If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London, a day trip to the Cotswolds and Oxford might be just what you need. This tour offers the chance to explore the idyllic countryside with its rolling green hills and charming stone cottages, as well as the renowned University of Oxford and its impressive architectural gems. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about history, culture, and academia, all while enjoying the picturesque English landscape at your own pace. But there’s more to this tour than meets the eye – by the end of the day, you’ll uncover a side of England that few visitors get to experience.
Key Points
- Explore the picturesque Cotswolds countryside, including quaint villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden, known for their honey-colored stone cottages and tranquil atmosphere.
- Visit Christchurch College, one of the largest and most prestigious colleges at the University of Oxford, with its impressive architecture and rich history.
- Discover the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford’s premier art and archaeology museum, featuring a diverse collection spanning 5,000 years of human history.
- Admire the iconic Bridge of Sighs, a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture spanning the River Cherwell in Oxford.
- The tour meeting point is at Gloucester Road Tube Station, near the Stanhope Arms pub, with a start time of 7:30 AM.
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Exploring the Cotswolds Countryside
On the Cotswolds portion of the tour, visitors can expect to discover the region’s quintessential charm, with its rolling green hills, honey-colored stone cottages, and tranquil villages.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll stroll through picture-perfect hamlets like Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden, admiring the picturesque scenery and learning about the Cotswolds’ rich history and local crafts.
You’ll have time to explore at your own pace, popping into quaint shops, stopping for a traditional English tea, or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
Whether you’re drawn to the area’s natural beauty or its charming historic character, the Cotswolds segment of the tour offers a delightful glimpse into the English countryside.
Visiting Historic Christchurch College
After exploring the quaint villages of the Cotswolds, the tour moves on to the historic city of Oxford, where visitors get to experience the grandeur of Christchurch College.
Established in 1546, Christchurch is one of the largest and most prestigious colleges at the University of Oxford, boasting an impressive array of architectural styles spanning centuries. Visitors can wander through the college’s magnificent grounds, admiring the iconic Tom Tower and the stunning Gothic cathedral.
They’ll also learn about the college’s rich history and famous alumni, which include 13 British prime ministers and literary greats like Lewis Carroll. With its blend of history, architecture, and academia, Christchurch College offers a glimpse into Oxford’s storied past and present.
Admiring the Ashmolean Museum
Following the visit to the historic Christchurch College, the tour group heads to the renowned Ashmolean Museum, Oxford’s premier art and archaeology museum.
Boasting an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years of human history, the Ashmolean captivates visitors with its diverse exhibits, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to masterpieces by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
The museum’s galleries showcase a fascinating array of ancient treasures, including the renowned Ashmolean Treasure, a stunning collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and garnet jewelry.
Travelers marvel at the museum’s impressive architecture and enjoy exploring its many exhibitions at their own pace, seeing Oxford’s rich cultural heritage.
Crossing the Bridge of Sighs
As the tour group wraps up their exploration of the Ashmolean Museum, they make their way towards the iconic Bridge of Sighs, one of Oxford’s most renowned architectural landmarks.
This stunning bridge, spanning the River Cherwell, is a stunning example of Venetian Gothic style. The group eagerly crosses the bridge, pausing to admire its graceful arches and intricate stonework.
Their guide explains the bridge’s fascinating history, noting that it was named the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ due to the students’ sighs as they crossed it on their way to their exams. The group takes in the picturesque views of the river and surrounding buildings, feeling a sense of awe at the bridge’s timeless beauty.
Meeting Point and Directions
The tour meets at Gloucester Road Tube Station in the Kensenburg area, where participants gather outside the Stanhope Arms pub opposite the station exit, near the Tesco Express store.
This meeting point is easy to find using the provided postcode, SW7 4SS, on online maps and travel apps.
Once assembled, the group will embark on their adventure to the Cotswolds and Oxford.
To ensure a smooth start, it’s recommended to arrive a few minutes early.
The tour begins promptly at 7:30 AM, so being on time is crucial.
Key details:
- Meeting point: Gloucester Road Tube Station
- Landmark: Stanhope Arms pub
- Postcode: SW7 4SS
- Start time: 7:30 AM
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes round-trip transportation from central London, live commentary on board, and a walking tour of Oxford. However, admission fees to any optional sites visited during free-time and gratuities are not included.
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Transportation from London | Admission fees to optional sites |
| Live commentary on board | Gratuities |
| Walking tour of Oxford | – |
| – | – |
| – | – |
Tour Timing and Duration
The tour begins at 7:30 AM from the meeting point and returns to the same location at the end. Guests can expect a full day of exploration, with the tour lasting approximately 8-9 hours in total.
Departure from central London at 7:30 AM
Arrival in the Cotswolds region around 9:00 AM
Spend 2-3 hours exploring the charming Cotswolds villages
Depart for Oxford around 12:00 PM, arriving around 1:00 PM for a walking tour of the historic city
The tour wraps up back at the original meeting point in the late afternoon, providing ample time for guests to continue their London adventures or head back to their accommodations.
Additional Tour Details
Along With the tour’s schedule and duration, travelers should be aware of a few more key details regarding this Cotswolds and Oxford excursion from London.
The tour is best suited for children 4 years and older, as it’s not wheelchair accessible. Bookings are limited to a maximum of 6 people per group, with a maximum of 44 travelers per tour.
Gratuities and admission fees to any optional sites visited during free-time aren’t included. However, the tour does provide round-trip transportation from central London, live commentary, and a guided walking tour of Oxford.
With confirmation provided at booking and accessibility via public transit, this tour offers an immersive day exploring the Cotswolds and historic Oxford.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Transportation Is Provided for the Tour?
The tour provides round-trip transportation from central London to the Cotswolds and Oxford. Travelers are transported on a comfortable coach with a live commentary onboard, allowing them to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey.
Is There Flexibility in the Tour Schedule?
The tour has a fixed start and end time, but there’s flexibility during the day. Travelers can explore the sights at their own pace during the free-time portions of the tour.
Can We Stop for Lunch or Refreshments During the Tour?
Typically, tours allow for stops along the way for participants to purchase lunch or refreshments at their own expense. The tour schedule generally includes ample time for breaks and meals during the day.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has a minimum age of 4 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult. There are no maximum age restrictions, so most travelers can participate in the Cotswolds and Oxford tour from London.
Is the Tour Guide Available for Questions Throughout the Journey?
The tour guide is available throughout the journey to answer any questions from the travelers. They provide live commentary on board and lead the walking tour in Oxford, allowing participants to engage and learn.
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Recap
This full-day tour from London lets you learn about the picturesque Cotswolds countryside and the academic excellence of Oxford.
You’ll explore quaint villages, visit prestigious Christchurch College, admire the Ashmolean Museum’s diverse collection, and marvel at the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
It’s a chance to discover the best of the English countryside and historic university town at your own pace.