.

An expert guide will give you tours of each location, ensuring that you understand the history and significance of each place.

A lunch stop allows you to get a bite to eat before joining back up with the tour (or pack a lunch so you can spend more time exploring), and then it’s off to the Cotswolds.

Your time in the Cotswolds is for a short walk and photo taking, appreciating the gorgeous scenery before returning back to London.

If you’re traveling with a mixed group of travel friends who want to do more than just Cotswold village-hop, this is the tour for you.

4. Three-Town Cotswolds Tour with Lunch Option

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• 3 stops in beautiful Cotswolds villages
• An option 3-course lunch option for a delicious break
• Friendly tour guide
• Round trip transportation from London

This tour is another Cotswolds tour from London that covers just Cotswolds villages.

You’ll meet your friendly guide in London, departing from the Vauxhall bridge area, and then you’ll begin your whirlwind day with your first stop in Bibury.

Here, you’ll explore on foot, take pictures, and be taken to the famous Arlington Row – a string of stone houses along the River Coln.

After that, you’ll be whisked away to Burford, where an optional 3-course pub lunch awaits (think options like fish and chips and meat pies – with veggie options too!)

If you don’t choose the lunch option, you can go explore on your own or find your own place for lunch away from the crowds.

You’ll then carry on with your small group to Bourton-on-the-Water, the last stop on the tour and one of the Cotswold’s prettiest villages known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds.”

Yes, please.

5. Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds “Downton Abbey” Village

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 240+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Personal audio headset
• Visit to Blenheim Palace, a royal countryside paradise
• Tour of Bampton, the Cotswolds filming location for “Downton Abbey”
• Expert, friendly guide

Combine your visit to the Cotswolds with a trip to Blenheim Palace , an absolutely stunning countryside home used by the royals throughout their time on the thrones.

Known more famously for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill, you’ll start your visit to this part of the world with time to explore the gardens and interior of Blenheim Palace and take in the ornate furniture and gorgeous tapestries.

From there, it’s off to the Cotswolds, where you’ll get to explore either Bourton-on-the-Water or Bibury, both beautiful villages that make for picture perfect memories.

You’ll get time for lunch, shopping, and having a wander around the Cotswolds villages before finishing your day in Bampton.

This adorable village has featured heavily in Downton Abbey, so if you’re a fan, this is the tour for you (locations include the Downton Cottage Hospital, some of Isobel Crawley’s home, and the church!).

As with all of the tours in this list, you get round trip transportation from London so you can relax and enjoy this tour from London to Cotswolds.

6. Relaxing Cotswolds Guided Day Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• On-board commentary
• Stops in 2-3 Cotswolds villages
• Time for a pub lunch

Want to experience the Cotswolds in a relaxing way, exploring up to 3 villages in one day while also being driven around to look at all of the beautiful scenery?

Then this tour is for you – one of the best Cotswolds day tours from London!

You’ll get picked up and dropped off from Earl’s Court in London, an easy station to access on the London Underground, and from there you’ll enjoy a fun day out in the Cotswolds featuring time in Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and likely one other village depending on timing for the day.

You’ll get time to stop for lunch on this London to Cotswolds tour and stretch your legs, while also enjoying on-board commentary as you travel through the Cotswolds and see some of it from the air-conditioned bus (a lot of the charm of the Cotswolds is in the winding roads and lovely villages, so seeing it by van/bus is actually a good thing that allows you to cover more ground!)

Sometimes the exact itinerary for this tour differs on tourist levels in villages or the weather for the day, so rest assured that your guides will make sure you’re seeing the best of what the Cotswolds has to offer that particular day.

7. Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 400+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Small tour size
• Time to explore two Cotswolds Villages and the bustling city of Oxford

Got any Harry Potter fans with you?

Combine your coach trips to Cotswolds from London with a trip to Oxford on this Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Village tour !

While it isn’t Harry Potter themed, Oxford is home to lots of Harry Potter filming locations that you can see during your time here on a self-guided exploration when you get dropped off to see the city.

From there, it’s off to the Cotswolds, where you’ll get to explore two places: Burford and Bibury.

Burford, the “Gateway to the Cotswolds” has plenty of boutique shopping and lots of quaint houses, while Bibury is one of the most famously photographed areas of the Cotswolds and will make sure that your vacation photos make everyone at home absolutely drool over the beauty.

