This private driver-guide tour covers the best of the South Cotswolds and offers a quieter alternative to our Classic Cotswolds Tour and is great for those looking to get away from the crowds. Starting at your location of choice in the South Cotswolds we can cover Lacock, Castle Combe, Bibury, Malmesbury and Tetbury and you have the option to visit Lacock Abbey, filming location for Harry Potter and birthplace of photography. All the major spots are easily covered in one day with plenty of time for stopping off and enjoying the scenery and atmosphere.
You will be looked after by our knowledgeable local driver-guide and travel in one of our luxury vehicles that can hold up to 8 guests. Your guide will give you a background of the areas history and at each of the stops you are free to either explore the village with your guide or to have some free time to yourself to have a look around and maybe do a little spot of shopping. All tours are bespoke and the itinerary is totally flexible so let us know if you have specific places you wish to visit or have any custom requests.
If you have any questions about this tour or have a custom request please use the ‘Enquiry Form‘ at the top/right of the page to send us your enquiry and we will get back to you ASAP with some answers.
The price of this tour starts from £450 for the day depending on group size and pickup/drop location. Click the PROCEED BOOKING for more details or if you are ready to book.
South Cotswolds Private Tour
7 hours (10am to 5pm)
Upto 8 per vehicle
Prices start from £450 for a full day touring the South Cotswolds and we can accommodate groups of up to 8 people for your own custom Cotswolds experience.
We recommend first sending us an enquiry (using the contact button above) initially to let us know your group size, requested dates, pick up point and any special requests you may have and we will get back to you promptly with our availability and price.
Once you are ready to book the tour click the ‘PROCEED BOOKING’ button above and you will be taken through to our booking pages where you will be required to pay a deposit of £100 to confirm the tour, with the balance to be paid again via credit card 6 weeks before the tour date.
Please note all tours are subject to confirmation. In the event your requested dates are not available we will contact you and your deposit will be refunded.
Full terms and condition can be found here
As this is a custom tour we will try and build a fun day out based on your preferences and wishes. As a guide, some of the villages/landmarks in the North Cotswolds we may visit include the following. See what to expect on a tour here> Cotswolds Tours- What to expect?
Lacock– home of Lacock Abbey this popular spot dating back to the 13th century has been featured in various TV series and movies from Harry Potter to period dramas. Its beauty and rich history has been beautifully preserved and a visit truly feels like you have stepped back in time.
Castle Combe– many times voted prettiest village in England, Castle Combe is the hidden treasure of the South Cotswolds. The village is focused around its 14th century Market Cross and started out as a hill fort that was occupied by the Romans. Its rich history and beautiful architecture makes this is must visit on any visit to the Cotswolds.
Tetbury– ancient town with 17th century market square and late 18th century gothic revival Church of St Mary . Tetbury was an important market town throughout the middle ages for the trade of cotswold wool and still hosts the Annual Tetbury Woolsack Races.
Malmesbury– Once the site of an iron age fort Malmesbury is an unspoilt hilltop market town with ancient abbey originally founded in 675 and rebuilt again in the 12th century. The Abbey is one of few which survived Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Cirencester– The ‘Capital of the cotswolds and former Roman town (Corinium). Cirencester has a fantastic array of shops and the stunning ‘wool church’ of St John the Baptist.
Bibury (Arlington Row)–an iconic row of former weavers cottages in Bibury. For many, this is THE defining image of the Cotswolds. Originally dating back to 1380 it was used as a wool store before being converted into cottages to house the local weavers in the 17th century. It doesn’t get more picture-postcard than this!
Stroud and the valleys- Once the focus point of the British textiles industry in the 18th century, Stroud now has an air of rural hippy chic. An award winning farmers market every saturday selling local, organic produce, its many independent shops and cafes and a vibrant arts scene make Stroud one of the unknown jewels of the Cotswolds.
The following are some of the optional activities you may wish to consider during your day out in the south Cotswolds.
Attractions (entrance fees apply)
Lacock Abbey– Old Abbey and Manor house that was used in the Harry Potter films and is the birthplace of photography
Chavenage House– Elizabethan era Manor where Oliver Cromwell once stayed
Westonbirt Arboretum– Planted in the heyday of Victorian plant hunting in the mid-19th century, today Westonbirt Arboretum is one of the finest tree collections in the world, carefully laid out within a beautiful Grade One listed historic landscape.
Malmesbury Abbey Gardens– beautiful gardens in the grounds of the Abbey and said to be the resting place of the First King of England, Athelstan. Made famous by the naked gardens (now retired).
Outdoor Activities
Hike– take a short stroll between villages or along part of the Cotswolds Way
Horse Riding– enjoy a short hack in the countryside
Clay Pigeon Shooting– have a go at this classic Cotswolds Country pursuits
Food
Pub Lunch– Lunch in a classic country pub such as the
Afternoon Tea– Enjoy afternoon tea in a country manor house
Fine Dining– Experience high end dining at one of the Cotswolds more luxurious restaurants.
The tour starts at 10am and we can pick up anywhere in the South Cotswolds (e.g hotel or train station) included in the price. Pick ups and drops outside of the North Cotswolds available at an extra cost. Please send us an enquiry if you have any questions about pickup spots and charges.
For those coming in from London for the day the most cost/time effective option is to take a direct train from London Paddington to KembleThe train takes around 70 minutes and means you do not get stuck in London traffic.
