The Harry Potter Studio Tour London Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Visiting
If you're traveling to London, taking a visit to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour is one of the best ways to spend your day! Use this handy guide to learn everything you need to know before visiting the Warner Brothers lot. Find out how to get there, what to expect, where and when to buy tickets, and what to see at the Harry Potter Studio Tour.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour London Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Visiting
If you’ve been reading TCS throughout the last few years, you probably know by now that I’m a HUGE Harry Potter fan. Like, a MASSIVE fan. To me, there is nothing better than a rainy day where you can stay inside, order some delivery, and turn on a Harry Potter movie marathon or curl up with one of the books. I’ve spent more weekends than I could even count doing this, now that I think about it...
As soon as I booked my trip to London, the first thing I did was schedule the day when I would go to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour to explore the sets of the Wizarding World—no joke. This was my absolute top priority and nothing was getting in my way. I immediately started scouring the web for what to expect, where to buy tickets, what to see, and how to get there so I could know everything there was to know.
If you’re in that same boat right now, this guide is exactly for you! I figured there were probably other Potterheads like myself who wanted to get that ultimate experience and know everything possible before booking and arriving at the studio tour in London. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know and buy before visiting the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour London!
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Purchasing Tickets
Because the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a popular attraction, tickets sell out very quickly. It is highly recommended that you book your tickets as far in advance as you can to ensure that you’ll get the desired time and date that you want to go. They also don’t sell tickets at the door, so you really have to make sure you book in advance. You can book your tickets for the tour right here on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour website.
PRO TIP #1:
Schedule your ticket time for as early as you possibly can because there is no limit on how much time you spend on the studio tour. If you book earlier, you have as much time as you want to meander, explore, and read every single little detail. I probably spent 5 or 6 hours there by myself!
Adult tickets start at £39 (unless you get a ‘Saver Ticket’) for regular admission. There are a ton of other package options that you can opt in for on their website that will give you additional souvenirs and/or guides. The regular admission was just fine in my opinion, though.
PRO TIP #2:
Make sure to print out your booking confirmation whenever you receive it via email to make the process much smoother once you arrive. This is absolutely necessary! You will use this confirmation to print out your actual tickets at a kiosk near the main entrance (unless you opt to pick them up at the ticket window). The kiosk is super easy to use!
PRO TIP #3:
Check the website for special events that might be scheduled during your visit. The studio puts on special, exclusive events every month, so you might want to plan your trip around that if you can.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Planning Transportation
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is actually just outside of London’s city center, which means you’re going to have to plan how you get there. You can get to the studio by train, bus, or car. My preferred method is obviously the train since I don’t typically rent cars when I’m staying in a city. If you are driving or want to take a bus, you can look at some of those routes on their official website.
If you’re staying in London and want to take the train, you can book a ticket from the London Euston train station to the Watford Junction train station. I suggest purchasing that ticket in advance so you can give yourself plenty of time to arrive. You can purchase your ticket online right here. Once you have your ticket reservation, you can choose to print out your tickets directly from a kiosk at the train station to save more time.
Related reading: The Ultimate Harry Potter World Travel Guide
PRO TIP #4
There is both an express train to Watford Junction (meaning it goes direct with no stops in between) AND a local train (meaning it stops at every station along the way). The express train will get you there in about 20 minutes, while the local train will get you there in about 1 hour. I was unusually ahead of time to the London Euston train station and made the mistake of getting on the local train instead of the express train that I had booked on my way to Watford Junction. I still got there fine, but unfortunately I didn’t have the extra time I allotted myself because of this mistake. Make sure you get on the right train!
Once you arrive to the Watford Junction train station, there is a Warner Bros. Studio Tour shuttle bus right outside the station that will be waiting to pick up guests and take them to the lot. The bus is fully decked out in Harry Potter images, so don’t worry—you won’t miss it.
Buses run every 20 minutes and take about 15 minutes to arrive to the lot. A round-trip return ticket will cost £2.50 and you must pay it in cash. Credit cards are not accepted; so make sure you bring cash!
PRO TIP #5:
Bring the £2.50 in CASH for your round-trip return shuttle bus ticket. Once you exit the train station, the bus will be directly to the front of the entrance in the parking lot. Since they run every so often, there may or may not be one there; but rest assured it will come and you will notice. The bus is hard to miss because of all the Harry Potter images on it.
PRO TIP #6:
Plan to arrive at the lot tour at least 20 minutes before your scheduled time to guarantee entry. The lines can be crazy during peak times of the year, so it’s best to be prepared!
ARRIVING AT THE HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR
Once you arrive to the tour, you’ll have to go through a small security checkpoint before entering the building. Once you’re inside, you’ll likely queue up with the other guests who are also coming for their scheduled time. I’m the worst person when it comes to waiting in line and I’ll say that it didn’t bother me one bit. There is so much to “oooh” and “ahhh” at when you get inside that you won’t even realize you’ve been standing in line. You’ll be mesmerized by the magic!
