From £550
Overview
Discover the beauty of the Cotswolds on a relaxed, private full-day tour from Southampton. This is one of our most popular experiences, taking you through some of England’s most picturesque villages, rolling countryside, historic churches, and traditional market towns.
The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, famous for its honey-coloured stone villages, gentle hills, and deep history rooted in the medieval wool trade. The name Cotswold is believed to come from “cots” (sheep pens) and “wold” (rolling hills) — quite literally, hills full of sheep farming.
This is a flexible, private tour, tailored to your interests and pace.
Tour Duration
- Approximately 8-9 hours door-to-door from Southampton
- Drive time to the Cotswolds: around 1 hour 45 minutes
- Time spent in the Cotswolds: 5–5.5 hours exploring multiple villages and viewpoints
Typical Itinerary (Fully Flexible)
Pickup from Southampton – around 9:00am
We collect you directly from your accommodation, cruise terminal, or agreed pickup point in Southampton.
We then travel north through the English countryside towards the Cotswolds.
Burford – “Gateway to the Cotswolds” (10:45–11:00am)
Our first stop is often Burford, a charming historic town known for its sloping high street, independent shops, and classic Cotswold stone buildings.
It’s a great introduction to the area and a chance to explore at a relaxed pace.
- Typical stop: 20–30 minutes
- Highlights: historic high street, galleries, traditional architecture
Bourton-on-the-Water – “Venice of the Cotswolds”
Next is Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the most famous towns in the Cotswolds, known for its low stone bridges crossing the River Windrush.
This is often where we stop for lunch.
- Typical stop: 1–1.5 hours
- Optional lunch stop at The Chip Shed (highly popular fish and chips restaurant)
- Plenty of cafés, shops, and riverside walks
Lower Slaughter – One of the prettiest villages in England
A short drive takes us to Lower Slaughter, a peaceful and incredibly scenic village often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Cotswolds.
- Short stop: around 15 minutes
- Riverside walk recommended from one end of the village to the old watermill
- Quiet, traditional, and very picturesque
Upper Slaughter (quick stop)
Just up the road is Upper Slaughter, a tiny and historic village.
- Stop: 5–10 minutes
- Known for its peaceful setting
Lunch alternative – The Farmers Arms (Guiting Power)
If lunch is not taken in Bourton-on-the-Water, we often stop at The Farmers Arms in Guiting Power, a traditional English pub.
Typical menu includes:
- Bangers and mash
- Meat pies
- Fish and chips
- Vegetarian options available
- Typical stop: around 1 hour
Broadway Tower (optional stop)
A scenic highlight with panoramic views across the countryside.
On a clear day, you can see up to 90 miles, including views towards Wales and Birmingham.
- Stop: 20–30 minutes
- Great photography location
Stow-on-the-Wold
A classic Cotswold market town with historic charm and antique shops.
Highlights include:
- St Edward’s Church, famous for its “door in the tree” often linked to inspiration for Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings Durin’s Door.
- Stop: around 30 minutes
Bibury – Arlington Row
On the return journey, we often visit Bibury, home to the famous Arlington Row cottages.
Originally built in the late 1300s as a monastic wool store and later converted into weavers’ cottages in the 1700s, it is widely considered one of the most photographed places in England.
- Short stop for photos and walking
Return to Southampton
We then travel back to Southampton, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening depending on traffic and stops.
Optional Additions & Alternatives
Because this is a private tour, the itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests.
Bampton (Downton Abbey locations)
Although just outside the Cotswolds, Bampton is often included for fans of Downton Abbey.
- Historic village setting used extensively in filming
- Beautiful church and traditional village streets
- Stop: around 30 minutes
Sudeley Castle (Historic location)
A historic castle with strong royal connections — the final resting place of Catherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII.
- Allow at least 1 hour inside
- Entry fee applies
- Ideal for history lovers
Why choose this private tour?
- Fully private experience (no group tours)
- Flexible itinerary tailored to you
- Travel in comfort through scenic countryside roads
- More time in villages, less time rushing
- Local knowledge and personal guiding throughout the day
- Ability to adapt the day based on your interests and energy
A truly flexible experience
One of the advantages of a private tour is flexibility. Nothing is fixed — if you want more time in a village, a scenic detour, a photo stop, or a change of plan during the day, the itinerary can be adjusted.
The goal is simple: a relaxed, personal experience of the Cotswolds at your own pace.
You may also enjoy:
Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral Tour
Jane Austen’s House Shore Excursion
Back to Shore Excursions from Southampton
Baggage allowance
MAXIMUM 2 Large cases plus 2 Small cabin bags OR space for 3 Medium (18″ Width) cases plus 2 Small cabin bags.
Please ask before booking if you have more, we may be able to accommodate
Inclusions / Exclusions
What to expect
The tour is generally between 8 and 9 hours depending upon traffic and queues.
We generally pick up at around 09:00, this will get us to The Cotswolds for around 11:00. We will then spend around 5 hours exploring the towns, villages and countryside, possibly stopping off at a pub for lunch, fish and chips or a light snack on the way around and generally leave The Cotswolds at around 16:00 getting you back to the Southampton area for around 18:00.