This is not mass tourism. There are only so many places available. Equally to the point, the tour can only go ahead if the uptake reaches the (low) minimum required number of participants.
Not surprisingly, the tour often sells out so early booking is advisable. As soon as you book you will receive a confirmation that your place has been reserved. The link you use to pay for the tour will be sent to you a few days before the tour.
The total cost is £109 per adult; £104 for Super Adults (over 65s), Loyalty Card holders and full-time students; £99 for Super Adults and Full Time Students with the Loyalty Card; £72 for children.
The charge covers everything – guide’s fee, travel costs, entrance fees – except your lunch!
N.B., the deadline for late booking – should there be places available – is mid-day on the day before the tour. Payment must be made by 6 pm that day.
LET’S GO TO THE COTSWOLDS
Short read: The achingly beautiful Cotswolds…
Good listen: here’s an interview with Guide Simon in which he goes into considerable detail about where The Cotswolds trip goes, what happens on it, why it’s special, etc.
THE COTSWOLDS – THE PRACTICALS
The Cotswolds tour costs £109 for Adults; £104 for Super Adults (over 65s), Loyalty Card holders, and full-time students; £99 for people with the Senior and student Loyalty Card; £72 for kids
This covers the guide’s fee, the train fares, the coach fares and any entrance fees. The only thing you need to pay for is your lunch.
The logic of reserving your place while you can is incontrovertible. The Cotswolds trip usually sells out. We limit the group size.
N.B. This is a trip to the most beautiful countryside in the world. Gentle countryside that is. We walk through some of that countryside – along rural paths and footways and through meadows. Do be sure to come in footwear that’s equal to that gentle country walking. You won’t need hiking boots but you should wear comfortable walking shoes. “Let’s go for a walk” shoes. Don’t come in high heels or fashionable flimsies or flip-flops because in places there might be a spot or two of mud if there’s been a recent shower.
We go to the Cotswolds on selected Saturdays from April 27th to November 9th
The meeting time for the Saturday Cotswolds trip is 9 am
The meeting point is by the main ticket office – it’s near Platforms 1 & 2 – of Paddington Railway Station.
NB The tour gets back to London at around 7.20 pm
Simon holds up a sign that says LONDON WALKS.
AND AS FOR THE GUIDING
RURAL ENGLAND, VILLAGE ENGLAND AT ITS BEST
Medium read: We take you places where you’ll want to stay. The Cotswolds of thatched roofs and honey-coloured stone and cottages wreathed in wisteria and honeysuckle. The Cotswolds of stone bridges and old mills and millponds. The Cotswolds of storybook villages and matchless flower gardens. The Cotswolds of… well, of rural England at its best.
Long read: High-end, extremely high-quality tours. That’s what we do. The catch – you’re going to like the catch – is we do them at a very reasonable price.* If you’re thinking of going to The Cotswolds and you’ve found your way to this page you’ve drawn to an inside straight and hit it.
To get this into perspective, run a couple of comparisons. Sure, there are other ways of getting to The Cotswolds. You can hire a driver guide. Cost you hundreds of pounds and you’ll have less time in The Cotswolds because battling through London traffic and pounding along the motorway takes a lot longer than going by train. You can hire a car and drive up there yourself. Same time constraints and it’ll cost you a whole lot more than going with us. Car rentals aren’t cheap. And that’s not to mention the toll on your nerves that goes with the territory of driving in unfamiliar places. If it were a steeplechase – Simon’s savvy and years of experience over against you behind the wheel of a rental car and being completely unfamiliar with the course – well, I know which horse I’d back.
And as for coach tours to the Cotswolds – well, you might save £5 to £10 but it’s a textbook example of a false economy. Going by rail is much faster and much more comfortable than going by coach. Battling through London traffic and grinding out the miles on the motorway – well, your £5 to £10 “saved” is going to cost you precious hours in The Cotswolds. It’s no saving at all. Divide the cost by the number of hours you get in The Cotswolds you’ll find that the per-hour cost of going on a coach tour is a whole lot more than the per-hour cost of going with us.
Nobody else does it the way we do it. They can’t. They’re locked into their expensive “infrastructure” – their coaches, their cars, etc. Low-information tourist hordes don’t do it the way we do it. They would if they were lucky enough to find us. But they don’t find us. We’re not on their radar. Their loss. But you’re not them. You’re not low-information tourists, you’re savvy, discerning independents. You have found us. You’ve won. You’re going to have the best possible trip to The Cotswolds. Good going.
