Description
- Staying in or near Oxford and wanting to explore beyond the city?
- Travelling alone, with a partner, or a small group?
- Looking for an affordable, car-free option?
Then this is the tour of the Cotswolds for you!
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, shared small-group guided tour then look no further than Go Cotswolds – we’re one of the ONLY tour companies in and around the Cotswolds who can meet this need. If you’re visiting Oxford, then our NEW Oxford departures bring Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds even closer to you.
Itinerary for our Stratford-upon-Avon & Cotswolds from Oxford tour:
After picking you up from central Oxford (St. Giles, see below), you’ll visit the following locations:
Note: We may vary the order in which we visit these locations, but times shown are approximately the amount of time you’ll spend in each location.
- Bourton-on-the-Water (45 minutes). In this beautiful and very popular village, 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, make a quick visit to the iconic Model Village, 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!
- Stow-on-the-Wold (45 minutes). 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!
- Stratford-upon-Avon (1 hour 45 minutes). First, we’ll drive you around the perimeter of this small town to help you get orientated. Then, we’ll drop you off, and you’ll have around 1 hour 45 minutes of free time to explore Stratford-upon-Avon at your leisure. The pick-up/drop-off point is just across the road from bustling Henley Street, the touristic heart of Shakespeare’s home town. This is where 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!).
Pick up time and location:
Tours depart from bus stop C, outside The Ashmolean Museum on St Giles, Oxford at 09.30. Please arrive by 09.20.
- Google Maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wA2MoPVTHUwefmnm8
- What3Words location: ///game.stays.reward
Kindly note: due to restrictions on vehicles of our size on many streets within Oxford city centre, it is not possible to pick you up from hotels or any other location in Oxford.
Travelling from London or Reading? Arriving by train, bus or car? Here’s where you can find more information about how to reach our pick up points.
Drop-off times and locations:
- We return to Oxford (St Giles) by 16.30.
- Alternatively, we can leave you in Stratford-upon-Avon, since this is the last stop before we return to Oxford.
Kindly note: due to restrictions on vehicles of our size on many streets within Oxford city centre, it is not possible to drop you off at hotels or any other location in Oxford.
Train travel
From London (Paddington or Marylebone stations), Reading, Banbury or Birmingham New Street, take a direct train to Oxford station. From here, it’s approximately a 14-minute walk to our pick up point on St Giles, outside the Ashmolean Museum.
We always recommend you buy a flexible ‘anytime’ ticket that allows you to take any train. The time stated above is usually the latest we expect to get to the drop-off point – we are often a few minutes earlier, but we can never 100% guarantee this. If you have a flexible ticket, then you can take an earlier train and won’t have to wait around.
However, if you wish to book a particular train to take advantage of cheaper ‘advance single’ tickets, then we recommend you plan to depart after the drop-off time stated above.
We recommend The Trainline* for online train ticket bookings. Book train tickets 6-8 weeks ahead of the travel date for the best prices.
What to wear?
Please dress in comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather conditions. Bring a raincoat or umbrella if it’s raining, and a hat, water and sunscreen if it’s hot. Wear comfortable shoes.
What’s included?
- Transport in an executive class, air-conditioned 16-passenger seat Mercedes minibus.
- Plenty of free time, so you can explore several beautiful places in the Cotswolds in one day.
- Maps of each location on the tour, highlighting our recommended things to see and do, so you can make the most of your free time.
- Expert insights from one of our fun, friendly driver-guides. All of our guides are locals, so we’ll bring the story of the Cotswolds to life.
What’s not included?
- Lunch and refreshments – bring your own picnic, or purchase food and drinks at the stops on the tour.
- Gratuities – tips are never expected but always appreciated by our hardworking team
Cancellation policy, terms and conditions:
Our Cotswolds & Stratford-upon-Avon from Oxford tour may be amended, or cancelled for a full refund, up to 24 hours before departure. No refunds are given for no-shows or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time.
We’re sorry, children under 3 are not permitted on this tour.
Click here for our Terms and Conditions.
