A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds covers nearly 800 square miles – taking in the elegant city of Bath in the southwest all the way up to Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon in the northeast – and stretches across six historic counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Somerset. So it’s no wonder planning an itinerary on your own might feel daunting! Which is where we come in. We know every nook and cranny of the Cotswolds and have designed the perfect private tours whether you have one day or a whole week to explore.
How to do the Cotswolds in a day
We’ve curated two comprehensive 8-hour tours that deliver an idyllic Cotswolds experience in a single day: the Famous North Cotswolds Tour and the South Cotswolds Tour. Led by our experienced driver-guides, whose knowledge and expertise are second to none, you’ll visit must-see sights as well as hidden gems far away from the tourist trail.
From the north’s gorgeous village of Broadway (so beautiful it’s nicknamed the Jewel of the Cotswolds) with its artistic heritage and picture-perfect, honey-coloured buildings, to Castle Combe where Stephen Spielberg’s War Horse was filmed, the unique charm of the Cotswolds will make your day an unforgettable experience whichever tour you choose.
Some of our other favourite highlights in the north include the enchanting hamlets of Upper and Lower Slaughter on the tranquil River Eye and the magnificent Sudeley Castle where Henry VIII’s last wife Catherine Parr is buried. And, of course, there’s Bourton-on-the-Water, the so-called Venice of the Cotswolds, which has a charm all of its own.
The south Cotswolds is home to the village of Bibury with its famous weavers’ cottages on Arlington Row, probably the most photographed Cotswolds street in the world – it even appears on the inside cover of UK passports. There’s also Highgrove House, the family residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, whose gardens you can visit, and nearby Tetbury which is a treasure trove of antique shops.
The Cotswolds in two days
If you can’t choose between the north and the south, we also offer a North & South Cotswolds Tour that takes in both areas over two glorious days. Or, our Short Break in the Cotswolds gives you two leisurely days exploring the quintessential historic market towns and chocolate-box villages of the iconic north in more depth.
Our driver-guides pick you up from your accommodation or Cotswolds arrival point in a luxury Mercedes V Class, spacious enough for seven passengers and luggage. All you have to do is sit back and relax, enjoy the great views, hear about the rich history of the area from your knowledgeable driver-guide and visit some of the most beautiful spots in England.
As one happy client wrote: ‘Having the guides was a life-changing travel experience! We learned so much, went to places we never would have found and had no stress as someone else was driving us in a luxury vehicle! This was the best decision ever!!’ Martha S, Cincinnati, TripAdvisor
The Cotswolds in a week
Our Discover the Cotswolds 7-Day Holiday offers a more indulgent, leisurely break where you have the opportunity to really get to know the idyllic villages, historic houses and famous gardens of this rural haven. You’ll also visit William Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, the Georgian city of Bath where the iconic Roman Baths still remain, and Oxford, the home of England’s oldest university.
The holiday includes airport transfers, luxurious accommodation, all your touring and private driver-guides in a luxury Mercedes V Class, and the flexibility of tailoring days to suit your needs, whether that’s us making dinner reservations for you at one of the area’s restaurants with Michelin stars or recommending an indulgent spa.
So, if you’re visiting England and are wondering how many days you need to enjoy the Cotswolds, the answer is one, two or seven!
By booking your Cotswold tour or holiday with Rosehill Travel, you’re in safe hands knowing we will show you the best the region has to offer, led by our expert driver-guides who will share their rich knowledge of this beautiful slice of England.
We can’t wait to help you plan your luxury experience with us.
