Just outside London lies a different world: the Cotswolds.
Honey-colored Cotswold stone cottages dot gentle hills, timeless stone walls mark ancient boundaries, and small hamlets invite slow wandering. Antique shops, cozy tearooms, and green pastures create a landscape that feels a world away from the city. Our Cotswold group trips offer a chance to step out of the everyday and into the quiet, restorative rhythm of this special region.
Boxwood Abroad group trips are intentionally small and personal. With limited attendees, these journeys feel like holidaying with close friends—swapping stories while antiquing, taking hands-on cookery classes, and sharing long dinners. The pace is restorative, with time to appreciate gardens, sheep-filled fields, and those little discoveries that linger in memory.
The Cotswolds are more than postcard scenes. Each village is layered with history, and exploring them with others makes every moment richer. If you’re curious what makes this area so enchanting, read on—there’s plenty to discover beyond the pictures.
We begin in London at The Twenty Two before heading into the countryside, but the best moments come once you’ve left the city behind.
Table of contents
- Join Chloe in Europe
- Getting to the Cotswolds…First Stop: London
- Your first stop: The Twenty Two
- How about an evening at The Ned?
- Getting to the Cotswolds
- Transportation options
- Group Size & Savings
- Booking tips
- Where to Stay
- Thyme: Luxury country retreat
- The Lakes by Yoo, Lechlade
- Soho Farmhouse, near Chipping Norton
- The Lygon Arms, Broadway
- Daylesford Farm
- Booking tips
- Where to Feast & Fill Your Glass
- The Fox, Oddington
- Wild Thyme Restaurant
- The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
- Local Cotswold Specialties
- Getting a Table
- Group Activities and Experiences
- Walking tours
- Historical sites
- Photography spots
- Village hopping
- Antiquing in the Cotswolds
- Know Before You Book
- Group Trips to France
- Explore More Travel Guides from Boxwood Avenue
let’s rendezvous!
Join Chloe in Europe
Come to the Cotswolds and beyond with a Boxwood Abroad group trip. We plan the details so you can enjoy a relaxed, beautifully curated experience. Tickets sell quickly—reserve your spot soon.
Getting to the Cotswolds…First Stop: London
Most international flights arrive at Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW). For a smoother arrival, aim for morning flights that land between 6 and 9 AM so you have time to settle and start exploring.
While you can travel straight to the Cotswolds by train, allowing a day or two in London is worthwhile. From Heathrow, the Heathrow Express reaches central London in about 15 minutes; Gatwick Express takes roughly 30 minutes to Victoria Station. Taxis or private drivers are also practical options.
Your first stop: The Twenty Two
Located in Mayfair, The Twenty Two occupies an elegant 1850s manor reimagined as a boutique hotel. Its 31 rooms combine period character with modern comforts—plush fabrics, marble bathrooms, and thoughtful design. Choose a Signature Room for extra space and garden views. The ground-floor restaurant serves a generous English breakfast with locally sourced ingredients.
How about an evening at The Ned?
The Ned occupies a former bank building turned culinary and social hub. Start with drinks at the central bar and enjoy live music most evenings. Reserve a table at Cecconi’s or try a rooftop restaurant for city views. If you’re in London on a Sunday, the Ned’s Sunday Feast is a memorable option. For a classic celebrity-spotting night out, Chiltern Firehouse remains a popular choice—book well in advance.
Getting to the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are easily accessible from London. Here are the common options so you can choose the best fit for your group and itinerary.
Transportation options
Coach tours depart daily from London’s Victoria Station and are cost-effective, typically £35–60 per person. Coaches usually leave early (around 8 AM), allowing a full day of village-hopping. National Express and independent operators run frequent services.
For more flexibility, consider private minibus hire for groups of 8–16. Splitting the cost among friends often makes this the better value, and you can stop at lesser-known spots. Local operators offer comfortable minibuses and personalized routes.
Trains run from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh or Charlbury in about 90 minutes. Booking group tickets in advance can yield discounts.
Group Size & Savings
Groups of six to twelve are ideal—large enough to share costs but small enough to move easily and secure last-minute spots at pubs and attractions. Bigger groups require more advance planning for meals and transport.
Booking tips
Book accommodations and key activities 2–3 months ahead, especially for popular summer dates. Midweek travel offers lower rates and fewer crowds. Spring and autumn provide better value and pleasant weather. Many hotels and towns offer group discounts—ask when you book. For trains, check off-peak deals before 9:30 AM.
Where to Stay
The Cotswolds offers a wide range of charming places to stay, from restored manor houses to lakeside retreats. What unites them is a strong sense of place—properties that blend seamlessly with the landscape and local history.
Whether you prefer an intimate inn, a family-run country house, or a contemporary lakeside home, there are options to suit group sizes and styles.
Thyme: Luxury country retreat
Thyme, near Southrop, feels like a small village rather than a hotel. Restored farm buildings house individually styled rooms featuring exposed Cotswold stone, original beams, and large fireplaces. The Ox Barn restaurant sources ingredients from on-site kitchen gardens, the spa uses local botanicals, and the cookery school teaches traditional recipes. Thyme often offers exclusive use for gatherings, making it ideal for family stays or special occasions.
The Lakes by Yoo, Lechlade
The Lakes blends contemporary design with countryside living. Waterfront homes and cabins feature large windows framing lake views, modern interiors, and natural materials. Walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and summer wild swimming are on offer, and the clubhouse serves relaxed meals—perfect for groups who enjoy outdoor pursuits and scenic evenings.
Soho Farmhouse, near Chipping Norton
Soho Farmhouse offers a curated country-house experience across a large estate of cabins and amenities. Interiors mix rustic charm with luxury details—copper bathtubs, record players, and wood-burning stoves. Facilities include a heated lakeside pool, barn cinema, and multiple dining options. It’s a lively choice for those who want country relaxation with a social scene.
The Lygon Arms, Broadway
Sitting in one of the prettiest Cotswold villages, The Lygon Arms dates back centuries and blends medieval, Tudor, and Georgian architecture. Its bar with a large fireplace and the restaurant serving updated British classics make it a charming base. The hotel’s afternoon tea and spa add to the indulgence.
Daylesford Farm
Daylesford Farm combines sustainable farming with design-forward accommodations. The farm shop stocks seasonal produce, cheeses, and baked goods, while the café highlights farm-grown ingredients. Activities include yoga, spa treatments, and guided farm tours—great for travelers seeking a restful, eco-conscious stay.
Booking tips
Reserve summer dates months in advance for the best rooms. Spring and autumn offer lower rates and fewer crowds. Weekends often have minimum stays, so plan accordingly. Ask hotels about dinner packages or priority bookings at local restaurants—many properties coordinate with nearby venues for group dining.
Thyme | The Lakes by Yoo | Soho Farmhouse | Lygon Arms
Prefer not to plan alone? Join one of our Cotswold group trips and let our team handle the details for an unforgettable experience.
Where to Feast & Fill Your Glass
The Cotswolds food scene ranges from hearty village pubs to refined tasting menus. Local chefs emphasize seasonal ingredients and traditional flavors with contemporary twists. Here are a few standout places and specialties to seek out.
The Fox, Oddington
The Fox blends historic charm with modern cooking. Menus change daily to showcase the best produce, and their Sunday roast is a local favorite. If you’re organizing a group, book well in advance to secure space.
Wild Thyme Restaurant
Hidden in Chipping Campden, Wild Thyme offers an inventive tasting menu that highlights British ingredients. It’s a splurge but often worth it for the thoughtful cooking and curated wine list.
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
The Wild Rabbit elevates the pub experience with refined cooking that still feels rooted in the countryside. Expect excellent local cheeses, freshly baked bread, and dishes that celebrate regional producers.
Local Cotswold Specialties
- Gloucester Old Spot pork – a regional breed with deep roots.
- Double Gloucester cheese – far superior to the mass-produced versions.
- Stinking Bishop cheese – pungent in aroma, delicious in flavor.
- Tewkesbury mustard – often paired with horseradish for roast beef.
- Bibury trout – from one of Britain’s oldest fish farms.
- Stroud Valley ale pie – a comforting local specialty.
- Bath Soft Cheese – a creamy, sought-after regional cheese.
Getting a Table
Plan ahead: book dinners at least two to three weeks out for regular dates and earlier for weekends. Many pubs close one or two weekdays, and Sunday lunches fill up fast. Notify restaurants of allergies or dietary needs when booking—most chefs appreciate the heads-up. Saturday markets, like Stroud’s, are great for local produce and impromptu picnics.
Group Activities and Experiences
Beyond the honey-colored facades, village life continues much as it has for centuries. Take your time—speak to locals, linger in pubs, and follow unexpected paths. Day trips miss many quiet rewards; staying overnight reveals the Cotswolds’ real character.
Walking tours
Lace up your boots and explore the Cotswold Way. Start from Chipping Campden’s Market Hall and follow paths that pass Broadway Tower and sheep-studded hills. Local guides point out hidden inscriptions, secret viewpoints, and picnic spots where ruins and rivers make perfect stops. Daylesford is a lovely place to pick up supplies for a countryside picnic.
Historical sites
Historic estates and castles abound. Blenheim Palace offers grand grounds and ties to Winston Churchill. Sudeley Castle’s gardens recall Tudor stories, and medieval wool churches—like Northleach—reflect the region’s once-thriving wool trade. Small ruins and local legends add flavor to any visit.
Photography spots
For memorable photos, catch Arlington Row in Bibury at sunrise to avoid crowds and enjoy golden light. Broadway Tower offers dramatic sunset panoramas across several counties. Spring bluebells near Painswick and autumnal woods provide seasonal spectacle. Smaller village centers often reveal the most authentic scenes—gardens, local markets, and daily life.
Village hopping
Private tours help you cover highlights while avoiding the busiest times. Chipping Campden and Broadway are must-sees for their High Streets and period architecture. Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe are popular for good reason, and quieter hamlets like Bibury showcase the region’s wool-trade heritage and timeless streets.
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Antiquing in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a treasure for antique lovers. From large showrooms to garden salvage yards, you can find pieces with real history. Here are a few notable places worth visiting.
Lorfords Antiques, Tetbury
Lorfords occupies large hangars outside Tetbury filled with 18th- and 19th-century furniture and decorative items. The airy spaces and well-curated displays make browsing a pleasure. They also assist with shipping and can provide guided support if you plan to purchase significant pieces.
Simon Hall Limited, Broadway
Simon Hall’s showroom is arranged like a country house, which helps you imagine pieces in a domestic setting. Their English furniture collection includes museum-quality items—take your time to explore the rooms and ask staff about provenance.
Twig of Tetbury
Twig specializes in garden antiques and architectural salvage. Their courtyard is filled with stone troughs, weathered statues, and reclaimed doors—perfect for gardeners and restoration projects. The owner’s local knowledge can be invaluable when you’re searching for a specific item.
Brownrigg
Located in Burford, Brownrigg spreads across a Georgian building with changing stock that mixes periods and styles—Victorian desks beside mid-century lamps. New pieces arrive often, so repeat visits can be rewarding.
Know Before You Book
Timing matters. The most visitor-friendly months are May through September when paths are dry and villages host events. Spring and autumn offer good weather, fewer crowds, and better rates. Winter has its own quiet charm—frosted stone and peaceful mornings.
Choose knowledgeable local guides for a deeper experience. Small-group operators focus on personal, authentic visits rather than tourist-heavy stops. If you plan to walk between villages, many services arrange luggage transfers and station pickups—ask when you book. Check cancellation policies and book accommodations early during peak season.
Local tourist information centers and walking associations publish detailed trail maps and event schedules. Above all, leave space in your itinerary for unplanned wandering—the best discoveries often happen off the beaten track.
Group Trips to France
If planning isn’t your thing, Boxwood Avenue also offers guided group trips to France and other destinations. Travel with experienced guides who curate meaningful experiences, handle logistics, and connect you with like-minded travelers for memorable journeys.
Visit our travel site for current trip dates and availability.
Explore More Travel Guides from Boxwood Avenue
If the Cotswolds inspire you, explore more of our travel guides for other destinations and curated itineraries. Whether you’re interested in Provence, countryside escapes, or flea markets abroad, there are many routes to discover and experiences to enjoy.