Cotswolds Handpicked Gems Tour
Tour Overview
This is a departure from the predictable tourist trail. Designed for the discerning traveler, this journey is a curation of handpicked gems—private estates, 18th-century landscape masterpieces, and "chocolate-box" thatched villages often missed by the guidebooks.
Traveling in the quiet luxury of a premium SUV, you are hosted by a local expert with deep roots in the region. From estate history to modern film secrets, your host shares the intimate stories "behind the stone," ensuring an experience that is as insightful as it is elegant.
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Duration: Typically 12–14 hours (London) | 10–11 hours (Oxford).
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The Fleet: Private Luxury SUV (Porsche Cayenne or BMW) – Maximum 4 guests.
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Pickups: Door-to-door from London (Notting Hill/Hotels), Oxford Parkway, or the Cotswolds.
Hidden Gems Tour
TOUR 4
TOUR 1
Handpicked by our local guides.
Last updated: Jan 2026
Duration: ~10–11 hours
Pickup/Drop-off: Oxford Parkway Station (OXP) – main concourse by the ticket gates. London & Airports also an option
WHY THIS TOUR
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Beyond the Guidebooks: A sophisticated route focusing on architectural heritage, world-class gardens, and quiet valleys that large coaches cannot access.
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Expert Local Intelligence: Hosted by long-term locals who share the stories of estate history, film secrets, and the best "hidden" pub lunches.
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Flexible & Personal: Tailored for the discerning solo traveler and families—extend a garden stroll, linger over a boutique find, or adjust the pace on the fly.
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A trusted, safe, and discrete environment specifically designed for solo female travellers and families.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Rousham House & Gardens: A private stroll through Monty Don’s favorite garden—an unspoiled 18th-century masterpiece by William Kent, largely unchanged for 300 years.
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Great Tew Estate: Explore the pinnacle of "chocolate box" architecture in this exclusive ironstone village of perfectly preserved thatched cottages.
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Blenheim Palace: A grand morning photo walk through the Great Court and UNESCO-listed parkland of Sir Winston Churchill's birthplace.
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Daylesford Organic: A sophisticated stop at the UK’s premier farm shop and garden café for artisanal coffee and boutique lifestyle browsing.
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Chipping Campden: Discover the "Golden Jewel" of the North Cotswolds, home to the historic 17th-century Market Hall and a stunning medieval High Street.
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The Slaughters & Swinbrook: Experience the riverside beauty and quiet charm of these quintessential English hamlets, away from the typical tourist trail.
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Minster Lovell Hall & Dovecote: Wander through the atmospheric 15th-century ruins of a great manor house set in a peaceful bend of the River Windrush.
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Optional Dinner at The Bull, Charlbury: Finish your day at the National Pub & Bar of the Year 2025 for world-class, fire-cooked seasonal dining.
WHAT YOU SEE AND DO
Blenheim Palace - The birthplace of Winston Churchill, offering grand Baroque architecture - options for palace tours or parkland walks.
Burford - he historic "Gateway to the Cotswolds" featuring a famous high street and medieval bridge.
Minster Lovell - 15th-century riverside ruins and a medieval dovecote tucked away in the region's most "haunted" village.
Great Tew Estate: Explore the pinnacle of "chocolate box" charm in this exclusive ironstone village of perfectly preserved thatched cottages.
The Slaughters: Experience the quintessential beauty of these twin riverside hamlets, where honey-stone cottages reflect in the shallow, clear waters of the River Eye.
Rousham House & Gardens: Discover Monty Don’s favorite landscape—an unspoiled 18th-century masterpiece of serpentine walks and classical statues that has remained unchanged for 300 years.
Daylesford Organic Farm SHop: Indulge in the "Harrods of the Cotswolds," a premier luxury destination for organic artisanal produce and boutique lifestyle shopping.
Chipping Campden: Discover the "Golden Jewel" of the North Cotswolds, famous for its historic 17th-century Market Hall and perfectly preserved medieval High Street.
Swinbrook Walk: A tranquil riverside stroll through the Windrush Valley, following the footsteps of the famous Mitford sisters to one of the region’s most authentic country pubs.
Taynton - picturesque "hidden gem" known for its historic quarry stone, used to build Blenheim Palace and Oxford’s colleges.
The Bull, Charlbury - voted the National Pub & Bar of the Year 2025, historic inn is the premier destination for refined, fire-cooked food.
Return to Oxford or London
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
“Rom met us at Oxford Parkway we were texting beforehand) in a Porsche Cayene. We saw all five villages without the stress of narrow lanes or parking. It felt like traveling with a knowledgeable friend rather than a tour guide.”
Sarah & James L., New York
“Seeing Bibury and Castle Combe in one day is impossible by train, but this tour made it easy. The SUV was incredibly comfortable and the priority lunch booking in Stow was a fantastic touch. Thanks again for making the day magic” David M., Toronto
“Timed to avoid the tour buses. From the 'Tolkien Door' to the best local cheese shops, every stop was curated. If you want a premium, private Cotswolds experience, this is it.”
Elena R., London
LUNCH & DINNER OPTIONS
Daylesford Farm , Kingham - Best for: quick, high-quality lunch + browsing the farm shop.
