Experience our Bath and The Cotswolds Day Tour, a carefully crafted journey combining the historic city of Bath with the charming villages and scenic countryside of the Cotswolds. This Bath and The Cotswolds Sightseeing Tour offers a relaxed and flexible way to explore both destinations with a local guide, perfect for a full-day visit or a longer immersive experience..
Usually single-day tours, but 2 -3-day tours available upon request at a discounted price.
Full-day Tour from as little as £625 /day depending upon the time of year. All tours are fully inclusive but do not include lunch tea or admission to attractions or sites.
Full Payment by card is requested on day of tour.
DURATION
Minimum 8 Hours
STARTING LOCATION
From your Hotel, train station, B&B or wherever you are staying in the Cotswolds.
Castle Combe, described as the loveliest and prettiest village in the Cotswolds. It was used as a backdrop in films: The fictional Puddleby-on-the Marsh in Dr Dolittle, the 1960’s film with Rex Harrison, and more recently a backdrop to War Horse. This magical village was once a weaving town at the Cotswolds wool trade’s heart: you can still see weavers’ cottages where the local red and white cloth was produced. On the 12th. Century St Andrew’s Church is the modified 15th-century faceless clock (one of the oldest working clocks in England) that used to ring the hours. The Old Rectory tea room offers some of the finest teas in the Cotswolds. If you can’t stop in time for tea, why not try a lunch stop for the perfect day out. Photoshoots of your day are also available.
Tetbury is a small tranquil, charming market town that is off the tourist radar. By the 18thC, Tetbury was one of the most important cloth market towns in Gloucestershire. The square is dominated by the 17thc Market House, which rests on three rows of pillars. South of the square, you can find the magnificent parish church of St Mary the Virgin, which was rebuilt in Gothic style in the late 18thc. The spire, the fourth highest in England, is 186 ft tall. Long street is also the address for HRH, The Prince of Wales’ flagship Highgrove Shop with his private estate just a couple of miles from the centre of Tetbury..
Cirencester, the Corinium and second-largest town in Roman Britain, is often described as the Cotswolds’ capital. The greatest evidence that remains today of the Roman presence is the crossing of the road network, which made Corinium so important and the Amphitheatre at the south of the town. Cirencester has the finest Roman museum in the UK, and mosaics and a Roman Villa can be seen at nearby Chedworth. The Market square is dominated by the cathedral-like church of St John the Baptist, built-in 1490. The town grew in prosperity as a result of the wool trade in medieval times. Markets are held every Monday and Friday. The finest Agricultural College in the UK was founded by Henry4th. Earl of Bathurst, in 1845.
On the southern edge of the Cotswolds, Malmesbury is perched on a hilltop, one of Britain’s oldest inhabited sites. The River Avon virtually encircles the town. Because of its location, Malmesbury, during the Civil War, changed hands several times. The west end of the Abbey is riddled with bullet holes where prisoners were executed. The town centre is a blend of 17th and 18th.C architecture overlooked by the imposing Abbey. At the heart of the town is the octagonal Market Cross dating back to 1490. Abbey House garden, some 5 acres, is adjacent to the Abbey
There is nowhere else quite like Bath Abbey. Magnificent stained-glass windows, columns of honey-gold stone and some of the finest fan vaulting in the world that create an extraordinary experience of light and space. There has been Christian worship on this site for over 1200 years, and the Abbey remains a living church. The first sight most visitors have of Bath Abbey is the West front’s unique Ladders of Angels, inspired by Bishop of Bath, Oliver Kings’ dream of ascending and descending angels. Tower tours offer the chance to go behind the scenes and enjoy stunning views of the city..
Bath has a reputation for being the home of some of the UK’s most beautiful architecture. The Royal Crescent is a breathtaking row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a sweeping crescent. Built between 1767 and 1774, it is one of Georgian Architecture’s greatest examples in the UK. Untouched since it was built, it enjoys the view across Royal Victoria Park. Pulteney Bridge was built in 1774 was built to connect Bath and Bathwick across the River Avon. The Holbourne Museum is housed in the former Sydney Hotel. Originally built between 1796 and 1799, this grand three-story building is another wonderful example of Georgian architecture.
