Discovery Tours
These are ideal for the travellers who would like to get an insight into the various regions of Southern England without the expense of a personally designed tour.
We operate six different tours some available as an eight hour Full day tour or a shorter Half day, in much the same way as our bespoke packages which are more suited to families or larger groups travelling together.
Our package tours are limited to six people per vehicle with a minimum of two people travelling, and will run roughly to the outlined schedule. However there is always room for manoeuvre and if you can agree with your fellow travellers it is normally possible to vary the programme on the day to take in locations not on the original schedule, as long as distances are not prohibitive
It can also be quite exciting sometimes, and a lot of fun , (Normally on the way home.) to take it in turns to decide which way to go at the next road junction and take you on your own voyage of discovery, don't worry though, the driver will not let you take your fellows into a river or off the edge of a cliff!
Tour A Mondays and Sundays
Stratford–upon-Avon and The Cotswolds.
This can only be taken as a full day tour because of the time taken to reach Stratford, but does allow a nice leisurely drive back through the Cotswolds to Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford on our return journey to your Hotel . Depending on yourselves we can stop at all or any of these locations subject to your own likes and dislikes, great shopping opportunities for the ladies on this tour but don't take too long or we will never get all the way around.
Tour B Tuesdays and Fridays
Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral
Drive down across the Berkshire Downs into Wiltshire into the historic town of Salisbury to visit the magnificent 800 year old cathedral, with the tallest spire in England. Then just outside of the town we visit the Bronze age site of Old Sarum the original settlement in the area and a truly fascinating experience. From here we head cross country to view Stonehenge, you can go into the enclosure if you wish but we would normally recommend a journey to nearby Avebury Stone circle where you can still actually walk amongst the stones, and there is no entry fee! A different route back to your hotel travelling slightly further West than our outbound trip.
Tour C Wednesdays and Saturdays
Winchester Cathedral and The New Forest.
One of our favourite trips especially in the Spring and Autumn when the colours of the forest are at their most beautiful. Drive over the Newbury Downs into Winchester with its picturesque narrow streets and the magnificent Cathedral which has been altered many times in its existence. The original minster being constructed around 600 AD then rebuilt by the Norman invaders around 1100 AD, and subsequently modified on many more occasions to reflect the current style, until we are left with the structure we have today.
From Winchester we take a short drive to Romsey and then down into the New Forest itself, here we do not normally follow a preordained route but meander through the tiny connecting roads, stopping to stroll through lovely chocolate box villages and woodland paths. There is a large population of wildlife within the forest and hopefully some of the residents will be out on view, you will see almost certainly numbers of ponies and herds of sheep that roam free. A beautiful drive back along the Test Valley, probably the second best trout river in England and very pretty.
Tour D Mondays and Thursdays
Chedworth Roman Villa and Cotswold
We drive directly to the site of Chedworth for a fascinating look at the Roman occupation of these Islands soon after they arrived around 100 AD. Here you can see examples of Roman mosaics and building construction with their heating and ventilation systems and bathhouses, also get an idea of the splendour of the mosaic floors and finery that graced these high class dwellings.
From here we drive to Bibury probably the most photographed of all the Cotswold villages and onto the town of Lechlade the furthest navigable point on the River Thames, from here you can sail all the way to London and beyond to the North Sea. The area around Lechlade is noted for the myriad Cotswold Stone villages and tiny winding rivers crossed by ancient Stone bridges, back to your hotel via Burford where we may stop if there is any time available.
Tour E Half day Monday to Friday (08.00 to 13.00 or 14.00 to 19.00)
Fifty miles from Oxford
We literally drive out through the suburbs of the city straight into the heart of the English countryside, we now have five hours to explore at your leisure the surrounding countryside, venturing up into the Cotswold villages of Duns and Great Tew, Rousham and Glympton and then out up to Banbury and beyond. North of Oxford we travel towards Aylesbury and past Waddesdon Manor and up into The Chilterns, another range of hills equally splendid but totally different to the Cotswolds we now take a large loop around to the East of Oxford on our return. This is probably as much of Oxfordshire as you could possibly see in half a day but still not too much of a rush. Picturesque towns and villages - superb natural panoramas making ideal photo opportunities for the David Bailey’s among you.
Tour F Half Day Tuesday and Saturday (08.00 to 13.00 or 14.00 to 19.00 or can be full day.)
Thames Valley River Route
Leaving Oxford we follow the course of the River Thames via Abingdon and Wallingford, to the lovely town of Henley, home to the annual boating Regatta which attracts rowing teams from all over the world, pleasant walk along the river and back through the town centre.
Drive now to Marlow and over the Victorian iron suspension bridge next to the famous hotel “The Compleat Angler” named after the well known fishing manual written by Isaac Walton and the starting point for the travels of Three Men in a Boat, an equally well read publication. This is a splendid little town and a great place for the ladies, with a wealth of nice shops all on the Main Street within a few hundred yards of the river. Leaving Marlow we climb up into the Chiltern hills for our return to Oxford along tiny leafy lanes only just wide enough for one vehicle at a time past quaint brick and flint cottages with thatched roofs and magnificent Tudor mansions hiding in the woods.
All of these tours are subject to availability and tour days may be changed or added if demand dictates. So if you would like a specific tour on a different day to normal do not hesitate to ask as we will accommodate if at all possible
Full Day tour per person £65
Half Day tour per person £40
Short day tours
The Cotswolds to include Stratford on Avon and Bourton-on-the-Water.
The Chiltern Hills, beech woods and Waddesdon Manor.
Thames Valley, Henley, Windsor and Marlow.
Fully day tours
The Cotswolds including Warwick Castle and Stratford on Avon and an extensive Cotswold Village tour.
Salisbury and Stonehenge. Drive over the beautiful Berkshire Downs and into the valley of the River Test, visit Salisbury Cathedral and Bronze and Iron Age settlements.
The New Forest. The largest uncultivated area of Britain with stunning scenery and fantastic walks in the forest and villages.
Thames Valley. Windsor Castle and town, then explore the beautiful towns and villages alongside the River Thames. A boat trip can also be included on this tour.
Naval History. Choose between the historic ports of Gloucester, Portsmouth or Bristol to see a fantastic portrayal of English naval history and embarkation point for thousands of early settlers on their way to the New World. Plus a scenic journey both to and from your chosen destination.
All our vehicles are designed to enable you to travel in spacious luxury for up to six people, and are of course air conditioned, a coolbox is fitted and stocked with complimentary drinks. Complete picnic hampers can be provided with 48 hours prior notice.
Standard full day tours cost from £300 per day.
Pick-up 08.30 return 18.30.
Short Day tours from £200 per day.
Pick-up at 10.00 back to hotel by 17.00.
If you are thinking of visiting just one major attraction in a day, and would like to include a sightseeing journey it is possible that this could be priced individually as a short day tour with waiting time, giving you a better price than for a full days driving tour. Waiting time will be charged at £20 per hour!
If you would prefer an hourly rate, the first two hours would be at £45 and subsequent hours at £35.