How to Plan The Perfect London to Cotswolds Day Trip

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Last Updated on November 28, 2024 by sydabroad

Looking to plan a London to Cotswolds day trip? Then keep reading! 

The Cotswolds is a charming countryside region in England known for its rolling hills, quaint villages, historic landmarks, and tranquil countryside. You can reach these beautiful villages in less than two hours from London. 

In this guide, we’re diving into all you need to know before visiting the Cotswolds. I’ll touch on the best villages to visit, getting around the Cotswolds, and more. I’ve curated a list of the best London to Cotswolds day trips to make planning seamless.

I’ve been to London a few times, but it wasn’t until my most recent visit that I spent time in the Cotswolds. And I am so glad that I did because it’s a gorgeous region of England. 

My friend and I took the train from London to Bath and stayed there for the night. We spent the entire day exploring the beautiful city, and then the next morning, we headed out to Castle Combe, a quaint little village in the Cotswolds. 

If you want to stay overnight in the Cotswolds, I suggest staying in Bath. It’s a larger city with plenty to see and explore, and from here, you can visit the smaller villages. 

However, if you have limited time in London and prefer a day trip to the Cotswolds, you’ll find everything you need to know below. Day trips are a wonderful way to learn about the area from a local guide while exploring without worrying about getting to and from places. 

Looking for more England guides?

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Keep reading to find out more about planning a London to Cotswolds day trip.

FAQS About a London to Cotswolds Day Trip

Where to stay in the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds span several counties including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Warwickshire. The main villages to visit in the Cotswolds include Bibury, Castle Combe, Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, Painswick, Chipping Campden, and Cirencester. 

The historic city of Bath sits right near the edge of the Cotswolds and if you’re looking for an area to stay in with more going on, I suggest staying in Bath. If you do stay in Bath, the Bluebell Bed and Breakfast is a fantastic place right in the center of town. 

On the other hand, if you’d like to stay in one of the small villages in the Cotswolds, there are plenty of historic hotels and boutique BnBs in the Cotswold villages. Search for all the accommodation options in the Cotswolds villages here. 

Can you do a day trip to Cotswold from London?

Absolutely! Taking a day trip from London to the Cotswolds is an amazing way to get a taste of this lovely region in England. We’ll get more into the best London to Cotswolds day trips later in this guide but there are great options on both Viator and GetYourGuide. 

If you prefer, you can take a day trip on your own and book your train tickets or rent a car in England. I love the idea of day trips because everything is organized for you, it makes everything so easy. 

How do I get to Cotswold from London?

There are many ways to get to Cotswolds from London. You can take a train, book a group tour, or rent a car. For the most flexibility, rent a car. If you’re looking for the easiest option to get to the Cotswolds from London, book a guided tour or take the train. I book all my trains in Europe through Omio. 

I love using RentalCars.com for renting cars abroad! They’ll make sure you get the best rate across rental companies and have a wonderful cancellation policy. If you want to rent a car in England, check out your rental options here!

Is one day enough for Cotswolds? 

The Cotswolds is massive, it’s a lot bigger than people expect. The region covers over 800 square miles and there are various villages and cities. So that being said, no, you can’t do the Cotswolds in a day. 

However, you can pick one of the towns to explore. This will give you a taste of the Cotswolds region and it’s completely different than the bustling city of London. So no matter where you visit, you’ll enjoy it. 

This is another reason why I love day trips, the Cotswolds can be overwhelming to choose which area to see and how to get around. Having a guide takes all the stress out of your travel day. 

How to go to Cotswolds from London by train 

To reach the southern part of the Cotswolds from London by train, take the direct train service from London Paddington station to Kemble, Stroud, or Stonehouse. If you want to reach Bath via train you can take the train from London Paddington station to Bath Spa. Bath is a charming city situated on the edge of the Cotswolds.

If you are heading to Ireland, check out my guide on how to spend 3 days in Dublin!

How far is Cotswolds from London by train?

Depending on where you are going in the Cotswolds, the journey via train will take anywhere from an hour to two hours. 

How to plan a trip to the Cotswolds?

If you are planning a trip to the Cotswolds on your own here are some things to consider. First, figure out when you will be going, for how long, and which villages and cities you’d like to visit. 

Next, book your accommodation, I suggest basing yourself in one village/or city and doing day trips from there. Then, you’ll need to plan your transportation. Rent a car, plan your train routes, or book a guided tour. 

