Swinbrook

Discover quaint villages, tiny tea rooms, and 15th-century ruins on a day trip to the Cotswolds from Oxford. Explore Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and more unusually named places. Admire the scenery as you drive through the pretty countryside to picturesque villages. Departing from outside Oxford Railway Station in the morning at 10:00 AM, head to the village of Great Tew. Continue to Stow-on-the-Wold to reach the highest town in the region and browse the honey-colored buildings and tiny tea rooms. Visit the pretty village of Lower Slaughter before going to Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds", where you will have time for lunch. After lunch, discover the gateway to the Cotswolds in the village of Burford. Journey through the valley of the River Windrush and discover amazing villages such as Swinbrook along with the ruins of 15th-century Minster Lovell Hall. Departure will be late afternoon, returning to Oxford Railway Station by 5:00 PM

Set off on a scenic day trip with a small group from London and see some of the highlights of the Cotswolds. Visit filming locations from the show Downton Abbey, discover Highclere Castle, and admire the picturesque countryside in the region on this guided tour. Head to the Cotswolds countryside and visit some of the filming sites of Downton Abbey. Your first stop is Cogges Manor Farm located on the banks of the River Windrush. Learn of the farm’s role in Downton Abbey as Yew Tree Farm where Lady Edith's daughter Marigold was raised by the Drewe family. Visit the kitchens and Mr. Drewe’s living room, see the farmyard where many scenes were filmed, and watch a unique and special video about the farm's role in the popular television series. After a coffee break, continue on to the delightful village of Shilton, famous for its shallow ford and stone bridges; see the spot where Bates worked in the 'Red Lion' after being forced to leave Downton Abbey. Up next is the village of Swinbrook, where Lady Sybil and Tom Branson spent the night on their aborted elopement. Head to Bampton to see St Mary's Church, the scene of so many weddings and a funeral or two. During your guided walk, take in sites of interest including the cottage hospital (Bampton Library, entry included), Mrs. Crawley's house, the village green, the post office, Mrs. Patmore’s bed and breakfast, and The Grantham Arms pub. Next, make your way southwards from the Cotswolds to the chalk down land of Hampshire, home to magnificent Highclere Castle, known to many as Lord Grantham's family seat, Downton Abbey itself. Discover familiar locations both inside the castle and out. See where O’Brien tripped up Bates, where Kemal Pamuk’s body was moved, and the dining room where delicious dialogue was served up with decadent food. Visit Robert Crawley’s library and the various bedrooms, and walk down the grand staircase. Enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants here, before heading into the beautiful grounds. In the basement, there is a special Egyptology exhibition, thanks to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and his excavations in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Spend around three hours in Highclere Castle and its grounds before returning back to London.

Head away from London and to the rolling limestone hills of Oxfordshire to see key filming sites of the hit series Downton Abbey. The first stop on this full-day tour is Yew Tree Farm (Cogges). After a break for tea or coffee in the delightfully refurbished and rustic Cogges Café, you’ll enjoy a tour and learn about the relationship between the tenant farmers and landowners. Next you’ll take a short drive to Bampton, a picturesque Oxfordshire Cotswolds village. The village has been used extensively in Downton village filming. Bampton Library was the site of the Downton Cottage Hospital and doctors’ surgery. St. Mary’s Church became Downton Church and Churchgate House was used as the Crawley’s family home. Walk along the street that was the scene of shops, the post office, and the Grantham Arms. The stunning town of Burford, traditionally known as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, will be your destination for lunch. You’ll have a chance to see the famous Wool Church, built on the wealth of the wool trade, and have time to wander around this medieval market town. After lunch you’ll enjoy a drive through the Oxfordshire Cotswolds countryside, stopping en route at the Swan Inn in Swinbrook. The Swan Inn was the site of the elopement of Lady Sybil with Branson, the family’s chauffeur! On the approach to Blenheim Palace you’ll see the graves of Sir Winston and Lady Churchill in the village of Bladon. At Blenheim Palace your tour begins with an introduction to the upstairs and downstairs of a class-conscious life. Built in the early 18th century for the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, this historic stately home was the birthplace of Winston Churchill in 1874. Discover how the aristocracy lived and how the state apartments increased in importance, as you move from room to room. After the tour of the house, there will be time for a walk through the landscaped gardens to see the Temple of Diana where Sir Winston Churchill proposed to Clementine Hozier in 1908.

