Award-Winning Tours of the Cotswolds

Cotswold Exploring is a family-run business with a small team of highly professional Blue Badge Tourist Guides and drivers, dedicated to helping visitors.

Explore the history and beauty of the Cotswolds

Cotswold Exploring is a family-run business with a small team of highly professional Blue Badge Tourist Guides and drivers, dedicated to helping visitors discover the hidden gems of the glorious Cotswold region. 

We have been operating our award-winning tours to the Cotswolds since 2016 and although we will no longer be operating scheduled Cotswolds tours from Oxford we will be offering private tours using our most popular itineraries and also tailor-made tours. 

Click on our tour itineraries to see what the Cotswolds can offer you!

About Cotswold Exploring

Our most popular tours

Introducing small groups of visitors to the delights of the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Explorer

Enchanting full-day tour for those wanting to experience the delights of the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Explore Tour

Cotswold Taster

Extended half-day tour from Oxford, ideal for those who would love to see some of the Cotswold villages, but cannot spare a whole day.

Explore Tour

Cotswold Rover

An unforgettable introduction to one of Britain’s finest regions. Perfect half-day tour for those wanting to experience the delights of the Cotswolds.

Explore Tour

Cotswold Adventurer

The full-day Adventurer tour explores the quieter south side of the Cotswolds, taking you on a scenic route through a succession of quaint stone villages, hidden valleys, rolling hills...

Explore Tour

What Our Guests Say

4.7/5
"This tour was a definite highlight during our trip to Oxford, Hard for me to think of anything that hasn't already been said about how worthwhile and enjoyable this particular tour is. So, how many more overall Excellent reviews are needed to convince you that 1) The Cotswolds are absolutely gorgeous 2) Isobel is a knowledgeable and informative tour guide. She knows her stuff! 3) David is a safe, capable driver, even on curvy narrow country lanes 4) Your "ride" is a comfortable, spit-spot clean, roomy mini-van??? My advice? Go."
James Brook
4.5/5
"It was a very nice, informative, interactive and well organised Cotsworld taster tour. Thanks to Isobel and David for organising it so well. Isobel was very knowledgeable and provided very interesting and historical information on the Cotsworld villages and the scenic spots covered in the tour. Also, Isobel provided us with history of Oxford and many Oxford colleges at the start of the tour. Also, really loved how Isobel explained origins of many English phrases which was very interesting and an added bonus!! Both of them took care that social distancing was maintained throughout the tour and that a sanitiser was always available."
Amit Chawla
4.8/5
"Isobel and David were excellent. Isobel explained everything very clearly and tailored the tour to us as passengers, allowing us to make an extra stop @ Blenheim palace as we had some spare time. It’s clear they have great knowledge about the area and they pick out the best/popular spots to stop and explore. You only need an afternoon (approx 5hrs) and it’s a pleasant and exciting experience! "
Shruti C
4.5/5
"My husband and I recently went on the half day Cotswolds taster tour and had an incredible time! This was the best half day taster tour and we are already planning to go again once restrictions are lifted. We even gave our families and friends their contact to book tours because we were so impressed. Fantastic driving Dave and Ed was so knowledgeable about the area. Great communication with us pre tour and post. Thanks so much and definitely worth booking!"
Jennifer C

Enjoy an Unforgettable Experience in the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire.

Cotswold Exploring is a family-run business with a small team of highly professional Blue Badge Tourist Guides and drivers, dedicated to helping visitors.
  • +44 (0) 7976 246 967

Call us on any of the numbers below and we will be happy to help you with booking a tour with us.

