Things to do in

Woodstock, UK

Start your unforgettable Cotswold journey by boarding the minibus in Oxford. Then, set off on a scenic drive to the charming village of Minster Lovell. Enjoy seeing the pretty thatched houses and exploring the ruined 15th century Hall. Continue the route through the idyllic villages of Asthall and Swinbrook to Burford, the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'. Make a stop here to give you time to stroll around the sloping High Street and browse in the quirky shops and cafes. Next, travel further on your panoramic drive through the old quarrying villages of Taynton and the Barringtons towards Bourton-on-the-Water, the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'. Take a walk along the quaint River Windrush crossed with delightful stone bridges. From Bourton-on-the-Water, follow the route through some enchanting Cotswold villages to Broadway with its golden stone houses. Find a pub or cafe for lunch in this village which inspired artists and writers, such as Frank Millet, J M Barrie, and William Morris. After lunch, visit the beautiful market town of Chipping Campden, with its old market hall and wool church. Then, explore Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. Here you can browse among the narrow footpaths and the antique shops and art galleries. Finally, return to Oxford via the bustling market town of Chipping Norton with a final brief photo stop in Woodstock, the site of Blenheim Palace (the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill).

See the natural beauty of the North Cotswolds and historic Stratford-upon-Avon on a full-day tour from Oxford. Make several stops in quaint Cotswolds villages or towns and learn about the birthplace of Shakespeare. Head west from medieval Oxford and your first stop will be the quaint village of Great Tew with its pretty thatched cottages and delightful cafe. You then follow a route that takes you past more breathtaking views until you reach Stratford-upon-Avon. Here you’ll receive a tour of Shakespeare’s hometown, where you’ll see picturesque timber-framed houses, the famous Shakespeare theaters, the River Avon, and Shakespeare’s birthplace.   You continue the Shakespeare theme with a visit to Shottery, where you’ll see the enchanting home of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway. Leaving the Stratford area your journey takes you into the Cotswolds across rolling hills and quaint villages. Your first stop in the Cotswolds is in the charming old market town of Chipping Campden with its golden limestone buildings. Visit the old market hall and wander around the quirky shops. Another picturesque drive through narrow country lanes takes you to the pretty village of Snowshill with its charming stone cottages and 19c church. Your final stop is in the delightful village of Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the Venice of the Cotswolds with its enchanting river crossed by a series of stone bridges. Your return journey to Oxford takes you across stunning scenery through the old market town of Burford, the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'.

Our day trip from London begins with a visit to 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 we head to the stunning Cotswolds. We depart Oxford and drive to the gentle rolling limestone hills of the Cotswolds, driving down single track narrow country lanes in our minibus, exploring the back roads and little winding valleys. With an expert guide on board, we will learn of the rise and fall of the wool trade in this region and how it left behind a landscape untouched by the modern world, featuring small honey coloured stone villages and hidden green valleys with babbling streams. Our first stop is delightful Burford with stone houses cascading down to the River Windrush, see Woolsack tombs in the historic churchyard before we stop for a delicious lunch in a traditional Cotswolds country pub. Sit back and relax in an ancient stone hostelry and experience centuries-old tavern life in a world where a gentle, slower pace is the norm. We then visit Bibury with its photogenic collection of houses known as Arlington Row, before driving through stunning centuries old villages with photo stops. Our smaller vehicles are able to travel up the narrow Coln Valley on single track roads, passing fields of sheep and sleepy hamlets. Our last stop is bustling Stow on the Wold with its vibrant market square, before driving back to London passing through Chipping Norton and Woodstock.

