Oxford, Cotswolds & Stratford upon Avon
From March 2024 this tour will change to Oxford, Cotswolds & Country Pub Lunch.
Please see new tour details here.
- Available every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday
- Book direct with us for Best Rates guarateed
- Preview your day trip adventure here
Visit three of England’s must-see destinations in one day on this small-group tour to Oxford, the Cotswolds, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and take in the pretty countryside scenery of Cotswold villages including Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold. Stroll among the secluded cloisters, dreaming spires, and historic colleges of Oxford, and admire the Divinity School’s impressive medieval architecture. Travel in a small group with your guide for a more personal experience, and reach parts of the pretty countryside the larger coaches can’t pass.
Highlights
- Take in three top English attractions in one adventurous day
- Wander among the dreaming spires of Oxford with your expert guide
- Visit the house William Shakespeare was born in, in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Spin through the scenic Cotswolds to pretty villages such as Stow-on-the-Wold
- Admission is included to Shakespeare's birthplace and the Divinity School, Oxford
- Reach corners of the English countryside the larger coaches can’t pass
- Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 16 people
Itinerary
Stratford-upon-Avon
The first stop on your day trip is Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. On arrival, take a guided tour of the town by minibus. Admire timber-framed Tudor buildings such as the church and school, that survive from Shakespeare's own lifetime. Visit the house Shakespeare was born in, stop for a photo outside the childhood home of Anne Hathaway — William Shakespeare's wife — and enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. During your tour, your guide will bring the Great Bard’s formative early years to life.
The Cotswolds
Travel in comfort along narrow country lanes to idyllic Burford, vibrant and charming Bourton-on-the-Water, sleepy Taynton, and the picturesque twin villages of Great and Little Rissington. Along the way, enjoy fine views over the meandering streams and sleepy hamlets for which the Cotswolds are famous, and head off the tourist trail to corners of the countryside the larger tour coaches can’t reach. In the delightful town of Stow-on-the-Wold, admire the village green and historic market square, and perhaps stop for lunch in one of the fine historic pubs or traditional tea rooms.
Oxford
The final stop on your tour is Oxford, city of dreaming spires. Here, follow your guide in the footsteps of famous alumni such as author J. R. R. Tolkien, poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, and renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. Wander down narrow back streets to ancient colleges and pretty quadrangles, and soak up the atmosphere in this bustling university city. You’ll also visit Oxford University's oldest classroom — the medieval Divinity School. When your walking tour comes to an end, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure before returning in comfort to London.
Please note that The Divinity School may close on short notice, in these circumstances, we will include a visit to an alternative college if available.
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Please ensure you arrive at your allocated departure point at least 10 minutes before your departure time.
| Time | Departure point |
|---|---|
| 07:15am | Outside The British Museum main entrance on Great Russell Street (MAP). Nearest tube stations are Holborn or Tottenham Court Road. |
| 07:30am | Outside the Cumberland Hotel main entrance, Marble Arch (formerly the Hard Rock Hotel). (MAP) Nearest tube station is Marble Arch |
|
07:45am |
Outside Gloucester Road Tube station, meet at the station exit. (MAP) |
If you intend to travel to our central London meeting points by public transport, you can plan your journey in advance on the Transport for London website - click here
TOUR TIMINGS
|
| TIME | DESTINATION |
|---|---|---|
| Departs Arrives |
07:45am 10:15am |
Central London Stratford Upon Avon |
|
Departs Arrives |
11:45am 12:30pm |
Stratford Upon Avon Tour of Cotswolds villages including Bourton on the Water, the Rissingtons, Burford and Stow on the Wold |
| Departs Arrives |
1:30pm 3:00pm |
Cotswolds Villages Oxford |
|
Departs Arrives |
4:30pm 6:30pm |
Oxford London Victoria Station |
Please note that all timings above are estimated and assuming normal traffic conditions. Due to the changeable nature of road conditions, we cannot guarantee a precise time when you will get back to London, it is usually between 6-7pm.
On the return to London your driver will drop you at Victoria Train Station in the city centre. This is one of the largest transport stations in London, with excellent connections to all parts of London and beyond.
