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Bourton-on-the-WaterSmall group activities

Our most recommended Bourton-on-the-Water Small group activities

From London: Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour

1. From London: Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour

Spend a day exploring the quintessentially British countryside of the Cotswolds, an area known for its green landscapes, charming villages, and honey-colored stone cottages. Enjoy the highlights of the Cotswolds, as well as some of the quieter, less-seen areas of the countryside. First, stop in the small town of Burford, one of England’s most unchanged medieval towns with many buildings over 500 years old. Visit the historic church, stroll along the attractive high street, and explore the town. Next head to Bibury, known as the prettiest village in all of England. Wander along the river and see Arlington Row, a set of weaver's cottages that are now one of the symbols of the Cotswolds. Enjoy free time to explore the enchanting village. Continue on to the picturesque town of Bourton-on-the-water. Take ample time to stroll by the river and its small bridges, admire the stone cottages and have some lunch.  Cap your tour with a visit to Stow-on-the-Wold, a jumble of inns and antique shops situated around the ancient market square. Stow has been a center of trade in the Cotswolds for centuries and was the location of the last battle of the English Civil War in 1646. It's also the location of ‘England’s oldest pub’.  Afterward, the tour returns to the meeting point.

From Oxford: Cotswolds Towns and Villages Small Group Tour

2. From Oxford: Cotswolds Towns and Villages Small Group Tour

Discover quaint villages, tiny tea rooms, and 15th-century ruins on a day trip to the Cotswolds from Oxford. Explore Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and more unusually named places. Admire the scenery as you drive through the pretty countryside to picturesque villages. Departing from outside Oxford Railway Station in the morning at 10:00 AM, head to the village of Great Tew. Continue to Stow-on-the-Wold to reach the highest town in the region and browse the honey-colored buildings and tiny tea rooms. Visit the pretty village of Lower Slaughter before going to Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds", where you will have time for lunch. After lunch, discover the gateway to the Cotswolds in the village of Burford. Journey through the valley of the River Windrush and discover amazing villages such as Swinbrook along with the ruins of 15th-century Minster Lovell Hall. Departure will be late afternoon, returning to Oxford Railway Station by 5:00 PM

From Oxford: Cotswold Explorer Full-Day Tour

3. From Oxford: Cotswold Explorer Full-Day Tour

Start your unforgettable Cotswold journey by boarding the minibus in Oxford. Then, set off on a scenic drive to the charming village of Minster Lovell. Enjoy seeing the pretty thatched houses and exploring the ruined 15th century Hall. Continue the route through the idyllic villages of Asthall and Swinbrook to Burford, the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'. Make a stop here to give you time to stroll around the sloping High Street and browse in the quirky shops and cafes. Next, travel further on your panoramic drive through the old quarrying villages of Taynton and the Barringtons towards Bourton-on-the-Water, the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'. Take a walk along the quaint River Windrush crossed with delightful stone bridges. From Bourton-on-the-Water, follow the route through some enchanting Cotswold villages to Broadway with its golden stone houses. Find a pub or cafe for lunch in this village which inspired artists and writers, such as Frank Millet, J M Barrie, and William Morris. After lunch, visit the beautiful market town of Chipping Campden, with its old market hall and wool church. Then, explore Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. Here you can browse among the narrow footpaths and the antique shops and art galleries. Finally, return to Oxford via the bustling market town of Chipping Norton with a final brief photo stop in Woodstock, the site of Blenheim Palace (the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill).

From Oxford: Half-Day Cotswold Taster Tour

4. From Oxford: Half-Day Cotswold Taster Tour

Leave the medieval city of Oxford and head first to the pretty village of Minster Lovell. Walk through the village and see the pretty thatched cottages and River Windrush. Relax on a scenic drive that takes you through the idyllic hamlets of Asthall and Swinbrook to the old market town of Burford, the 'gateway to the Cotswolds'.  Enjoy time to browse in the sloping High Street of Burford, with its quirky shops and cafes. Continue through the old quarrying villages of Taynton and the Barringtons, where a panoramic drive takes you to Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'.  Wander along the banks of the quaint River Windrush with its old stone bridges or stop for a refreshment in one of the many cafes. Leaving Bourton-on-the-Water, you climb up to Stow Hill to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds and a market town since the 12th century. Stow is known for its many antique shops and art galleries, as well as many other shops and cafes.  Don't forget to visit St Edward's Church with its old door which inspired the writer Tolkien. On your way back to Oxford pass by the market town of Chipping Norton and Woodstock, the site of Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Stop for a brief photo stop of the palace before your return to Oxford.

From Oxford: Cotswolds and Shakespeare Full-Day Tour

5. From Oxford: Cotswolds and Shakespeare Full-Day Tour

See the natural beauty of the North Cotswolds and historic Stratford-upon-Avon on a full-day tour from Oxford. Make several stops in quaint Cotswolds villages or towns and learn about the birthplace of Shakespeare. Head west from medieval Oxford and your first stop will be the quaint village of Great Tew with its pretty thatched cottages and delightful cafe. You then follow a route that takes you past more breathtaking views until you reach Stratford-upon-Avon. Here you’ll receive a tour of Shakespeare’s hometown, where you’ll see picturesque timber-framed houses, the famous Shakespeare theaters, the River Avon, and Shakespeare’s birthplace.   You continue the Shakespeare theme with a visit to Shottery, where you’ll see the enchanting home of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway. Leaving the Stratford area your journey takes you into the Cotswolds across rolling hills and quaint villages. Your first stop in the Cotswolds is in the charming old market town of Chipping Campden with its golden limestone buildings. Visit the old market hall and wander around the quirky shops. Another picturesque drive through narrow country lanes takes you to the pretty village of Snowshill with its charming stone cottages and 19c church. Your final stop is in the delightful village of Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the Venice of the Cotswolds with its enchanting river crossed by a series of stone bridges. Your return journey to Oxford takes you across stunning scenery through the old market town of Burford, the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'.

From London: 3-Day Tour to Stonehenge, Bath, & Oxford

6. From London: 3-Day Tour to Stonehenge, Bath, & Oxford

Let’s have a road trip to the British countryside together! It’s all safe and private. You will be picked up from London, early in the morning. After no more than 2 hours of riding in my Tesla, we'll be in the middle of the countryside. Day 1: We'll start by exploring the enigmatic wonders of Stonehenge and then we'll venture to Bath, an impressive Roman town, rich in history and culture. Heading north, will be visiting Castle Combe, known as the prettiest village in England. At the end, you'll be warmly welcomed to your new Airbnb to relax and prepare for another day in the Cotswolds. Day 2: Our first destination of the day is Bibury, a charming old English village, where we'll spend some time discovering its quaint cottages. Next, we'll explore Bourton-on-the-Water, a larger and beloved village located alongside the river Windrush. Our final village on this memorable journey is Burford, where you'll have the opportunity to relish breathtaking village views and have a quick shopping session. Day 3: On the last day of our journey, Oxford awaits our exploration. We'll have the opportunity to see the University of Oxford, wander alongside River Thames, visit Oxford Castle, and bask in the splendor of Christ Church one of Oxford's most renowned college in Oxford. As the day comes to a close, I'll drop you off at your desired location in Greater London.

From Bristol: 2-Day Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford & Cotswolds

7. From Bristol: 2-Day Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford & Cotswolds

Day 1 Departing Bristol, your journey begins with a scenic drive through what is considered the birthplace of British tourism and the birthplace of the industrial revolution. We’re talking about Wye Valley, of course, which is dubbed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’ll love the views of this region as we head towards Tintern Abbey on the banks of River Wye. There’s some fascinating history behind this now-roofless national icon which was founded in 1131. Afterwards you make your way to the market town of Ross-on-Wye where you have free time to explore and grab a bite to eat. Then it’s time to head to Broadway. No, we’re not talking about seeing a stage production, we’re talking about the picturesque village in the Cotswolds. This is a great time for a spot of shopping, or simply wander and enjoy the town before heading to Stratford-upon-Avon, your base for the night. You arrive in the birthplace of Shakespeare in the mid-afternoon so there’s still some time to explore and sort yourself out for dinner. You’re spoilt for choice in Stratford-upon-Avon. Perhaps you’ll explore the Schoolroom and Guildhall, where Shakespeare was first inspired by literature and theatre. Or perhaps you’ll visit his childhood home and hear tales of his family life. Day 2 You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a movie today. Your first destination is considered one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the UK. Wander around the picturesque village of Chipping Campden before heading to Bourton-on-the-Water. Quite a literal name, as this village boasts the beautiful River Windrush running through it, and is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. You continue onto Oxford, your main stop for the day. Famously known for its university, the city of Oxford has an interesting history and plenty of things to do and see. You can learn about some of it at the Ashmolean Museum, Britain’s oldest public museum. If museums aren’t your thing, there’s always Oxford Castle & Prison, a tour of some of the colleges around town, and even several Harry Potter locations to spot. Enjoy a relaxing drive back through some of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the perfect way to end your day as you head to Bristol where your tour ends in the early evening.

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What people are saying about Bourton-on-the-Water

I absolutely loved this tour. The guide/driver was very personable, provided us with fun facts about the Cotswolds and gave great recommendations about key places to see or things to do. I felt the time spent in each location was just right for a first-time visitor and do not feel like I missed out on anything. I would certainly book another tour with this group in the future.

We LOVED our tour of the Cotswolds! This is a must-do tour if you are visiting London. Our tour guide Jamie was phenomenal! He kept the drive interesting by pointing out all the main sights along the way and providing information we wouldn’t have known otherwise. The Cotswolds are beautiful and we had plenty of time in each of the villages we stopped in! Highly recommend!

Highly recommended tour. Kevin our driver and tour guide was very knowledgeable, helpful and funny. The tour was well organised and places visited lovely.

Kevin (our driver and guide) was excellent. Positive, helpful, with a great sense of homour.

This tour was excellent. We loved all the small villages.