Escape into one of England’s most beautiful regions on this private full-day tour from Southampton, exploring the timeless villages and rolling countryside of the Cotswolds.
Perfect for cruise passengers, this Southampton shore excursion offers a relaxed and scenic journey through honey-coloured stone villages, peaceful valleys, and classic English landscapes. With expert local guiding, flexible pacing, and timing carefully planned around your cruise schedule, you’ll enjoy the very best of the Cotswolds without rushing.
What Places Could We Get to See?
On this private Cotswolds tour from Southampton, you could visit:
Paint Me a Picture
Your day begins with at 8:30am departure from your Southampton hotel or cruise terminal, travelling in comfort into the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds.
Bibury – A Cotswolds Fairytale
Your first stop is Bibury, often described as one of England’s most beautiful villages. This fairy-tale setting features charming Cotswold-stone cottages lining the banks of the River Coln, creating one of the most photographed scenes in the country.
Bourton-on-the-Water – The Venice of the Cotswolds
From Bibury, continue to Bourton-on-the-Water, regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Nicknamed the Venice of the Cotswolds, it offers stone bridges, riverside walks, independent shops, attractions, and classic tea rooms — with plenty of time to explore.
Lower Slaughter – Timeless Countryside
Next, visit the idyllic village of Lower Slaughter, one of the most picturesque villages in the northern Cotswolds. Set amid beautiful countryside, it feels wonderfully unchanged, with peaceful lanes and honey-coloured stone buildings.
Stow-on-the-Wold – Lunch & Local Life
You’ll then travel to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. Here you’ll have free time for lunch and to wander among antique shops, cosy pubs, narrow streets, and traditional tea rooms.
Burford – The Gateway to the Cotswolds
From Stow, journey through enchanting villages to Burford, often called the Gateway to the Cotswolds. Its sloping high street and ancient church make it one of the region’s most iconic towns — a place rich with stories and character.
Return to Southampton
Departing the Cotswolds in the late afternoon, you’ll return to your Southampton hotel or cruise ship by approximately 5:30pm, relaxed and full of memories from a classic English countryside day.
You’ll be looked after by one of our knowledgeable driver-guides and travel in a comfortable vehicle accommodating up to seven guests.
As you journey through the region, your guide will share insights into the area’s history and local highlights. At each stop, you’re free to explore with your guide or enjoy some independent time to relax, browse, or do a little shopping at your own pace.
Tour Details
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Available seven days a week, subject to availability
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Price: £599 per group
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Pickup from Southampton Cruise Terminal or your Southampton hotel
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Return to Southampton included
If you are disembarking from a cruise, we can also provide a drop-off at Heathrow Airport for an additional £150.
Included in This Tour
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Professional local driver-guide
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Transportation in a modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
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Hotel or port pickup and drop-off
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Private tour experience
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We are proud to support One Tree Planted — with every booking, we donate to help plant one tree 🌱
Not Included in This Tour
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Entrance fees to attractions
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Food and refreshments
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Gratuities
This full-day tour departs from either the Southampton Cruise Terminal or your Southampton hotel. Start times are flexible and will be scheduled to align with your cruise disembarkation.
If you are arriving by cruise, your driver-guide will meet you inside the cruise terminal at a pre-arranged time, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your day.
How much does the tour cost?
The tour costs £599 per group.
When can I take this tour?
This tour is available seven days a week, subject to availability.
What is the minimum and maximum number of guests?
The minimum is 1 person and the maximum is 7 people.
For larger groups, please email us to discuss availability and pricing.
Are entrance tickets included?
No, entrance tickets to attractions are not included.
Can I be picked up from London?
Yes, the tour can start in London and finish in Southampton for an additional £200.
What are the payment arrangements?
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
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Cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour incur a 100% cancellation fee.
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Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the tour incur a 5% cancellation fee.
Cruise Passenger Guarantee
We understand that returning to your ship on time is your top priority — and it’s ours too.
- All of our Southampton shore excursions are carefully planned around your cruise arrival and departure times
- We have never had a guest miss their ship
- Your professional local driver-guide actively manages timing throughout the day to ensure a relaxed and punctual return to port
- In the extremely unlikely event that you miss your cruise departure due to a delay on one of our tours, we will arrange and pay for your accommodation, meals, and transportation to the next port of call
This guarantee allows you to enjoy your private tour from Southampton with complete peace of mind, knowing your cruise schedule is always our highest priority.
