Bath Christmas Tour from Stratford-upon-Avon: Cotswolds markets

Tetbury, Castle Combe and Bath's Christmas Market in one morning and afternoon

A full-day tour from Stratford-upon-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh through the Cotswolds to Bath, stopping in Tetbury and Castle Combe before spending 2.5 hours at Bath's Christmas Market. The tour runs on select dates between mid-November and mid-December, includes pickup from either location and transport in a small Mercedes minibus with a local driver-guide, and ends around 6:00pm or 6:30pm depending on your starting point. Entry to Bath's attractions is not included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Christmas tour of Cotswolds and Bath

• Pick up from Stratford-upon-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh
• Drive to Tetbury and explore town
• Drive to Castle Combe and visit village
• Travel to Bath and enjoy Christmas Market
• Return drop-off at Moreton-in-Marsh or Stratford-upon-Avon

The experience

The route starts in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, leaving Stratford-upon-Avon at 8:50am or Moreton-in-Marsh rail station at 9:30am. You'll travel in a Mercedes minibus with reclining seats, USB charging and panoramic windows: the kind of coach comfort that makes the countryside drive itself part of the day. The first stop is Tetbury, a market town known as the Antiques Capital of the Cotswolds, where you can browse independent shops, cottages and cobbled streets, or pick up royal souvenirs at the Highgrove Estate gift shop.

From Tetbury, a 40-minute drive takes you to Castle Combe, often called the prettiest village in England. The village is small and unspoilt, built around a photogenic bridge and historic Market Cross, with St Andrew's Church and The Castle Inn among the stops. The festive season adds a magical atmosphere to the narrow streets. Then comes Bath, where you have 2.5 hours to navigate the UNESCO World Heritage City. Most of that time goes to Bath's Christmas Market: one of the biggest in the country, with hundreds of stalls selling gifts and festive food and drink. If you want to visit the Roman Baths, Jane Austen Centre or Bath Abbey, you can fit a quick visit into the remaining time, though entry fees are separate and should be booked in advance.

The tour returns you to Moreton-in-Marsh around 6:00pm or to Stratford-upon-Avon around 6:30pm, depending on where you started. Groups stay small, capped at 16 people, and the driver-guide provides maps and local recommendations throughout the day. This tour runs only on select dates during Bath's Christmas Market season, so check availability before booking.

What’s included

• Pickup from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre at 8:50am or Moreton-in-Marsh rail station at 9:30am.
• air-conditioned Mercedes minibus with reclining seats, USB charging and panoramic windows.
• local driver-guide with maps and recommendations.
• small group of up to 16 people.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 08:50Last departure this season: 13 Dec

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Go Cotswolds - Guided Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the Stratford-upon-Avon 8:50am departure if you want the earliest start and the most time to browse the Christmas Market. Pick Moreton-in-Marsh 9:30am if you're arriving by train or prefer a later morning. Either way, the fixed schedule fits three Cotswolds stops and Bath's market into a single day without driving yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I start from Moreton-in-Marsh instead of Stratford-upon-Avon?

Yes. Moreton-in-Marsh rail station departure is at 9:30am, about 40 minutes later than the Stratford-upon-Avon start. If you're arriving by train, the 09:17–09:20 service gets you to the car park with time to spare. You return to Moreton-in-Marsh around 6:00pm.

What is there to do in Tetbury?

Tetbury is a historic market town with independent cafes, boutiques and antique shops lining cobbled streets. The ancient Market House, once used for wool and cloth trading, still operates as a market today. There's also an official Highgrove Estate gift shop if you want royal souvenirs, plus a church and pretty cottages to explore.

How much time do I get in Bath?

You have 2.5 hours in Bath. Most visitors spend that time at the Christmas Market, which fills the city streets with hundreds of festive stalls and food vendors. If you want to visit the Roman Baths, Jane Austen Centre or Bath Abbey, you can squeeze in a quick visit, but book entry in advance and plan for at least an hour per attraction.

What's included in the tour price?

Pickup from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre or Moreton-in-Marsh rail station; transport in an air-conditioned Mercedes minibus; a local driver-guide; and maps and recommendations. Entry to any Bath attractions, food and drinks, and gratuities are not included.

Is Castle Combe really the prettiest village in England?

Castle Combe is often cited as the prettiest village in England, and you'll see why when you walk its unspoilt streets. The photogenic bridge, historic Market Cross and St Andrew's Church are the main sights, and The Castle Inn offers a festive drink if you want to linger.