Just a short 30 minute drive from Oxford is the village of Burford. Often dubbed ‘The Gateway to The Cotwolds’, this village is rich in character and history, dating back to The English Civil War when Burford became a gathering place for rebels in Oliver Cromwell’s army. Today the village has a wonderful selection of unique shops and cafes to amble your way through, as well one of the finest medieval ‘wool churches’ anywhere in the country. Please check opening hours of Burford’s St John The Baptist Church if you intend to go inside.
Private Tour to Oxford and The Cotswolds From London
See two very different sides of England in one carefully planned private Oxford and Cotswolds tour from London. Explore the historic streets and university buildings of Oxford before heading into the Cotswolds for village walks, countryside views and a traditional pub lunch.
Reasons to Book This Private Tour to Oxford and The Cotswolds From London
- 100% 5* Rating on TripAdvisor
- Private Tour
- Hotel Pickup
- Bespoke Itineries
- Tailored Talks to Your Own Interests
Tailored Tours Welcomes You On Your Private Tour to Oxford and The Cotswolds. Please look below for some more information about your day:
1. Visit Oxford
We welcome you to this tour of literature, education & unrivalled beauty as we take you on a journey to the beautiful county of Oxfordshire. In the morning we take you to the oldest English Speaking University in the World. The Victorian poet Matthew Arnold once dubbed Oxford ‘the City of Dreaming Spires’ after the stunning architecture of the city’s buildings.
Private Walking Tour of Oxford
Quite remarkably, Oxford boasts over a thousand listed buildings from every major period of British architectural history from the 11th century onwards… but making sense of it all is where your guide comes into the picture! The varied architecture transforms this city an enchanted fairy-tale, with inspirations drawn from Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ novels to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter movies. Your expert tour guide will take you through the city centre on a walking tour where you will see where some of these scenes were filmed and of course explain about the magnificent history of Oxford’s famous graduates.
2. Burford
3. Stow-on-the-Wold
If you’re looking for a village that has it all in terms of cute little shops, quiet backstreets and old pubs, look no further. Stow’s character dates back over a thousand years to when it was a Saxon settlement on a hill (or wold). Part of the Saxon remains are inside The Porch House which is the Oldest English Inn in England! The local church also has Saxon routes, and boasts one of the prettiest doors in the country. This door (pictured) was said to be J.R.R. Tolkien’s inspiration for the Doors of Durin in his Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
4. Upper Slaughter
The twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter are amongst some of our favourite villages to tour to because they are so remote. In our 8 seat tour van we can get away from the big bus tours to enjoy these very quiet little villages and their cotswold charm. Upper Slaughter has a ford (river crossing) that we can drive through (subject to weather) and you can catch a glimpse of scenes filmed from the popular series Father Brown.
5. Lower Slaughter
Lower Slaughter’s main street has recently been voted by Google Maps as ‘The Most Romantic Street in Britain’ following over 20,000 votes in a poll. The Water Mill in Lower Slaughter dates back to The Doomsday Book of 1086 and is still in working order today! A tea room, shop and museum are also located within the building.
6. Bourton-on-the-Water
Known as ‘The Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most popular towns in the Cotswolds. Attractive features include walking along the River Windrish that runs through the centre of the town and the picturesque views it has to offer. You may also want to pay a visit to the Queen’s provider of personalised scents at The Cotswold Perfumery. For children, they also have a maze, model village and bird centre to enjoy.
Why Go Private?
With so many stunning Cotswold Villages to choose from, we think you’d be crazy not to want your very own private driver and guide for the day. For up to 10 hours you’ll have the pleasure of one of our superb tour guides that know Oxford and The Cotswolds like the back of their hands. You’ll be able to create an itinerary on the day with your guide and have full control of your own timings.
