Cotswolds Escapade

Your journey begins with a comfortable train ride from London to Oxford or a private chauffeur pickup at your preferred location. Upon arrival in the “City of Dreaming Spires,” enjoy a privately guided walking tour of Oxford’s historic colleges, cobbled lanes, and iconic landmarks. Visit Christ Church College, made famous by Harry Potter, and the majestic Bodleian Library, one of the oldest in Europe. Stroll past the Radcliffe Camera, the Sheldonian Theatre, and the romantic Bridge of Sighs. Next, your private guide and driver will escort you to Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Explore its lavish Baroque interiors and stunning formal gardens at your leisure. After a traditional pub lunch—perhaps at the Eagle and Child, once the haunt of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis—you’ll journey into the Cotswolds, where rolling hills and honey-hued villages await. Your first stop is Burford, a postcard-perfect market town with a charming high street lined with antique shops and tearooms. Visit the splendid St. John the Baptist Church, then settle into a luxurious countryside inn for the night.

Today, relax and enjoy the storybook charm of the Cotswolds as your private driver and car guide you through some of England’s most enchanting villages. Your day begins in Bibury, often described as “the most beautiful village in England.” Take a leisurely stroll along Arlington Row, a row of postcard-perfect 17th-century weavers’ cottages beside the serene River Coln—a setting straight out of a painting. Continue in comfort to Bourton-on-the-Water, affectionately known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, with its stone bridges and sparkling stream. Visit the delightful Model Village, or explore Birdland Park & Gardens, home to exotic birds from around the world, including flamingos and king penguins. In the afternoon, your driver escorts you to Stow-on-the-Wold, a hilltop market town steeped in history and charm. Don’t miss the fairytale-like tree-framed door of St. Edward’s Church, said to have inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Moria. Before returning to your countryside retreat, unwind with a traditional cream tea at a local tearoom—perfectly rounding out a day of idyllic exploration.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast and the warm glow of Cotswold stone cottages outside your window. Your private driver awaits to whisk you away in comfort to Broadway, one of the region’s most elegant and well-preserved villages. Stroll along its gracious high street, dotted with art galleries, independent boutiques, and tea rooms. Then, enjoy a short walk or chauffeured ride up to Broadway Tower, an 18th-century folly with sweeping views across the Cotswolds and beyond. Continue your journey in style to Chipping Campden, a historic wool town rich in charm and architectural beauty. Explore its medieval high street, discover boutique shops, and learn about its legacy as a hub of the Arts and Crafts Movement. If you wish, your driver can take you to Dover’s Hill, where the quirky Cotswold Olimpicks have been held since 1612. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the horticultural splendor of Hidcote Manor Garden. Your private driver will take you to this masterpiece of English garden design, with its series of beautifully arranged “outdoor rooms.” Time permitting, add a stop at nearby Kiftsgate Court Gardens, a romantic, family-owned estate known for its unique plantings and tranquil atmosphere. As the sun sets, return to your countryside retreat and enjoy dinner at a historic country inn, surrounded by soft candlelight and rustic charm.

Today, your private driver and luxury car are at your service as you step into a real-life fairytale. Begin with a scenic drive to Castle Combe, often hailed as “the prettiest village in England.” Wander cobbled lanes lined with chocolate-box cottages, admire the ancient Market Cross, and cross the iconic stone bridge over the Bybrook River. Visit St. Andrew’s Church, home to one of the country’s oldest working clocks, and soak in the untouched medieval beauty. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch or afternoon tea at the five-star Manor House Hotel, an elegant estate surrounded by manicured gardens and tranquil grounds. In the afternoon, continue to the historic village of Lacock, a picture-perfect setting used in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Pride & Prejudice. Stroll through its preserved streets and visit Lacock Abbey, a former nunnery turned stately home and the birthplace of photography pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot. As evening settles in, return to your countryside retreat and enjoy a traditional pub dinner in a thatched-roof inn—candlelit, cozy, and full of rustic charm.

Your final day in the Cotswolds begins with a visit to the magnificent Sudeley Castle, chauffeured in comfort by your private driver and car. Nestled in the hills near Winchcombe, this regal estate was once home to Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII. Explore its lovingly restored interiors, wander through award-winning gardens, and pay your respects at Katherine’s tomb—the only English queen buried on private grounds. In the afternoon, your journey continues to Cotswold Farm Park, where you’ll experience a genuine slice of countryside life. Founded by TV presenter Adam Henson, the park offers a close-up look at rare breed animals and traditional British farming, paired with peaceful walking trails and pastoral views. Before saying farewell, your driver will take you on a scenic drive through the idyllic twin villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter. With their gently flowing streams, old stone bridges, and postcard-perfect cottages, they offer a serene final glimpse of the Cotswolds' untouched beauty. As your adventure draws to a close, relax in your private car for the return journey to London, or choose to board a comfortable train from Oxford—both convenient and elegant ways to conclude your unforgettable countryside escape.