The guides on this tour in particular are absolutely fabulous, friendly, and knowledgeable, and the small group atmosphere will make sure that you don’t feel like cattle being herded around, but rather get a more intimate experience.

8. Downton Abbey Village, Cotswolds, and Blenheim Palace Day Trip

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 290+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Audio headset at Blenheim Palace
• Guided tour of Bampton, the Downton Abbey village

Another tour option for those Downton Abbey fans!

This Cotswolds tour takes you to Blenheim Palace first, famously known as the birthplace of Winston Churchill and an amazing site to see with your guided audio headset so you don’t miss any of the history.

Then, you’ll be whisked away to the Cotswolds for the afternoon while you explore traditional Cotswolds villages and get some time to stop for lunch and some wandering and photography (seriously, don’t forget the camera on this one).

After lunch, you’ll spend the rest of your day trip in Bampton, a village used for filming exteriors in Downton Abbey.

You’ll see where they filmed some major scenes, as well as get to know this friendly little village and its residents for the charming place it was even before Downton Abbey came along.

With round trip transportation from London (this one goes from the Victoria Bus Station, right in Central London), you won’t have to do anything but sit back and enjoy.

9. England in One Day Tour: including the Cotswolds!

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 800+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Trip to Stonehenge (one of the only Stonehenge and Cotswolds tours from London)
• Guided tour of Bath
• Cotswolds village drive through
• Visit to Bath and Roman Baths

Got a lot of desire to see England and the Cotswolds, but not a lot of time?

This England in One Day tour is going to be whisking you around to some of the most iconic sites, including Stonehenge, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Cotswolds.

Yes, in one day you’ll be on a Bath and Cotswolds tour from London!

The Cotswolds portion is done by van, driving through the quaint village and enjoying commentary from the bus, but if you want to fit in as much as humanly possible into one amazing day trip, this is the one for you.

Past visitors have thoroughly enjoyed seeing everything you can see in one day and getting a glimpse of where you might want to return to in the future!

10. Cotswolds Villages, Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford Small Group Adventure

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 145+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Cotswolds Villages exploration stop
• Guided tours in Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford
• Small group experience with 16 people or under

Led by one of the world’s most friendliest tour guides, this tour packs in three important stops: the Cotswolds, Oxford, and Stratford-upon-Avon in one day.

Unlike the previous tour Cotswolds tours from London, you do get actual time spent exploring the Cotswolds, not just driving through it, so this is one to consider if you want to get down from the van in the Cotswolds as well as see other sites during the day.

In Stratford-upon-Avon, you’ll see Shakespeare’s Birthplace and get a guided tour to learn more about the history of this famous literary figure and why he’s so connected to Stratford.

Then, you’ll finish off the day in Oxford with a guided tour to enjoy the stunning architecture and iconic sites like the Bridge of Sighs and Bodleian Library.

A small group experience makes it more comfortable to get to know people and to make sure you can hear the guide at all times.

11. Cotswolds Villages, Stratford & Oxford Tour (non-small group)

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 100+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Stops in iconic Cotswolds villages
• Time spent exploring Oxford
• Stratford-upon-Avon stops
• Friendly driver-guide

Similar to the previous tour listed in the #10 spot, this tour includes many of the same stops and experiences, but with a larger group.

While a larger group may not be enjoyable for some, it means that the price of the tour is often less than a small group experience and may be the perfect way to fit a day trip like this, exploring the Cotswolds, Oxford, and Stratford-upon Avon, into a tight budget.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

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• 5 Best Oxford Bus Tours (ranked!)
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 5 Best Ghost Tours in Bath, England
• 9 Best Day Tours to Oxford from London
• 7 Best Stonehenge Tours from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 5 Best Tours of York, England
• 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
• 21 Best London Walking Tours
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• 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
• 13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford
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• 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
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• 7 Best Paris Tours from London
• 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
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• 11 Best Downton Abbey Tours in the UK

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

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Editor Picks: The Best Cotswolds Tours from London

Take a guided tour of the Cotswolds from London to see quintessential British country life and some of the world’s most picturesque little villages.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

The Cotswolds are like a big, beautiful garden sprinkled over rolling hills and occasionally jeweled with quaint villages and sandstone cottages. There’s a timeless quality to this part of England that makes the Cotswolds feel very different to London in more ways than one. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has become a popular place for people to live who commute to London, which means a Cotswolds day tour from the capital city, such as any of these five, is certainly worth considering.

Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour from London

Over nine hours and with a group capped at 15 people, this Cotswolds day tour from London gives a great overview of what makes this beautiful corner of the UK so charming. You’ll visit four separate villages, each one providing a delightful alternative take on rural life, such as Bourton-on-the-Water, where the languid river runs through its heart, draped in weeping willows, and Bibury, with its famous rows of honey-coloured cottages. Tours depart to a somewhat haphazard schedule, so be sure to book ahead. From £69 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Day Trip

On the way to the Cotswolds from London, you are likely to pass Oxford, making it the perfect addition to a day trip itinerary. You’ll still get the opportunity to visit two of the finest villages Britain has to offer in the Cotswolds. Stops in Bibury and Burford, with its picturesque high street on a gentle hill, give a great introduction to the region. Then spend some hours exploring the great university city of Oxford, wandering streets lined with a wealth of beautiful, historic buildings. From £75 per person.

Oxford, Stratford and Cotswolds Day Trip

Taking things to an even more ambitious level, you can throw in the hometown of Shakespeare: Stratford-upon-Avon, into a day trip to the Cotswolds from London. While this does put some time pressure on each stop along the way, it is ideal for anybody who wants to see and experience as much as possible in a single day. The 11-hour tour begins and ends in Earls Court, London, taking in Oxford’s revered colleges, the Tudor-era buildings and key locales of William Shakespeare’s youth, and a drive through the Cotswolds with photo stops (if weather permits) along the way. From £99 per person.

Full-Day Cotswolds Tour with Lunch from London

Shifting focus solely back to the Cotswolds again, there is a comprehensive Cotswolds day tour from London that manages to fit in visits to four villages along with a stop at the ivy-covered, 17 th century Swan Hotel in Bibury. Here you will be able to enjoy a two-course lunch, included in the tour price, while overlooking the river. Stops at the lovely Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are also included, where a guided walk at each is provided. From £108 per person.

Small Group Cotswolds Village, Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

An alternative combo tour explores the southern reaches of the Cotswolds, including a stop at the pretty market town of Castle Combe. The main focus of this tour however, is Bath Spa, with a free walking tour of the town included, as well as a stop at the famous prehistoric monument of Stonehenge (entry tickets not included in the tour price). This tour balances the main sights and the delightful small villages of this region of England well, giving a broad overview of southwest England in its 11-hour span. From £124 per person.

Book at Viator.com

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THE 10 BEST Cotswolds Tours & Excursions

Cotswolds tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Small-Group Cotswolds Tour (From London)

2. Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London

3. Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London

4. Cotswolds Tour from London with 2 course Lunch

5. Cotswolds Villages and Oxford Full Day Tour from London

6. Stonehenge, Avebury, Cotswolds. Small guided day tour from Bath (Max 14 persons)

7. Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

8. Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon and Cotswolds Tour from London

9. Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle Day Trip

10. The Cotswolds Guided Day Tour from London

11. Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle Tour from London

12. Cotswolds Experience - full day small group day tour from Bath ( Max 14 persons)

13. Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London

14. Private Tour to Stonehenge, Bath and The Cotswolds

15. England in One Day: Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon Day Trip from London

16. The Cotswold Tour

17. Cotswolds and Lavender Fields Tour with Country Pub Lunch

18. Cotswolds Villages Full-Day Small-Group Tour from Oxford

19. Private Cotswold Villages Day Tour see the beauty of the Villages

20. Cotswolds Private Day Tour

21. Full Day Cotswolds Tour; Where Opulence and Heritage Converge

22. Blenheim Palace Tour and The Cotswolds Day Trip from London

23. Cotswold Village Day Trip from Bath

24. Small Group Cotswolds Village, Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

25. Cotswold Summer Explorer Tour

26. Downtown Abbey Village in The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace & Lunch

27. Explore the Hidden Gems of Cotswolds Private Tour

28. Stonehenge and Cotswold Villages Full-day Tour from Bristol

29. Cotswolds Summer Adventurer Tour

30. Private Cotswold Village Tour - 4th & 5th guest travel FREE

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