Quintessential Cotswolds & Tea
On this relaxed afternoon tour, you'll explore one of the Cotswolds’ most idyllic villages - full of golden stone, charm, and quiet beauty, before pausing for a cup of tea or coffee and heading back to Bath.
"Perfect afternoon in the Cotswolds" - travelingUK2019 Read more reviews.Excellent rating
based on 720 Trustindex reviews
Charming English villages and countryside, hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences, light exploration with a local guide, traditional architecture and historic charm, engaging storytelling and local insights, relaxing half-day adventures from Bath, scenic drives through the Cotswolds, experiencing more in less time
View the tour itinerary
here.
Tour Overview
Embark on an afternoon journey into the hidden Cotswolds.
Explore the idyllic village of Castle Combe and other hidden gems on a half-day tour that shares Castle Combe’s most treasured secrets and a journey into the unseen Cotswolds of grand estates, quaint stone towns and tea, away from the tourist trail.
Shared tours require a minimum of 2 travellers — solo guests can join confirmed ones via Late Availability.
For a richer, fuller taste of the Cotswolds – join us on our full-day tour.
Join us on our full-day tour.
What's Included
Pick Up and Return to Bath
We collect guests from the front of Bridgwater House, BA1 1LN.
A Tour That Delves into History, Story & Location
Visit one of the most extraordinary places in the southern Cotswolds.
A Warm, Expert, Local Guide
Uncover stories, places, routes & experiences that most just won't find.
Time to Explore at Your Own Pace
We understand the importance of discovery at a pace that works for you.
Photo Opportunities
Plenty of stunning sights for you to capture and cherish.
Travel in a Luxurious Vehicle
Enjoy wide, comfortable seats, air-conditioning, large windows, and on-board refreshments. Learn more about our vehicles.
Tour Itinerary
1:30 PM1. Pick up at the front of the Abbey Hotel in central Bath.
30 mins2. Drive to the Cotswolds
Journey deep into the Cotswolds, off the beaten track.1 hour3. Visit Castle Combe
Discover one of the most iconic villages in the Cotswolds, Castle Combe, on a private, guided tour, sharing some of the most fascinating gems in this ancient settlement.4. Short drive through countryside
1 hour5. Afternoon Refreshments
Enjoy afternoon tea at a classic Cotswolds Inn (option to change this to discover a local Cotswolds town depending on weather).30 mins6. Drive back to Bath
Travel back to Bath passing spectacular countryside.5:00pm - 5:30pm7. Return to the front of the Abbey Hotel in central Bath.
For a richer, fuller taste of the Cotswolds – join us on our full-day tour.
Reviews Left by Our Guests
Posted on Tripadvisor
Thomas N19 days agoVerified
Cotswolds special area , great flexibility We had a unique full day tour of a special area the Cotswolds with Jules. My wife and I were not sure what we appreciated more - his enthusiasm, extensive knowledge, or easy-going nature. Wonddrful experience, highly recommend.Posted on Google
Joe A22 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our two touring days with Simon "in and around Bath" were extraordinary in every possible way, and well beyond our expectations. Simon picked us up at our hotel, The Royal Crescent, and guided us on foot and in a touring car through the worlds (past and present) of Bath, the Cotswolds countryside, Castle Combe, La Cock, and Stourhead House and Gardens. Simon's deep knowledge and unbridled enthusiasm for the area made the facts and history of each place vibrantly alive for my wife and me. We learned so much and enjoyed every place we visited all the more. We are ever so grateful and recommend Simon and In and Around Bath to anyone that wants a deep and satisfying travel experience.+0
Owner's reply
Hey Joe, It was so nice to get to spend a couple of your precious holi days with you, especially on the double celebration (!!!!), and it genuinely felt an honour to be your guide on such an auspicious occasion. Thanks so much for being such fun, easy and engaged company. I really hope we get to explore together again some time, there's so much more to see! All the best, SimonPosted on Google
Ellen W40 days agoWe took a full day 8 person (7 adults, one infant) private tour with Simon of In and Beyond Bath, and it was all we had hoped for and more. Simon was fun, friendly, and outstandingly knowledgeable about the places we visited (Stonehenge, Avebury and the Cotswolds.) From the early planning stages (where he was always just an email away to help us plan not only our day, but other logistics as well) to helping us get the absolute most out of each of our stops, it was clear that Simon knows the area and the history intimately and he shared it all in an approachable, engaging way. We felt truly immersed! I cannot recommend Simon and In and Beyond Bath Tours highly enough. We all agree that of the 3 weeks we spent in the UK, our day with Simon was a true highlight.