Nestled among the city’s elegant Georgian buildings, you will find the incredibly well-preserved remains of one of the most important religious spas of the ancient world are a feat of Roman engineering. However, don’t be fooled by the building with its Roman figures that line the terrace above. The building is 18th C, and the statues are late 19thc put in place when the Baths were opened to the public for the first time. A truly magical experience is to view the Roman baths in the evening when the rooms are lit up by torchlight as darkness falls..
Founded in 1232 and converted into a country house c.1540, the fine medieval cloisters, sacristy, chapterhouse and monastic rooms of Lacock Abbey have survived largely intact. The handsome 16thC stable courtyard has half-timbered gables, a clock house brewery and a bakehouse. The Victorian woodland garden boasts a fine display of spring flowers, magnificent trees, an 18thC summer house, a Victorian rose garden, a newly restored botanic garden and a haha. The Museum of Photography commemorates the achievements of a former resident of the Abbey, William Henry Fox Talbot. Lacock Village, not surprisingly, has been the venue for many films such as The Cranford Chronicles, Larkrise to Candelford, and some scenes in Harry Potter..
“Given the rolling hills and narrow roads of the five-county expanse of the Cotswolds, one of the best means of enjoying the region is from the comfort of a luxury Mercedes Viano with a Best Cotswold Tours guide without the anxiety of driving on the wrong side of the road” Mark Thompson. Metro Source Magazine.
Copyright 2026 | Mark Ransom | Cotswold Blog
EXCELLENT Based on 145 reviews Posted on Tripadvisor Brad L10 November 2025Verified Farm to Table Research Mark was such a great host and guide. He catered our day based on our interest in UK farming - and farm to table experiences for myself and 3 members of our business in Canada. Was really nice to be able to visit a few farms, speak to some of the owners, and experience locations who have farm & retail. The countryside is absolutely beautiful - and having Mark who is so knowledgeable with respect to the area was a treat. Highly recommend!Posted on Tripadvisor rprrebel30 October 2025Verified Great Customer Service & Great Tour We had a wonderful experience with Mark, our guide for The Best Cotswolds Tours. Because he grew up in the Cotswolds, he shared the region with genuine affection and first-hand knowledge. From the very beginning, the planning process was smooth—Mark asked thoughtful questions about our interests and then created a sample itinerary that fit us perfectly. He also suggested charming inns and local restaurants near our stay, all of which turned out to be excellent choices. His attention to detail made the entire experience effortless for us.Our day with Mark took us from the rolling hills of the North Cotswolds to the picturesque villages of the South. The scenery was simply stunning—gentle green landscapes, honey-colored stone cottages, and winding country lanes that seemed untouched by time. We began in Stow-on-the-Wold and explored lovely spots like Chipping Campden, where we had time to stroll and enjoy the atmosphere. A highlight was visiting Broadway Tower, perched on a hill with breathtaking views stretching across the countryside. For lunch, Mark recommended a fantastic local restaurant that served delicious, fresh food in a cozy setting.In the afternoon, we continued south, stopping in places like Tetbury, each village offering its own charm and history. I particularly loved the smaller northern communities, where we truly felt at home among the welcoming locals and beautiful surroundings.I would highly recommend The Best Cotswolds Tours. From my initial inquiry to the final goodbye, everything was handled with warmth and professionalism. When I return to the Cotswolds with friends, I’ll absolutely book another tour with Mark—there’s no better way to experience this magical part of England.Posted on Tripadvisor Stephanie P27 October 2025Verified A Magical Day Touring the Cotswolds with Mark We took a family trip to England this summer with our four young children and spent a day with Mark touring the Cotswolds. He was a wonderful guide! He has deep knowledge of the area and knows how to avoid the crowds and slip in some lovely views and experiences. He was super accomodating, picking us up from the train station, sourcing a booster seat for our 5 year-old and dropping us off at our AirBnb at the end of the day. He even took the time to return my jacket the next day that I left inside the car, which was quite a surprise to me! Communication before the trip was by email, prompt, clear, and helpful in planning the logistics of our day (more than