Exploring the Cotswolds England’s Largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
5th November 2025
Set in beautiful, historic South-West England, The Cotswolds, ‘England’s Largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. This morning at Best Value Tours we will tell you much more about the exceptional beautiful, tranquil and stunning region the Cotswolds is. Including features some of the many Films and TV Dramas filmed in unique collection of unspoilt and charming historic villages. let our friendly, expert team help you find your perfect Day or multi-Day Tour to, ‘Designated Area of Outstanding natural Beauty’, we are delighted to introduce the Exceptional Cotswolds…
The Exceptional Cotswolds
Arlington Row, Bilbury, Cotswolds – recognise from films Bridget Jones’s Diary 2001 and Stardust 2007
An exceptional area of natural beauty, stretching 80 miles north and 20-40 miles wide, reached in just over an hour from London, this stunning location is set in seven historic Counties of South-west England. You will find a diverse wealth of history, from Neolithic Monuments of 4000 years ago, Iron Age Hill Forts, until the Romans arrives and stayed for 360 years. So much to be explored and gems to be found in the wonderous, mystic and even magical location.
Whilst a mixture of this long history, today the Cotswolds is most recognised for its many Historic, Medieval Villages and Towns, dating back as far as the 5th century. the Medieval period came to a close in the 15th Century, so 1000 years of Medieval History is found here.
Built 1798 Broadway Tower found in the Northern Cotswolds County of Worcestershire with wider Stunning backdrop of the extended Cotswolds
With this wondrously unique backdrop, the Cotswolds has been widely used as a perfect film/tv drama location. Perhaps you recognise from Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and so many more. We are delighted to offer a wide selection of Day and Multi-Day Tours to this unforgettable region.
Featured Cotswolds Day Tours
Lunch in Bilbury with Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold. Quintessential Cotswolds, unforgettable day from London, exploring charming Burford and Bibury, hailed as the ‘prettiest village in the Cotswolds,’ where you can enjoy a delicious 2-course lunch in a historic Inn, before exploring Stow-on-the-Wold.
Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds. An unforgettable day trip from London to explore two English treasures, Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and the breathtaking Cotswolds.
Bordering North Cotswolds is historic Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, where Ann Hathaway’s Cattage is found, birthplace of Shakespeare
Cotswolds, Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle Small Group. Embark on an exclusive small-group day trip from London and step directly into the world of Downton Abbey. This immersive tour takes you behind the scenes of one of TV’s most beloved shows. Exploring iconic filming locations across the picturesque Cotswolds and the stately grandeur of Highclere Castle. With an expert guide, you’ll uncover hidden corners that larger tour buses simply can’t reach. Ensuring a truly personalised and unforgettable experience.
Just by North/East Cotswolds we find magnificent and famous film location ‘fictional ‘Downton Abbey’, the Splendid Highclere Castle
Harry Potter Film Location, Lacock and Oxford Day Tour Explore two of England’s most enchanting historical locations. This journey blends rich history with famous movie magic, perfect for those who love heritage and popular culture.
Recognise this famous film location? Yes of course Harry Potter, filmed here at Lacock Abbey in the Heart of the Cotswolds
Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace with Cream Tea Discover timeless beauty of the English countryside. A short ride away escape London takes you to the enchanting Cotswolds, a region famed for its picturesque villages and the magnificent Blenheim Palace, a true architectural masterpiece.
Home of Churchills grandfather The Duke of Marlborough, Magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill
Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle. Discover some of England’s most enchanting and historic destinations. This excellent tour takes you through the heart of the country, offering a blend of medieval grandeur, literary history, picturesque landscapes, and academic brilliance.
Majestic and Magnificent Warwick Castle on a glorious autumn morning
Featured Cotswolds Multi-Day Tours
22 Day Complete Indulgence of Britain and Ireland Embark on an unforgettable 22 day premium Britain and Ireland tour through captivating landscapes and rich histories. This meticulously designed tour promises an immersive experience, blending iconic landmarks with authentic local encounters. From the historic streets of England to the dramatic beauty of Scotland and the enchanting allure of Ireland. Prepare to uncover centuries of stories and create lasting memories.
