Just outside of London, you’ll find an entirely different world: The Cotswolds.
Cotswold Stone cottages in honey-colored hues scattered between gentle hills, stone walls that have watched centuries pass. Here, you’ll find charming hamlets, antique shops, and plenty of rolling hills. Our Cotswold Group Trips will transport you from the hustle and bustle of everyday life into the quiet nature of this remote part of England.
If you’ve followed along, you know that the Boxwood Abroad group trips are unique in their nature. With a limited number of attendees, the trips feel more like a holiday with your closest friends. Sharing stories of antiquing, cooking classes, and traveling abroad, you will find the utmost rest and rejuvenation amongst the sheep and gardens.
Cotswold group trips will change how you view this region. It isn’t just Instagram pictures and site seeing, there is a richness to be felt. Each village is like a history book packed with stories that go back generations. And somehow, sharing those discoveries with other travelers makes everything twice as memorable. You can’t go wrong with out Cotswold group trips! Curious about what makes this place so special?
We’ll kick things off in London at the Twenty Two, but trust me, the best is yet to come.
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Getting to the Cotswolds…First Stop: London
International flights generally land at London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW). For first-time visitors, I suggest booking morning arrivals – ideally landing between 6-9 AM.
While you can take the train directly to the Cotswolds, we suggest a day or two exploring London!
Arriving early helps beat the worst of London traffic and allows plenty of time to settle in. From Heathrow, the Heathrow Express reaches central London in 15 minutes. As for Gatwick Express, it takes about 30 minutes to get to Victoria Station. Or, book a taxi or driver.
Your first stop: The Twenty Two
Located in Mayfair, The Twenty Two occupies a stunning 1850s manor transformed into one of London’s most talked-about boutique hotels. The 31 rooms and suites blend period details with modern luxury – think velvet headboards and marble bathrooms.
Book their Signature Room for extra space and garden views. The ground-floor restaurant’s English breakfast is worth waking up for as it features local ingredients and house-made pastries.
As an interior designer, this hotel checks all of my boxes. It’s a *must* in my opinion!
How about an evening at The Ned?
The Ned isn’t just a dinner spot, it’s a London experience. This former bank building now houses many restaurants across its ground floor.
Start with drinks at the central bar, where live music fills the space most evenings. Book a table at Cecconi’s (the burrata and pasta are standouts) or try the rooftop restaurant for city views. If you’re staying on a Sunday, you’ll definitely enjoy their famous Sunday Feast.
We also love Chiltern Firehouse for a night out on the town! Be sure to make reservations well in advance, and you don’t want to go earlier than 8:30 pm!
Getting to the Cotswolds
Getting to the Cotswolds isn’t complicated as it is easily accessible from London. Let’s break down your options.
Transportation options
Coach tours run daily from London’s Victoria Station. They’re reliable and cost-effective, typically ranging from £35-60 per person. Most coaches leave early (around 8 AM), perfect for a full day of exploring hidden villages. National Express and Anderson Tours run the most frequent services.
Want more freedom? Private minibus hire works great for groups of 8-16 people. Split between friends often works out cheaper than individual tickets.
Plus, you can stop at those secret Cotswolds spots most tourists miss. Local operators like Cotswold Tours and Barnes Coaches offer modern minibusses with decent legroom.
The train route’s pretty straightforward, too. Hop on at London Paddington train station to Moreton-in-Marsh or Charlbury. The journey time is about 90 minutes. First-class group discounts are available if you book 12+ tickets together.
Group Size & Savings
Six to twelve people usually work best. It’s enough to keep costs down, but not so many that you’re herding cats. Smaller groups can move quickly and get last-minute spots at local pubs. Larger ones? You’ll need to plan everything weeks ahead.
Booking tips
Book 2-3 months ahead (especially for those chocolate-box villages in summer).
Midweek trips save you about 30%.
Groups of 6+ usually get better deals.
Spring and autumn? Better rates, fewer tourists.
Many historic market towns offer group hotel discounts.
Catch those off-peak train deals before 9:30 AM.
Where to Stay
The Cotswolds is full of remarkable places to rest your head. From converted manor houses to lakeside retreats, each property tells its own story. What makes staying here special is how these hotels blend into the beautiful region.
