Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Avebury & Cambridge – 5 Days Small-Group Tour

Highlights

• Explore Oxford's Gothic spires, stroll through historic university college grounds, and discover the Ashmolean Museum — one of the world's oldest public museums
• Wander the Cotswolds' most beloved villages — the 1600s riverside cottages of Bibury on the River Coln and charming Burford, the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'
• Step inside Avebury's UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric stone circle — the largest in the world — and explore the medieval cloisters of Lacock Abbey, famous for its Harry Potter film connections
• Arrive in elegant Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with free time to admire its Georgian streets and visit the ancient Roman Baths at your leisure
• Discover thousand-year-old Thaxted in Essex, punt along the River Cam in Cambridge, and explore the cobbled medieval streets of Saffron Walden

5-Day Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Avebury & Cambridge Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in London

   Upon arriving in London, make your way to the hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day exploring the charming streets of the city at your leisure.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Oxford & Traditional Cotswold Villages

   Your day begins as you make your own way to the meeting point, passing through London's lively streets. Soon, the cityscape fades into the green scenery of the Chiltern Hills as you travel toward the historic city of Oxford. Spend the morning exploring Oxford, a city known for its Gothic spires and the UK's oldest university. You can stroll through the college grounds, take in views from a scenic lookout, or visit the Ashmolean Museum to admire its collections.

   Next, venture into the heart of the Cotswolds, where peaceful villages sit among gentle hills, with stone cottages and traditional markets. Your first stop is Bibury, set along the River Coln and famous for its 1600s cottages and narrow lanes — don't miss a walk to Arlington Row. After that, continue on to Burford, the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds,' where you can explore its charming streets and enjoy the village feel.

   After soaking in the beauty of these picturesque villages, you'll return to London in the early evening. Please note: Some tours may operate in reverse. On Sundays, all tours run in reverse due to Oxford colleges being closed in the morning.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Bath, Avebury and Lacock Village

   Leaving the bustle of London behind, you travel west through the scenic North Wessex Downs, a peaceful stretch of rolling hills, on your way to the village of Avebury. Your morning is spent exploring Avebury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site over 4,000 years old, home to the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. Uniquely, the circle surrounds a living village, with buildings dating back to the 1500s and 1600s. Take your time to walk among the stones and soak in the atmosphere.

   Continue on through the countryside to Lacock, where you'll have a chance to visit the well-known abbey. Fans of Harry Potter may recognize the cloisters, used as Hogwarts interiors in the films. Enjoy the charm of this medieval site before making your way to Bath, the highlight of the day.

   You'll arrive in Bath mid-afternoon, with time to admire the city's elegant Georgian design or explore the historic Roman Baths at your leisure. After discovering Bath at your own pace, you'll head back to London in the early evening.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Dive into History: Cambridge & Medieval England

   Today takes you on a journey through England's rich past, starting with historic villages in Essex and ending in the university city of Cambridge. Leaving London behind, you travel into the gentle countryside of Essex, with your first stop in the village of Thaxted. Set in the River Chelmer valley, Thaxted boasts over a thousand years of heritage. Wander its quiet lanes lined with thatched homes, admire the striking church spire, or visit John Webb's Windmill — the last of its kind and a symbol of the area's wool-making roots.

   Your next destination is Cambridge, renowned for its world-famous university. Discover historic college buildings, browse local museums, visit centuries-old churches, or explore the busy market square. You might even choose to go punting along the River Cam or take a break in one of the city's welcoming pubs, tea shops, or cafés.

   In the afternoon, visit Saffron Walden, a charming medieval town with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, you can enjoy the lively local market selling fresh produce and handmade items. After time to relax and explore, you return to London in the early evening.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Farewell

   After breakfast, your journey comes to an end. Check out of your hotel and depart at your leisure, carrying with you memories of England's ancient stones, storybook villages, and timeless cities.

What's Included

Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• City tax to be paid at the hotel
• Transfer to meet the guide for guided visits
• Return transfer to your hotel after guided visits
• Arrival & departure transfers
• Admission to Oxford Christ Church College
• Admission to Lacock Abbey
• Entry to Roman Baths (available at venue)
• Food & drink
• Any item, product or service not specifically listed under Included

Additional Information

• You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
• This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
• The sequence of the tours may change depending on the departure date. On Sundays, all tours run in reverse due to Oxford colleges being closed in the morning.
• Tour reference code: 314118

Dates & Availability

Frequently Asked Questions