Beautiful Castle Coombe in Heart of the Cotswolds
2 Day Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, Oxford and the Cotswolds. Discover England’s history & heritage with, Windsor Castle, Roman Baths , charming Cotswolds villages and Oxford’s colleges on this 2-day tour.
Nearby Southwest of the Cotswolds, a example of the amazing diversity of this formidable region, is Neolithic and Iron Age most famous Monument, Stonehenge.
More multi-day tours including the Cotswolds
Contact Us
Our friendly and truly knowledgeable/experienced agents will be delighted to help you find your perfect tour and best discount.
For up to an extra up to 30% discount of many multi-day tours, Call or WhatsApp us on:
Call +44 (0)20 7170 5878 WhatsApp +44 (0)74 1497 1573
Email us at enquiries@bestvaluetours.co.uk or for our younger audience (18-35 or Young at heart) enquries@backpackertours.co.uk
Or go to our website www.bestvaluetours.co.uk or www.backpackertours.co.uk where you can live text with us (message service available 24 hours a day, live text during normal working hours). Site messengers Best Value Tours Contact | Best Value Tours or Backpacker Tours Contact – Backpacker Tours
Christmas/New year and selected all year round Day Tours
Christmas Day 4 Course Traditional Lunch on Thames River Cruise or option that also includes Panoramic Tour of London
More Christmas Day Tour in London
Out of London Christmas Day Tours
London Tours | Best Value Tours
Also for more alternatives and for our younger audience 18-35 or young at heart, please visit our Sister Brand Site Backpackertours – www.backpackertours.co.uk
Recommended as Stonehenge Experts
Here at Tour Surfer, home to Best Value Tours and Backpacker Tours, we are proud of our Owner and Principal British Olympian Paul Harmsworth. Paul developed our exceptional and entirely free Stonehenge Customer Service, from his great personal passion of Stonehenge. From as a young child spending time playing at the stones and picnicking, visiting with his family as his grandparents lived close by in Amesbury. A passion much indulged with a 2 year spell working at Stonehenge, a time he remembers most fondly around 20 years ago and 18 years since, helping 1000’s of guests get the best Stonehenge experience possible.
When Paul first visited Stonehenge in the 1960’s, it was very different than today. Firstly, Wiltshire back then was very rural and very quite. As time went on and the road networks developed; Wiltshire’s wealth of ancient and more recent historic histories, all set in a region of outstanding natural beauty, became more accessible to visitors. Thus evolved to the iconic and mystical region visited by many each year, taking away lasting wonderful memories.
Stonehenge has somewhat of a varied history of fences, no fences, charging for entrance and not charging. Fortunately a period around 1963-1977 when Paul was young, Stonehenge was completely open, no fences, no staff or security. Was a popular destination for locals for summer weekend picnics of which Paul has warm memories.
Here are some personal pics of Paul’s, all he personally took at Stonehenge, Sunrise 20th June 2008 and Sunset 22nd June 2008. You will note the sun still perfectly aligns with the stones at Sunrise and Sunset as this is the wonderous Summer Solstice. Plus some other pics the week before of special solstice visitors and later that year, filming at Stonehenge and some randoms. A rare insight indeed and we are privileged to see here.
First x3 pics taken at Sunrise 20th June 2008, the day before the actual Solstice Sunrise, but the alignment of the Solstice Sun is clear as sun light beams into Stonehenge before landing on the Alter Stone.
Starting
Nearly there
Hooray Sunrise
Sunset at Stonehenge
sunset taken from the Stone Circle
Next a few of behind the scenes filming at Stonehenge
A snowy Stonehenge
Aricholigical surveying at Stonehenge
Druids celebrate at Solstice
The grass still needs cutting even at Stonehenge