Top Oxford Day Trips

Spend a day in the Cotswolds with this guided day trip from the city of Oxford. A region of postcard-perfect English villages, green hills, and manor houses, the Cotswolds has been designated as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. See its highlights with a guide, and discover villages such as Asthall, Swinbrook, and Bourton-on-the-Water -- places that inspired writers and artists with their idyllic appeal. Through the day, you'll enjoy a mix of guided activities and free time to explore at your own pace.

Admire the best-known and hidden villages of England’s Cotswolds on this full-day small-group tour from Oxford. Traveling by air-conditioned minivan with a driver-guide, stop to explore villages such as Great Tew and Stow-on-the-Wold, and the hamlets of the Windrush valley. On route, enjoy lunch (own expense) in Burford, stroll around Bourton-on-the-Water, and visit the village and 15th-century ruins of Minster Lovell. Includes transport and central Oxford pickup and drop-off, with entrance fees at your expense.

The Cotswolds, a picturesque region in England, epitomizes idyllic village life. Visit a trove of thatched cottages, trout farms and tea shops, and centuries-old estates during this small-group guided tour. Highlights include Bibury’s Arlington Row—known as the prettiest street in England—and the real-life backdrop to hit series “Downtown Abbey.”

See two of England’s most in-demand destinations—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—on this full-day, small-group tour from Oxford. Following pickup at the meeting point, head first to Bath: famous for its Roman–era origins as well as its Georgian architecture. See highlights like the Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey before continuing to Stonehenge. Once there, see the sights, learn the theories about its creation from your guide, and discover more in the visitor center.

Explore the Cotswolds without having to drive on this full-day private tour from your chosen north Cotswolds location, such as Oxford or Stratford-upon-Avon. With a private car and driver-guide, simply soak in the scenery as you follow an itinerary tailored to you. Visit manor houses, explore towns and villages such as Stow-in-the-Wold and Minster Lovell; and stop to shop and eat at your leisure—all without transport or parking issues.

Walk the halls of one of the world’s oldest and most famous universities on this walking tour of Oxford University. Get a glimpse of student life as you peek inside the famous Bodleian Library and see landmarks like the University Church of St. Mary, Radcliffe Camera, and Trinity College. Learn about the prestigious university’s famous alumni, hear fascinating stories and anecdotes about its history, and see on-campus locations used in the Harry Potter films.

Experience one of the world’s greatest university cities on this hop-on hop-off Oxford bus tour. With a 24- or 48-hour pass, design a personalized itinerary with several possible stops including the University of Oxford buildings (some featured in the 'Harry Potter' films), Oxford Castle, and Bodleian Library, one of the world’s oldest public libraries. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top viewing deck and fun onboard commentary as you savor this elegant city.

Make unforgettable memories in the heart of Oxford on this 2-hour dining experience with evening cruise. Step aboard your vessel as the sun slowly sinks on the horizon, and cruise out onto the Thames River. Sip chilled Prosecco as you wind your way along the tranquil waterway, and gaze out over Christchurch Meadows and the university boathouses. Afterwards, alight at the mooring outside The Folly restaurant and follow the candles and fairy lights to your table. Then, enjoy a delicious 3-course a la carte dinner in the restaurant’s romantic surroundings. 

Set sail for a romantic cruise through the heart of Oxford on this 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, including afternoon tea served on-board. Tuck into traditional English teatime treats like finger sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream, as you glide downstream. Following a scenic route along the University Regatta Course, you’ll discover Oxford’s surprising greenery and enjoy marvelous views of the University Boat Houses, Christ Church Meadows and Iffley lock.

Explore Oxford University’s famous regatta course on this 50-minute Thames River sightseeing cruise in Oxford. Hop aboard your sightseeing vessel in the heart of Oxford and cruise out onto the famous waterway. Listen as your guide sheds light on the city’s rich history, and discover local landmarks such as Folly Bridge, Christchurch College, the Oxford University boathouses and the Meadows. Share the waters with rowing eights, punts, university boats and cruisers, and watch the banks for sightings of native river wildlife.

Follow in the footsteps of famous former residents like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis—and discover many of Oxford’s top landmarks in just a couple hours—on this introductory walking tour. Meet your group in central Oxford, and set off on foot. You’ll see key attractions like the Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre, will explore the university area, and will even visit one of its elegant colleges. As you go, your guide will share insider stories about Oxford’s history.

See more of the picturesque Cotswolds on a trip that leaves from Moreton-in-Marsh. Showcasing the must-see villages that can be tricky to find on your own, the excursion visits Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Camden along with some lesser-known hamlets that many Cotswolds tourists miss. You have ample free time to explore, along with commentary and tips for places to eat or see through the day.