March 2026 – February 2027 Price List:
| Service | 1 Passenger | 2-3 Passengers | 4-5 Passengers | 6-7 Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Hour Private Day Tour From London | £850 | £900 | £1000 | £1050 |
| Cruise Transfer From Cruise Ship - London Hotel | £850 | £900 | £1000 | N/A |
| Cruise Transfer From London Hotel - Cruise Ship | £800 | £850 | £900 | N/A |
| Multi-Day Tours (Per Day) | £1100 | £1125 | £1200 | £1260 |
- Group Size: 1 to 8 passengers
- Locations: Oxford, Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter
- Trip Duration: 10 Hours
- Tour Type: Private sightseeing tour
- Transportation: Expert driver-guide in a private vehicle
- Departure Location: London
- Return Location: London
07:30 – Depart London – Meet your driver-guide at your agreed London pickup point and settle into your private vehicle for the drive towards Oxford.
The morning drive takes you out of London and into Oxfordshire. The guide can share information about the places along the route as you head towards one of England’s most famous university cities.
09:15 – Arrive in Oxford – Arrive in Oxford and begin your sightseeing around the historic city centre.
The destination you may know is popular for its university colleges and distinctive architecture. You can walk through the centre and see some of the city’s wonderful sights, including the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera and the historic college buildings from the outside.
11:30 – Depart Oxford – Leave Oxford and drive into the Cotswolds.
The route takes you through the English countryside towards Burford, also popularly known as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds”. There is a brief opportunity to stop for photographs before continuing towards Stow-on-the-Wold.
12:15 – Arrive Stow-on-the-Wold | Lunch Stop – Arrive in Stow-on-the-Wold for a village visit and lunch.
Take a look at the famous door at St Edward’s Church, which is said to have inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin. The church and surrounding streets provide a lovely setting for a short walk through the village.
Lunch is planned at The Porch House, a traditional pub that is England’s oldest inn, subject to availability.
13:45 – Depart Stow-on-the-Wold – Drive from Stow-on-the-Wold to Upper Slaughter. The drive is scenic and gives views of the beautiful rolling hills of the Cotswolds
14:15 – Arrive Upper Slaughter – Upon arrival in Upper Slaughter, take a walk through the village.
The village is made up of winding streets and scenic buildings. Taking a leisurely walk through the village provides chances to take scenic photos.
14:45 – Depart for Lower Slaughter – Leave Upper Slaughter and drive to Lower Slaughter.
The two villages are close to each other, so there is no need for a lengthy drive between them. You get time to see both locations within the same afternoon.
15:00 – Arrive Lower Slaughter – Arrive in Lower Slaughter and take a walk by the River Eye and see historic buildings and a historic windmill in Lower Slaughter
15:45 – Depart the Cotswolds – Leave the Cotswolds and begin the return drive to London.
After a morning in Oxford and an afternoon exploring several Cotswolds villages, you can settle into the private vehicle for the journey back.
17:30 – Arrive London – Arrive back in London and finish your tour with a drop-off at your hotel or a central location of your choice.
The full itinerary is planned for around 10 hours, during which you get to cover Oxford and several distinctive Cotswolds locations in one private sightseeing day.
The Oxford and Cotswolds day trip from London includes the following:
- Fuel costs
- Guided commentary
- Sightseeing in Oxford
- Photo stop in Burford
- Visit to Stow-on-the-Wold
- Visit to Upper Slaughter
- Visit to Lower Slaughter
- Hotel or central London drop-off
What’s Not Included
The following costs are not included in the Oxford and Cotswolds private day tour price we prepared:
- Entrance fees to attractions in Oxford
- Lunch at The Porch House
- Drinks and refreshments
- Personal purchases
- Wheelchair assistance
- Any activity not listed in the itinerary
The Oxford and Cotswolds day trip from London includes the following:
- Fuel costs
- Guided commentary
- Sightseeing in Oxford
- Photo stop in Burford
- Visit to Stow-on-the-Wold
- Visit to Upper Slaughter
- Visit to Lower Slaughter
- Hotel or central London drop-off
What’s Not Included
The following costs are not included in the Oxford and Cotswolds private day tour price we prepared:
- Entrance fees to attractions in Oxford
- Lunch at The Porch House
- Drinks and refreshments
- Personal purchases
- Wheelchair assistance
- Any activity not listed in the itinerary
- Your booking confirmation will include your agreed pickup time, route and drop-off details.
- The itinerary has been planned to cover Oxford and the Cotswolds within a 10-hour private tour. Traffic and road conditions can affect the exact arrival and departure times during the day.
- Your driver-guide is in charge of the itinerary and keeps you informed about the tour. The timing of the lunch stop at The Porch House is subject to availability.
- The guide may pick you up from a location different from the one you specified, but tells you this in advance and gives you the opportunity to choose a different time.
- The Private Cotswolds tour from London includes several walking stops, so comfortable footwear is recommended. The village sections include uneven paths and historic lanes in places.
- A full refund is available when you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the trip starts.
- Poor weather can affect the private tour, and our tour team can cancel the trip. But don’t worry, as we will inform you in advance and discuss a refund or change in schedule.
- It is recommended to check your booking confirmation for the cancellation conditions connected with your reservation.
Questions about your pickup point, Oxford sightseeing, Cotswolds stops, lunch arrangements or return time? The MyTailoredTours team can help before your trip.
You can call or email the team with questions about your booking, pickup details or the itinerary.
Call: +44 20 4620 4272
Email: enquiries@mytailoredtours.com
When to Visit Oxford and the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds change character throughout the year, and each season has a different atmosphere to the villages and countryside. Oxford also has its own seasonal rhythm, so the time of year can shape the experience of the day.
May | Fresh Countryside and Mild Days
May can be a pleasant month for a private Oxford tour from London, with spring greenery across the countryside and comfortable conditions for walking around Oxford and the Cotswold villages.
July | Longer Days and Summer Countryside
July is a warmer summer month with plenty of daylight for a full sightseeing schedule. The more daylight hours mean more time to walk through Oxford before heading into the Cotswolds.
September | Pleasant Walking Conditions
September can be a good time for the Luxury Oxford and Cotswolds tour, particularly for travellers who prefer the countryside during the transition from summer towards autumn.
Oxford remains lively, while the Cotswolds begin to take on early autumn colours. The combination of historic streets, village walks and countryside views gives the day a varied character.
November | Autumn Atmosphere
November is a shivering month with a different look to the Cotswolds.
The stone villages can have a quieter atmosphere, and Oxford’s architecture provides plenty to see during the city portion of the tour. Warm layers, comfortable shoes and a rain jacket are sensible choices for this time of year.
Before You Set Off
A little preparation can make a full day of sightseeing easier, especially with walking stops in Oxford and several Cotswolds villages.
- Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking.
- Carry a light waterproof jacket or rain layer.
- Get information about the weather before leaving London.
- Keep a bottle of water with you.
- Charge your phone or camera for photographs.
- Carry any required medication.
- Take a card or some cash with you for personal spending.
- Keep your booking confirmation available.
- Confirm your London pickup and drop-off points.
- Check lunch arrangements at The Porch House.
The London to Oxford and Cotswolds tour includes several different environments during the day. So, whatever you wear or carry must be appropriate to ease your sightseeing schedule.
Book Your Oxford and Cotswolds Tour From London
Spend a day exploring beautiful places at a relaxed pace on the private Oxford and Cotswolds Tour from London by MyTailoredTours. With us, you have the chance to travel through two of England’s most charming destinations in one private day tour.
Our team will organize your private tour, so you don’t have to worry about the logistics and can just have fun all day. To schedule your private tour with us, just inform us about your preferred London pick-up point and your ideal tour itinerary.
FAQs
Q1. Is your itinerary for Oxford and the Cotswolds coverable in a day?
A.Yes, our itinerary covers both locations and is definitely doable in one day. We’ll spend the morning in Oxford and the afternoon in some of the picturesque villages in the Cotswolds.
Q2. Are meals on the tour included?
A. Meals are not included in the tour cost. However, we can arrange the booking for you to have lunch in Stow-on-the-Wold.
Q3. What other villages are we visiting?
A.Other than Stow-on-the-Wold, we’ll visit both Upper and Lower Slaughter and Burford for a quick photo stop.
Q4. What attractions in Oxford will we see?
A.We’ll see some of the world-famous universities and other historic colleges in Oxford, like the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera.
Q5. What kind of physical activity should I expect?
A.Expect to do some walking in Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper and Lower Slaughter, and other villages in the Cotswolds. Wear comfortable shoes for historic town and village centers.
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