Helpful Information about the day of your Tour
Oxford, Cotswolds & Stratford Upon Avon
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Are the meeting points easy to find?
- YES! All are within short walking distances of tube and bus stops, and very easy access for taxis. We recommend you arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time. Your International Friends day trip has been carefully planned to ensure maximum enjoyment, which sadly means we cannot delay our departure times to wait for latecomers. This would impact the day's itinerary and could mean we miss booked entry times at attractions. If you are running late please phone the emergency number and our team will help you. If you miss the departure for your tour, you are welcome to join the tour at the first scheduled stop. Any expenses incurred in doing so will be at your own expense. Refunds cannot be issued for passengers who miss their tours departure through their own late arrival.
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How will I identify the International Friends vehicle at the meeting point?
- Depending on the number of people travelling on a particular day we use 8 or 16 seater executive vehicles. On arrival at the pick up location the guide/driver will announce themselves, will be holding a sign reading “International Friends” and will be aware of your names ready to welcome you on board.
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How much time at each sightseeing stop?
- Stratford Upon Avon - We spend approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Time to visit Shakespeare's birthplace and home, Anne Hatthaways cottage and then enjoy some free time exploring this beautiful historic Town
- Cotswolds - In total you will spend around 2 hours visiting some truly stunning Cotswolds villages. By travelling in small, executive vehicles we can drive along the back-roads and visit beautiful villages large coaches cannot access. Photo stops are included and we take our lunch stop in the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold.
- Oxford - Our last stop of the day and we spend approximately 1 hour 30 minutes in Oxford. Your expert guide will take you on a wonderful walking tour of the university colleges, before you have some free time to explore the city yourself.
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Are entries into the attractions included in my ticket price?
- Entries into Shakespeare's Birthplace & Divinity School are included.
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How much of the University of Oxford will we see?
- Surprising to some, Oxford University is not just 1 building but is in fact made up of 45 separate colleges. Your expert guide will give you a tour to see some of the most famous colleges including entry to Divinity School.
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How can I find out more information about the attractions we will see on this tour?
- Shakespeare's Birthplace - www.shakespeare.org.uk/
- Oxford & Divinity School - https://discoveroxfordshire.com/things-to-do/the-divinity-school/
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Is food and drink included in my tour?
- Unless specifically stated as part of the itinerary, our tours do not include food and drink. There will be opportunities to buy food whilst touring, and to maximise time spent sightseeing you are welcome to bring a packed lunch with you.
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Can I bring food and drink onboard the vehicle?
- There is to be NO Hot Food or Beverages (exception if hot beverage is in a sealed reusable thermal cup) on board the coaches due to the risk of scalds or burns and smells remaining on board the vehicle. Only Cold food & beverages with screw top lids are to be taken on board any vehicle. All litter must be taken from the vehicle and disposed of appropriately.
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How much walking is involved in this tour?
- Stratford Upon Avon - A very short walk walk from the coach park to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Cotswold / Stow-on-theWold - Very limited walking involved centered around photo stops
- Oxford - There will be a 45 minute guided walking tour in Oxford.
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What should I wear?
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British weather can be variable and so guests are advised to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. It is recommended to bring some warm clothes with you especially in the winter months and layers are good for adapting to the ever-changing weather conditions. It is a good idea to wear appropriate footwear as there is walking involved on our tours. England is known for its rain so it is advisable to bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella with you.
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How many people will be joining this tour?
- This is one of our Small & Friendly tours. You will benefit from being in a small group of maximum 16 people with our expert guide.
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Do we need to tip staff?
- Tips are entirely at the customer's discretion and in no way expected. Should you feel inclined to tip, your driver or guide would be grateful, but you should not feel obliged. A 10% tip is considered customary in the UK.
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What time do we arrive back in London?
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We aim to arrive back in London at approximately 6:30pm. Please note that all timings above are estimated and assuming normal traffic conditions. Due to the changeable nature of road conditions, we cannot guarantee a precise time when you will arrive back in London. On the return to London your driver will drop you at Victoria Train Station in the city centre. This is one of the largest transport stations in London, with excellent connections to all parts of London and beyond.
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