Go Cotswolds Bus Tours – the Original and Best!
The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills, picturesque villages, chocolate box cottages and rich history, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in England. Whether you’re a local looking to explore your own backyard or a tourist visiting from afar, choosing the right Cotswolds bus tours can make your experience one to remember forever.
So, why choose us, Go Cotswolds? To celebrate our 10th birthday, here are 10 very good reasons!
1. Personalised, Friendly Service
Owned and operated by husband and wife team Tom and Lisa Benjamin, Go Cotswolds is a truly local, family-run business. This personal touch is evident in everything we offer.
We pride ourselves on providing an outstanding experience, from start to finish. Our customer care is friendly, helpful and proactive. No AI chat bots here! And our warm, welcoming and knowledgeable guides make taking a tour feel like exploring with a friend.
Our passion for the Cotswolds region and commitment to customer satisfaction ensures that every guest feels valued and enjoys a truly memorable experience.
2. A Decade of Experience
Tom ran the very first Go Cotswolds tour back in 2014. Before that, there was no other company doing what we do. We are the original Cotswold minibus tour company in Stratford-upon-Avon!
Seeing our success, other companies have tried to copy what we do (well, imitation is the best form of flattery, so they say?). But there’s one thing they can’t copy: our 10 years of experience, learning and growing, or our genuine passion for what we do. And we are thriving!
We’re not going anywhere, so your booking is safe with us.
3. Expert Local Knowledge
One of the key advantages of touring with Go Cotswolds is the depth of local knowledge we bring. Our driver-guides are not only experts in the history and culture of the Cotswolds, but also genuine locals who were born in the area or have lived here for years.
Our guides know the roads, the villages and the lesser known hidden gems. This insider knowledge allows for a richer, more authentic exploration of the area. Have questions? What we don’t know about the Cotswolds isn’t worth knowing!
4. Small Group Tours
Here at Go Cotswolds, we specialise in small group Cotswolds bus tours. Private tours can be prohibitively expensive for solo travellers, couples and small groups, so our small group tours offer an affordable alternative. (But we provide private tours too!)
With fewer people on each tour (maximum of 16), guests enjoy a more intimate and personalised experience. The smaller group size also means more flexibility and a more relaxed pace – perfect for soaking in the beauty of the Cotswolds.
5. Our TourSure Guarantee
There is no minimum number of people required to run a tour. Yes, that’s right, we’ll never cancel your booking due to low numbers!
With our TourSure Guarantee, if you happen to be the only person to book that particular tour, you will get a personal, private tour and have a great day! Our tours are rarely undersold, but it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
6. Convenient and comfortable Cotswolds bus tours
Traveling through the Cotswolds with Go Cotswolds is as comfortable as it is convenient. Our pick up points in Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh are perfect for those staying in these two towns, but can also be easily reached by train and local bus for a car-free day trip.
Need help finding accommodation? Check our recommendations in Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh. Need help with public transport? Just ask!
Our small fleet of four modern Mercedes minibuses ensure a comfortable journey. They each have full air conditioning, reclining coach-style seats, USB charging points and panoramic windows, so everyone get a great view. The small group size means there’s plenty of space for everyone.
7. Award-Winning Tours
Our dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed!
We have received numerous awards and accolades, including:
- West Midlands Tourism Awards 2023 – WINNER: Experience of the Year
- The Cotswolds Awards 2023 – WINNER: Best Tour Company in the Cotswolds & Best Tour Guide in the Cotswolds
- And for several years – including 2024 – Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
Just check out the many 5 star reviews we have on Tripadvisor and Google and you’ll see why we are the best.
8. Minibus Safety
We take the safety of our passengers very seriously indeed!
Vehicles like ours with more than 9 seats must, by law, have an Operator’s Licence. We display this hard-earned little blue disc proudly in all our vehicles – beware of companies that don’t!
Our minibuses go through a rigorous maintenance inspection (equivalent to an MOT) every 8 weeks, and our drivers also inspect them every morning before each tour.
We also have tachographs fitted to all our vehicles – a legal requirement. These machines record the driving quality and speed of our drivers, so we know they are driving to the highest standards. We monitor their rest breaks and time spent driving so they are always at their very best.
9. Variety of Cotswolds bus tours
Whether you’re interested in a full-day adventure, or a private custom tour around the Cotswolds, Go Cotswolds has something to suit your needs.
Choose our classic Cotswolds in a Day tour, which covers the must-see highlights, or our Secret Cotswolds tour to head off the busy tourist path. For a more active tour, our Cotswolds Walks & Villages tour is for those who like to stroll through the beautiful countryside. We also have a Bath & Stonehenge tour. There’s something for everyone!
10. Sustainable and Responsible Cotswolds bus tours
As locals, we care deeply about the Cotswolds, so we’re excited for you to explore it with us! But sadly, some companies operating Cotswolds bus tours care very little. We’re committed to responsible, sustainable tourism, so:
- We always use designated minibus and coach parking bays. If none are available, we park responsibly, or will drop you off safely and park elsewhere, returning to collect you at a designated time.
- Some streets and villages in the Cotswolds are prohibited to tour vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats. We wholeheartedly respect this, and never use these ‘No PSV’ zones without authority to do so.
- Where we have more than one tour vehicle in service on a particular day, we always try to mix up the routes a little to avoid overwhelming small villages with too many visitors at once.
- We champion small, independent, local businesses who share our ethics and values.
In addition, we:
- Support the ‘Caring for the Cotswolds‘ visitor giving scheme so we can contribute to the conservation and preservation of the Cotswolds.
- Are members of Good Journey because we think car-free travel and tourism is important for the planet.
- Are members of the Cotswold Way Association, because, as users of the Cotswold Way and other footpaths in the area, we are proud to support the amazing work of the Cotswolds Voluntary Wardens.
- Donate to The Rollright Trust, because as frequent visitors to The Rollright Stones (on our Secret Cotswolds tour), a fascinating ancient Cotswold monument, we believe it’s important to contribute to its upkeep.
- Are members of two Visit Britain-accredited tourism organisations, Cotswolds Tourism and Shakespeare’s England, which promote responsible tourism in our area.
- Support local charities because we want to look after people and the planet.
By choosing Go Cotswolds for your Cotswolds bus tours, you’re supporting a company that values and protects the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Book your tour today and discover the magic of the Cotswolds with the experts who know it the best!