You’re not just booking a room but becoming part of the local fabric. And of course, if you’re part of the Cotswold group trips, the range of accommodations can suit any size and style of gathering.
Thyme: Luxury country retreat
Our number one recommendation: Tucked away in the area of Southrop, Thyme feels like a small village rather than a hotel.
The property sprawls across restored buildings that once made up a working farm. The rooms retain their original character – exposed Cotswold stone, weathered beams, and massive fireplaces that have warmed travelers for centuries.
Family owned and operated you will see the thoughtful design touches and hospitality come alive as most of the family members work on site daily.
Their Ox Barn restaurant has become a destination itself. It pulls ingredients straight from their kitchen gardens. The spa uses local botanicals, and their cookery school teaches traditional recipes.
They often open certain buildings for exclusive use, making Thyme perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
The Lakes by Yoo, Lechlade
Off the beaten track, The Lakes brings contemporary luxury to the countryside. These waterfront homes range from intimate cabins to grand family retreats, each designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the water views.
The interiors mix modern comfort with natural materials – think velvet sofas next to rough-hewn timber walls.
Beyond the accommodations, you’ll find walking trails threading through woods and around lakes. They offer kayaking, fishing, and wild swimming in summer. The clubhouse serves excellent food. However, you might prefer cooking in your equipped kitchen while watching the sunset over the water.
Soho Farmhouse, near Chipping Norton
The Soho Farmhouse turns country living into an art form. Forty cabins dot the 100-acre property, each feeling like your dream countryside home.
Inside, you’ll find copper bathtubs, record players loaded with vinyl, and wood-burning stoves. The decor hits a perfect note between rustic and luxurious. Muddy boots are welcome, but so are champagne flutes.
The amenities are endless. A lakeside pool that’s heated year-round, a barn cinema showing new releases. And, of course, multiple restaurants serving everything from hearty pub grub to refined Japanese.
Their electric milk floats (golf carts) shuttle you around the property. My advice: take a walk as it lets you better appreciate the views of the rolling hills.
You’ll likely see celebrities when visiting, and keep in mind photography isn’t allowed on property. The likes of the Beckhams, and last time I was there, I danced the night away with Joe Jonas!
The Lygon Arms, Broadway
Standing proud in one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, The Lygon Arms hotel has hosted guests from Charles I to Elizabeth Taylor.
The building itself reads like a history book. You will get to see medieval timber frames, Tudor architecture, and Georgian additions blend together. Rooms range from snug doubles in the old coaching inn to spacious suites in the newer wings.
Their bar, with its massive fireplace and local ales, makes the perfect spot to end a day of exploring hidden gems. The restaurant serves traditional British fare with a modern twist.
Plus, their afternoon tea rivals London’s best. The spa, housed in a former coach house, offers treatments using local lavender.
Daylesford Farm
Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Daylesford Farm offers a unique blend of sustainable luxury and countryside charm. This working organic farm features beautifully designed cottages, perfect for a cozy yet upscale retreat.
Guests can explore the farm shop, which is stocked with freshly harvested produce, artisan cheeses, and baked goods. The café serves meals crafted with farm-grown ingredients, providing an authentic taste of the Cotswolds.
Beyond accommodations, Daylesford Farm offers yoga classes, spa treatments, and guided farm tours, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and eco-conscious elegance.
Booking tips
Book months ahead for summer stays, especially if you want specific rooms. Spring and fall bring better rates and smaller crowds, plus the countryside puts on its best shows.
Most properties need two nights minimum on weekends. But it’s worth staying longer to soak in the area’s quirky history. Ask about dinner packages. Many hotels work with excellent local restaurants and can arrange priority bookings.
Thyme | The Lakes by Yoo | Soho Farmhouse | Lygon Arms
Don’t feel like planning a trip on your own, join us on our Cotswold group trips! It’s an experience of a lifetime!
Where to Feast & Fill Your Glass
The Cotswolds food scene is something else. From tiny village pubs to fancy restaurants, the food here tells stories of tradition, local ingredients, and talented chefs who know exactly what they’re doing.
The Fox, Oddington
You’d never guess this 16th-century pub was recently given a makeover. The Fox still feels old and cozy, but the food is modern. No fixed menu here; they cook what’s good on the day. Their
Sunday roasts, though? It’s worth planning your whole weekend around. The Yorkshire puddings are massive, crispy outside, and soft in the middle.
