info@cotswoldsadventures.co.uk
+44 7468 412201
Bibury & the South Cotswolds Tour
Castle Combe, Lacock, Bibury, The Stroud Golden Valley and the very best of the South Cotswolds. A quieter take on the region with some of the Cotswolds best kept secrets!
Bibury and South Cotswolds Private Tour
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.
Please make sure your read all tabs at the top of the page. If you have any questions about this tour or have a custom request please click the green ‘Enquire Now’ button above 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. See the BOOK tab for more details or if you are ready to book.
Sample Itinerary on our South Cotswolds Private Tour
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 the Options tab for ideas for other fun things you can do on your private tour.
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
Hot Air Balloon Ride– Enjoy a birds eye view of the stunning Cotswolds scenery
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.
Included in this tour
- Luxury executive style vehicle
- Knowledgeable local driver-guide
- Full control over itinerary and route
- Pickup/dropoff within the Cotswolds
- Full day tour of the South Cotswolds
Excluded from this tour
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Food or refreshments costs
- Pick up outside the Cotswolds (see Access tab)
- Gratuities
Meeting Point for this Private South Cotswolds Tour
The tour starts at 10am and we can pick up anywhere in the South Cotswolds and Bath area for free. Pick from outside the south Cotswolds available at an extra cost. See below for more details.
Pick up costs
Local (south Cotswolds) pick up (including Chippenham, Kemble train stations)- FREE
Bath city centre- £30 each way
North Cotswolds – £50 each way
London Heathrow- £180 each way
Central London- £1250 each way
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 Kemble. The train takes around 90 minutes and means you do not get stuck in London traffic.
Train tickets can be bought at
How much is the tour?
The price starts from £450 per group depending on the season and group size. Please get in touch for more details
How many people can join?
Our vehicles can accommodate up to 8 passengers plus luggage- bigger groups can be catered for on request- either using a bigger vehicle or two smaller ones
Is this a ‘guided’ tour
As they are driving your guide will give you a commentary about what you are seeing and the history of the area. At each stop they will give you a brief overview of its history and point out any places of interest and spots you may have missed and then you will be give free time to explore by yourself. At attractions such as manor houses and gardens you will be ‘orientated’ and then given time to explore at leisure. See more about what to expect here>>>
What vehicle do you use?
Our main tour vehicle is an executive Merecedes Vito 9 seater MPV- which is good for groups of upto 8 people with plenty of luggage space. See more details here>>>
Do you offer London pickups?
Yes, we do but there is an extra charge (see ACCESS tab)- a more cost-effective option would be to take a train from London Paddington to Kemble. For train tickets check www.thetrainline.com
Can I stop for photos?
Yes, as this is a private tour we can stop whenever you want, as long as it is safe to do so!
How long is this tour?
This tour lasts up to 7 hours, usually from 10am to 5pm, but this is flexible.
How do i get to the Cotswolds?
The easiest option would be to get a direct train from London Paddington to Kemble. Train times and prices can be seen at www.thetrainline.com.
Are you Licensed?
Yes, we are fully licensed with Stroud District Council as a Private Hire Operator (Number OP105). All our drivers carry the relevant insurance and license and are fully criminal record checked.
Do you offer airport/city transfers?
Yes, we are a fully licensed Private Hire Operator and can arrange airport and city transfers during your stay. Please get in touch for a quote.
Where does this tour start and finish?
The tour can start from anywhere in the South Cotswolds and we will meet you and drop you off at the location of your choice (hotel, train station etc). Pick up/drop off outside the Cotswolds is available at an extra cost.
Booking and Price
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 (use green 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 ‘Book This Tour’ button below 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 unlikely 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
Photos from our South Cotswolds Private Tour
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