Cotswolds, Downton village and Blenheim Palace tour from London

Step aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach and head north-west of London to discover the pretty area of the Cotswolds, with its rolling countryside and chocolate-box villages.

This guided tour also includes Blenheim Palace tickets, allowing you to explore the former home of Sir Winston Churchill, with lunch in a traditional British pub optional.

Coach tour from London to the Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace

Start your Cotswolds day trip from central London on a luxury, air-conditioned coach. Relax as you travel through rolling hills, charming villages and rural countryside, discovering why the Cotswolds is one of England’s most beautiful regions.

This quaint area of western England is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and spans Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

Things to see and do on this Cotswolds day trip from London?

On this tour, you get to explore two villages in the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is rich in picturesque sights.

Bourton-on-the-Water

The first stop is a unique village called Bourton-on-the-Water. It has lovely bridges and the river Windrush at its centre, giving it the nickname “the Venice of the Cotswolds”. It’s also home to plenty of shops and traditional tearooms and plenty of ice cream stalls.

Bampton

The next stop is Bampton, prominent as the filming location for the television series Downton Abbey. It offers fans an immersive experience into the series. Whether you're a fan or not it is worth visiting and offers well-preserved historic architecture.

If you only have one day to explore the area, this is the best Cotswolds itinerary that includes transport back to London.

Blenheim Palace: Tickets and cream tea included

In the afternoon, it’s time to visit Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, an 18th-century country house built in the English Baroque style and the final stop of this fabulous tour. It is the only non-royal and non-religious house in England with the title of Palace. It's the home to the Dukes of Marlborough, with the current occupier being the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Charles James Spencer-Churchill, and his wife Edla Griffiths, Duchess of Marlborough.

Your Blenheim Palace tickets allow you to explore the lavish State Rooms and a special Churchill exhibition, wander around the lake and discover gardens designed by famous landscape architect Capability Brown.

As part of this day trip, enjoy a cream tea at Blenheim Palace. Taste delicious scones with jam and cream paired with tea.

What's included in the tour price?

Return transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach from London to the Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace with a professional guide is included in your ticket. The ticket price also includes the Downton Abbey "behind the scenes" exhibition at Bampton Library. 

Tour itinerary and departure information

Departure from London

The tour departs every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 1 April 2025 to 23 January 2026 from Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, SW1W 9SH, near Victoria Station.

Check in at 8.15am. The coach departs at 8.30am. Always check your booking confirmation or ticket for pick-up point and timings. Don’t forget your e-ticket! 

Spend a full day in the Cotswolds

Return to London

The tour arrives back in London at approximately 7pm. You’ll be dropped off in Victoria.

If the tour arrives back later than 7.45pm, you’ll be dropped off at Gloucester Road Underground Station (Zone 1), which is three stops away from Victoria by Tube.

Buy your Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace tour tickets?

You can buy tickets for Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds day trip using the booking button on this page.

FAQs

Is the Cotswolds day trip family-friendly?

The day trip is family-friendly but it is quite fast paced. Due to the nature of walking around historical sites and quaint villages it might not be suitable for small children or toddlers.

Do I need to book tickets for this day trip in advance?

You need to book tickets for this tour in advance as you will not be able to buy tickets on the bus.

Does the tour include tickets to Blenheim Palace?

Entry to Blenheim Palace is included in your ticket as well as access to The Churchill Exhibition.

Is lunch included on the tour?

Lunch is not included in the ticket but the tickets generally include the cream tea experience at the palace rounding up your day trip to the countryside. However if you do not finish to participate in that there is an option at checkout to chose tickets that do not include the cream tea.

How long does it take to walk around Blenheim Palace?

This tour gives you around two hours to enjoy this Unesco World Heritage Site – plenty of time to wander through the State Rooms and special exhibition, and to explore the well-manicured gardens.