Cotswolds Day Trip from London

You might consider one the London Walks Cotswolds tours- no need to book in advance, and very affordable. Looks like it would cover what you want to do in a much simpler way.
http://www.walks.com/other-tours/day-trips-from-london/

( don't have any experience with these tours yet- but we are considering a few of them- will be there same time- Late Sept)

this tour is highly recommended by those who have done it

https://www.cotswoldtourismtours.co.uk/

train from Paddington to Morton in Marsh and you are collected from the station

Take the train from Paddington Station in London to Moreton-in-Marsh. Then from Moreton you could get the bus to Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold or a cab. I would strongly suggest going to Bourton-on-the-Water then if you have time go to another village. In Bourton you could visit the model village is well worth a visit, it's behind the Old New Inn.

Hi Christy,

I took the same tour someone else posted about (https://www.cotswoldtourismtours.co.uk/) last September and loved it. I was having the same difficulty you were (feasibility of taking public transport when wanting to see multiple villages), and this was a good solution. They pick you up and drop you off at the station. The guides are really funny local guys, I enjoyed getting to know them a bit. And best of all, you get to spend some time actually IN one of those lovely thatched roof cottages, and they feed you an enormous amount of delicious food. Highly recommend!

You won't go wrong with either London Walks or The Secret Cottage Tour as a way to a bit of the Cotswolds for a day. I say that as a solo traveler who has taken the Secret Cottage Tour and several London Walks tours (though not day trips).

Advantage of London Walks:

-no need to book ahead. (vs must book in advance for Secret Cottage and they regularly sell out. )

Advantages of Secret Cottage:

-small group size guaranteed (vs with London Walks it could be small or large depending on who shows up that day)

-warm personal hospitality and delicious food/drink at the owner's cottage during sightseeing breaks

-they run the tour almost every day (vs London Walks does just selected dates).

Pick whichever fits better into your plans.

I hope you enjoy your day in the Cotswolds. Feel free to PM me if you want more info on Secret Cottage Tour. I did it last week and loved it.

Another vote for Secret Cottage. I was a little concerned about the cost, but it was worth every penny. Take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh and the tour will pick you up there. Food is fabulous. I enjoyed it so much!

Thank you all for your replies about the Secret Cottage tour. That definitely sounds like a winner to me and will definitely be investigating it further as a great option for my day trip to the Cotswolds. This forum is so fantastic and has helped me so much in planning my trip. I really appreciate everyone's time.

Julie,
I'm happy you enjoyed the Secret Cottage tour! I will see you Sat. at our meeting and find out all about your trip.

My family enjoyed the Secret Garden Tour the past July. It is fantastic! Small intimate tours with knowledgeable tour guides. Our guide, Steve was fantastic! The hospitality and food (that is included), are simply amazing and make this tour worth every penny!
https://www.cotswoldtourismtours.co.uk/
Laurie