Famed for its gorgeous countryside scenery, charming villages, rolling hills and welcoming locals, visiting the Cotswolds from London makes for an unforgettable day trip that's best enjoyed on a stress-free guided tour.
Discover the picturesque region as part of an organised Cotswolds tour from London, including return transport from the capital and more, with the best Cotswolds tours from London.
Days out to the Cotswolds from London
Where is the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty about 90 miles (145km) north-west of London. This enchanting part of western England spans Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
How can I get to the Cotswolds from London?
Coach trips to the Cotswolds are hugely popular due to the easy access that the M4 and M40 provide to the Cotswolds from London. By car or coach, you can travel to the Cotswolds in around two and a half hours from London.
Alternatively, you can catch a train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh or Cheltenham, which will get you to those parts of the Cotswolds in under two hours.
For a stress-free experience, the ultimate and most convenient way to explore the region is by joining a guided tour or day trip with return transport from London.
What can I do in the Cotswolds?
As a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is filled with picture-postcard villages amid rolling hills.
On a Cotswolds tour from London, you'll get the chance to explore quintessentially English towns and villages brimming with quaint cottages, winding country lanes, ancient pubs, bustling markets and beautifully preserved medieval churches.
Highlights include Stow-on-the-Wold and its pretty antique shops, the charming town of Cirencester, which dates back to Roman times, the honey-coloured cottages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury and Burford, and the Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury.
What are the best day trips and tours to the Cotswolds?
There are several day trips and Cotswolds tours from London that showcase the best of this gorgeous region, along with other must-see destinations easily accessible from the capital, such as Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle.
London, SW1W 9SR
From £89.00
Travel to Oxford and the Cotswolds, visit Shakespeare's birthplace and experience medieval life at Warwick Castle all in one day, with this guided tour from London. Keep your eyes open on the drive as you pass through stunning countryside, quaint villages and bustling market towns.
When booking, you have the option to add entry to Warwick Castle and Shakespeare's Birthplace.
Duration: Approximately 10 hours
London, SW1W 9SR
From £85.00
Explore the charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water, drive through picturesque villages and quaint market towns, such as Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold, and visit Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, a stunning Unesco-listed, 18th-century country house built in the English Baroque style.
This tour includes a cream tea at Blenheim Palace, consisting of scones with jam, clotted cream and tea.
Duration: Approximately 10 hours
London, SW1W 9SR
From £109.00
Discover the beautiful city of Bath, explore the Unesco World Heritage Site and add entry to the iconic Roman Baths to your ticket. After a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide, who will point out the main sights and tell you about the history of Bath, the bus tour continues with a drive to Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water. Wander through these stunning Cotswolds villages and make the most of the ample photo opportunities.
Duration: Approximately 10 hours
London, SW1W 9SR
From £89.00
Travel to the Cotswolds on a comfortable coach and explore the three quaint villages of Burford, Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water. Each stop allows for ample photo opportunities, showcasing charming cottages and phenomenal views. At the last stop you get to see the incredible Model Village (a replica of Bourton-on-the-Water in 1937) at the Old New Inn, where you will also have a two-course lunch before heading back to London.
Duration: Approximately 10 hours
London, SW1W 9SR
From £129.00
This Christmas, treat yourself to a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings in scenic surroundings, on this combined trip to historical Oxford, the beautiful Cotswolds and charming Stratford-upon-Avon. This guided tour takes place on 25 December 2025 and includes return coach travel from London.
Duration: Approximately 10 hours
London, SW1W 9SR
From £199.00
These coach tours above allow you to visit the Cotswolds and beyond without hiring a car. You'll get to see and explore quaint villages up close, take in breathtaking scenery from the comfort of your seat, and you can choose to add extras to the tours, ranging from extra food options to entry to famous places. Your visit is just a click away.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Cotswolds?
Any time of year is a great time to visit the Cotswolds, it really depends on what you are in the mood for. If you are looking for fewer crows but milder weather, then spring and autumn are perfect. If you visit in the spring, you will experience mild temperatures and be greeted by an abundance of spring flowers such as cherry blossom, daffodils and bluebells. Autumn is the season for colourful foliage and crisp, clear days as the temperatures begin to cool. Summer is the high season, which means that many people visit the Cotswolds to enjoy the warm temperatures – bear in mind that some places and attractions may be busier around this time. Meanwhile, Winter offers a quaint and festive atmosphere with fewer visitors – you may even spot some snow covering the cottages if visiting during the colder months!
Are these tours suitable for families?
All of these tours to the Cotswolds from London are suitable for families as they offer a mix of activities and provide optional attractions to visit. Decide how active you want to be at each stop on the tour, with the option to book additional services such as entrance tickets to specific sites. You will also spend time on the bus to get to each location and back, allowing each member of your family to rest while you see more of the English countryside from the comfort of your seat.
Do the tours include free time to explore?
All tours include some free time to explore. However, the amount of free time you have at each stop depends on the tour and the ticket options you choose at the time of booking. For example, if you book a day trip to the Cotswolds and Bath and choose to visit the Roman Baths, you will have less time to explore the city of Bath itself, but you will get to see the historic heritage site. It all depends on what you're looking for and what you'd like to see on your trip to the Cotswolds from London!
