The Cotswolds is not one place. It is an area of rolling hills about 90 miles west of London, dotted with villages built from the same warm golden limestone. That is what makes it beautiful, and it is also what makes it tricky to visit: the villages are spread out, and many have only an occasional bus.
This guide picks the villages that work best for a first visit, puts them in an order that makes sense on the road, and explains when to go to avoid the crowds.
- DistanceAbout 2 hours from Central London each way
- Villages in a dayFour or five, comfortably
- TicketsNone needed for the villages
- QuietestWeekdays, and early starts at weekends
The villages worth your time
Burford is the gateway to the Cotswolds from London. Its high street runs steeply down to the River Windrush, lined with old inns, tea rooms and independent shops. It makes a perfect coffee stop after the drive.
Bibury is home to Arlington Row, a terrace of former weavers' cottages dating back to the 14th century and one of the most photographed views in England. It is small, so go early: by late morning on a summer weekend it is very busy.
Bourton-on-the-Water is often called the Venice of the Cotswolds because of the low stone bridges over the River Windrush. It has the most cafés and restaurants, which makes it the natural lunch stop.
Lower and Upper Slaughter are the quiet contrast: two tiny villages joined by a gentle riverside path of about a mile. Your driver can drop you at one and collect you at the other.
Stow-on-the-Wold sits on a hilltop around a market square full of antique shops. Look for the church door framed by two ancient yew trees, which many visitors know from photographs.
Prefer something different? Castle Combe, Broadway and Chipping Campden are all easy swaps. With a private car you can change the plan on the day.
A day that works
- Pickup in Central London.
- Burford: coffee and the high street.
- Bibury and Arlington Row.
- Bourton-on-the-Water for lunch and free time.
- The riverside walk between Lower and Upper Slaughter.
- Stow-on-the-Wold.
- Back to London, about 2 hours.
- Drop-off at your door.
Why a car makes the Cotswolds so much easier
You can reach towns such as Moreton-in-Marsh or Kemble by train, but most of the villages above have no station, and local buses are infrequent, especially on Sundays. On a coach tour you will usually see two or three villages to a fixed timetable. With your own driver you can see five, stop for a photo whenever you like, and avoid the hunt for a parking space in Bourton or Bibury on a busy day.
Because you pay one price for the whole vehicle, a Cotswolds day is particularly good value for families and groups of friends.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Price per vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| See the current prices for every vehicle on the tour page. | ||
When to go
- Spring and early summer bring blossom, gardens and long evenings.
- Summer weekends are the busiest. If that is your only option, start early and see Bibury first.
- Autumn is quieter, with beautiful colour on the hills.
- Winter is peaceful and atmospheric, but daylight is short, so plan a slightly shorter day.
Staying overnight?
Many visitors fall for the Cotswolds and want to stay. We can take you and your luggage to a village hotel or holiday cottage and collect you later, or drive you straight there from the airport. See our guide to Heathrow to the Cotswolds by private transfer.
Questions we are often asked
Can we include Castle Combe?
Yes. Castle Combe is in the southern Cotswolds, so it fits best with a slightly different route or a longer day. Tell us when you book and we will adjust the plan.
Is there a lot of walking?
Not much. Each stop is a gentle stroll, and the longest walk is the optional mile between Lower and Upper Slaughter, which is on a level path.
Can we combine the Cotswolds with Oxford?
Yes, as a long day. Oxford is on the way, so a morning in Oxford and an afternoon in two or three villages works well. Choose our Oxford tour and add hours, or ask us for a bespoke plan.
Are there entry fees in the villages?
No. The villages are free to walk around. You only pay for food, drink and shopping, plus any optional attractions you choose.
Is the Cotswolds worth visiting in winter?
Yes, it is quiet and atmospheric, but daylight is short and some tea rooms close earlier. We usually suggest a slightly earlier finish between November and February.