Landline: +44 (0)1869 340 090

Mobile: +44 (0) 7976 246 967

Mobile: +44 (0) 7860 222 408

To make a booking, visit our Tours page

Partners & Awards

Blue and Green guides certificate

Google Reviews

Cotswold Exploring
5.0
Based on 15 reviews
powered by Google
review us on
Joyce Zhang
14:07 11 Nov 22
What a lovely day we had in the Cotswolds! We went in early November and were very lucky to be the only ones, so we had an unexpected private tour. The weather was lovely, and the bus was exceptionally comfortable.Our guide, Isobel, had a considerable amount of information about each town/village, and we appreciated her information during the drive while giving us time in each location to explore freely. We were also able to drive through some lovely villages that were more off the beaten track and probably would not have visited otehrwise. Looking back, I am really glad we chose this tour rather than self-driving.For those considering a trip to the Cotswolds, I cannot recommend this tour more!
Chris Prince
18:47 20 Oct 22
It was a long day, but never boring or tedious. Isabelle and David were spectacular hosts. They exhibit tremendous knowledge of their immediate surroundings, and English history/tradition/custom on the whole. In addition to more "regular" stops, they put great effort - and empathy - into providing off-the-path diversions as well. We made frequent stops at legitimate sights, never having to sit too long. The group size was less than a dozen. Isabelle and David were also personally engaging, taking time to talk with all their guests to insure everyone was having a good time. We heard lots, saw more, had a great lunch, and enjoyed ourselves royally. If an 8 hour day is too much for you, they have other options that fit your interest and schedule. Do not book anyone else's tour, this is the one you want.
Derek G
03:57 29 Aug 22
Highest recommendation! This is the tour operator to choose for experiencing the Cotswolds. We did the Cotswold Explorer tour on a lovely August day. The full-day outing was packed with stops and drive by sights, but it was not at all exhausting. Isobel and David are amazing tour guides and they seem to love their work. Both are kind and pleasant; Isobel's commentary is delightful to listen to, while David is an excellent driver with a reassuring presence. Their van is clean, comfortable, and provides great views of the breathtaking countryside. Thank you, Cotswold Exploring, for an experience we will treasure always.
Pamela S
16:29 10 Jun 22
We took the Cotswold Explorer summer tour and it was a lovely day exploring the area.The tour took us through the variety of Cotswold area with lots of stories and information shared. At each stop, restaurant and coffee shop recommendations were made that didn’t disappoint.Highly recommend booking a tour with Cotswold Exploring. A wonderful experience.
Stefane Desmond
07:32 31 May 22
This was a great trip, that picked up from an easy location to get to in Oxford. The guide, was wonderful and knowledgeable. It was 5.5 hours but it didn’t feel too long at all. The drive to and through the Cotswolds was adorable. They picked great stops for us to walk around and shop at. They brought us to the best places to take pictures, as well for a memorable trip. The driver and guide went above and beyond when my mum asked where she could get a Sunday dinner back in Oxford. They called a bunch of restaurants to check. Would definitely recommend! It is such a charming area!
Morgan C
17:22 12 Apr 22
My husband and I did the Cotswold Explorer full day tour, and we had a blast! Isobel and David have lived in the area for years and are incredibly knowledgeable. We probably passed through 10 towns/villages, and stopped in 4 or 5. Isobel shared history about each and every one of the places. David was an excellent driver and carefully navigated the narrow roads for a comfortable riding experience. This tour is well worth your time and money! We would love to return and do the Downton Abbey tour.
Arisa Nakagoe
22:08 11 Sep 21
I am so glad to have found this perfect tour! It was a lovely day out, exploring the beautiful castle and quaint villages. Thank you Isobel for the fun and informative guide and thank you David for the safe and comfortable ride!
Aswin shyam
17:52 14 Jul 21
Isobel was our guide and David was our Tour driver. Isobel was very knowledgeable and helped us get around the beautiful Cotswold villages. The tour was well planned and we had ample time at every village to explore with Isobel highlighting the history and significance of each place. David and Isobel were both kind and even helped us to choose the best place to have our lunch and shopping. The tour even included stops at the eccentric lavender, poppy and wild flower fields. The tour along with Isobel and David made our day special.
Arun Michael Dsouza
14:11 08 Jun 21
The Cotswold Taster Tour was absolutely lovely. Both Isobel and David were extremely nice and knowledgeable, we had a wonderful experience with them. Isobel's commentary was excellent - full of interesting facts and David was very careful throughout the trip, driving through some of the narrow lanes of the countryside while we were enjoying the scenic views. We got to visit some of the most beautiful little villages in the area and got the chance to wander around and explore. This is the best half-day tour of the Cotswolds in my opinion. I would definitely recommend it!
Mary Anne Dooley
10:54 23 Jul 19
Had a wonderful day with Isabel and David. Couldn’t rate the tour and them any higher! The commentary was delightful, very informative and timely. Amazing local knowledge. Isabel and David were able to answer any question and they were both very flexible for the needs of the passengers. David’s driving was expertly handled, especially on the narrow roads. Because of the small bus, they are able to use the more interesting roads and visit towns and villages off the beaten track and often prettier and much less crowded than the the well known. If you want a day tour to the Cotswolds don’t go past this one.
Yulia A.
23:14 23 Jan 19
I've just had an incredible day with Isobel and David. Breathtaking beauty of rural countryside on a winter day combined with excellent commentary made this tour absolutely amazing. Seeing all these rural villages, rows of thatched cottages with lovely gardens, rolling hills with farms, animals and rare birds gives such a therapeutic effect! And Isobel is so interesting to listen! Highly recommended!
