Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 107 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh worth booking?
Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh is a 8-hour experience in Oxford, United Kingdom, from $109 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 107 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (107)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $109 per person
Experience the 'secret' side of the Cotswolds with a local guide in a small and friendly group of up to 16 people. On our Secret Cotswolds tour, we'll explore picture-postcard Cotswold towns and villages - but not the famously "busy" ones! Escape the crowds of "honeypot" destinations in the Cotswolds and explore stunning, quieter locations, off the usual tourist trail. As well as better known Burford and Broadway, you'll discover the Cotswolds' very own standing stone circle, the timeless village of Stanton and the fascinating Cotswold village of Guiting Power. Tours depart from Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, or from Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds. Travelling from London or Oxford? Take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh! You'll skip all the traffic, enjoy a charming, scenic train ride, and get to spend even longer in the beautiful Cotswolds!
What you get
About this experience
Experience the 'secret' side of the Cotswolds with a local guide in a small and friendly group of up to 16 people. On our Secret Cotswolds tour, we'll explore picture-postcard Cotswold towns and villages - but not the famously "busy" ones! Escape the crowds of "honeypot" destinations in the Cotswolds and explore stunning, quieter locations, off the usual tourist trail. As well as better known Burford and Broadway, you'll discover the Cotswolds' very own standing stone circle, the timeless village of Stanton and the fascinating Cotswold village of Guiting Power. Tours depart from Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, or from Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds. Travelling from London or Oxford? Take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh! You'll skip all the traffic, enjoy a charming, scenic train ride, and get to spend even longer in the beautiful Cotswolds!
What's included
Included
- Pickup from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre (8.50AM) or Moreton-in-Marsh rail station (9.30AM)
- Admission to The Rollright Stones - we make a donation for every visitor
- Souvenir booklets with maps, photos and information
- Travel the back roads in a spacious, comfortable, 16-seater Mercedes minibus
- Fun, friendly, local driver-guide to share stories and enhance your day
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drink - please bring your own, or money for food and drink on the go
What you'll see and do
Moreton-in-Marsh
Passengers joining the tour at Stratford-upon-Avon will be collected from Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal at 08.50. Then, we travel to the Cotswold town of Moreton-in-Marsh, where we collect our final guests from Moreton-in-Marsh rail station at 09.30. From Moreton-in-Marsh, it's a 15 minute drive to our first official stop. We'll provide an introduction to the tour en route.
10 minutes here
Rollright Stones
Discover the secrets of The Rollright Stones, the Cotswolds’ very own ancient stone circle – a ‘mini Stonehenge’! This is a fascinating place to start our tour, learn some Olde English myths and legends, and drink in panoramic views across the Cotswolds countryside. Admission to The Rollright Stones is a donation of £2 per person, but we make this donation for you by arrangement with The Rollright Trust.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Cotswolds
En route to our next stop, enjoy a scenic drive (approx 40 minutes) through the picturesque countryside made famous by the TV show ‘Clarkson’s Farm’* and discover tiny Cotswold villages far off the beaten track. (*Please note that while this tour passes through farmland owned by Jeremy Clarkson, we do not pass or stop at Diddly Squat Farm Shop. Queues for the farm shop can be hours long, and there just isn’t time to visit on a one-day tour!)
40 minutes here
Burford
This vibrant, authentic Cotswold market town is a wonderful place to learn about the history of the area, photograph classic Cotswold cottages, and seek out delicious homemade cake.
60 minutes here
Guiting Power
Shhh… don’t tell anyone, otherwise this will become the next tourist trap! Gorgeous, remote and unspoilt, Guiting Power provides a slice of genuine Cotswolds countryside life. Have a pint in the local pub, or try one of David Beckham's favourite sausage rolls!
30 minutes here
Broadway
Perhaps not-so-secret, but the ‘Jewel in the Cotswolds Crown’ is not to be missed! There are art galleries to browse, independent retailers to support, and gorgeous traditional cottages to admire.
70 minutes here
Stanton
Fall in love with the quiet, charming village of Stanton, which is regularly voted as one of the most beautiful and unspoilt villages in the Cotswolds.
30 minutes here
Moreton-in-Marsh
Leaving Stanton behind, now it's 5pm and time to say farewell to some of our passengers at Moreton-in-Marsh station. We hope you made friends and good memories! You don't have to end your tour where you started - if you joined us in Stratford-upon-Avon, why not spend a night or two in the pretty Cotswolds market town of Moreton-in-Marsh? We have plenty of space for your luggage, and Moreton has several accommodation options, as well as a rail station for your onward travel.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oxford
Your ticket may show a 'start time' of 8.50am, but if you select pick up from Moreton-in-Marsh, your tour departs at 9.30am. Please wait in the car park in front of the station ticket office. Arrive 9.25am. Look for our white Mercedes minibus with green & purple Go Cotswolds logos on it.
