My mom will be in Oxford in March for a conference and she will have a few days off to herself. She's been to London several times and is thinking about traveling to the Countryside. She loves BBC and enjoys shows like Dr Brown and would love to see some smaller countryside villages. Does anyone know of any tour companies that might offer something like this? She is very independent but wouldn't want to drive on her own.
Thanks!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
This company took us on a very nice one-day driving tour around the Cotswolds in September. The van was comfortable, the guide knowledgeable and accommodating. It was a long day with a lot of scenery and stops in several villages. I thought they tried to cover too much ground, by the end we were pretty tired. But it was fun, well-run, and a good value.
An alternative might be a Rabbies tour from London. We have not been on one, but they get good reviews on this board, at least in Scotland. I'm not sure they'll have anything in March though.
A quick train from Oxford to Moreton-in-Marsh, and a B&B there, would enable her to explore some of the Cotswold villages by local bus over two or three days.
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1075 posts
"enjoys shows like Dr Brown"???
Did you mean Father Brown?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Brown_(2013_TV_series)
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1451 posts
Day Tours from London: http://www.daytourslondon.com
Premium Tours: https://www.premiumtours.co.uk/
London Walks: http://www.walks.com/other-tours/day-trips-from-london/
“Great Escapes”
Viator: https://www.viator.com/London-tours/Day-Trips-and-Excursions/d737-g5
Posted by
Mission Viejo, Calif., USA
1010 posts
My husband and I used Andrew Guppy, Cotswold Walks, last August. We spent 8 nights in the Cotswolds. Andrew made arrangements for us to be picked up everyday at our three locations and we toured with the driver. Originally we were going to walk a planned route, but my husband ended up with a concussion and Andrews changed our plans for us. We were picked up at our London Conrad Hotel St. James, by our driver. Then our driver took us to Highclere Castle. We walked around and toured for two hours. Then our driver took us to Chipping Camden for four nights. Then after four nights there, we went to two other Cotswold locations for two nights each. At the end, our driver returned us to our hotel in London. Our friends also used Andrew two years ago. They did complete walking tour of various locations and had drivers available also. Andrew is quite accommodating.
Posted by
Tucson
4183 posts
She might consider the Secret Cottage tour if the train schedules between Oxford and Moreton-in-Marsh are compatible. It's about a 35 minute train ride. They pick people up at Moreton-in-Marsh's tiny train station and return there at the end of the day. Be sure to read through all the details on the website. I did this tour last May. One of the churches we visited was used as the 1st Father Brown church. We also saw some other interesting places, heard some great stories and ate some great food. I spent 2 nights in Moreton-in-Marsh with the day between used for the tour, but it would be an easy day trip from Oxford.
It's about a 2.5 hour train trip from Oxford to Bletchley, but well worth it to visit Bletchley Park. I spent 2 nights with the entire day between exploring the amazing facility and learning about the work done there. It's another option, but not appropriate for a day trip from Oxford.
She can use the National Rail website to check train schedules. There are all kinds of discounted fares possible the earlier the ticket is purchased. Links are provided to buy the tickets from the actual train companies. You can book and pay online, but for most you have to pick up the tickets at a train station. I got all mine for my 6 week trip last May-June from an agent in Bath.
It helps to be old in more ways than one. I understand that the UK is supposed to have very expensive train fares, but I bought my tickets early and used my National Rail Senior Railcard. That cut the prices dramatically.
I'm sure there will be many more suggestions. Her issue will probably be more about deciding among them than about how to fill her extra time.