Undiscovered Cotswolds Small Group Tour from Oxford

Duration: 7 Hours

Location: Cotswolds

Price: £85

Our Cotswolds Small Group Tour from Oxford is the perfect way to explore this beautiful region as a relaxed day trip from Oxford or even as part of a wider visit to London. Designed for travellers who want more than just a quick photo stop, this guided experience blends the Cotswolds’ most famous highlights with hidden villages and scenic back roads that larger tours often miss.

Throughout the day, we explore the heart of the North Cotswolds, combining picturesque, lesser-known villages with iconic destinations. You’ll experience the best of the well-known attractions while also discovering the authentic character of local Cotswold life — from honey-coloured limestone cottages to quiet lanes and rolling countryside.

We travel at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take photographs, explore charming streets, and truly soak up the atmosphere of this timeless region. With small group sizes, the day feels personal, comfortable, and unhurried — allowing you to enjoy the scenery rather than simply rushing through it.

Itinerary

What Places Will We Visit on the Cotswolds Small Group Tour?

On our Cotswolds Small Group Tour from Oxford, you’ll explore a carefully curated mix of iconic towns and hidden villages in the heart of the North Cotswolds:

Minster Lovell
Burford
Bourton-on-the-Water
Lower Slaughter
Stow-on-the-Wold
Great Tew

Paint Me a Picture…

Discover quaint villages, tiny tea rooms, rolling countryside, and atmospheric medieval ruins on this unforgettable day trip to the Cotswolds from Oxford. You’ll explore some of the region’s most beautiful villages—alongside hidden gems and quietly extraordinary places that most visitors never experience.

Departure

10:00 AM – Oxford Railway Station

Meet your local driver-guide just outside the station and set off into the English countryside.

Minster Lovell – A True Hidden Gem

Your first stop is the enchanting village of Minster Lovell. A real highlight of the tour, it’s filled with classic Cotswold stone cottages and charming thatched roofs.

Best known for the hauntingly beautiful ruins of its 15th-century hall—once home to generations of the Lovell family—the village is quiet, atmospheric, and steeped in legend. Few tours visit here, making it a truly special introduction to the day.

Burford – The Gateway to the Cotswolds

Next, arrive in Burford, often called the “Gateway to the Cotswolds.” Its dramatic sloping High Street is lined with medieval buildings and independent shops.

At the heart of the town stands St John the Baptist Church, one of the most impressive parish churches in the region. From Civil War history to wealthy wool merchants, Burford’s streets are full of stories waiting to be told.

Bourton-on-the-Water – Lunch Stop

Travel through the valley of the River Windrush and arrive at Bourton-on-the-Water, famously known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds.”

Here, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore tranquil streams, low stone bridges, and one of England’s most photographed villages.

Lower Slaughter – Exclusive Access

After lunch, discover the idyllic village of Lower Slaughter. Often described as one of the most romantic villages in the Cotswolds, it sits peacefully beside a gentle stream and appears almost untouched by time.

Because larger vehicles are restricted, access is limited—making this a stop that our small group tours can uniquely enjoy.

Stow-on-the-Wold – Highest Town in the Region

Continue to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. Wander among honey-coloured buildings, browse independent shops, and perhaps enjoy a traditional tea in one of its inviting cafés.

Great Tew – A Fairy-Tale Finale

Your final stop is the postcard-perfect village of Great Tew. With its thatched cottages, immaculate limestone houses, and peaceful setting away from the crowds, it feels like stepping into a storybook.

Return

Approximately 5:00 PM – Oxford Railway Station

A relaxed late-afternoon return brings you back to Oxford after a memorable day exploring the very best of the Cotswolds—combining iconic villages with authentic, lesser-known treasures.

Useful Information

About the Tour

On your Cotswolds Small Group Tour from Oxford, you’ll be looked after by a knowledgeable local driver-guide and travel in one of our comfortable vehicles, accommodating up to seven guests.

As we journey through the beautiful Cotswolds, your guide will share the history, stories, and local insights that bring the region to life. At each stop, you are welcome to explore with your guide or enjoy free time to wander independently—browse local shops, relax in a tea room, or simply soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

With small group numbers, the experience feels relaxed, personal, and never rushed.

Tour Details

Runs all year round
£85 per person
Maximum group size: 7 guests
Departure: 10:00am – Oxford Railway Station

Because places are limited to just seven guests, we recommend booking early to avoid missing out.

Oxford is easily reached from London Paddington Station and Marylebone Station, making this the ideal day trip to the Cotswolds from London.

What’s Included?

Included in This Tour

Travel in a modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
Led by a knowledgeable local guide
Approximately 7-hour tour of the Cotswolds
Friendly and engaging conversation throughout the day
We are proud to support One Tree Planted — with every booking, we donate to help plant one tree

Not Included in This Tour

Entrance fees to attractions not specified
Food or refreshments
Gratuities

How to get here?

Meeting Point & Travel Information

Your driver-guide will meet you in the designated pick-up area directly outside the front of Oxford Railway Station at 10:00am.

Please note that waiting is not permitted in the pick-up area, so your guide will arrive approximately 5 minutes before departure. They will be standing beside the Mercedes minibus holding a green sign reading “Undiscovered Cotswolds.”

The pick-up area is located directly in front of the station, just past the bus stops and close to the bronze bull statue.

Oxford Railway Station is only a 5–10 minute walk from the centre of Oxford. We recommend using Google Maps to help plan your route.

Travelling from London

Oxford is easily reached from both:

London Paddington Station
Marylebone Station

This makes the tour ideal as a day trip to the Cotswolds from London.

From London Paddington

We recommend booking an off-peak return ticket on the 8:51am train, arriving in Oxford at 9:43am.

From London Marylebone

We recommend booking an off-peak return ticket on the 8:11am train, arriving in Oxford at 9:35am.

Train tickets can be booked via www.thetrainline.com.
Please check train times before travel, as schedules are subject to change.

FAQ’s

How much does the Cotswolds Small Group Tour cost?

£85 per Adult

£70 per Child

What is the minimum and maximum group size?

The minimum number required to run the tour is two guests, and we take a maximum of seven guests to ensure a relaxed and personal experience.

Do you offer hotel pick-ups?

Not on this small group tour.
However, hotel pick-up is available as part of our private Cotswolds tours.

What is the best way to get to Oxford Railway Station?

The tour departs at 10:00am from outside Oxford Railway Station.

Your driver-guide will meet you in the designated pick-up area directly outside the front of the station. Waiting is not permitted in this area, so your guide will arrive approximately 5 minutes before departure, standing beside the Mercedes minibus holding a green “Undiscovered Cotswolds” sign.

The pick-up area is located just past the bus stops and close to the bronze bull statue.

Oxford Railway Station is only a 5–10 minute walk from the centre of Oxford. We recommend using Google Maps or our interactive map to plan your route.

Oxford is easily reached from:

London Paddington Station
Marylebone Station

This makes the tour ideal as a day trip to the Cotswolds from London.

Recommended trains (subject to change):

From London Paddington: 8:51am, arriving Oxford 9:43am
From London Marylebone: 8:11am, arriving Oxford 9:35am

Train tickets can be booked via www.thetrainline.com. Please check current timetables before travel.

What are the payment arrangements?

Full payment is required at the time of booking.
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, or bank transfer.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour incur a 100% cancellation fee
Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the tour incur a 5% cancellation fee (to cover transaction and administrative costs)