Cotswolds Day Tour from Stratford-upon-Avon

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Tour itinerary Pick-up location Stratford-upon-Avon — 9:00 am Highlights 1. Bibury and Arlington Row — 30–40 minutes 2. Bourton-on-the-Water — 1 hour 20 minutes 3. Snowshill Village — 30 minutes 4. Broadway — 1 hour 30 minutes for lunch and exploration 5. Scenic drive via Broadway Tower, the Lavender Farm and Middle Hill 6. Stow-on-the-Wold — 1 hour Return Stratford-upon-Avon — approximately 5:30 pm Small-group tour in an executive vehicle.

Tour overview

Discover the Cotswolds in one memorable day from Stratford-upon-Avon. Travel in a small group, with time to explore Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill, Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold. The route balances guided context, independent exploration, lunch and a scenic drive through the northern Cotswolds.

What's Included

Included • Return transport from Stratford-upon-Avon • Executive air-conditioned small-group vehicle • Small group • Friendly driver-guide and onboard commentary • Free time in every main stop • Digital destination guide

    What's Not Included
    Not included • Lunch, drinks and refreshments • Hotel collection or drop-off • Personal purchases and gratuities • Entry fees to optional attractions
    Important Things to Note
    Meeting point: Shakespeare’s Birthplace Coach Station, Windsor Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6NL. Please arrive by 8:45 am for the 9:00 am departure. The tour returns to Stratford-upon-Avon at approximately 5:30 pm. The order and duration of stops may change because of traffic, weather, seasonal closures or local events. The tour returns to Stratford-upon-Avon at approximately 5:30 pm, but guests should allow additional time for onward travel. Wear comfortable footwear and bring clothing suitable for changeable weather. Food is available to purchase during the Broadway lunch stop.
    Frequently asked questions
    How large is the group? Tours carry 16–30 guests, depending on the vehicle assigned to your departure. The vehicle varies by date. How long is the tour? Approximately 8.5 hours, departing at 9:00 am and returning around 5:30 pm. Is lunch included? No. There is time to buy lunch in Broadway or bring your own. Will the itinerary always run in this order? The order and timings may change with traffic, weather and local conditions. Can I discuss accessibility or mobility requirements? Yes. Please contact Shakespeare Coaches before booking so the team can advise.

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    Cotswolds day tour · Stratford-upon-Avon

    Cotswolds Day Tour from Stratford-upon-Avon

    Explore the Cotswolds from Stratford-upon-Avon on a relaxed full-day small-group tour through picture-perfect villages, rolling countryside and hidden gems.

    Shakespeare Coaches4.9 from 2,031 reviews across Google, GetYourGuide and Tripadvisor (as at October 2026)
    ↻Free cancellationUp to 24 hours before departure
    ◷8.5 hoursDepart 9:00 am
    ◎Small group
    ◉Live tour guideEnglish

    Highlights

    • See the iconic cottages of Bibury and Arlington Row before the crowds build.
    • Enjoy unhurried free time in Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold.
    • Pause in tiny Snowshill and travel a scenic route past Broadway Tower and Middle Hill.
    • Depart from Stratford-upon-Avon and travel comfortably in an executive air-conditioned vehicle.
    • Explore secret Cotswolds villages away from the busiest tourist routes.

    Full description

    Leave Stratford-upon-Avon behind for a relaxed full-day journey through the Cotswolds. Travel in a comfortable executive small-group minibus with an English-speaking driver-guide, taking scenic country roads between villages, market towns and countryside viewpoints.
    The day combines well-known Cotswolds highlights with quieter villages, giving you time to explore independently without feeling rushed.
    Show less
    Bourton-on-the-Water. Begin beside the River Windrush in the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, where low stone bridges cross the water. Enjoy time to explore the village and its independent shops.
    Bibury and Arlington Row. Continue to one of England’s most photographed villages. Walk beside the River Coln and see Arlington Row’s honey-coloured stone cottages.
    Stow-on-the-Wold. Spend time in this historic hilltop market town, with its ancient market square, old coaching inns, independent shops and famous yew-tree doorway.
    Snowshill Village. Pause in this peaceful hillside village, known for its beautiful cottages and countryside views away from the busiest visitor routes.
    Secret Cotswolds Villages. Follow scenic back roads to discover quieter villages and hidden Cotswolds corners away from the main visitor routes, subject to local access and conditions.
    Between stops, enjoy scenic drive-bys of the Cotswold Lavender Farm and Broadway Tower, subject to seasonal access and local conditions.
    Chipping Campden. Explore this elegant historic market town, famous for its golden-stone buildings, traditional high street and links to the Cotswold Way.
    Dover’s Hill. Finish with panoramic views across the northern Cotswolds before returning to Stratford-upon-Avon.
    The route is designed to balance guided local insight with generous free time. Return to Stratford-upon-Avon is expected at approximately 5:30 pm, although the order and timings may change because of traffic, weather or local events.