More reviews
Cotswold Exploring
5.0
Based on 15 reviews
powered by Google
review us on
Joyce Zhang
14:07 11 Nov 22
What a lovely day we had in the Cotswolds! We went in early November and were very lucky to be the only ones, so we had an unexpected private tour. The weather was lovely, and the bus was exceptionally comfortable.Our guide, Isobel, had a considerable amount of information about each town/village, and we appreciated her information during the drive while giving us time in each location to explore freely. We were also able to drive through some lovely villages that were more off the beaten track and probably would not have visited otehrwise. Looking back, I am really glad we chose this tour rather than self-driving.For those considering a trip to the Cotswolds, I cannot recommend this tour more!
Chris Prince
18:47 20 Oct 22
It was a long day, but never boring or tedious. Isabelle and David were spectacular hosts. They exhibit tremendous knowledge of their immediate surroundings, and English history/tradition/custom on the whole. In addition to more "regular" stops, they put great effort - and empathy - into providing off-the-path diversions as well. We made frequent stops at legitimate sights, never having to sit too long. The group size was less than a dozen. Isabelle and David were also personally engaging, taking time to talk with all their guests to insure everyone was having a good time. We heard lots, saw more, had a great lunch, and enjoyed ourselves royally. If an 8 hour day is too much for you, they have other options that fit your interest and schedule. Do not book anyone else's tour, this is the one you want.
Derek G
03:57 29 Aug 22
Highest recommendation! This is the tour operator to choose for experiencing the Cotswolds. We did the Cotswold Explorer tour on a lovely August day. The full-day outing was packed with stops and drive by sights, but it was not at all exhausting. Isobel and David are amazing tour guides and they seem to love their work. Both are kind and pleasant; Isobel's commentary is delightful to listen to, while David is an excellent driver with a reassuring presence. Their van is clean, comfortable, and provides great views of the breathtaking countryside. Thank you, Cotswold Exploring, for an experience we will treasure always.
Pamela S
16:29 10 Jun 22
We took the Cotswold Explorer summer tour and it was a lovely day exploring the area.The tour took us through the variety of Cotswold area with lots of stories and information shared. At each stop, restaurant and coffee shop recommendations were made that didn’t disappoint.Highly recommend booking a tour with Cotswold Exploring. A wonderful experience.
Stefane Desmond
07:32 31 May 22
This was a great trip, that picked up from an easy location to get to in Oxford. The guide, was wonderful and knowledgeable. It was 5.5 hours but it didn’t feel too long at all. The drive to and through the Cotswolds was adorable. They picked great stops for us to walk around and shop at. They brought us to the best places to take pictures, as well for a memorable trip. The driver and guide went above and beyond when my mum asked where she could get a Sunday dinner back in Oxford. They called a bunch of restaurants to check. Would definitely recommend! It is such a charming area!
Morgan C
17:22 12 Apr 22
My husband and I did the Cotswold Explorer full day tour, and we had a blast! Isobel and David have lived in the area for years and are incredibly knowledgeable. We probably passed through 10 towns/villages, and stopped in 4 or 5. Isobel shared history about each and every one of the places. David was an excellent driver and carefully navigated the narrow roads for a comfortable riding experience. This tour is well worth your time and money! We would love to return and do the Downton Abbey tour.
Arisa Nakagoe
22:08 11 Sep 21
I am so glad to have found this perfect tour! It was a lovely day out, exploring the beautiful castle and quaint villages. Thank you Isobel for the fun and informative guide and thank you David for the safe and comfortable ride!
Aswin shyam
17:52 14 Jul 21
Isobel was our guide and David was our Tour driver. Isobel was very knowledgeable and helped us get around the beautiful Cotswold villages. The tour was well planned and we had ample time at every village to explore with Isobel highlighting the history and significance of each place. David and Isobel were both kind and even helped us to choose the best place to have our lunch and shopping. The tour even included stops at the eccentric lavender, poppy and wild flower fields. The tour along with Isobel and David made our day special.
Arun Michael Dsouza
14:11 08 Jun 21
The Cotswold Taster Tour was absolutely lovely. Both Isobel and David were extremely nice and knowledgeable, we had a wonderful experience with them. Isobel's commentary was excellent - full of interesting facts and David was very careful throughout the trip, driving through some of the narrow lanes of the countryside while we were enjoying the scenic views. We got to visit some of the most beautiful little villages in the area and got the chance to wander around and explore. This is the best half-day tour of the Cotswolds in my opinion. I would definitely recommend it!
Mary Anne Dooley
10:54 23 Jul 19
Had a wonderful day with Isabel and David. Couldn’t rate the tour and them any higher! The commentary was delightful, very informative and timely. Amazing local knowledge. Isabel and David were able to answer any question and they were both very flexible for the needs of the passengers. David’s driving was expertly handled, especially on the narrow roads. Because of the small bus, they are able to use the more interesting roads and visit towns and villages off the beaten track and often prettier and much less crowded than the the well known. If you want a day tour to the Cotswolds don’t go past this one.
Yulia A.
23:14 23 Jan 19
I've just had an incredible day with Isobel and David. Breathtaking beauty of rural countryside on a winter day combined with excellent commentary made this tour absolutely amazing. Seeing all these rural villages, rows of thatched cottages with lovely gardens, rolling hills with farms, animals and rare birds gives such a therapeutic effect! And Isobel is so interesting to listen! Highly recommended!
More reviews
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