Cotswolds & Stratford: Day Trip from London by Mini-Coach

Summary

Shakespeare’s birthplace, Cotswold stone villages and riverside walks

You’ll step into Shakespeare’s world at Stratford-upon-Avon, wander through storybook villages like Chipping Campden and Bibury, and sample classic Cotswolds flavors along the way. With a small group and local guide handling all logistics—including pickup at London Paddington—you’re free to soak up river views, honey-stone cottages, and maybe even share a laugh or two with fellow travelers.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway to Stratford-upon-Avon before I realized how green everything looked out the window—like the kind of green you see in old English paintings. Our driver-guide, Mark, had this habit of tossing in odd facts about Shakespeare between stories about his own gran growing up in Chipping Campden. When we finally stepped off at Stratford, the air smelled faintly like toast from a café nearby, and the streets felt almost too quiet for such a famous place. I tried to picture young Shakespeare running around here—hard not to, with all those timbered houses leaning into each other.

The drive through the Cotswolds was slower than I expected (in a good way). Mark took us through these winding lanes where sheep grazed right up to the stone walls—sometimes he’d slow down just so we could snap a photo or two. Chipping Campden was our lunch stop; I got a sausage roll that was so flaky it basically exploded when I bit into it. There’s something about eating outside on an old market square that makes even a simple lunch feel like a treat. We wandered past honey-colored cottages and poked our heads into tiny shops selling lavender soap and postcards. The air had this cool edge that made me wish I’d brought an extra layer.

Broadway Tower popped up on a hill like some kind of storybook castle—just long enough for us to stretch our legs and argue over whether it looked more French or Scottish (nobody agreed). The lavender fields near Snowshill weren’t quite in full bloom yet, but you could still catch whiffs of something sweet drifting on the breeze. Snowshill itself was almost too perfect—quiet, with birdsong echoing between stone cottages. It felt like time slowed down there.

Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water both had their own rhythm; Stow’s pubs were busy with locals arguing about football scores while Bourton’s river glinted under little arched bridges. Someone in our group bought fudge and passed it around—too sweet for me but everyone else seemed happy enough. By the time we reached Bibury, late afternoon light made Arlington Row glow gold against the water. I took more photos than I’ll ever actually print out. Heading back toward London Paddington Station, most of us just watched the fields slip by in silence—not sleepy exactly, just sort of full from the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon

• Depart from London Paddington Station
• Stop at Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare's Birthplace
• Scenic drive and guided tour
• Visit Chipping Campden for lunch and exploration
• Scenic drive to Broadway Tower
• Stop at Broadway Tower viewpoint
• Roadside stop at Cotswold Lavender Fields
• Visit Snowshill village
• Scenic drive to Stow-on-the-Wold
• Explore Stow-on-the-Wold and have lunch
• Visit Bourton-on-the-Water village
• Scenic drive through the Cotswolds
• Visit Bibury village and Arlington Row
• Return to London Paddington Station

Top questions

How long is the day trip from London to Cotswolds & Stratford?

The tour departs from London Paddington Station in the morning and returns by 6:00pm on the same day.

Is pickup included for this Cotswolds & Stratford tour?

Yes, pickup is included at London Paddington Station; you can also start in Moreton-in-Marsh or Stratford-upon-Avon if preferred.

What kind of vehicle is used for this day trip?

The tour uses an air-conditioned Mercedes Benz mini-coach with up to 16 seats.

Are meals or snacks included during the tour?

No meals are included; however, there are stops in towns like Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold where you can purchase lunch or snacks.

Which villages will we visit on this Cotswolds tour?

You’ll visit Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill, Bibury, plus see Broadway Tower and lavender fields.

Is there free time to explore during stops?

Yes, you’ll have free time at several stops including Stratford-upon-Avon (about an hour), Chipping Campden (around 70 minutes), Stow-on-the-Wold (about 70 minutes), and others.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; service animals are also permitted.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from London Paddington Station (or options to join from Moreton-in-Marsh or Stratford-upon-Avon), travel by air-conditioned mini-coach with no more than 16 people onboard, guidance from a knowledgeable local driver-guide throughout each stop—from Shakespeare’s birthplace to Arlington Row—and drop-off back at Paddington by evening.