    Your itinerary

    Stratford-upon-Avon · 9:00 am

    Meet your driver-guide at the Shakespeare’s Birthplace Coach Station, Windsor Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6NL and settle into your executive vehicle.

    Bourton-on-the-Water · 50 minutes

    Explore the riverside village, stone bridges and independent shops.

    Bibury & Arlington Row · 30 minutes

    Walk beside the River Coln and see one of England’s most photographed rows of cottages.

    Stow-on-the-Wold · 1 hour 20 minutes

    Enjoy time for lunch and explore the historic market square, old coaching inns and characterful lanes.

    Snowshill Village · 25 minutes

    Pause in this quiet hillside village and take in its honey-stone cottages and countryside views.

    Secret Cotswolds Villages

    Follow scenic back roads to discover quieter villages and hidden Cotswolds corners away from the main visitor routes.

    Scenic Cotswolds Drive By

    • Cotswold Lavender Farm
    • Broadway Tower
    Subject to seasonal access and local conditions.

    Chipping Campden · 1 hour

    Explore the historic market town and its golden-stone high street.

    Dover’s Hill · 20 minutes

    Take in panoramic countryside views before the return journey.

    Stratford-upon-Avon · around 5:30 pm

    Return to Stratford-upon-Avon after a full day in the Cotswolds.

    What’s included

    Included

    • Full-day guided tour
    • Executive air-conditioned transport
    • Professional driver-guide
    • Small group
    • All listed village stops

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Optional attraction entry
    • Gratuities

    Meeting point

    Shakespeare’s Birthplace Coach Station, Windsor Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6NL

    Meeting point: Shakespeare’s Birthplace Coach Station, Windsor Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6NL. Please arrive by 8:45 am for the 9:00 am departure. The tour returns to Stratford-upon-Avon at approximately 5:30 pm.

    View the meeting point on Google Maps ↗

    Know before you go

    • Wear comfortable shoes and bring clothing suitable for changeable British weather.
    • The itinerary order may change because of traffic, weather or local events.
    • Lunch is not included; Stow-on-the-Wold offers cafés, pubs and restaurants.
    • Return time is approximate, so avoid booking tight onward connections.

    What guests say about Shakespeare Coaches

    Genuine Tripadvisor review excerpts from our Cotswolds tours. These are company reviews of the Cotswolds experience described by each guest.

    “A fantastic full-day experience exploring the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon from London.”

    Carolyn Z

    Tripadvisor · Reviewed
    Experience reviewed: Full Day Cotswolds Tour From London · Read the original review →

    “One of the best tour I ever did; Paul knows the area super well with a lot of anecdotes.”

    josephine d

    Tripadvisor · Reviewed
    Experience reviewed: Full Day Cotswolds Tour From London · Read the original review →

    “Our journey with Shakespeare Coaches from Moreton in Marsh was both enlightening and enjoyable.”

    Renate L

    Tripadvisor · Reviewed
    Experience reviewed: Full Day Cotswolds Tour From London · Read the original review →

    Frequently asked questions

    What villages does the tour visit?

    The planned route includes Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury and Arlington Row, Stow-on-the-Wold, Snowshill, Chipping Campden and Dover’s Hill. Lavender Farm and Broadway Tower are drive-by highlights.

    Where does the tour start and finish?

    Meeting point: Shakespeare’s Birthplace Coach Station, Windsor Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6NL. Please arrive by 8:45 am for the 9:00 am departure. The tour returns to Stratford-upon-Avon at approximately 5:30 pm.

    What are the secret Cotswolds villages?

    The route includes quieter villages and countryside corners away from the main tourist trail; the exact order can vary with local access and conditions.

    Is lunch included?

    No. You will have time to choose from cafés, pubs and restaurants in Stow-on-the-Wold.

    How large is the group?

    Tours carry 16–30 guests, depending on the vehicle assigned to your departure. The vehicle varies by date.

    Can the itinerary change?

    Yes. The driver-guide may adjust the order or route when traffic, weather or local conditions make that helpful.

    Can children under three travel?

    Children under three cannot travel on our tours.

    What is the cancellation policy?

    You can cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.

    Are 2026 and 2027 dates available?

    2026 and 2027 departure dates are being updated. Please check the booking calendar or contact us for availability.

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