Departing from your hotel in the Northern Cotswold or Oxford at 10:00AM, you’ll start the day by visiting the fascinating village of Great Tew. From Great Tew continue on to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. Here you’ll have time to browse among honey-coloured buildings, cozy pubs, narrow streets, interesting shops and tiny tea rooms. Our next stop is the picturesque village of Lower Slaughter, one of the prettiest villages in the Northern Cotswolds and set in the most amazing countryside. Our next stop is arguably the most famous Cotswolds town and regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England; Bourton-on-the-Water. Known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ there is plenty to see and do with a wealth of attractions, shops, restaurants and tea rooms. From Bourton-on-the-Water your route takes you through some enchanting Cotswold villages to Burford, often called the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. In Burford we will enjoy lunch at an awarding winning Cotswolds pub where you can sample traditional ale out in the sunshine if you’d like. After lunch spend the afternoon traveling along the stunning Windrush Valley visiting hidden villages including Swinbrook, Asthall and the highlight of tour, the beautiful village and ancient ruins of Minster Lovell. This pretty village on the River Windrush boasts plenty of Cotswold stone and thatched roofs, as well as holding the title of being the region’s most haunted village. Minster Lovell is perhaps best known for the ruins of its 15th century hall, owned by generations of the Lovell family. Departure will be late afternoon returning to your hotel by 5:00PM.

Discover the a delightful blend of Downton Abbey allure and Cotswolds splendor on this private tour from London. Explore the quaint villages of Bampton, Asthall, and the bustling market town of Burford, all of which encapsulate the quintessence of English countryside charm. Along the way you will learn how locations such as Bampton and Asthall were used in the hit TV series Downton Abbey and hear behind-the-scenes details of how filming was managed in these much sought after locations. As you embark on this unforgettable journey from your central London accommodation, your passonate, experienced and expert guide will reveal all you could possibly want to know about the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Downton Abbey. As they escort you to the heart of Oxfordshire Cotswolds, they will immerse you in the captivating narratives of these picturesque locales, show you the best spots for a photo, and share with you some of the best boutique shops, cafes, and hidden local gems! There is even time for lunch in one of the best pubs that Britain has to offer! During the tour you will uncover the rich local history intertwined with the filming locations of the beloved television series, Downton Abbey, as you traverse through the breathtakingly beautiful Cotswolds towns and villages. At the start and end of your tour you will be picked-up and dropped-off at a central London location of your choosing. This takes all the hassle out of traveling from London to these much loved, and sometimes well hidden towns and villages.

Embark on a captivating tour through the picturesque Oxfordshire Cotswolds with our delightful Cotswolds tour. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Cotswolds stone architecture, thatched-roof cottages, and sweeping landscapes that have enchanted visitors for generations. Guided by one of our seasoned and amiable driver-guides, your experience will be nothing short of unforgettable. Departing from and returning to London, our knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of the Cotswolds' significance and why it remains a coveted destination for many seeking respite from urban life. As part of the tour, you will enjoy lunch at a traditional Cotswolds pub, get the chance to shop at some boutique stores, visit a farm that dates back to the 11th century, and delve into the rich history and local lore of the towns and villages we visit. During the tour you will also have the chance to uncovering hidden gems, small villages that are tucked away and local landmarks shared with us by Cotswolds residents. From quaint villages to historic sites, our tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the essence of the Cotswolds in just one memorable day. The tour includes, but is not limited to: A farm which had links back to the 11th century and which has a surprising link to the former Prime Minister Lord Cameron. Whilst here you will also have the opportunity to meet some of the many farm animals that roam the site, take photos, and explore the historic grounds. Asthall is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, renowned for its idyllic countryside setting, rich history, and architectural beauty. One of the villages’ notable features is its historic St. Nicholas Church, an architectural gem that dates back centuries. The church boasts intricate stonework, beautiful stained-glass windows, and a unique local clock. Inside, visitors can marvel at the remnants of pre-Reformation murals, providing a glimpse into the village's medieval past. Whilst at Asthall you will also discover the villages’ links to the famous and infamous Milford sisters, who gained notoriety in the early 20th century. Among these sisters, Nancy and Diana Mitford, were both prominent figures in British society, known for their wit, charm, and controversial associations. Who did they know who was so controversial? Find out on this tour! Burford is a picturesque market town nestled in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Cotswolds." Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning countryside, Burford is renowned for its medieval streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Burford's High Street, which is lined with quaint shops, traditional pubs, and charming cafes housed in centuries-old buildings is the perfect place to stop and shop. Here, visitors can browse for antiques, local crafts, and artisanal goods, or simply soak up the ambiance of this historic market town before continuing their journey.

Starting outside a 700 year old pub called the Old Swan in Minster Lovell village and finishing outside the Anglican church in Burford market town, step back through time with an engaging walking tour through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. View the famous grassland thatched medieval villages, churches — most notably, the historic Saxon church built on top of a Roman villa — Norman villages and the distinctive local yellow limestone homes. This tour is a rural walk. Enjoy a leisurely walk of 8 to 12 miles, depending on whether you prefer a shorter or a longer route plan. Stop to see the sights, enjoy lunch in a beautiful setting and pick fruit along the way during berry picking season. The reduced 8 miles route does require pre booking a taxi to drive part of the walk & that might cost up to £40 extra as this is a rural area where taxis charge minimum fares to collect us. Lunch table is booked at the award winning Swan Inn pub in Swinbrook village. Note that the cost of the meal is not included in the tour activity.