Embark on this small-group tour and explore the timeless charm of the Cotswolds on this full-day adventure. Wander through storybook villages in Castle Combe and Bibury, enjoy lunch in historic Stow-on-the-Wold, and stroll along the tranquil river in Bourton-on-the-Water. A charming day of honey-coloured cottages, rolling hills and quintessential English countryside.
We'll step out of Bath and journey into the gentle hills of The Cotswolds, where honey-coloured cottages, winding rivers and storybook villages await. It won't be long before we find our first location Castle Combe, often called England’s prettiest village. Meander along its narrow streets lined with stone cottages, admire the quaint market cross, and watch the brook tumble over mossy stones — a scene that seems frozen in time.
Next, we travel north, through the heart of The Cotswolds towards Bourton-on-the-Water, affectionately known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds.' Criss-cross the quaint stone bridges spanning the River Windrush, watch the ducks drifting by, and explore the shops and gardens that line the banks. Here we'll also find the famous Model Village, an ornate miniature replica of Bourton village itself.
This afternoon we continue to Stow-on-the-Wold, a bustling market town with a rich wool-trading history. This town was the setting of the last battle of the English Civil War (1646) and was a source of inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien when creating Lord of the Rings. Stroll the broad marketplace and winding lanes to discover the charming character of this Cotswold hub. Whilst in Stow we'll time for lunch in one of the welcoming local cafés or traditional pubs - perhaps the Porch House, which claims to be the oldest pub in England.
Turning south back into the heart of the countryside we'll arrive in Bibury, celebrated as 'the most beautiful village in England.' Here, we'll find the iconic Arlington Row -14th-century weavers’ cottages that stretch along the river. Take time to wander the riverside paths, glimpse the swans gliding along the stream and breathe in the tranquil rural setting that has inspired artists and visitors for centuries. Then we'll continue back through the charming countryside towards Bath.
Return to Bath
Our Cotswolds Tour from Bath returns to the meeting point by late afternoon, concluding at the Abbey Hotel by approximately 5:30pm.
