Discover Oxford And The Cotswolds: A Self-Guided Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Radcliffe Camera

   The magnificent circular reading room designed by James Gibbs in 1749 — one of the most iconic library buildings in the world and the heart of Oxford University's Bodleian Library system. The adjoining Old Bodleian Library, founded in 1602, features the medieval Duke Humfrey's Library and the stunning Divinity School with its fan-vaulted ceiling.

   Pass by without stopping

2. Oxford's grandest and most famous college — founded by Cardinal Wolsey in 1524 and home to the magnificent Great Hall that inspired Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. The college chapel uniquely doubles as Oxford's cathedral, while the tranquil Tom Quad and the Meadow walks along the Thames offer peaceful retreats behind the imposing Tom Tower gateway.

   Pass by without stopping

3. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

   The world's first public museum, founded in 1683 — housing an extraordinary collection spanning Egyptian mummies, Greek sculpture, Renaissance paintings by Raphael and Michelangelo, the Alfred Jewel, and Powhatan's Mantle from Virginia. The beautifully renovated neoclassical building on Beaumont Street offers five floors of art and archaeology entirely free of charge.

   60 minutes here

4. Bridge of Sighs

   The ornate skyway connecting the two halves of Hertford College across New College Lane — inspired by Venice's Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge. Completed in 1914 by Sir Thomas Jackson, this Venetian-style covered bridge has become one of Oxford's most photographed landmarks and a quintessential symbol of the university city.

   30 minutes here

5. Oxford Covered Market

   A beloved Oxford institution since 1774 — a charming indoor market of independent butchers, bakers, florists, and specialty food stalls tucked behind the High Street. Sample the legendary Ben's Cookies, browse vintage clothing, and pick up artisan cheeses beneath the Victorian iron-and-glass roof that has sheltered traders for two and a half centuries.

   30 minutes here

6. Blenheim Palace

   A monumental UNESCO World Heritage baroque palace in Woodstock — the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the only non-royal palace in England. Designed by John Vanbrugh with gardens by Capability Brown, the estate encompasses 2,000 acres of parkland, formal Italian gardens, a hedge maze, and the magnificent Long Library stretching 55 meters.

   Pass by without stopping

7. Bourton-on-the-Water

   Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds — a picture-perfect village where the shallow River Windrush flows through the centre beneath elegant low stone bridges, bordered by honey-coloured cottages and manicured lawns. The village green fills with families paddling in summer, while the Model Village, Birdland, and the Motor Museum offer gentle diversions.

   60 minutes here

8. Bibury

   A row of medieval weavers' cottages dating to the 14th century — described by William Morris as the most beautiful village in England. The steeply gabled Arlington Row, built from warm Cotswold stone and reflected in the waters of the River Coln, appears on the inside cover of the British passport and is one of the most photographed scenes in the country.

   60 minutes here

9. Stow-on-the-Wold

   The highest town in the Cotswolds at 244 meters, centred around a large market square where eight roads converge — once one of the most important sheep fairs in England. The atmospheric St Edward's Church north door, framed by ancient yew trees that inspired Tolkien's Doors of Durin, and the antiques shops lining the square make this a quintessential Cotswold stop.

   60 minutes here

10. Broadway Tower

    A stunning 18th-century Gothic folly perched atop the second-highest point in the Cotswolds at 312 meters — offering panoramic views across sixteen counties on a clear day. Built in 1798 for Lady Coventry, the tower later became a retreat for William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelite artists. The surrounding Broadway Tower Country Park is perfect for walking.

    Pass by without stopping

11. Chipping Campden

    The jewel of the northern Cotswolds — a perfectly preserved wool town whose magnificent High Street of honey-stone houses, the 15th-century perpendicular Gothic Church of St James, and the Jacobean Market Hall built in 1627 testify to the immense wealth generated by the medieval wool trade. The start point of the 102-mile Cotswold Way walking trail.

    30 minutes here

12. Castle Combe

    Regularly voted the prettiest village in England — a tiny hamlet of medieval stone cottages nestled in a wooded valley with no visible modern intrusions. The 14th-century market cross, the ancient packhorse bridge over the By Brook, and the St Andrew's Church with its faceless clock have made Castle Combe a favoured film location, appearing in War Horse and Stardust.

    60 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

CloudGuide S.L

Know before you go

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos