Lord of the Rings Cotswolds Tour: In Tolkien’s Footsteps

1. London
   10m
   Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your London accommodation or airport.
   Meet your friendly, knowledgeable guide and settle into a luxury vehicle with air conditioning and WiFi, setting the stage for an enjoyable day ahead.
2. Cotswolds
   10m
   Arrive in the Cotswolds and marvel at the outstanding beauty of this beloved region known for its rolling hills, honey-coloured stone villages. With a quick rest stop at an architectural gem discover the origins of the Cotswolds and a history that feels like stepping into a storybook.
3. Swinbrook
   15m
   A beautiful Cotswolds village surrounded by rolling hills that conjure up images of the Shire.
4. Stow-on-the-Wold
   45m
   A quintessential Cotswolds market town, steeped in old-world charm. Here we’ll discover the curious ‘Hobbit Door’ — a hidden gem said to have inspired Tolkien’s vision of the Doors of Durin, the secret western entrance to Moria.
5. Snowshill
   Pass by
   A scenic drive through the Cotswold Hills, said to be the inspiration for 'The Wold' - the windy upland plain in the 'Kingdom of Rohan'.
6. Broadway Tower
   40m
   Walk through a shadowy, mysterious woodland to Broadway Tower, an 18th-century folly rising dramatically above the Cotswold hills. Did this striking landmark inspire Tolkien’s vision of Amon Hen, the ‘Seat of Seeing’? Standing here, with sweeping views in every direction, it’s easy to imagine how such a place could have stirred his imagination.
7. Moreton-in-Marsh
   1h 30m
   In the heart of Moreton-in-Marsh, a traditional Cotswold market town with a history stretching back to the Saxons, stands the historic Bell Inn. Once a bustling coaching inn on the old London–Worcester road, it was here that Tolkien often met with his brother. Many believe this welcoming hostelry inspired the Prancing Pony, the famous inn at Bree in Middle-earth. Step inside for a drink at Tolkien’s old haunt and you’ll find a vast map of Middle-earth celebrating its literary connection. Beyond the inn itself, Moreton bears more than a passing resemblance to Bree: Tolkien described the village as having ‘some hundred stone houses of the Big Folk’ — a picture that perfectly matches Moreton’s stone-built cottages clustered around its broad market square.
8. Great Wolford
   10m
   Alongside a leafy country lane stands the Four Shire Stone, an 18th-century marker that once signified the meeting point of four counties — Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. For centuries, it served as a waymarker for travellers moving through the Cotswolds. Many Lord of the Rings enthusiasts believe it inspired the Three-Farthings Stone in the Shire — the symbolic centre of hobbit country. In Tolkien’s tale, it is here that Samwise Gamgee scatters the dust of Lothlórien, Galadriel’s gift, to restore a Shire left scarred by Sharkey and his men. Standing beside this weathered stone, it’s easy to imagine Tolkien blending real English landmarks with the deep history and myth that shaped Middle-earth.
9. Rollright Stones
   45m
   This mysterious collection of prehistoric monuments is believed to have inspired Tolkien’s eerie Barrow-downs, the haunted resting place of the Dúnedain. As you wander among the ancient, weather-worn stones, it’s easy to imagine Barrow-wights stirring in the shadows. In Tolkien’s words, “stone rings grinned out of the ground like broken teeth in the moonlight.” This haunting image perfectly fits the Rollright Stones.
10. London
    10m
    We journey back to London where you can unwind with our custom in-car entertainment system or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Your guide will ensure a smooth return, bringing a perfect end to a perfect trip

Pickup details

We typically pick up from any hotel or accommodation in West, Central and City of London, but if you want to be collected from anywhere else, just ask, and we’ll make it happen.

Likewise if you want to be dropped somewhere different after the tour, or generally mix things up then you’re in the right place. We can be fully flexible to make sure you have the perfect trip.

Depending on details there might be a slight change of timing or a small fee, but pretty much anything you need, we can make it happen.

We’re all about making your day as relaxed and enjoyable as possible, and that starts from the moment you book.

We’ll reach out to check if you need any assistance with your travel plans and as the tour approaches we’ll share all the info, handy tips and contact details.

The day before the tour your guide will message you by SMS to share their contact details and field any last minute questions and they will then contact you on arrival at your chosen pickup point.

From that point on they’ll look after you and share this wonderful Lord of the Rings and Cotswolds experience with you, adapting the tour to suit your preferences and generally showing off the beautiful areas you'll be visiting.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness