Bath and Cotswolds Day Tour from Southampton: Private Guide

A morning walking Bath, an afternoon through two villages that filmed Harry Potter

This private full-day tour departs Southampton cruise port or hotels to explore Bath's Georgian architecture and Roman Baths, then travels through the Cotswolds to the villages of Castle Combe and Lacock. A professional driver-guide leads the group of up to seven travelers, with Roman Baths entry included and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the eight-hour itinerary.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bath and the Cotswolds

• Meet driver guide at Southampton Cruise Terminal
• Walking tour of Bath city attractions
• Visit Roman Baths independently
• Visit Castle Combe village
• Visit Lacock village and artisan shops
• Return to Southampton cruise or Heathrow Airport

The Experience

The day starts at Southampton Cruise Terminal or your hotel, where your driver-guide meets you and settles the group into a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. You head straight to Bath, a UNESCO-listed city where the guide leads a walking tour through the Georgian streets, pointing out the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. After the guided portion, you have independent time to explore the Roman Baths at your own pace (entry is included), before the group reconvenes for the drive into the Cotswolds.

The afternoon takes you through two villages that have become film locations in their own right. Castle Combe, described as the jewel of the southern Cotswolds, is a fairytale-like settlement where you can wander and take photographs. Lacock, a charming village with an abbey and small artisan shops, has stood in for scenes in Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice and numerous other productions. Both stops give you time to explore on foot before the return drive to Southampton, timed to get cruise passengers back to their ship well before departure. If your cruise has ended, the driver can drop you at Heathrow Airport instead for an additional fee.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a professional driver-guide who speaks English.
• entry to the Roman Baths.
• pickup from Southampton Cruise Terminal or your hotel.
• drop-off back to your port or hotel, or to Heathrow Airport if your cruise has ended (the airport transfer incurs an additional fee).

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Undiscovered Cotswolds

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary comfortably without translation. Book this if you want a private group of up to seven rather than a larger shared tour, or if your cruise schedule needs flexibility. The departure time is coordinated with your ship's docking and re-boarding times.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

19 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How long is the full tour and when does it end?

The tour runs eight hours total. Departure times are coordinated with your cruise ship's schedule at booking, and the return to Southampton is timed to get you back to your ship before it leaves port.

What's included in the Roman Baths entry?

Roman Baths admission is included in the tour price. You visit independently after the guided walking tour of Bath, so you can spend as much time as you want exploring the site.

Can I book this if I'm staying in a Southampton hotel instead of on a cruise ship?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Southampton are included. At booking, provide your hotel address and preferred pickup time.

What are Castle Combe and Lacock actually like to visit?

Both are small, walkable villages. Castle Combe is known for its picturesque stone cottages and has been used as a filming location for multiple productions. Lacock centers around its abbey and has artisan shops and cafes scattered through the village streets.

Is food included, and will there be time to eat?

Food and refreshments are not included in the tour price. You'll have time in Bath and in the villages to purchase lunch or snacks at local cafes and shops.

What's the maximum group size?

The tour accommodates a maximum of seven people per booking, so the group stays small and the vehicle is never crowded.