Oxford day trip from London · Small group

Oxford & Cotswolds Day Tour from London

Discover Oxford and beautiful Cotswolds villages on a relaxed full-day small-group tour from London.

Shakespeare Coaches4.9 from 2,031 reviews across Google, GetYourGuide and Tripadvisor (as at October 2026)
↻Free cancellationUp to 24 hours before departure
◷10.5 hoursDepart 7:30 am
◎Small group
◉Live tour guideEnglish

Highlights

  • Explore Oxford, the historic city of dreaming spires and home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
  • See Oxford’s historic colleges, Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library and Christ Church.
  • Visit Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswolds.
  • Travel comfortably from central London in an executive air-conditioned vehicle.

Full description

Leave London for a full-day Oxford and Cotswolds tour from Paddington. This small-group Oxford day tour from London travels in a comfortable executive minibus with an English-speaking driver-guide.
Explore Oxford’s historic centre before continuing to Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. The day balances university-city history, famous Cotswolds villages and beautiful countryside, with generous free time to explore independently without feeling rushed.
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Oxford. Spend time exploring the historic city of dreaming spires. Walk through the university quarter, see the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera, and discover the grand architecture around Christ Church. Attraction entry is optional and not included.
Bibury and Arlington Row. Continue into the Cotswolds and walk beside the River Coln in one of England’s most photographed villages. See Arlington Row and its honey-coloured stone cottages.
Bourton-on-the-Water. Continue to the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, where low stone bridges cross the River Windrush. Enjoy time to walk beside the water and browse the independent shops.
Stow-on-the-Wold. Finish in this historic hilltop market town, known for old coaching inns, antique shops and the yew tree-flanked doorway of St Edward’s Church.
The route is designed to balance guided local insight with generous free time. Return to London Paddington is expected at approximately 6:00 pm, although the order and timings may change because of traffic, weather or local events.

Your itinerary

London Paddington · 7:30 am

Meet your driver-guide and settle into your executive vehicle.

Oxford · 2 hours 30 minutes

Explore the historic city centre, university quarter and famous landmarks including Radcliffe Camera and Christ Church.

Bibury & Arlington Row · 30 minutes

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

Bourton-on-the-Water · 1 hour 30 minutes

Explore the bridges, independent shops and riverside paths of the “Venice of the Cotswolds”.

Stow-on-the-Wold · 1 hour

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

London Paddington · around 6:00 pm

Relax on the return journey after a full day in Oxford and 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
  • Entry to Oxford colleges and attractions
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Bus stop opposite Lite Bite Cafe Bar, 7 London Street, London

Meeting point: Bus stop opposite Lite Bite Cafe Bar, 7 London Street, London. Breakfast and refreshments are available at the café from 7:00 am. Please arrive by 7:15 am to board; the coach departs at 7:30 am. The tour returns to London Paddington at approximately 6:00 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 can I see in Oxford?

You will have around two and a half hours to explore Oxford’s historic centre, university quarter and landmarks such as Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library and Christ Church.

Is attraction entry included?

No. Entry to Oxford colleges and attractions is optional and paid separately, giving you flexibility during your free time.

Which Cotswolds villages does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Bibury and Arlington Row, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. The order may change because of traffic or local conditions.

How large is the group?

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

Is lunch included?

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

Where does the tour start and finish?

Meeting point: Bus stop opposite Lite Bite Cafe Bar, 7 London Street, London. Breakfast and refreshments are available at the café from 7:00 am. Please arrive by 7:15 am to board; the coach departs at 7:30 am. The tour returns to London Paddington at approximately 6:00 pm.

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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