Owner's reply
Dear Ellen, Thank you so much for this fulsome, glowing and thorough review of your day with us! It was so great to help you plan and then spend the day with three generations of your lovely family and show you the best of the region. Your little grandchild was so patient and good on the day - amazing! Come and see me again, as I've so much more up my sleeve to show you, that is both historic and remarkable... Best wishes and thanks again, SimonPosted on Tripadvisor
Margaret E41 days agoAn amazing Trip in the Cotswolds Yesterday we visited The Cotswolds. It was a place I had wanted to visit for many years. Chris told us about the history of the area and the peaceful, picturesque towns and villages that we visited. He is an extremely knowledgeable guide, so it was a meaningful trip for me. I enjoyed the trip very much. HIROKO OSADAPosted on Google
Traci S46 days agoSimon is the man! What a true gem of a guide. He is so incredibly knowledgeable of all the areas we visited: (Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswold, Lacock, Chippenham, Salisbury) We could have spent days with him; he is such a delight. Highly recommend him for your next visit to the area.+0
Owner's reply
Hi Traci, Thanks so much for your kind words, and for the leaving the photo! It was a great privilege to be able to take you to all these places, show you around and make memories for you all, on your holidays Come and see me again, I have so much more to show you - barely scratched the surface of this amazing region! Best wishes and safe onward travel, SimonPosted on Google
Dorrit B113 days agoWe had a great time in the Cotswolds! Our tour guide Chris was great!+4
Owner's reply
Hi Dorrit, Thank you for your kind review. It was a delight showing you the beautiful Cotswolds. Please come back again and we can show you even more of our wonderful villages and countryside! Warm regards, ChrisPosted on Google
Karen L143 days agoWe had a wonderful day with Simon, who even phoned me a couple days before to see if we wanted to leave a little early to try to beat the crowds at Castle Combe. While we were slightly unlucky in that endeavor because a big tour group had already arrived, I really appreciated it because my husband and I really hate crowds (and I'm sure it got much worse throughout the day). Because it was just the two of us, Simon gave us the option to go and see the dressing of the wells at the only village in the Cotswolds that does it--and what a treat that we were able to do so, because that day just happened to be the feast of the ascension. He planned it just so, so that even though he didn't bring it up until lunch, we were able to get there just in time for us to see the children walk down to the wells with their flowers. We came away from our tour having learned so much about the Cotswolds and history of England, because Simon is such a wealth of knowledge and explains things simply and clearly. He is very friendly and attentive and I highly recommend both him and the hidden Cotswolds tour, especially if you want to really learn about the Cotswolds and visit important, but lesser known locations.
