The
Cotswolds is a range of hills in west-central England, an area 25
miles (40 km) across and 90 miles (145 km) long. The area is characterised
by attractive small towns and villages built of the underlying Cotswold
stone (a type of limestone).
On the borders of the Cotswolds are the university city of Oxford,
Shakespeare's Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick Castle. Combining any
of these four makes a fascinating day of contrasts.
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Castle
Coombe |
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Private
Tour Options In The Region
The Cotswolds
covers quite an area, north to south not far off 100 miles. Many people
on a day tour like to twin the Cotswolds with a nearby town attraction.
Which attraction is favoured determines which part of the Cotswolds
are explored.
If you want to spend the whole day in the Cotswolds then the central
region around Bourton on the Water, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Bibury
and Broadway are favoured. You can village hop, take a walk or just
enjoy a traditional cream tea in idyllic surroundings
However for most people, twinning with at least one from Oxford, Stratford
or Warwick Castle provides the best solution.
Its a little over an hour from London to Oxford, on the way to the
Cotswolds and Stratford Upon Avon, so it makes sense to drop by if
only for a very short coffee and photo stop.
We have full details on Oxford on our Oxford
pages.
Its then onto the Cotswolds, our favourite villages are detailed below
and we'll get you off the main roads and along the country lanes and
visiting villages that the large tour crowd cannot reach.
Stratford Upon Avon is at the northern end of the Cotswolds. In
the centre of this very nice riverside town is Shakespeare's birthplace
and Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried.
We can take you also to Anne Hathaway's Cottage a couple of miles
from the centre.
Only 20 minutes from Stratford is Warwick Castle.
From Stratford or Warwick its a couple of hours or more back to your
hotel in London. |
Central
Cotswolds Villages
Burford
For many
people, Burford, an old wool town, is the gateway town into the Cotswolds.
One of the larger conurbation's, the main High Street descending down
to the river with some of its best 17th and 18th century frontages
is the main focus for visitors. Burford is a renowned centre for antiques,
teashops and gift shopping. |
Bourton
On The Water
Probably
the most popular village in the Cotswolds, and often referred to as
the "Venice of the Cotswolds" because the River Windrush
runs right through the centre. The sparkling water and the attractive
low bridges crossing it create a charming scene.
The
Slaughters
Only a
couple of miles from Bourton On Water, Lower Slaughter is just off
the Roman Fosse Way and a wonderfully conserved typical Cotswold village,
with a Water Mill and ducks on the stream - a wander alongside the
stream seems like a privilege.
Upper Slaughter is equally attractive with old cottages and farmhouses,
and a Manor House now a hotel |
Bourton On The Water |
Bibury
William
Morris called Bibury "the most beautiful village in England"
and it remains most attractive in its setting alongside the river.
The 14th century Arlington Row provides the focal point. This was
originally a wool store, then altered into weavers’ cottages
and is now restored by the National Trust. The low roofline and row
of gables give it true Cotswold style.
Stow
on the Wold
Famous
as a centre for antiques, Stow-on-the-Wold, situated on the Roman
Fosse Way, has a long history and probably dates from a prehistoric
fortified settlement on top of the hill. The Market Square is large
and impressive and, surrounded by houses, shops and inns all built
in the local Cotswold stone, it gives the feeling of being the focus
of town life over many centuries. At nearly 800ft, Stow-on-the-Wold
is the highest of the Cotswold towns, approached uphill from all directions. |
| Private
Tours - Price Menu & Terms |
Passenger
Capacity |
Part
Day*
Short Range
7-8 Hours |
Full
Day*
Long Range
10 Hours |
Main
Booking Conditions |
| Mini
Van With Driver/Guide |
|
1-4
|
£295 |
£370 |
$US
100 Deposit
Full refund up to 60 days before day.
Price not inclusive of admissions |
| Mini
Bus With Driver/Guide |
|
5-8
|
£375 |
£425 |
No
deposit, credit card secures day.
Pay on day.
Price not inclusive of admissions |
|
9-12
|
£425 |
£475 |
|
13-16
|
£475 |
£525 |
* A
short day is 7-8 hours, enough time to visit locations like Windsor or Hampton
Court relatively close to London at leisure or a visit to Stonehenge/Salisbury
or Stratford Upon Avon a couple hours travel from London.
A long day, around 10 hours enables you to visit places like Bath or Glastonbury
or combine popular destinations like Stonehenge, Cotswolds & Bath or
Oxford with Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick Castle. (See example tours for
guidance) |
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