Downton Abbey in the Cotswolds

On 19 July we will be running one of our ‘Summer Specials’ to Highclere Castle and the Cotswolds. What a perfect combination – the majestic Highclere Castle and other Downton Abbey locations with the beauty of the Cotswolds!

Our Tours

Downton Abbey and the Cotswolds

Take a trip back in time to the set of Downton Abbey on our full-day tour to Highclere Castle and the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Rover

An unforgettable introduction to one of Britain’s finest regions. Perfect half-day tour for those wanting to experience the delights of the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Taster

Extended half-day tour from Oxford, ideal for those who would love to see some of the Cotswold villages, but cannot spare a whole day.

Cotswold Exploring is awarded TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2019

We are delighted to announce that Cotswold Exploring has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor for 2019 in...

May 23, 2019

15 Trees Planted in the Andes

In collaboration with One Tree Planted, Cotswold Exploring customers planted 15 trees in the Andes in November! Thank you for...

December 3, 2021

Walking the ‘Cotswold Way’

This week our team has been out and about exploring some of the fantastic walking paths in the Cotswolds in...

August 13, 2018

Joyce Zhang

14:07 11 Nov 22

What a lovely day we had in the Cotswolds! We went in early November and were very lucky to be the only ones, so we had an unexpected private tour. The weather was lovely, and the bus was exceptionally comfortable.

Our guide, Isobel, had a considerable amount of information about each town/village, and we appreciated her information during the drive while giving us time in each location to explore freely. We were also able to drive through some lovely villages that were more off the beaten track and probably would not have visited otehrwise. Looking back, I am really glad we chose this tour rather than self-driving.

For those considering a trip to the Cotswolds, I cannot recommend this tour more!

Chris Prince

18:47 20 Oct 22

It was a long day, but never boring or tedious. Isabelle and David were spectacular hosts. They exhibit tremendous knowledge of their immediate surroundings, and English history/tradition/custom on the whole. In addition to more "regular" stops, they put great effort - and empathy - into providing off-the-path diversions as well. We made frequent stops at legitimate sights, never having to sit too long. The group size was less than a dozen. Isabelle and David were also personally engaging, taking time to talk with all their guests to insure everyone was having a good time. We heard lots, saw more, had a great lunch, and enjoyed ourselves royally. If an 8 hour day is too much for you, they have other options that fit your interest and schedule. Do not book anyone else's tour, this is the one you want.

Derek G

03:57 29 Aug 22

Highest recommendation! This is the tour operator to choose for experiencing the Cotswolds. We did the Cotswold Explorer tour on a lovely August day. The full-day outing was packed with stops and drive by sights, but it was not at all exhausting. Isobel and David are amazing tour guides and they seem to love their work. Both are kind and pleasant; Isobel's commentary is delightful to listen to, while David is an excellent driver with a reassuring presence. Their van is clean, comfortable, and provides great views of the breathtaking countryside. Thank you, Cotswold Exploring, for an experience we will treasure always.

Pamela S

16:29 10 Jun 22

We took the Cotswold Explorer summer tour and it was a lovely day exploring the area.

The tour took us through the variety of Cotswold area with lots of stories and information shared. At each stop, restaurant and coffee shop recommendations were made that didn’t disappoint.

Highly recommend booking a tour with Cotswold Exploring. A wonderful experience.

Stefane Desmond

07:32 31 May 22

This was a great trip, that picked up from an easy location to get to in Oxford. The guide, was wonderful and knowledgeable. It was 5.5 hours but it didn’t feel too long at all. The drive to and through the Cotswolds was adorable. They picked great stops for us to walk around and shop at. They brought us to the best places to take pictures, as well for a memorable trip. The driver and guide went above and beyond when my mum asked where she could get a Sunday dinner back in Oxford. They called a bunch of restaurants to check. Would definitely recommend! It is such a charming area!

Morgan C

17:22 12 Apr 22

My husband and I did the Cotswold Explorer full day tour, and we had a blast! Isobel and David have lived in the area for years and are incredibly knowledgeable. We probably passed through 10 towns/villages, and stopped in 4 or 5. Isobel shared history about each and every one of the places. David was an excellent driver and carefully navigated the narrow roads for a comfortable riding experience. This tour is well worth your time and money! We would love to return and do the Downton Abbey tour.

Arisa Nakagoe

22:08 11 Sep 21

I am so glad to have found this perfect tour! It was a lovely day out, exploring the beautiful castle and quaint villages. Thank you Isobel for the fun and informative guide and thank you David for the safe and comfortable ride!

Aswin shyam

17:52 14 Jul 21

Isobel was our guide and David was our Tour driver. Isobel was very knowledgeable and helped us get around the beautiful Cotswold villages. The tour was well planned and we had ample time at every village to explore with Isobel highlighting the history and significance of each place. David and Isobel were both kind and even helped us to choose the best place to have our lunch and shopping. The tour even included stops at the eccentric lavender, poppy and wild flower fields. The tour along with Isobel and David made our day special.

Arun Michael Dsouza

14:11 08 Jun 21

The Cotswold Taster Tour was absolutely lovely. Both Isobel and David were extremely nice and knowledgeable, we had a wonderful experience with them. Isobel's commentary was excellent - full of interesting facts and David was very careful throughout the trip, driving through some of the narrow lanes of the countryside while we were enjoying the scenic views. We got to visit some of the most beautiful little villages in the area and got the chance to wander around and explore. This is the best half-day tour of the Cotswolds in my opinion. I would definitely recommend it!

Mary Anne Dooley

10:54 23 Jul 19

Had a wonderful day with Isabel and David. Couldn’t rate the tour and them any higher! The commentary was delightful, very informative and timely. Amazing local knowledge. Isabel and David were able to answer any question and they were both very flexible for the needs of the passengers. David’s driving was expertly handled, especially on the narrow roads. Because of the small bus, they are able to use the more interesting roads and visit towns and villages off the beaten track and often prettier and much less crowded than the the well known. If you want a day tour to the Cotswolds don’t go past this one.

Yulia A.

23:14 23 Jan 19

I've just had an incredible day with Isobel and David. Breathtaking beauty of rural countryside on a winter day combined with excellent commentary made this tour absolutely amazing. Seeing all these rural villages, rows of thatched cottages with lovely gardens, rolling hills with farms, animals and rare birds gives such a therapeutic effect! And Isobel is so interesting to listen! Highly recommended!