Private tour in Oxford Graham U
5.0
(6) reviews
7 hours
1
7 hours
1
Graham U.
5.0
Guide rating
31
Reviews
Tours delivered
7 hrs
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From a very young age my parents instilled into me the importance of travel. They would always say 'travel broadens the mind. ' Decades later I found that to be a massive understatement. I started off travelling most of Europe and parts of the US up until the age of around 21. Then I took a leap into the dark and moved to Hong Kong for five years to work. This gave me the chance to see and experience how different cultures live, work and have fun. From here I spent months travelling around the Far East of Asia and Australia, as well as parts of Northern Africa, Europe and the US. During this time I saw many incredible things and met such wonderful people that travel became even more important to me. A few years later I became the Head of Activities for Oxford's top language school. This allowed me to spend time with younger people and help open their minds to all the amazing places and people that we can see and learn from. During my time at the school I became aware of just how lucky I am to live in an area like Oxfordshire with the Cotswolds on my doorstep. I saw how much people loved visiting this area, and so I decided to become a Cotswolds tour guide. I now run my own Cotswolds touring company so balance my time between that and spending time with my family. The Cotswolds is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing weekend. Whether it is natural beauty, wonderful English gardens, exploring history spanning 5000 years or retracing your ancestry this place has it all. My favourite Cotswolds destination: Swinbrook I am very lucky to get to visit some truly stunning locations but Swinbrook has to be my favorite. On a beautiful sunny day this small area is full of secret gardens and streams and hillsides. It reminds me of 'the shire' in the Lord of the Rings movies. It never ceases to amaze me how such a place still exists. My Most Memorable Cotswolds Experience: For me it has to be enjoying a nice BBQ at the ruins of Minster Lovell. Just sitting next to the bubbling brook in the sun. Daylight in UK summertime continues until 10:30pm often with the temperature a perfect 23C. Reminds me of what a fantastic country we live in :) Award winner of Lux Life Magazine's - Best Private Tours Provider 2019 - Southern England Award winner of Oxfordshire Prestige Awards - Oxfordshire Tour Company of the Year 2019 Registered private hire driver guide
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Graham U.
The beauty of a private driving tour is the freedom and flexibility that it gives you on the day. This tour has a set itinerary where I have a recommended route. Here I have combined idyllic villages with the more famous Cotswold towns. This gives you a wonderful overview and experience of what the Cotswolds is all about. As it is a private tour I am totally flexible as to how long you would like in each place. I am also more than happy to modify the itinerary on the day if you would like. The starting time for the tour is 10am and I can collect you from anywhere around Oxford. The tour is ideal for a day trip from London and the most cost/time effective option is to take a direct train from London Paddington to Oxford station. What places will we get to see? Great Tew Stow on the Wold The Slaughters Bourton on the Water Burford Swinbrook Minster Lovell
Graham planned the perfect day. We walked, saw the beautiful Cotswold golden limestone buildings, flowers and important sights. Graham was flexible, thoughtful, and knowledge. We look forward to our next tour with Graham. I can’t imagine a better way to see the Cotswolds.
We had a fabulous tour and time with Graham. Highly recommend him as a tour guide! The Cotswolds were beautiful.
We had a wonderful day trip to the Cotsworlds with Graham as our guide. His warm and welcoming nature made the whole experience enjoyable and relaxed. He ensured everyone felt comfortable, and the coach provided was clean, spacious, and very comfortable, which made the journey itself a pleasure. His knowledge of the area is exceptional. He shared fascinating insights into the Cotsworlds' history, culture, and hidden gems, weaving together stories that brought each village and landmark to life. His explanations were clear, engaging, and full of detail, showing a comprehensive grasp of both local history and broader context. The day was perfectly paced, with just the right balance of guided commentary and free time to explore. It was clear that he had thought carefully about every aspect of the trip, and his genuine passion for the Cotsworlds shone through. We highly recommend Graham!
We did not think it was possible to see the "best of the best" of the Cotswold's in only 2 short days, but Graham pulled it off with great planning, flexibility and skill. We saw all of the key villages and towns in the Cotswold's and I was impressed with their beauty and tranquility. Someday, I'll move there, thanks to Grahams tours. I had asked Graham to take us to the "lesser known" towns and villages. Many had told me the Cotswold's were crowded with visitors but that is not what Graham showed us.
We'll start the day by visiting the hidden village of Great Tew. A fairy-tale village of thatched cottages and beautiful landscapes, far from the tourists. On to Stow-on-the-Wold. Steeped in history and built by the Normans. Here we'll have time to browse among narrow streets, interesting shops and tiny tea rooms. Known for its antiques. To the picturesque village of Lower Slaughter, voted England's most romantic village. With a charming river flowing through a 1000-year-old flour mill. Still in operation today! Then to the most famous Cotswolds town, Bourton-on-the-Water. Known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'. Here we can enjoy lunch at an award-winning Cotswolds pub. Driving on to Burford, often called the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'. With an unbroken line of ancient houses and an impressive 900-year-old church. On through the stunning Windrush Valley visiting secluded villages including Swinbrook, Asthall and the highlight of tour, the beautiful ancient ruins of Minster Lovell.
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Transport in a modern, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Excellent large windows perfect for touring and more than ample luggage space. I am a professional licensed private hire driver.
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
I can collect you from anywhere around Oxford. If coming from anywhere else then please message me.
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7 hours
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