*The key is our low fixed costs – i.e., running London Walks off our kitchen table. That translates into extremely high-quality tours at a very reasonable price.
IT’S FASTLY SUPERIOR – WE GO BY TRAIN
Bored by traffic? Board the train. AtPaddington Railway Station (see above).
HOW’S IT WORK? WHAT’S THE ITINERARY?
When our train gets us to The Cotswolds we’re met by the local coach Simon has chartered for us. We do four villages and lots of countryside. So you’ll see a great deal of Cotswolds countryside and Cotswolds village life. We’re of course only in the coach while we’re seeing some Cotswolds countryside, going from one village to another. When we get to our villages we get out and walk. And that’s when the magic really kicks in.
Anything else? Yes, attention to detail. The small things that make a big difference. When we’re in the villages the driver stays with the coach. You can leave your gear in the coach with complete confidence that it’ll be ok. I said we use the local coach to village hop – but two of the villages – Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter – are very close together. Some of you, some of us, will choose to walk from one to the other. Others won’t. That’s ok, they’ll take the coach. It works a treat.
In sum: it’s fun; it’s fascinating; it’s efficient; it’s relaxed; Simon’s the perfect host – he takes the worry out of it). It just works. It’ll be one of the best – one of the most memorable – days of your life. Memories make us rich.
THE COTSWOLDS TRIP IS A BRIDGE TO WONDERFUL MEMORIES
BEARS REPEATING, IT’S VERY AFFORDABLE
About a tenth of what it would cost you to go by driver-guide.
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, The Cotswolds it can always be booked as a private tour. If you go private you can have the The Cotswolds walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab gift – be it a birthday or anniversary or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
Wonderful visit to the Cotswolds. Really enjoyed Chipping Camden and the chance to purchase sheepskins from a local in a historic marketplace. Simon was charming, knowledgeable, funny and very thoughtful in ensuring everyone had a good experience. Was fun to share a birthday toast for him!
Rated 5 out of 5
Lauren Smith –
Simon was awesome during our Cotswolds trip! So knowledgeable about all of the history of not just the area, but of London in general. Gave great tips of places to eat and shop in the towns we stopped in. Recommend going earlier in the fall as it did get dark by the end of our trip in November.
Rated 5 out of 5
Stacey & Mark Patton –
A glorious fall day in the Cotswolds! We wholeheartedly recommend this tour. A great way to see the Cotswolds from London. Our guide Simon expertly guided us through the charming countryside and quaint villages with the perfect balance of wit, wisdom, history, and etymology (We especially loved that bit!)
Rated 5 out of 5
Patricia O’Brien –
A wonderful tour, a wonderful guide and a wonderful day. The Cotswolds are beyond beautiful! Simon is an extremely knowledgeable and caring guide who really really deserves those 5 stars. 6, actually!
Rated 5 out of 5
Claudia –
We did the Cotswolds Tour on Saturday 07 September with Simon. We had long walks over rolling hills & across streams & the River Eye,but Simon considerately ensured the pace was comfortable for the Seniors in the group. Simon was the most engaging,interesting & informed guide I have ever toured with!
I learnt so much of the history of the Cotswolds -the intrigues of the Lords & Ladies & tales books don’t tell.
All in all,this tour with Simon was the highlight of my London trip.
Simon is a 5* guide and I will definitely be booking another trip when I’m next in the U.K.
Rated 5 out of 5
Caroline, Tony and Jenny –
We had a fantastic day out with London Walks on a day trip to the Cotswolds in Aug 2024. Simon was our guide and his knowledge was immense! The cost includes train, coach and guide fee so very good value (lunch is separate). You won’t be disappointed with the beauty of the Cotswolds villages and countryside. Good group size of around 20 people. Wear comfy shoes as you are walking too.
Rated 5 out of 5
Eos –
super enjoyable day in oh so perfect setting with marvelous guide (Simon) who shared more information than any brain can handle – loved it!!! was just the right mix of train (to get access), coach (to see more), walk (ok stroll) and hang out (in the villages). really one of the the cuuuuuutest spots in the world and learned tons (tx Simon!)
Rated 5 out of 5
Cindy Willis –
Our trip to the Cotswolds with London Walks was the perfect introduction to a most beautiful part of the world! Our guide Simon was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, thoughtful, thorough, and fun. If you have the opportunity to take an easy, well-organized, and inspiring day trip out of London, this is the adventure for you. And whenever you’re in London, be sure London Walks is on your itinerary.
Rated 5 out of 5
Lawrence Fox –
Cotswold walk with Simon was brilliant. This walk had every opportunity to be compromised or cancelled: engineering works requiring a change of station, train, time, and route; road closures that required rerouting; and a touch of rain. The rescheduled walk got off on time and ran without a hitch. Simon is immensely knowledgeable but fun. He communicates the themes of the walk (political, religious, wars and dynasties, shifting social mores and organization, and economic development) by examples and stories rather than a triumph of memorized facts. With a light hand, he kept us safe, organized, and together. He encouraged bonding so we had a great, pleasant, fun-learning, beautiful day.
Rated 5 out of 5
hilary daniels –
I did this tour back in 2018!it was brilliant!Simon is an excellent guide,a fun day was had by all,especially me!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy policy
Lisa Caswell –
Wonderful visit to the Cotswolds. Really enjoyed Chipping Camden and the chance to purchase sheepskins from a local in a historic marketplace. Simon was charming, knowledgeable, funny and very thoughtful in ensuring everyone had a good experience. Was fun to share a birthday toast for him!
Lauren Smith –
Simon was awesome during our Cotswolds trip! So knowledgeable about all of the history of not just the area, but of London in general. Gave great tips of places to eat and shop in the towns we stopped in. Recommend going earlier in the fall as it did get dark by the end of our trip in November.
Stacey & Mark Patton –
A glorious fall day in the Cotswolds! We wholeheartedly recommend this tour. A great way to see the Cotswolds from London. Our guide Simon expertly guided us through the charming countryside and quaint villages with the perfect balance of wit, wisdom, history, and etymology (We especially loved that bit!)
Patricia O’Brien –
A wonderful tour, a wonderful guide and a wonderful day. The Cotswolds are beyond beautiful! Simon is an extremely knowledgeable and caring guide who really really deserves those 5 stars. 6, actually!
Claudia –
We did the Cotswolds Tour on Saturday 07 September with Simon. We had long walks over rolling hills & across streams & the River Eye,but Simon considerately ensured the pace was comfortable for the Seniors in the group. Simon was the most engaging,interesting & informed guide I have ever toured with!
I learnt so much of the history of the Cotswolds -the intrigues of the Lords & Ladies & tales books don’t tell.
All in all,this tour with Simon was the highlight of my London trip.
Simon is a 5* guide and I will definitely be booking another trip when I’m next in the U.K.
Caroline, Tony and Jenny –
We had a fantastic day out with London Walks on a day trip to the Cotswolds in Aug 2024. Simon was our guide and his knowledge was immense! The cost includes train, coach and guide fee so very good value (lunch is separate). You won’t be disappointed with the beauty of the Cotswolds villages and countryside. Good group size of around 20 people. Wear comfy shoes as you are walking too.
Eos –
super enjoyable day in oh so perfect setting with marvelous guide (Simon) who shared more information than any brain can handle – loved it!!! was just the right mix of train (to get access), coach (to see more), walk (ok stroll) and hang out (in the villages). really one of the the cuuuuuutest spots in the world and learned tons (tx Simon!)
Cindy Willis –
Our trip to the Cotswolds with London Walks was the perfect introduction to a most beautiful part of the world! Our guide Simon was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, thoughtful, thorough, and fun. If you have the opportunity to take an easy, well-organized, and inspiring day trip out of London, this is the adventure for you. And whenever you’re in London, be sure London Walks is on your itinerary.
Lawrence Fox –
Cotswold walk with Simon was brilliant. This walk had every opportunity to be compromised or cancelled: engineering works requiring a change of station, train, time, and route; road closures that required rerouting; and a touch of rain. The rescheduled walk got off on time and ran without a hitch. Simon is immensely knowledgeable but fun. He communicates the themes of the walk (political, religious, wars and dynasties, shifting social mores and organization, and economic development) by examples and stories rather than a triumph of memorized facts. With a light hand, he kept us safe, organized, and together. He encouraged bonding so we had a great, pleasant, fun-learning, beautiful day.
hilary daniels –
I did this tour back in 2018!it was brilliant!Simon is an excellent guide,a fun day was had by all,especially me!