A day trip to Oxford Cotswolds from London is so worth it!
The British countryside is really so beautiful! What I want to share today is a very worthwhile one-day tour route in England, from the historic Oxford University and Christ Church College, where Harry Potter was filmed, to the idyllic Cotswold towns, Bibury and Waterbury. Dayton. This route is not only well-arranged, but also allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery. It is an unforgettable British experience!
route planning
Departure location: Central London
Transportation method: Chartered car travel (recommended comfortable Mercedes-Benz business car, convenient and easy)
Recommendation: Summer vacation is the peak tourist season in the UK, so it is recommended to book in advance as prices may rise closer to the travel date.
First stop: Cotswolds
Departing from London in the morning, the first stop is the beautiful Cotswolds region. With its picturesque pastoral scenery and peaceful little villages, it is a very good choice to start a day trip.
- Highlights:
- Traditional stone house: the unique architectural style is amazing.
- Idyllic scenery: vast fields and quiet lanes, ideal for walking and cycling.
- Ancient churches: Many churches are hundreds of years old and full of stories.
- Tips:
- Self-driving tour: The Cotswolds are very suitable for self-driving tours, you can stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery at any time.
- Avoid peak hours: It will be quieter if you go on weekdays than on weekends.
- Photo spot: Every village is a good place to take photos, especially the traditional stone houses and pastoral scenery.
Second stop: Bibury
Next we headed to Bibury, one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. This place, known as "Britain's most beautiful village", is full of fairy tale atmosphere.
- Highlights:
- Arlington Townhouses: a row of old stone houses, very distinctive.
- Small river: The water is crystal clear and the scenery on both sides is picturesque.
- Bibury Church: an old and beautiful church.
- Tips:
- Avoid peak hours: It is recommended to go early in the morning or evening, as there are fewer tourists and the photos are more beautiful.
- Walking routes: A walk along the river is a great option.
- Photo spot: Arlington rowhouses and the creek are both very good photo spots.
Stop 3: Bourton-on-the-Water
Next up is Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”. The small bridges, flowing water and beautiful stone houses here are unforgettable.
- Highlights:
- Bridge and Flowing Water: A beautiful river runs through the village, perfect for a walk.
- Traditional stone house: unique architectural style, very distinctive.
- Shop and tea room: you can taste authentic British afternoon tea.
- Tips:
- Recommended time: It is recommended to go in the morning or evening to avoid peak crowds.
- Walking route: Take a walk along the river and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Photo-taking spots: Small bridges and stone houses are both good places to take photos.
Fourth stop: University of Oxford
In the afternoon, we headed to the historic Oxford University. This academic palace not only has a strong academic atmosphere, but also has many magnificent ancient buildings.
- Highlights:
-Campus buildings: Every building is full of history, and it is very interesting to savor.
- Bodleian Library: a rich collection of books, especially suitable for book lovers.
- Oxford University Museum: It displays many precious historical artifacts and is worth visiting.
- Tips:
- Book in advance: For some popular attractions, it is recommended to book tickets online in advance to save time.
- Avoid rush hours: It is recommended to arrive in the morning to enjoy the peaceful campus atmosphere.
- Photo spot: Every corner of the campus is a good place to take photos, so remember to bring a few more photos!
Stop 5: Christ Church College
The next stop is Christ Church College, Oxford University. It is not only an academic center, but also the filming location of the Harry Potter movies!
- Highlights:
- The Great Hall: The Magical Restaurant filming location that Harry Potter fans must not miss.
- College courtyard: It has a strong classical atmosphere and is suitable for leisurely walks.
- Church: Beautiful architecture and solemn atmosphere, well worth exploring.
- Tips:
- Book in advance: Tickets are required for college visits, and it is recommended to purchase them online in advance.
- Avoid peak hours: It is recommended to arrive in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Photo-taking spots: The auditorium and the courtyard are both good places to take photos.
Transportation guide
It is recommended to charter a car and choose a comfortable Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle, which can accommodate 6 people. It is comfortable and convenient, making your journey more relaxed and enjoyable.
Tips
1. Dining recommendations: There are many cafes and restaurants in Oxford. Lunch can be enjoyed in small villages in the Cotswolds, where there are many specialty restaurants.
2. Weather preparation: The weather in the UK is changeable. Remember to bring rain gear and comfortable walking shoes with you.
3. Photos must be checked in: Each scenic spot has a very good photo location. Remember to bring more power banks to avoid running out of battery on your mobile phone.
4. Shopping guide: There are many unique handicrafts in the Cotswolds’ shops, which are worth a visit.
Reasons for choosing this group
1. Diversity: In one day, you can experience the academic atmosphere of England and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the countryside, satisfying a variety of interests.
2. Convenience: Traveling by chartered car is comfortable and convenient. Choose a comfortable Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle, which can not only accommodate 6 people, but also make your journey more relaxed and enjoyable.
3. In-depth experience: There is enough time to savor each attraction without being rushed, ensuring that you can enjoy the unique charm of each attraction.
4. Rural experience: The small towns of Cotswolds, Bibury and Burton-on-the-Water are picturesque and full of rural style, allowing you to experience the British style.
The above is a complete guide for a day trip from London covering the Cotswolds, Bibury, Burton-on-the-Water, Oxford University and Christ Church College. I hope this blog post will help you as you prepare to travel to these beautiful places. I wish you all a happy trip and have fun!