This place can handle the numbers if you’re organizing Cotswold group trips. But you’ll need to book way ahead.
Wild Thyme Restaurant
Hidden away in Chipping Campden, Wild Thyme does clever things with British ingredients. The tasting menu is a bit of a splurge but worth every penny. The wine list’s interesting too, full of bottles you won’t find in supermarkets.
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
Calling The Wild Rabbit a pub is like calling a Rolls-Royce a car – technically true, but missing the point. Yes, it’s got that relaxed country feeling, but the food’s in another league. Everything looks beautiful but tastes like the best version of itself. Their cheese board’s a proper education in local dairy, and don’t get me started on their bread.
Local Cotswold Specialties
- Gloucester Old Spot pork (these pigs have been around here forever).
- Double Gloucester cheese (nothing like the plastic-wrapped stuff).
- Stinking Bishop cheese (smells scary, tastes amazing).
- Tewkesbury mustard (with horseradish – brilliant with beef).
- Bibury trout (from Britain’s oldest fish farm).
- Stroud Valley ale pie.
- Bath Soft Cheese (creamy and worth hunting down).
Getting a Table
You’ll need to plan ahead, especially if you are planning Cotswold group trips. Book dinner for two or three weeks out, minimum. Weekends? Even longer. Many places take Mondays and Tuesdays off, and Sunday lunch books up fast.
If you’ve got allergies or special diets, tell them when you book; the chefs actually appreciate it. Most country pubs don’t mind muddy boots or dogs, but it’s worth checking first.
The Saturday morning markets are brilliant, especially Stroud’s. And if you fancy something different, try the old butcher’s shop restaurant in Stow-on-the-Wold or that converted cinema in Cheltenham. They’re proper local spots with character you won’t find anywhere else.
Group Activities and Experiences
Behind those famous honey-stone walls, small-town life hums along just like it has for centuries. Grab your camera, lace up your boots, or just bring your curiosity. Some zip through on day Cotswold group trips from London, but they miss the good stuff.
Stick around, chat with locals at the village pub, and wander down that odd little path that catches your eye. Let’s start with those walking trails.
Walking tours
Lace-up those boots – the Cotswold Way’s got stories to tell. Start from the Market Hall in Chipping Campden (my favorite jumping-off point).
The path winds through an area of outstanding natural beauty, past Broadway Tower, where sheep still dot the hillsides. Your local guide would know exactly where medieval shepherds carved messages into church walls. You won’t find that in the guidebooks!
Take a breather in some of the prettiest villages along the way. The path through the better-known Burford lets you catch your breath while soaking in those chocolate-box views.
Pack a sandwich – those hidden spots between ancient ruins make perfect picnic stops. You can pick one up ahead of time at Daylesford, it’s so charming and you’ll love shopping there.
Historical sites
Each stone’s got a tale here. Blenheim Palace isn’t just another fancy house – it’s where Churchill cut his teeth. The grounds stretch across the quintessential English countryside for what feels like forever.
But here’s the thing. Those honey-colored limestone buildings in historic market towns have more history than most museums. Peek inside Sudeley Castle’s gardens where Henry VIII’s last queen once strolled.
The wool church at Northleach? Local sheep farmers built that beauty when wool was basically medieval gold. Oh, and that crumbling abbey near Minster Lovell? Ask the locals about their ghost stories over a pint.
Photography spots
Here’s a tip: hit Arlington Row in Bibury at sunrise. No tourists, just golden light on ancient stone. Castle Combe & Bath might get the Instagram crowds. But when morning mist rolls over the River Windrush in the Venice of the Cotswolds? It’s just heavenly!
Want drama? Broadway Tower at sunset gives you views across six English counties. Spring brings a carpet of bluebells near Painswick. Come autumn, those secret Cotswolds woods burst into flames of red and gold.
And those tiny village centres everyone misses? That’s where you’ll catch real-life memories – old Bill tending his century-old garden or Lucy & Richard’s sheep dotting the hills.
Village hopping
Private tours can help you hit the top sites while avoiding tourist traps. Up north, you may get to see Chipping Campden. The High Street is gorgeous, and the locals still shop there. Broadway’s another gem – they call it the jewel of the Cotswolds, and rightly so. It pulls you in with its honey-coloured limestone period buildings and proper local pubs.