Owner's reply
Dear Karen, It was so nice to spend the day with you both. I was very impressed by your sense of adventure to come and see this unique and picturesque annual event with me, which I surprised you with - very memorable to be able to show you this! It was also very special to show you the Cotswolds - with its deep history of the wool trade- to yourself, who still works in this now rare and high-end industry I'm sure we've made great memories for each other, with your visit and by choosing us. I'd love to show you more of this extraordinary region if you ever come back! All the best, SimonPosted on Google
Zeyad G146 days agoIn & Beyond Bath provided us with a truly wonderful Cotswolds tour experience. From the organisation to the overall flow of the day, everything felt professional, thoughtful, and well arranged. The tour was relaxed, enjoyable, and beautifully planned, allowing us to experience the charm of the Cotswolds in a very authentic and memorable way. Our guide, Simon, was absolutely brilliant. He was knowledgeable, warm, and engaging, with a great ability to bring each place to life through his stories and insights. He paced the tour perfectly, gave us enough time to enjoy every stop, and made sure everyone felt comfortable throughout the day. Simon’s professionalism, attention to detail, and friendly approach made the experience even more special. We left with beautiful memories of the Cotswolds, and I would highly recommend In & Beyond Bath, and especially Simon, to anyone looking for a well-organised, personal, and unforgettable tour experience.+3
Owner's reply
Hi Zeyad, So glad I got to be your guide and show you and your lovely family around the Cotswolds. Thanks so much for your extremely kind words. It makes the job worthwhile and a pleasure, when we hear we 'hit the mark' for our guests Come back and see us again. We have so much more to show you in this extraordinary region! All the best, SimonPosted on Google
Katherine A202 days agoWe had the best day exploring the Cotswolds with Chris! He made this beautiful area of the country come alive with rich history, stories, fun tidbits. We learned so much and as a bonus he was fabulous company! Thank you Chris for a wonderful day! We would recommend to all of our friends!
Owner's reply
Hi Katherine, Thank you so much for the lovely review! I am so glad you enjoyed our day exploring the Cotswolds. You were both great company which makes being a guide so pleasurable. We hope to see you both again along with your friends! Warm regards, ChrisPosted on Tripadvisor
Leonardo S209 days agoO Melhor de Bath e região. Fizemos dois tours, em dois dias distintos com o Simon, para Cotswold e Wells. Experiência sensacional. Conhecimento profundo da região, várias surpresas no decorrer da viagem, vários lugares especiais. Simon, muito educado, atencioso, atendimento Premium. Valeu cada minuto. Se estiver em Bath, é imperdivel.Posted on Google
Dawn M216 days agoChris was an excellent, knowledgeable and personable guide. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with him from Bath to the Cotswolds. Highly recommend!
Owner's reply
Hi both, Thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure meeting you both and I'm so glad you enjoyed our time together in the Cotswolds. I hope to see you again, either back in my neck of the woods or yours! Warm regards, ChrisPosted on Viator
Andrea_A240 days agoVerified
It was wonderful,... It was wonderful, informative, beautiful scenery with so much incredible information. I would highly recommendPosted on Google
Asheley B287 days agoSimon was the best tour guide ever! He fulfilled all our wishes for the tour and we couldn’t imagine a better experience through the Cotswolds and Stonehenge. He thoroughly explained the rich history of every sight we visited/saw and encouraged us to ask questions/provide feedback. It was clear Simon has a lot of passion for the English countryside. We would love to tour with him again and have nothing but positive things to say about our excursion :)
Owner's reply
Hi Asheley, Thanks so much for your extremely kind words and for taking the plunge and choosing us for your tour of Stonehenge and the Cotswolds! It was so nice to spend the day with you, Jerry and your delightful family and show you the best of the region. Glad I was able to sneak in a few surprises along the way like Westbury White Horse, Edington Priory etc and we even got in a spot of Gongoozling too (I'll leave you to look that old English word up!) Come and see me again, I'd love to show you more hidden corners of the West Country. Enjoy London (and maybe Brighton too) All the best, SimonPosted on Google
Leigh R300 days agoWe really enjoyed our tour of the Cotswolds with Simon. Everything was as described and a great addition to our trip. Simon is very knowledgable and easy to connect with. I highly recommend adding a tour with In and Beyond Bath to your itinerary.
