Private Day in the Cotswolds Tour

The Private Day in the Cotswolds Tour offers a well-curated escape from London’s bustle into the enchanting countryside of the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Priced at $691.19 per person, this private tour provides an intimate experience with pickup included, ideal for those seeking a personalized adventure. With a typical booking window of 78 days in advance and a duration of about 9 hours, it balances comprehensive sightseeing with a relaxed pace. While the tour is suitable for most travelers, it involves several walking stops and some outdoor exposure, so comfortable shoes are recommended. This tour is especially appealing to fans of Downton Abbey, history buffs, and those who appreciate scenic villages and countryside views.

Key Points

• Private experience offering personalized attention from the guide
• Visits to iconic villages like Burford, Bampton, and Asthall
• Entry to Cogges Manor Farm included in the price
• Stops at Downton Abbey filming locations and scenic villages
• A delicious pub lunch at The Swan Inn (lunch not included in the ticket)
• Approximately 9 hours long with flexible, well-paced stops

How the Tour Starts: Early Morning Pickup from London

The tour begins at 9:00 am with a convenient pickup in London, making it easy to leave the city behind for a day of exploring the Cotswolds. The private nature of the tour means only your group participates, ensuring a tailored experience. The journey takes you through rolling countryside as you head westward, with the guide providing insights even before reaching your first stop.

Visiting Cogges Manor Farm: Downton Abbey’s Yew Tree Farm

The first stop is Cogges Manor Farm, which doubles as Yew Tree Farm in the hit TV series Downton Abbey. Your guide offers a tour of the charming farmhouse, sharing stories about its role in the series and its status as a community-owned property. The farm includes a variety of animals, such as Sandy and Black Pigs, with some of these animals having surprising links to a former Prime Minister. The admission ticket is included, making this a seamless start to the day. Expect about an hour exploring the farm, learning about its history, and taking photos of the bucolic scenery.

Exploring Asthall: Birthplace of the Mitford Sisters

Next, you visit Asthall, a picturesque village known as the childhood home of the Mitford sisters, influential figures in 20th-century Britain. Here, you learn about how these sisters rose to fame and their connections to Hitler and the Dukes of Devonshire. The village features St Nicholas Church, a stunning structure that includes a local clock and faded pre-Reformation murals. The visit is brief, around 15 minutes, but offers a glimpse into both history and local charm without an entry fee.

Enjoying a Traditional Pub Lunch at The Swan Inn

A highlight of the day is a stop at The Swan Inn, a well-loved pub known for its delicious food. David Cameron, the former Prime Minister, is known to have visited this pub, adding a touch of political history. Guests have the option to enjoy a pub lunch here, although lunch expenses are not included in the tour price. The one-hour break allows plenty of time for a relaxed meal and conversation, with the guide sharing interesting tidbits about the pub’s history and clientele.

Scenic Drive Through Swinbrook and Film Location Highlights

After lunch, the tour drives through Swinbrook, a village synonymous with the Mitford family, and offers photo opportunities of its pretty cottages and forded river. Your guide points out landmarks used in the film series Bridget Jones, adding a layer of film fandom to the countryside experience. The scenic drive continues through several quaint villages, showcasing the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds’ landscape.

Discovering Burford: The Quintessential Cotswold Town

The next prominent stop is Burford, often called the jewel of the Cotswolds. This chocolate-box village features a beautiful High Street lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes. Visitors have 45 minutes to stroll, shop for souvenirs, and take photos of the stunning architecture. No entry fee applies here, but the picturesque setting makes it perfect for leisurely exploration and capturing memorable images of traditional Cotswold stone buildings.

Visiting Shilton: A Picture-Perfect Village with Historic Charm

Next, the route takes you through Shilton, a village distinguished by a forged river, centuries-old cottages, and a historic pub. This stop lasts around 15 minutes, giving just enough time to appreciate the picturesque scenery and snap photos of the charming cottages and historic pub. Shilton’s scenery makes it one of the most beautiful villages in the area, according to the tour descriptions.

Bampton: The Downton Abbey Filming Village

The final stop is Bampton, renowned as the filming location for Downton Abbey’s village scenes across all six series and the feature film. Here, the guide explains the behind-the-scenes filming stories and provides opportunities to take photos outside some of the iconic buildings. Visitors can explore the 12th-century church at the center of the village, learning about its history and architecture. This stop lasts about an hour and is the perfect way to conclude a day of sightseeing, especially for Downton fans.

The Logistics and Comfort of the Tour

The private nature of the tour ensures a personalized experience, with transportation arranged for your group. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and near public transportation options available. The duration of approximately 9 hours provides a comprehensive look at the Cotswolds’ best sites without feeling rushed, yet enough flexibility remains for spontaneous photo stops or questions.

Value and Booking Tips

At $691.19 per person, this tour offers a full day’s experience with entry to Cogges Farm included. The group discounts and the mobile ticket option add convenience. Since booking occurs on average 78 days in advance, early reservation is recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons. The free cancellation policy provides peace of mind, allowing cancellations up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This private tour combines scenic village visits, famous filming locations, and historic sites in a well-paced, engaging format. The knowledgeable guides and personalized service shine through, making it a top choice for Downton Abbey fans and lovers of British countryside. While the lunch is not included, the stops at notable pubs and towns make up for it with authentic local atmosphere.

Suitable Audience for the Cotswolds Private Tour

This tour appeals most to history enthusiasts, film buffs, and scenery lovers. It’s especially well-suited for those who prefer a private, guided experience rather than self-led travel. The 9-hour schedule allows ample time to enjoy the villages and sites without feeling overwhelmed, making it ideal for a relaxed yet comprehensive day trip.

Final Thoughts on the Private Cotswolds Day Trip

The Private Day in the Cotswolds Tour offers a high-quality, personalized way to explore some of England’s most picturesque villages and historic filming locations. The expert guides, scenic stops, and entry to Cogges Farm provide excellent value for the price. While lunch is an extra expense, the experience itself remains memorable and well-organized. This tour is perfect for those looking to combine countryside beauty with TV history in a comfortable, private setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, the tour is designed to suit most travelers, including children and seniors, as it involves some walking but no strenuous activity. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Outside of the pub lunch stop, there are no restrictions on bringing snacks or drinks, but most will opt for the provided stops in towns and the pub meal.

Is transportation included in the price?
Yes, the tour provides private transportation for your group, with pickup in London and guided driving throughout the day.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 15 minutes at Asthall and Shilton, to 45 minutes at Burford, and 1 hour at Cogges Farm and Bampton.

Are there any additional costs besides the ticket?
Yes, lunch at The Swan Inn is not included in the ticket price, and individual shopping or personal expenses are extra.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes suitable for walking are advised, as some stops involve outdoor exploration.