Hello! I am planning a day from London in mid May for 2 couples. We all have hearing loss, but get on pretty well. I am trying to decide which would be the better experience - a private tour with Cotswold Tours for the 4 of us, or Go Cotswolds in a van up to 16 people. We will arrive by train no matter which we choose. Both companies have glowing recommendations, but I would like to know if anyone here has any advice. Thank you!!
this is the Go Cotswolds description:
Itinerary for the Cotswolds in a Day tour:
After picking you up from either Stratford-upon-Avon (08.50AM) or Moreton-in-Marsh (09.30AM), you’ll visit the following locations:
Dover’s Hill (20 minutes)* A wonderful viewpoint at the northernmost end of the Cotswold Hills. Take in panoramic countryside views and enjoy an introduction to the Cotswolds, as well as some of our more quirky traditions!
Chipping Campden (1 hour). Many of the buildings in this beautiful, historic town date from the 14th to the 17th Century. Chipping Campden is also the start point of the famous Cotswold Way trail. Use our unique maps, so you can explore our recommended things to see and do.
Snowshill (20 minutes). This tiny hillside village is off the main tourist trail, but many people agree it’s the highlight of the tour!
Stow-on-the-Wold (1 hour 10 minutes). A bustling Cotswolds market town, steeped in history and with wonderful independent shops to discover.
Bibury (30 minutes). Home to the iconic ‘Arlington Row’ of chocolate-box cottages, tiny Bibury has been described as “the prettiest village in England”, so will you agree?
Bourton-on-the-Water (45 minutes). A beautiful village where pretty Cotswold stone bridges cross the crystal waters of the River Windrush.
The private tour says:
Stow-on-the-Wold — a historic hilltop market town centred around a wide square, known for its antique shops and the famous yew-tree-framed doorway of St Edward’s Church.
Upper and Lower Slaughter — a pair of neighbouring villages connected by a gentle riverside walk, with honey-coloured cottages and peaceful surroundings. They offer a slower, more tranquil side of the Cotswolds, ideal for a relaxed wander.
Bourton-on-the-Water — often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, with the River Windrush flowing through its centre, crossed by low stone bridges. It has a lively atmosphere with plenty to see while still retaining its charm.
Bibury — one of the most photographed villages in England, best known for Arlington Row, a row of historic cottages set beside a quiet stream. It’s a particularly special stop and often feels exactly as people imagine the Cotswolds to be.
Burford — a beautiful medieval town with a sloping high street leading down towards the river, lined with independent shops and historic buildings. It offers a slightly different perspective, with a stronger sense of its past as a working market town.