Owner's reply
Hello Leigh, Thanks so much for your kind words! It was such a privilege to take you and your family from Bath to see the highlights of the Cotswolds It's always a joy to get an appreciative audience for the history, culture and folklore of the region, not to mention show avid Harry Potter fans actual filming locations! Hope to see you again one day. Come and see me! SimonPosted on Google
Kimberly G324 days agoI cannot say enough great things about our half day trip to Cotswolds with our guide Chris. He communicated well before our scheduled day/time and tailored the trip and stops around our particular interests. He was patient based on our pace and knowledgeable about a wide range of topics. I am so very thankful that we booked this trip. Thank you Chris. Highly recommend!!+0
Owner's reply
Hi Kim, It was a pleasure taking you both around the Cotswolds and we are so happy you enjoyed your time with us. You were interested, inquisitive and asked all the right questions! I hope you come back and visit us again in the near future, I have so much more to show you! Warm regards, ChrisPosted on Tripadvisor
Cate S335 days agoWonderful and Memorable Day Max is an extremely affable and incredibly knowledgeable guy and guide! We toured Castle Combe, Malmesbury and Bath with him as well as traveled for a good part of the morning along the ancient Roman road or the "Fosse Way." Rather than give us just an extensive chronological history, he shared with us ways of seeing history in each place. It was a wonderful and memorable day!Posted on Google
Peg K335 days agoWe spent a wonderful day in the Cotswolds! Simon is so knowledgeable about the history of the villages and shared those stories with us in a fun and interesting way. We spent time walking around Malmesbury, Castle Combe and several other towns, learning so much about them. And we had a lovely lunch at The Vine Tree - somewhere we'd never have found ourselves and very much enjoyed. I highly recommend Simon and will book again when we're back in Bath!
Owner's reply
Dear Peg, It was so nice to spend the day with you both exploring the Cotswolds. Thank you for your warmth, engagement, good company and good humour. I do really hope to see you again, I have so much more up my sleeve to surprise you with! All the best, SimonPosted on Google
Catherine P335 days agoWe had an exceptionally excellent tour with Simon going all around the Cotswolds from Bath. This was an incredibly special trip for both my mom and I as we had never been to the English countryside before, made even better by this experience. I cannot reccomend Simon and In & Beyond Bath enough. Simon’s knowledge of the areas and the history was incredible. Our trip started in Castle Comb’s, to Malmesbury, Lacock, and Corsham. We had the most phonemes time, stopping at places we never would have found on our own. We can’t wait to come back and have another tour with Simon!+5
Owner's reply
Dear Catherine, It was so nice to spend the day with you both exploring the Cotswolds (and its variety of cute farm animals!) Thank you for your easy, good-humoured company and fun. Good luck with the wedding; enjoy Puglia - DO NOT MISS MATERA, it is astonishing... I do hope to see you again one day. Bring Mr. next time! All the best, SimonPosted on Tripadvisor
Tini43339 days agoA day to remember My husband and I went on this tour because we always wanted to see the Cotswolds as they looked so beautiful. We selected this tour and it exceeded our expectations. We were on the tour with 2 other couples we did not know but were a pleasure to be with. We cannot say enough about our guide Max. Max is a wealth of information. He knew everything about the Cotswolds. We stopped at several different locations; a hotel for tea, a local pub for lunch, churches, Malemesbury, Castle Combe - Wilshire and many other beautiful places . We had a wonderful experiences and learned so much. I highly recommend this tour, and of course, Max. Thank you for a great day. Max!Posted on Google
Angelica R341 days agoWe booked a shared half-day tour into the Cotswolds, but it turned out to be a private tour since there wasn't anyone joining us that afternoon. Let alone the fact that Castle Combe and Lacock were marvelous, our guide Chris was absolutely amazing! He was unarguably well prepared and engaging and he led us to the discovery of those stunning locations with a touch of witty humor. He gave us an experience to cherish, far beyond our expectations! If we ever return to the area, we will definitely book a new tour with "In and beyond Bath" again!
Owner's reply
Thank you so much for the wonderful review Angelica, It was a pleasure taking you both around our beautiful villages and countryside. It makes my job so rewarding having such enthusiastic and appreciative guests and I hope to see you both in Verona on day, you sold me! Warm regards, ChrisLoad moreVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
FAQ's
We offer both Half-Day and Full-Day versions of our most popular experiences to suit how much time you have and how deeply you'd like to explore.
- Half-Day Tours are ideal if you're short on time or simply looking for a focused visit to a world-famous location. Our Stonehenge Half-Day takes you directly there and back, while our Cotswolds Half-Day visits highlights like Castle Combe for a taste of the region's charm.
