For those seeking an immersive experience in the idyllic English countryside, the Cotswolds Small-Group Tour from London offers a delightful escape. Departing from Paddington Station, this 10-hour excursion whisks visitors through charming villages, showcasing the region’s picturesque honey-colored stone cottages and centuries-old architecture. With stops in Burford, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water, the tour promises a perfect blend of guided insights and self-exploration, inviting travelers to discover the timeless allure of this enchanting corner of England.
Key Points

- A full-day excursion from London to the picturesque Cotswolds region, covering charming villages like Burford, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water.
- Transportation by a comfortable 16-seater mini-bus with a 2-hour journey from Paddington Station to the first destination, Burford.
- Exploration of Burford’s quaint streets, medieval architecture, and local shops, with time to soak in the tranquil countryside atmosphere.
- Discovery of the honey-colored stone cottages and scenic River Coln in the beautiful village of Bibury, with 1.5 hours for wandering.
- Visit to Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," offering charming bridges, tea shops, and the iconic model village.
Overview of the Tour

The Cotswolds Small-Group Tour is a full-day excursion from London that takes visitors to explore the charming villages and picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds region.
The tour departs from Paddington Station and travels by 16-seater mini-bus to key destinations like Burford, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water. Guests have ample time to wander the quaint streets, admire historic landmarks, and discover local shops.
The tour offers the freedom to self-explore while also providing transportation and a guided experience. With a duration of 10 hours and a price point starting at $95.73 per person, the tour provides an affordable and convenient way to experience the Cotswolds from London.
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Departure and Journey to Burford

The tour departs Paddington Station at 9:00 AM sharp, with travelers arriving at least 10 minutes early to gather at the designated meeting point, Stop F.
The group boards a comfortable 16-seater mini-bus and sets off on the 2-hour journey to the picturesque town of Burford.
Along the way, travelers can admire the rolling hills, quaint villages, and lush greenery that characterize the stunning Cotswolds region.
The mini-bus travels at a leisurely pace, allowing everyone to soak in the serene countryside views before arriving in Burford, the "Gateway to the Cotswolds", for the first stop of the day.
Exploring the Charming Streets of Burford

Upon arriving in Burford, the group disembarks the mini-bus and embarks on a leisurely exploration of the charming streets.
They stroll past centuries-old stone cottages, medieval bridges, and quaint shops. Visitors marvel at the town’s well-preserved architecture, including the grand St. John the Baptist Church.
The group meanders down the High Street, pausing to browse local artisan crafts and sample traditional Cotswold delicacies.
With an hour to spare, travelers have ample time to soak in the town’s tranquil ambiance before reboarding the bus for the next destination.
Discovering the Beauty of Bibury
After exploring the charming streets of Burford, the group boards the mini-bus once again, this time for the short 20-minute journey to the picturesque village of Bibury.
Nestled along the River Coln, Bibury is known for its honey-colored stone cottages, lush meadows, and traditional trout farm.
Bibury, a picturesque village along the River Coln, renowned for its honey-colored stone cottages, lush meadows, and traditional trout farm.
Travelers have an opportunity to wander the quaint town, admiring the historic architecture, browsing local shops, and taking in the serene natural beauty.
The group spends 1.5 hours discovering the highlights of Bibury before continuing on to the next stop, Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds."
More Great Tours NearbyWandering Through Bourton-on-the-Water
From Bibury, the mini-bus winds its way through the picturesque countryside, arriving at the quaint village of Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds."
Travelers disembark and enjoy the serene atmosphere, strolling along the River Windrush that flows gently through the heart of the town.
They discover charming stone bridges, traditional cottages, and quaint tea shops dotting the streets.
The iconic model village, a 1/9th scale replica of the town, captivates visitors.
Travelers have ample time to explore the local shops, sample regional delicacies, and soak in the tranquil ambiance that defines this scenic Cotswolds gem.
Transportation and Return to Paddington Station
As the group’s exploration of the Cotswolds draws to a close, the mini-bus departs Bourton-on-the-Water and begins the journey back to Paddington Station in London.
The scenic drive through rolling hills and quaint villages takes approximately 2 hours. Along the way, travelers have the opportunity to reflect on the highlights of the day, from the charming streets of Burford to the picturesque stone cottages of Bibury.
Upon arrival at Paddington Station, the group is free to continue their day in the city or depart for their next destination, leaving the tranquility of the Cotswolds behind.
Highlights of the Cotswolds Tour
The Cotswolds tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy the region’s charming allure. Visitors can explore picturesque streets lined with historic cottages and local shops. They can experience the serene natural beauty of the rolling hills and tranquil streams. The tour allows ample freedom to wander and discover hidden gems at their own pace.
| Explore | Experience | Discover |
| :—–: | :——–: | :——: |
| Charming streets | Serene natural beauty | Picturesque cottages |
| Idyllic villages | Rolling hills | Historic landmarks |
| Local shops | Tranquil streams | Unique finds |
Customer reviews highlight the tour’s positive experiences for couples, friends, and families, making it a well-rounded outing.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Cotswolds tour, awarding it an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating based on 12 reviews.
Specifically, the guide received 4 out of 5 stars, while the transportation and value for money aspects were scored 5 out of 5 and 4 out of 5, respectively.
Reviews highlight positive experiences from a variety of travelers, including:
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Couples who appreciated the tour’s serene natural beauty and charming villages.
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Friends who enjoyed the freedom to wander and discover picturesque cottages and local shops.
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Families who found the tour a great way to explore the idyllic Cotswolds.
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Solo travelers who valued the small-group setting and attentive guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The group size for this tour is 16 passengers. The tour is operated using a 16-seater mini-bus, allowing for a small group experience as the tour explores the charming villages of the Cotswolds region.
Can I Request Hotel Pickup Instead of Meeting at Paddington?
No, hotel pickup is not available for this tour. Guests must meet the tour at the designated meeting point of Paddington Station (Stop F) at least 10 minutes before the 9:00 AM departure time.
Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?
Yes, there are restroom breaks during the tour. The itinerary allows for stops at the villages of Burford, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water, where customers can use the facilities. Amenities, including restrooms, are also available at the meeting point of Paddington Station.
Can I Modify the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?
The tour itinerary is pre-set, and modifications aren’t possible. However, travelers have the freedom to explore the villages at their own pace during the scheduled visits. The guide can provide recommendations on must-see sites based on individual interests.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can request a longer tour to visit additional Cotswolds villages and landmarks. This can be arranged directly with the tour operator for an additional fee.
The Sum Up
This Cotswolds small-group tour from London provides an immersive experience in the picturesque English countryside. Travelers will enjoy guided visits to charming towns like Burford, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water, where they can stroll through centuries-old streets, admire honey-colored stone cottages, and sample local delicacies. With a duration of 10 hours and a cost of $95.73 per person, this excursion offers a well-balanced blend of guided insights and self-exploration in the enchanting Cotswolds region.
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