Meeting point
Oxford
Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal is on Windsor Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Arrive at 08.45 and be ready to depart at 08.50. Look out for a big white, green and purple Mercedes minibus, driven by one of our friendly guides in Go Cotswolds uniform. You shouldn't be able to miss us!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your ticket may show a 'start time' of 8.50am, but if you select pick up from Moreton-in-Marsh, your tour departs at 9.30am. Please wait in the car park in front of the station ticket office. Arrive 9.25am. Look for our white Mercedes minibus with green & purple Go Cotswolds logos on it.
Ends at
Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal is on Windsor Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Arrive at 08.45 and be ready to depart at 08.50. Look out for a big white, green and purple Mercedes minibus, driven by one of our friendly guides in Go Cotswolds uniform. You shouldn't be able to miss us!
Options you can book
Stratford-upon-Avon 8.50AM
Stratford-upon-Avon pick up: Please meet at Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal at 08.45 for departure by 08.50. Starting point: Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal, Windsor St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6NL, UK
Moreton-in-Marsh 9.30AM
Moreton-in-Marsh pick up: Please meet in the car park at Moreton-in-Marsh rail station at 09.25 for departure by 9.30AM. Starting point: Car Park Moreton In Marsh Station Station | APCOA, Station, Station Rd, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AA, UK
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
- Mon, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Go Cotswolds - Guided Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- There are two pick-up points for this tour: Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal, Stratford-upon-Avon – Departure at 08:50; Moreton-in-Marsh Rail Station – Departure at 09:30. Please note your ticket may display the tour start time as 08:50, regardless of your chosen pick-up location. However, if you selected Moreton-in-Marsh, your actual departure time is 09:30. Kindly arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- Look out for our friendly guide in Go Cotswolds uniform, driving a large white minibus with green and purple Go Cotswolds branding—you won’t miss us!
- Double-check your selected pick-up point. Occasionally, we don’t stop at both, so arriving at the wrong location could result in being left behind. To change your pick-up point, please log in to your account to update your booking. Need help choosing the best option? Contact us!
- If you are arriving in Moreton-in-Marsh by train, the train arriving at approximately 09:17–09:20 is ideal. It’s a small station, and it’s just a 1–2 minute walk to the car park where your guide will meet you.
- If you are arriving in Stratford-upon-Avon by train, note that our pick-up point is a 5–10 minute walk from the station. Please note that on Sundays, there are no trains arriving before the tour departs.
- Uber and similar services are not widely available in the Cotswolds, and local taxis can be difficult to book last minute. We strongly recommend booking taxis in advance or using public transport where possible.
- If you're not at your pick-up point on time (08:50 in Stratford-upon-Avon, 09:30 in Moreton-in-Marsh) and we can't contact you, the tour will depart without you. Make sure we have your correct mobile number with international dial code before your tour.
- After the tour, please plan any onward travel as follows: from Moreton-in-Marsh: After 17:00; from Stratford-upon-Avon: After 17:30
- We have plenty of secure luggage space on board our vehicles, though please note our guides may not be able to assist with very heavy luggage
- Children aged 3–15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sorry, no children under 3.
- Tours run in all but dangerous weather—please dress appropriately!
- The total tour duration of 8 hours includes travel time. Approximate travel times are as follows: 30 minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon to Moreton-in-Marsh (for those who select pick up in Stratford-upon-Avon); 15 minutes from Moreton-in-Marsh to The Rollright Stones; 40 minutes from The Rollright Stones to Burford (this scenic drive is described in the itinerary); 40 minutes from Burford to Broadway; 10 minutes from Broadway to Stanton; 30 minutes from Stanton to Guiting Power; 30 minutes from Guiting Power to Moreton-in-Marsh.
