From Oxford: Cotswolds Towns and Villages Small Group Tour

Discover quaint villages, tiny tea rooms, and atmospheric medieval ruins on this unforgettable day trip to the Cotswolds from Oxford. Travel through rolling countryside and explore some of the region's most beautiful villages—alongside hidden gems and unusually named places that most visitors never see.

Tour highlights

Departure: 10:00 AM – Oxford Railway Station

Your day begins just outside Oxford Railway Station, where you'll meet your local driver-guide and set off into the heart of the countryside.

Minster Lovell – a true hidden gem

Your first stop is the enchanting village of Minster Lovell—a real highlight of the tour. Filled with classic Cotswold stone cottages and thatched roofs, it also holds the title of the region's most haunted village.
Minster Lovell is best known for the evocative ruins of its 15th-century hall, once home to generations of the Lovell family. Quiet, atmospheric, and steeped in legend, it's a place few tours ever visit.

Burford – the gateway to the Cotswolds

Next, arrive in Burford, often called the gateway to the Cotswolds. This iconic market town is home to one of the region's most beautiful and ancient churches, St John the Baptist Church.
Its dramatic sloping high street, medieval architecture, and remarkable church tell stories of civil wars, wealthy merchants, and centuries of village life—a town where every corner has a tale to tell.

Bourton-on-the-Water – lunch stop

Journey 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 time to enjoy lunch and explore stone bridges, tranquil streams, 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's set within stunning countryside and largely untouched by time.
Because larger vehicles are not permitted, access is limited—making this a stop that only our small group tours can enjoy.

Stow-on-the-Wold – highest town in the Cotswolds

Continue to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the region. Wander among honey-coloured buildings, independent shops, and inviting tea rooms that capture the classic Cotswolds atmosphere.

Great Tew – a fairy-tale finale

Your final stop is the postcard-perfect village of Great Tew. With its thatched cottages, beautiful landscapes, and peaceful setting away from the crowds, it feels straight out of a fairy tale—and has been home to several famous figures over the years.

Return: approximately 5:00 PM – Oxford Railway Station

A relaxed late-afternoon return brings you back to Oxford, having experienced the very best of the Cotswolds—from iconic villages to hidden local treasures.