- Full-Day Tours are designed for those wanting to go beyond the obvious. Our Stonehenge & Secret England Full-Day pairs your visit to Stonehenge with a journey through 'Secret England,' offering the chance to experience timeless villages, evocative ruins, and a side of the country few visitors ever see. On our Hidden Cotswolds Full-Day, you'll explore further afield, visiting lesser-known villages, beautiful countryside, and uncovering stories you won’t hear elsewhere — from ancient kings to rural traditions.
In short:
Half-Days = a quick and focused visit.
Full-Days = a richer, deeper experience, with more stories, places, and surprises along the way.
No! We design our tours to be one of the best travel experiences whatever the weather. Each of our tours is weather-adaptable. We plan for different weather, building in subtly different itineraries to account for weather shifts. This could include; reducing or removing an outdoor section with refreshments at an ancient inn, or visiting a fascinating museum instead of a short walk in the countryside. All our tours are therefore extraordinary experiences whatever the weather!
The UK has traditionally had an inferior reputation regarding its culinary culture, and for good reason. Had you visited the UK prior to the 1990s, the food was bland, traditional and uninspiring. Today, the opposite is true.
Having begun a food revolution in the 80s and 90s, cuisine in the UK has undergone a huge transformation. To the point that the UK has one of the strongest and most diverse offerings in Europe, if not the world. On account of the explosion of interest in cooking and dining in the past 40 years. With a very limited food culture to cling to, Brits have embraced new ideas, methodologies and cuisines. Fusing ingredients, techniques and dishes from around the world to create an exceptional, dynamic and delightful food culture. This has branched out from the cities and into every part of the British Isles, including country pubs and inns!
The quality and variety of dining options are outstanding. Most dining needs are catered to in almost all establishments, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. If you're a foodie, the UK is a must-visit destination!
Having begun a food revolution in the 80s and 90s, cuisine in the UK has undergone a huge transformation. To the point that the UK has one of the strongest and most diverse offerings in Europe, if not the world. On account of the explosion of interest in cooking and dining in the past 40 years. With a very limited food culture to cling to, Brits have embraced new ideas, methodologies and cuisines. Fusing ingredients, techniques and dishes from around the world to create an exceptional, dynamic and delightful food culture. This has branched out from the cities and into every part of the British Isles, including country pubs and inns!
The quality and variety of dining options are outstanding. Most dining needs are catered to in almost all establishments, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. If you're a foodie, the UK is a must-visit destination!
Our approach. As seasoned travellers ourselves (with a lot of life experience), we know that whilst many of us travel for the 'big stuff', it's the intimate experiences, the unanticipated encounters and the relationships and interactions we share on the journey that end up being the things that we value and cherish the most from our travels. Because we know this, our approach focuses more on you and your experience, and taking you deep into our culture, heritage and landscapes and connecting with the things we know you'll love, over ticking must-sees off the list, whizzing from one place to the next and presenting information in a stiff, formal manner.
If you think about the moments in your life that have touched you, they'll be the ones that involve genuine connection, stillness and the opportunity to reflect and gaze in awe. This is the underpinning for our entire approach and makes for travel/touring experiences that go well beyond the usual - just hear what our former guests have to say about us and their time with us for proof!
If you think about the moments in your life that have touched you, they'll be the ones that involve genuine connection, stillness and the opportunity to reflect and gaze in awe. This is the underpinning for our entire approach and makes for travel/touring experiences that go well beyond the usual - just hear what our former guests have to say about us and their time with us for proof!
Have more questions? Check our FAQ page. For any missing questions get in touch.
Get in touch if you have any questions by emailing hello@inandbeyondbath.com.
Read More About The Cotswolds
October 20, 2025
As someone who loves classic landscapes, cameras, and grew up […]
November 12, 2024
Bath Filming Locations –The Best Places to Visit Why is Bath a Famous Filming Location? Bath and the surrounding region has been one of the most popular areas for film […]
November 14, 2023
The Cotswolds are known for being one of the most beautiful, historic and enchanting regions of England and often feature as a must-see for visitors coming to the UK. Comprised […]