Bourton-on-the-Water gets busy, but for good reason. The River Windrush running through its heart makes for some great photos. Down south, Castle Combe’s looks frozen in time – in a good way. Plus, the tiny villages like Bibury show off the area’s wool production heritage.
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Antiquing in the Cotswolds
You’re in for a treat if you love old things with stories to tell. Cotswold isn’t just pretty villages and tea rooms – it’s a goldmine for antique hunters. The area’s rich cultural heritage has left behind centuries of beautiful pieces waiting to be discovered. Here’s where to find the best pieces:
Lorfords Antiques, Tetbury
You know those places that blow you away when you walk in? That’s Lorfords. They’ve taken over these massive old hangars outside Tetbury and made them feel magical. It’s not your usual antique shop. The spaces are bright and airy, with sunlight streaming through the windows onto gorgeous 18th-century furniture and quirky decorative pieces.
The family-run business also offers guide services to help navigate their extensive collection. If you’re serious about buying, they’ll sort out the shipping logistics for you.
Simon Hall Limited, Broadway
Just down the road from Broadway Tower, Simon Hall’s showroom feels more like a country house than a shop.
The rooms are arranged as they would be in a home, which helps you picture how that Victorian chaise longue might look in your own space. Their English furniture collection is outstanding – we’re talking proper museum-quality pieces here.
Take ample time here as each room tells its story, and the staff knows the history behind every piece.
Twig of Tetbury
This place is a bit unique. Twig specializes in garden antiques and architectural salvage. Their courtyard resembles a magical garden of stone troughs, weathered statues, and ancient doorways. You might come looking for a garden bench and leave with a 200-year-old sundial.
The owner knows every hidden village and private collection in the area. They’ll put their local contacts to work if you want something specific.
Brownrigg
Brownrigg occupies three floors of a Georgian building in the heart of Burford (the Venice of the Cotswolds, as some call it). What I love about this place is how they mix periods and styles. You might find a Victorian writing desk next to a mid-century lamp. Their selection changes weekly, making.
Know Before You Book
Timing can make or break a Cotswolds trip. The best months run May through September when footpaths are dry and villages buzz with local events. But I’ve got a soft spot for winter mornings when frost dusts those honey-stone walls. Both have their charm, really.
You’ll want good guides to show you around. Go Cotswolds keeps things personal – small groups, no tourist traps, just genuine local experiences. Mad Max Tours runs day trips from Bath, while Cotswold Teacup Tours suits those who prefer a slower pace. For walking enthusiasts, Lucy & Richard’s Walking Tours knows every hidden trail worth exploring.
Book your accommodations early, particularly in summer. The weather’s fickle here (I learned that the hard way), so check those cancellation policies. If you’re walking between villages, many companies offer luggage transfers. Most operators will collect you from local train stations; just ask when booking.
Want to dig deeper? The Conservation Board provides detailed trail maps, while Burford and Chipping Campden tourist offices offer current local information. The Cotswold Way Association publishes reliable walking guides and local history buffs in village societies love sharing stories.
Last bit of advice? Leave room for wandering. The best discoveries happen when you least expect them. Have a blast in the Cotswolds, and join us next time for our Cotswold group trips!
Group Trips to France
If you don’t want to plan a trip on your own, we offer group trips to France!
Travel through the French countryside with Chloe as your personal France tour guide. Owner and principal designer of Boxwood Avenue, Chloe will guide you through the most beautiful and historic parts of southern France!
A Boxwood Avenue group trip to France will allow you to experience the magic of France in an unforgettable way. Not only will you have an expertly curated trip highlighting the most wonderful sites of the area, but you’ll enjoy the company of like-minded people and leave with memories and life-long friends.
Check our travel website for current ticket availability! Au revoir!
Explore More Travel Guides from Boxwood Avenue
If you’re inspired to explore beyond the Cotswold group trips, check out more of our travel guides for some incredible destinations. Whether it’s finding hidden gems in the Ultimate Provence Travel Guide by Boxwood Avenue, exploring the scenic charm of Sun Valley, Idaho, traveling to Upstate New York, experiencing the beauty of the Provence, or planning your perfect visit to the Paris Flea Markets, we’ve got you covered!