The Bull, Charlbury - voted the National Pub & Bar of the Year 2025, historic inn is the premier destination for refined, fire-cooked food.
The Fox, Oddington: A stylish organic retreat known for its rustic-chic design, roaring fires, and "farm-to-fork" seasonal dining.
The Chequers, Churchill: A sophisticated hilltop pub blending traditional Cotswold charm with an award-winning, innovative British menu.
The Bell, Charlbury: A beautifully restored 17th-century inn offering a relaxed, authentic atmosphere and exceptional local ales.
The Lamb Inn, Shipton: A classic honey-stone coaching inn featuring cozy inglenook fireplaces and a superb garden for al fresco dining.
NOTABLE STOPS
Quince & Clover: A stylish Great Tew favorite offering seasonal, artisanal fare and exceptional coffee in a beautifully restored Cotswold stone setting.
Falkland Arms: A world-renowned 16th-century inn in Great Tew, famous for its ivy-clad walls, flagstone floors, and quintessential "old-world" pub atmosphere.
The Bantam Tea Rooms is a quintessential 17th-century refuge in Chipping Campden, famous for serving traditional, homemade afternoon tea.
WHERE YOU DEPART FROM
Oxford, UK
London Notting Hill or Greater London
London Heathrow
HOW YOU TRAVEL
Porsche Cayene (SUV/4WD)
Landrover or BMW SUV (SUV/4WD)
Heathrow (SUV/4WD)
GOOD TO KNOW
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Timings are flexible on the day: we can extend a favourite stop or keep some villages as drive-throughs to maximise daylight.
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Read about coach bans and congestion in Bibury (Jan 2026) - Read More.
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Wet-weather plan available (covered areas at Blenheim; cafés/shops in Burford, Broadway, Campden).
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Accessibility and pace adjustments available - please tell us what you need.
BENEFITS OF BOOKING WITH US
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Insightful Local Expertise: We aren't just drivers; we are long-term locals who navigate around congestion and tourist traps using back roads only we know.
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Safety & Professionalism: Fully insured and compliant operations. Our luxury Porsche or BMW SUVs are maintained to the highest manufacturer standards for total reliability.
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Trusted, Discreet Hosting: We provide warm, attentive, and professional service tailored to your pace. Your privacy and comfort are our absolute priority.
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Bespoke Value for Money: Transparent day rates with no hidden fees. We maximize your time by customizing the route on the fly to suit the weather, crowds, and your interests.
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Family & Accessible Reliability: From providing child seats to managing minimal-walking routes, we handle the logistics so guests of all ages feel safe and included.
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Complete Door-to-Door Ease: Total convenience with pickups and drop-offs at your hotel, station, or dinner venue, including concierge help with lunch and ticket bookings.
Trusted and Discreet
A professional private host who prioritises your comfort and privacy. Popular with solo travellers and women travelling together who want a safe, relaxed day without crowds or group dynamics.
Expert Local Guides
Our local guides plan the day with care and stay attentive throughout. Expect smart timing, safe stops, and a calm pace with clear support, especially helpful for solo travellers and families.
Comfort & Cleanliness
Immaculate premium SUVs with space for luggage, pushchairs and shopping. Bottled water and phone charging included, with door to door pickup from London, Oxford and Heathrow.
2026 PRICING
Full Day (per luxury SUV, Porsche Cayenne, LandRover or BMW)
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Oxford pick up: £550 (8-10hr day)
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London, Notting Hill pick up: £750 (10-12 hr day)
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Central/East London pick up: £850 (10-12 hr day).
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Overtime (after 7pm): £70/hr per car.
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Airport transfer only: Heathrow £180 (2 hr). Gatwick £200 (2.5hr)
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Deposit: 30% to secure your booking; balance 1 week before tour date.
LUXURY ADD-ONS
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Premium Transfers: Upgrade your tour to include direct pick-up or drop-off from an airport. (Price on request).
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Luxury Hamper: an indulgent selection that features premium fizz and gourmet treats (£95).
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Little Treats Hamper: carefully selected nibbles for a mid-tour break. (£55).
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Concierge Dining: complementary booking service for Afternoon Tea, Hawkstone Brewery, or Michelin-starred eateries. (food/tickets charged by venue).
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Extend your trip: indulge in a longer day to explore further or treat yourself to dinner. (available at overtime rates £70/hr).
WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CARDS, INCLUDING KLARMA
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Private luxury SUV (e.g., Porsche Cayenne) with local driver-guide.
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Door-to-door pickup/drop-off at Oxford Parkway (OXP).
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Route planning, fuel, parking, insurance, bottled water.
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Baby/child seat on request.
NOT INCLUDED
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Food and drink (e.g., Daylesford, tea rooms, pubs).
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Venue tickets (e.g., Blenheim Palace interiors).
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Gratuities (optional).
FURTHER READING
- Read about our village guides. Read More.
NEXT STEPS
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Secure your date with a 30% deposit; balance just before your tour date (Klarma available).Email: info@cotswoldsdaytours.co.uk | Phone/WhatsApp: +44 (0) 7399-343069