If you opt for a guided tour, most start from London, Bath, or Oxford. Finally, you’ll want to plan your itinerary and activities! And that’s a quick snapshot of how to plan a trip to the Cotswolds. 

Where should one go in the Cotswolds?

There are so many beautiful villages to explore! My personal favorites were spending time in the city of Bath and exploring the quaint town of Castle Combe. However, you can’t go wrong with anywhere you visit in the Cotswolds. 

The Best London to Cotswolds Day Trips

Alright, we’ve covered the common questions about visiting the Cotswolds so let’s get into the best day trips from London to the Cotswolds! Keep reading for a curated list of all the best day trips. I’ve included a summary of each tour, the cost, duration, how to book, and more important things to know. 

1 | Cotswold Small Group Tour | ✨My Top Pick!✨

From London: Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour

Price: €106.57

Duration: 9.5 hours 

Rating: 4.8 stars 

This is a nine-and-a-half-hour tour that takes you through the charming villages of the Cotswolds. I love this tour because you’ll explore multiple villages including Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. 

This tour includes free time to explore each village and you’ll have a local guide to learn all about this region. This tour has a maximum capacity of 16 people, so it won’t be too crowded. The meeting point for this tour is near South Kensington station and they depart around 8 AM. 

I think this is a great tour for those looking to get a taste of this charming region. I love that this day trip includes free time in each village but you’ll also have your guide to ask any questions to. 

2 | Cotswolds, & Warwick Castle

Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds, & Warwick Castle Tour from London 

Price: $103.34

Duration: 10.5 hours 

Rating: 4.5 stars 

This is a great tour for those wanting to squeeze in as many historic sites as possible. I added this tour to the list because it includes Warwick Castle, the Cotswolds, Shakespeare’s birthplace, Oxford, and the University Church of St. Mary. 

You’ll spend most of your time in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and Warwick Castle. On this tour, you’ll only pass through the Cotswolds, so you won’t have free time to explore. 

For those who would simply like to see the English countryside and spend more of their time visiting historic sites in England, this could be the tour for you. Be prepared for a full day, it’s almost an 11-hour tour, and wear comfy shoes. 

3 | Oxford and The Cotswolds 

From London: Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Day Trip 

Price: €113.75

Duration: 10 hours 

Rating: 4.6 stars

This is a ten-hour long day trip to both the Cotswolds villages and Oxford. You’ll have free time in both Bibury and Burford in the Cotswolds. You’ll also explore Oxford for over two hours and see places like the Great Hall of the University of Oxford’s Christ Church College. 

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide and transportation. The meeting point is near Victoria Train Station. This is a great tour to experience the beauty outside of London. Two Cotswolds towns and a visit to Oxford is a wonderful way to spend a day. 

4 | Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, & Bath 

London: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, & Bath Full-Day Tour

Price: €118.54

Duration:  11.5 hours 

Rating: 4.3 stars

This day trip from London is a bit unique in the fact that it doesn’t visit any of the small Cotswolds villages but you will get to experience Bath. Bath is a city in England, known as the gateway to the Cotswolds. 

Bath is known for its stunning Georgian architecture, ancient Roman baths, and rich literary connections. It’s a beautiful city with so much to see and do. 

On this tour, you’ll get two hours in Bath, two hours in Windsor, and a little over an hour at Stonehenge. Windsor Castle was home to the Royal Family for 900 years, an iconic place to visit in England. And the ancient Stonehenge sets this London day trip aside from the others. Stonehenge is one of the most important prehistoric sites in England. 

5 | A Private Cotswolds Day Trip

Private Day in The Cotswolds Tour

Price: €580.74

Duration: 9 hours 

Rating: 5 stars 

If you have a group or simply want a personal experience, this is an excellent tour. You’ll get picked up in a black cab (something you have to experience in England) and head to explore the Cotswolds. 

Because it’s a private tour, you’ll have a say in your itinerary. The set itinerary online mentions a stop at Cogges Manor Farm, Asthall, Swinbrook, Burford, Shilton, and Bibury. 

You’ll get to experience the picturesque Cotswolds villages, enjoy lunch at a traditional Cotswolds pub, and learn all about this historic part of the UK. If you want the luxury of being with your own group, this is the tour for you! 

I hope you enjoyed this London to Cotswolds day trip guide! If you have any questions about visiting London or the Cotswolds, comment below or DM me on Instagram.

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