Let's Explore Blenheim Palace - over 2000 acres of Parkland and 300 years of history (we may not get round round all 2000 acres, we'll see how we go!) Please make sure you have purchased your tickets directly from Blenheim before the day of your tour- I can email you link once you've booked. (£38 adults, £22 children 16 and under) You'll be collected from Oxford at 10am and driven to visit Blenheim Palace and gardens. Then you'll have lunch & explore the village of Woodstock, visit Churchill's grave and then be returned back to Oxford. See the grandeur of Blenheim Palace and the charming village of Woodstock in this captivating tour. Marvel at the opulent architecture and lush landscapes of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as you delve into its rich history and aristocratic heritage. Wander through the palace's stately rooms, beautifully adorned with art and antiques learning about Churchill and The Dukes of Marlborough. You can also pre book a Buggy Ride around the wonderful gardens designed by Capability Brown. Please note - the garden Buggy Rides are only available during the week and weekends from April onwards but there is a nice garden walk, close to the Palace that we can do instead of (or as well as!) Afterwards we step into the picturesque village of Woodstock, where you have lunch at The Star Inn (a Georgian Inn, with great food and atmosphere). Woodstock is known for its quaint streets and historic charm, so you'll have some free time to discover the local shops, enjoy a leisurely stroll, and soak in the delightful ambiance of this idyllic English setting. Note- lunch is not included in the price of you day out. We'll visit Churchill's grave in Bladon on our way back to Oxford. This tour promises a perfect blend of cultural richness and scenic beauty in the heart of Oxfordshire. We are flexible with start times and collection points in Oxford - please just ask.

The creation of Blenheim Palace was no easy achievement - the main architect was even refused entry to see his completed work. However, it is open today for all to enjoy its sumptuous interior and its expansive gardens, lake house, and maze. The palace entry ticket with audio guide worth £38 per person is also included in your ticket price. These tours are only offered as private group tours max 2-4 persons.  Your guided tour, which will highlight the history of the palace and the Marlborough family, will take place while walking through the gardens and grounds plus part of the palace. Enjoy free time to further explore the palace exhibition spaces and garden. Visit other parts of the palace and gardens on your own or enjoy a meal at the palace gardens cafe or interior restaurant. Scheduled start times can be revised provided you make such a request known when you book. Special Disclaimer Notice: From mid November until end December, the palace has a Christmas display exhibition which may partially obstruct viewing some items in the palace state rooms. Please take note of this fact, before you may book.

Blenheim Palace is a historic, cultural and architectural heritage site, built in a rare style of English Baroque. You can now discover its charms with an audio guide or Private Guide. This tour includes skip-the-line tickets and private car transfers from your accommodation in London. Spend a city break at a noble estate! Choose the 6,5-hour option to visit the Blenheim Palace and Gardens and enjoy a self-guided tour of the palace with their official audio guide available in 9 languages. This way you can explore the whole palace at your own pace without any rush. For your convenience, this tour includes round-trip transfers from your London accommodation with a licensed English-speaking driver in a private car. Skip-the-line tickets are also included to save you time. The official audio guide app will guide you through the recesses of one of the largest and most elegant houses in England, revealing its history and secrets.You will learn about the everyday life of the 18th-century nobility, expensive art, antique furniture and secret corridors. You can explore the palace’s upstairs, downstairs, the Sir Winston Churchill’ Birth Room and Exhibition, fabulous gardens, and more at your own pace. At the end, the driver will take you back to your accommodation in London. Choose the 7-hour option to visit the Blenheim Palace and Gardens and enjoy a private tour of the palace with their Official Guide. The tour can be conducted in English, German or French. The guide will show you the palace’s highlights and tell you about the most important events and people from its history. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, so you can do souvenir shopping or enjoy a stroll in the gardens.

Blenheim Palace tour for 6 hours from any Central London location in a private vehicle with professional driver. Blenheim Palace is a magnificent country house in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England. It is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace. The palace, one of England’s largest houses, was built between 1705 and 1722, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is the only non-royal house in England to hold the title of Palace. Wonder at the sight of this masterpiece of 18th Century Baroque architecture, built between 1705 and 1733 for John Churchill. Admire some of the finest antique collections in Europe and visit the unmissable Churchill and the Stables Exhibition. Take a stroll up to the Grand Cascades or around the lake to admire a breathtaking view and look out for the Column of Victory and Grand Bridge. Enjoy the breathtaking Formal Gardens with its Water Terraces and the Churchill Memorial Garden, and not forgetting the views of the Great Lake thanks to the accessible path from the West Courtyard.