If you're short on time but want to experience the Cotswolds, book this half-day tour from Oxford. The region is known as an English countryside idyll with its gentle hills and thatched-roof villages, and you'll discover its highlights with the help of a guide. The experience includes sights of all the must-see villages including Bourton-on-the-Water, Asthall, Stow-on-the-Weld, and Woodstock where Sir Winston Churchill was born.

Experience England’s Cotswolds on a private tour that whisks you around its highlights so you don’t have to worry about itineraries or transport. Avoid the inconveniences of a DIY or large-group trip, and relax on a chauffeur-driven tour of the must-see towns and villages. See the riverbank houses of Bourton-on-the-Water, and admire honey-stoned Broadway and other gems; all with a driver-guide for personalized service plus flexible pickup and drop-off options.

Discover some of the most picturesque highlights of the Cotswolds—and visit UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace—on this full-day, private tour. Meet your guide at your area accommodation, and set off via air-conditioned vehicle. Head first to the Cotswolds (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) to visit charming English villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. Next, transfer to Blenheim Palace: famed for its opulent design, the palace was also Winston Churchill’s birthplace. As this is a private tour, the itinerary can also be customized to suit your interests.

The Cotswolds are the epitome of classic English countryside: from thatched-roof cottages and riverside hamlets to rolling green hills, the scenery has earned the region an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation. This full-day, small-group tour from Oxford makes it easy to see the sights. Traveling by luxury minibus, you’ll venture to some of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages. As you go, your guide will share facts and stories about the region’s key landmarks and wealth of history.

Get to know the Cotswolds on a day trip that's set up just for the winter months. Introducing you to the sights best seen during the colder weather, the tour puts the spotlight on the quaint stone villages for which the region is loved. Admire the thatched-roof cottages and rolling hills around Asthall, Swinbrook, and Bourton-on-the-Water -- the so-called Venice of the Cotswolds. On the way back to Oxford, you'll enjoy further stops at Moreton-in-Marsh and Woodstock with its links to Sir Winston Churchill.

If you’re short on time but still want to explore the Cotswolds, then this tour from Oxford fits the bill. Join a small group and spend the day exploring the stone hamlets, valleys, and rivers that the area is famous for. This excursion visits several famous locations including Minster Lovell, Arlington Row, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the Burford Library.

See the landscapes and honey-coloured limestone villages that make the Cotswolds one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in England. Enjoy the historic charm of centuries-old cottages and churches, and find walks and hikes that take advantage of the famous rolling countryside. Spot red deer and birds of prey, and explore the green country lanes in your comfortable tour bus.

Immerse yourself in the Cotswolds (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and enjoy a fully customized sightseeing experience, on this full-day, private tour. Following morning pickup at your area hotel, hop aboard your vehicle and head into the countryside. You’ll admire quaint villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Campden; will discover lesser-known destinations that most visitors miss; and can even plan a tearoom or pub stop (separate expense).

Stray from the beaten path and visit Cotswolds’ attractions that aren’t covered by typical tours on a day trip that transports you in a luxury Mercedes vehicle. Taking a private tour means that you’ll receive undivided attention from your guide and enjoy the flexibility to tailor your itinerary according to your preferences.

Delve deeper into the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon than you could independently in a day on this small-group tour from Oxford. With a driver-guide and minivan transport to free you from travel hassles, you can simply enjoy the scenery on route to Stratford. After a guided walk and optional visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace, criss-cross through the Cotswolds, dipping into stone villages along the way.

Enjoy the beautiful rolling hills and some of the prettiest scenery that the Cotswolds has to offer on this Guided Cycling Tour. Starting and finishing at the pretty market town of Moreton-in-Marsh this spectacular guided group Cotswolds cycle tour offers something for everyone. Passing through pretty Cotswold villages, beautiful scenery and quintessential Cotswold countryside along the way this really is a fun-packed day out. The distance is easily manageable over the course of the day and the pace is relaxed offering plenty of time for photo stops, sightseeing and some refreshments at one of the plentiful Cotswold pubs along the way! Bike, helmet and knowledgeable guide all provided. Suitable for children over 15 years old (5ft+). Electric bikes also available.

Chauffeur-driven in a Rolls Royce or Bentley, you will be entertained and educated by a former History Master, on a bespoke history tour, customised to your interests. You could choose to include Sulgrave Manor, the ancestral home of George Washington, or Canon's Ashby, one of the former monasteries dissolved on the orders of King Henry VIII. Visit Blenheim Palace, home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace and grave of the greatest Englishman, Winston Churchill. Or perhaps explore the delightful villages in the Cotswolds, or the Downton Abbey locations. Other options include Hampton Court, built by Wolsey and stolen by Henry VIII.