Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

England and the Cotswolds by Rail

Independent rail circuit through London, Oxford, Stratford, Bristol and Bath

Illustration of England and the Cotswolds by Rail

Railbookers operates this 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation across England, starting and finishing in London. Standard-class UK rail carries travellers from London to Oxford for two nights, then on to Stratford-upon-Avon, Bristol and Bath before returning to London for a three-night stay. Days are largely self-paced: Oxford's Bodleian Library and Trinity College are explored on your own, Stratford-upon-Avon is spent tracing William Shakespeare's life at his birthplace, and Bath's Georgian streets and hot springs fill a free day before the train back to the capital. A handful of extras are prearranged, including London Eye tickets and a coach day trip out to Stonehenge. It suits travellers who want to see several English cities without driving, are comfortable exploring independently once they arrive, and prefer trains over coach transfers between towns.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Stonehenge day trip on day 9 is by air-conditioned coach, the only non-rail transport in the itinerary.
  • The operator lists 27 hotel options across price tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per stop, so the final choice depends on the tier booked.
  • London is booked as two separate hotel stays, one night at the start and three nights at the end, which may not be the same property each time.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    Welcome to England! Arrive in London today and check in at your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay. Spend the rest of the day exploring the capital, not missing dinner in one of the city's historic pubs or world-famous fine dining institutions.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Oxford

    London to Oxford

    Check out of your hotel this morning and make your way to Paddington Station to catch the train to Oxford, where you will check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. You are sure to be charmed instantly by this historic city, known as the "city of dreaming spires," thanks to its academic legacy and wonderful architecture. Wander through the winding, cobbled streets and admire the quaint buildings. Oxford plays host to many famous local breweries if you'd like to treat yourself to a pint of real ale.

  3. Day 3overnight: Oxford

    Oxford

    Enjoy a full day to explore the historic city of Oxford at your own pace. Visit one of the world's most prestigious university towns, where centuries of academic tradition and stunning architecture await. You may wish to admire the iconic Bodleian Library, stroll past landmarks such as the University Church of St Mary and Trinity College, or simply wander the charming streets that inspired scenes from the Harry Potter films.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Stratford-Upon-Avon

    Oxford to Stratford-Upon-Avon

    Catch the train from Oxford to Stratford-upon-Avon, famously the birthplace of Shakespeare! This medieval market town has been an important river side gem since the 16th century, and you'll find plenty to see and do along the banks of the River Avon.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Bristol

    Stratford-Upon-Avon to Bristol

    Explore the life of William Shakespeare today and visit the birthplace of the bard himself. Walk in Shakespeare's footsteps exploring the beautiful house and gardens where he was born and grew up, while listening to fascinating tales of his life story. This evening, catch a train from Stratford-Upon-Avon down to Bristol for an overnight stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Bath

    Bristol to Bath

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and ride the rails to the charming, UNESCO-listed city of Bath. This historic gem is nestled in the rolling, green countryside of southwest England and boasts wonderful Georgian architecture and natural hot springs.

  7. Day 7railovernight: London

    Bath to London

    Board a train from Bath to London today, and speed through the verdant English countryside back to the capital city. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay and continue exploring! Your hotel is within walking distance of the grand St Pancras Station, the famous Platform 9 ¾ from the Harry Potter books, located in Kings Cross station, and the treasures within the magnificent British Library.

  8. Day 8overnight: London

    London

    Continue exploring the city at your own pace, then enjoy an unforgettable ride on the iconic London Eye. Step into your glass capsule and take in unobstructed, panoramic views of London's most famous landmarks, from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to the Shard and St. Paul's Cathedral. This elevated experience offers a unique perspective of the city's skyline before you continue your adventures in London.

  9. Day 9overnight: London

    Stonehenge Day Trip

    Today you will explore one of England's most famous landmarks, the mysterious Stonehenge. Travel by air-conditioned coach and discover the prehistoric stone monument, learning about the history, use and secrets of the massive stones.

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Check out of your hotel this morning after breakfast and continue with your onward journey. If you would like to extend your journey, perhaps catching the Eurostar under the English Channel to Paris, just speak to one of our Rail Vacation Specialists.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A full free day in Oxford to explore the Bodleian Library, the University Church of St Mary and Trinity College at your own pace.
  • Day 5The Shakespeare's Birthplace Tour walks through the house and gardens where William Shakespeare was born and grew up.
  • Day 6The train reaches the UNESCO-listed city of Bath, known for its Georgian architecture and natural hot springs.
  • Day 8A ride on the London Eye gives panoramic views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Shard and St Paul's Cathedral.
  • Day 9A coach day trip visits the prehistoric stone monument at Stonehenge.

Included

  • 4 nights' total hotel stay with breakfast in London
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Oxford
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Stratford-Upon-Avon
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Bristol
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Bath
  • Rail travel in standard class throughout
  • Shakespeare's Birthplace Tour
  • London Eye Skip The Line Tickets
  • Stonehenge Day Trip from London

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, standard-class UK rail travel is included throughout the London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bristol and Bath circuit.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Railbookers describes it as an independent rail vacation with guided tours included, such as the Shakespeare's Birthplace Tour and London Eye tickets.
Which cities does the trip visit?
London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bristol and Bath, plus a coach day trip to Stonehenge.
Is Stonehenge reached by train?
No, the Stonehenge day trip on day 9 is by air-conditioned coach from London.
What hotels are used?
The operator lists 27 accommodation options across different price tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per stop.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $1,389 per person, about $139 per day.

Similar journeys