- Accessibility: Users of lightweight mobility equipment such as canes, walking frames and foldable manual wheelchairs are welcome on our tours, provided you can climb 3 steps to get on and off our minibus, multiple times during the tour. Lightweight, foldable manual wheelchairs can be stored in the luggage compartment of our minibus. We're sorry, we cannot accommodate wheelchair users who are unable to get in and out of their chair unassisted, nor can we accommodate any electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 107 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
107 verified traveler reviews for Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful tour to hidden Cotswold gems, a true highlight
A lovely day on a perfectly paced tour with our highly knowledgeable guide Martin! Even with drizzly weather, this tour was a highlight of our week in the Cotswolds. We were taken to a variety of beautiful small villages and spots that we never would’ve gotten to on our own, and Martin was a wealth of information, especially on the history of everything we saw, and he kept it fun and engaging the entire day. So glad we booked this tour, highly recommend!
via Viator
Great Tour, highly recommend
It was a great trip. We enjoyed everything we saw. Mark did a great job. He was informative, very interesting, and patient with a lot of questions.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed our Secret Cotswolds Tour and all the wonderful places you visited along the way. Mark will be thrilled to hear your kind words. He loves sharing his knowledge of the area, and we’re glad he made the experience so interesting and enjoyable, and could answer all the questions! Thank you for recommending Go Cotswolds. We hope to welcome you back for another Cotswolds adventure very soon!
via Tripadvisor
Fun, Interesting and worthwhile!
The leader, Dave, was knowledgeable and passionate about the area. He gave us lots of information and insights which made the trip wonderful. He was polite and efficient and worked hard to make the experience great for all on board.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Martina, for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed our Secret Cotswolds Tour and found it such a fun and worthwhile experience. Dave will be thrilled to hear your kind words. He’s passionate about sharing the hidden gems and stories of the Cotswolds, so it’s wonderful to know his knowledge and enthusiasm helped make your trip so special. Thank you for choosing Go Cotswolds, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
via Viator
Incredible tours!
Booked directly online with Go Cotswolds. Emailed them with a couple of questions and they replied within 24 hrs. Booked the Secret Cotswolds and Cotswolds in a Day tours. The drivers were wonderful. They were very personable and extremely knowledgeable about the areas we toured. Love that they use smaller vans rather than large tour buses. Will book their other tours with them on my next trip. Highly recommend this company!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed both the Secret Cotswolds and Cotswolds in a Day tours, and that our drivers made your experience so enjoyable. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the team — they’ll be thrilled to hear that their knowledge and personable approach helped make your days special. We’re also really pleased that you enjoyed travelling in our smaller minibuses. We love the more personal experience they provide and the opportunity to get into some of the smaller villages and quieter corners of the Cotswolds that larger coaches simply can’t reach. It would be an absolute pleasure to welcome you back on your next trip. We’ll have to make sure you get to try some of our other tours next time! Thanks again for recommending us — it really does mean a lot to the whole team.
via Tripadvisor
A wonderful view of the Cotswolds through the eyes of a local!
We just happened to see the Go Cotswolds van near the train station. and walked over. There happened to be 2 extra seats so we decided to join the small group instead of just bussing it on our own. It was so worth it. Larry, our driver made the experience come alive with many stories and anecdotes and great recommendations. Plus he took us to many more villages than we would have done on our own We highly recommend the tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We love that you happened to spot the Go Cotswolds minibus near the train station and decided to jump on board — sometimes the best adventures are the spontaneous ones! We’re delighted to hear that joining our small group Cotswolds tour turned out to be so worthwhile. Your guide will be thrilled to hear your kind words. His local knowledge, stories and anecdotes are a huge part of what makes our tours special, and we’re so pleased he helped bring the Cotswolds to life for you. It’s also great to hear that you managed to see so many more villages than you would have done independently. One of the advantages of exploring with us is that we can take you beyond the obvious highlights and help you discover more of this beautiful area. Thank you for recommending us — we really appreciate it! We hope to welcome you back to the Cotswolds one day.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 37
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Go Cotswolds - Guided Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.0 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Go Cotswolds - Guided Tours runsWhy this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oxford.
How much does Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh cost?
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Prices start at $109 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oxford usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oxford is not rushed.
Is Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 107 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oxford, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh?
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Around 37 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oxford can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oxford and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oxford within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oxford?
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On Outty we rank every Oxford experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon, Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide, Oxford Official University & City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oxford?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oxford?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh?
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Included: Pickup from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre (8.50AM) or Moreton-in-Marsh rail station (9.3; Admission to The Rollright Stones - we make a donation for every visitor; Souvenir booklets with maps, photos and information; Travel the back roads in a spacious, comfortable, 16-seater Mercedes minibus; and Fun, friendly, local driver-guide to share stories and enhance your day. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drink - please bring your own, or money for food and drink on the go. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh?
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Your ticket may show a 'start time' of 8.50am, but if you select pick up from Moreton-in-Marsh, your tour departs at 9.30am. Please wait in the car park in front of the station ticket office. Arrive 9.25am. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Accessibility: Users of lightweight mobility equipment such as canes, walking frames and f. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh?
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Across 107 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Stratford-upon-Avon 8.50AM, Moreton-in-Marsh 9.30AM. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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