our travel agent!). We highly recommend Mark if you want to take in the Cotswolds.Posted on Tripadvisor Suzanne B8 September 2025Verified The Cotswolds’ Secret Treasure: Mark Hiring Mark as our Cotwolds guide was the best decision and a highlight of our England trip. His professional pre-trip communication ensured a customized itinerary. His expert knowledge, personal insights, and safe driving let us enjoy a full day of history, shopping, eating, and exploring. We came away with full hearts and wonderful memories, and we couldn’t have asked for better. We couldn’t recommend him more!Posted on Tripadvisor harris g5 September 2025Verified Must book Mark! Mark gave us an experience beyond what we had dreamed! He worked up an itinerary based up some information I provided ahead of our time together. Mark focused on our need to avoid the big crowds and gave us an outstanding day! He scheduled a pub lunch that had varying prices and was so quaint. Mark is very knowledgeable, flexible, funny, and attentive! He finished the day by giving us a collection of “memory sheets” which I now have to remember this area and Mark. Do not hesitate to book Mark! The money is well spent. He was like a personal resident friend taking you out for the day.Posted on Tripadvisor Amy J11 August 2025Verified I’d do it again Mark and the mini history lessons he provided about the area made the trip so much more fun. The vehicle was clean and comfortable to ride in. Loved it.Posted on Tripadvisor SometimesTraveler28 July 2025Verified Lives Up to Its Name! I stumbled upon Mark Ransom and his "Best Cotswold Tours" business when I was researching tour operators. What a find! He is kind, flexible, friendly and humorous! On top of that, he grew up in the area, so he knows the villages well.Many tours leave too early for my liking, so I appreciated that Mark let me choose my start time. My family departed Oxford Staton (near our hotel) around 10:45 am and met Mark at Kingham Station just after 11:10 am.He greeted us on the platform, and we drove off in his air-conditioned, comfortable vehicle to our first stop: Bourton-on-the-Water. This village was as charming as I had imagined, and Mark told us exactly how to walk through it so that we would not get lost. We also spent time at The Model Village (entrance fee), an exact replica of Bourton-on-the-Water as it was in the 1930s at 1/9th the size.Before departing for England, I had given Mark a list of where I'd like to visit in the North Cotswolds, and he shared his suggestions. For instance, the lovely Cotswold Lavender farm is open in July, so he recommended we stop by.He was willing to take photos of us wherever we wanted so that my entire family could be in the pictures. Other sights we enjoyed were: Blockley, Broadway Tower, Snowshill, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold. We even saw a production crew filming in Blockley...it could have been for the TV series Father Brown, as we recognized the church from the show.At every stop, Mark shared some history and pointed out many details we would have missed. Throughout our 7-hour tour, we learned so much! His preparation and experience were evident!He actually made lunch reservations for us at a lovely cafe, where we had the best quiche, coronation chicken sandwich, meat pie and carrot & orange cake. Mark also stopped if we needed to use the restrooms, and they were clean and sometimes in cute gift shops.Because he had told me that some of the roads are tight, my party took anti-nausea medicine -- but he drove very smoothly. A highlight of our time in England, "Best Cotswold Tours" will be on my list again when we want to explore the South Cotswolds!Posted on Tripadvisor W4451VFlaurad17 July 2025Verified A perfect day in the Cotswolds! Mark Ransom of Best Cotswolds Tours made our day in the Cotswolds truly unforgettable. He was warm, knowledgeable, and shared the perfect blend of local history and hidden gems. Even with the rain, he made the experience seamless and special for me and my daughter. Highly recommend!Posted on Tripadvisor Excursion1270335586716 July 2025Verified An amazing day with Marc at Cotswolds mark was simply amazing. He gave us a full day tour of the sites. He was knowledgeable humorous and gave us a fantastic day. I recommend him for all your Cotswold needs.Posted on Tripadvisor Diane S16 July 2025Verified Best tour of Cotswolds!!! Excellent tour of the Cotswolds… highly recommend using Mark as your guide to explore this amazing region! He is has a great amount of knowledge and helps you see all the best spots! Book your tour with him! You won’t be disappointed! 😀
Porters Farm, Wyck Rissington, Bourton on the Water Glos GL54 2PN
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