PRO TIP #7:
If you’d rather save your money for souvenirs instead of food at the [slightly overpriced] cafe, pack yourself a little lunch or some snacks for the day. There is a large lunchroom right outside the cafe where you can sit down to eat about halfway through the studio tour. You won’t be able to eat or drink while you’re walking through the tour, but you can surely save it for later!
Once you pass through the line to enter the tour, you’ll be escorted into a theatre where you’ll stand to watch a brief film before getting escorted into another room to watch another quick film. Once you’re escorted into the next room, you’ll eventually see the front doors of Hogwarts after the film finishes. THIS IS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS!!!
PRO TIP #8:
Try to get a seat in front row of this second room if you can. You’ll be one of the first to enter The Great Hall, which means tons of cool pics! BUT...
PRO TIP #9:
Don’t worry if you’re not in front of the line to get in through the front doors of The Great Hall because the room will eventually clear out as people pass through to the next room. This is where you can begin to move at your own pace. Be patient and just hang back because the crowd will eventually go ahead. You’ll be able to capture those images without people in the background if you really want.
WHAT TO EXPECT INSIDE THE HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR
What can you expect once you’re inside? Magic. Just pure magic.
Seriously though, this is where you’ll be able to let your inner HP fan girl go crazy. There is no time limit for how long you spend in each room! Look at every single detail. Read all the plaques. Watch all the videos. DO IT ALL! Do it twice if you want!
As you walk room to room, you’ll see things like the costumes used, Dumbledore’s office, props from the Ministry of Magic, the Hogwarts Express train, behind the scenes special effects, and so much more. The entire experience is so whimsical you’ll actually feel like you’ve stepped into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Fun Fact: The paintings and portraits around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are mostly the faces of the cast and crew members!
FINAL PRO TIPS FOR THE HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR
PRO TIP #10:
Save some money for souvenirs at the end! It’s not a bad idea to take something home with you to remember this magical trip...maybe some Slytherin socks or a Gryffindor shirt?
PRO TIP #11:
Butterbeer. Yes or No? Well... I personally thought that the Butterbeer was kind of gross and way too sweet. It tastes like pure butterscotch; so if you’re into that, then go for it! I don’t know why they haven’t come up with a Butterbeer that actually has beer in it yet. I mean...come on... Low hanging fruit, Warner Brothers!
PRO TIP #12:
Make sure all of your batteries are fully charged. Bring extra memory cards and even portable USB chargers if you can. If you’re a Potterhead like me, you’ll run out of battery life and space very quickly, so it’s good to be prepared!
PRO TIP #13:
Watch all the movies before you go! It will make the experience so much cooler to be able to know exactly what you’re looking at when you walk through each room.
PRO TIP #14:
If it’s the cold winter months, take advantage of the complimentary coat check at the beginning of the tour. It will be better than lugging around your coat the whole time.
PRO TIP #15:
Take lots and lots of pictures to remember your visit! You’ll probably be looking at them a million times before you’re able to return again (or is that just me?).
Overall, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is something I highly recommend for both Potterheads and people who are visiting London and looking for fun activities to do. It’s great for families, solo travelers, couples, and people of all abilities. It’s truly an unforgettable experience and one that I can’t wait to experience again when I’m back in London!
And with that... I SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I AM UP TO NO GOOD! MISCHIEF MANAGED!
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Have you been to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour London? What other tips would you add to this list? --or-- What is your favorite Harry Potter movie? Comment below!
This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
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12 Day Trips From London
If you're lucky enough to have more than a few days to spare while traveling in London, you might want to consider taking a day trip to explore some other destinations nearby. Get some "destination inspiration" with these 12 day trips from London that are all easily accessible by train, bus, or plane!
12 Day Trips From London
London is one of the most exciting and vibrant metropolitan cities of the world. While spending time in the city is a must-do, if you're lucky enough to have more than a few days in town, you might want to consider taking a day trip (or two) to explore some of the UK's other gems.
The best part of being in Europe is how convenient it is to get from city to city by train. You can easily get a rail pass from companies like Rail Europe and travel to hundreds of destinations within the continent.
But before you get that ticket, here's some "destination inspiration" for fun and easy day trips from London that you can make during your stay!
1. York
Train Time from London: Approx. 2hrs
Oh, how I love York. York is such a charming little town just north of London that is absolutely worth a visit. You can spend your day wandering around "The Shambles," learning history while exploring the walled city, or drinking tea and champagne at Betty's (my favorite). You can easily walk the city in an entire day, or take one of the hop-on hop-off tour buses if that's your sorta thing.
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, families, groups of friends, history lovers, and cultural travel
2. Oxford
Train Time from London: Approx. 1hr
If you're not really in the mood to go very far from London, check out Oxford for the day. You can see the gorgeous, historic university in the heart of town, visit the majestic Blenheim Palace (birthplace of Winston Churchill) just outside the city center, or just wander around the cute city streets. There is lots to explore around Oxford--and even more to hunt down if you're a Harry Potter fan! *Oxford was featured in various scenes of the Harry Potter films, in case you didn't know...
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, families, groups of friends, history lovers, Harry Potter fans, and cultural travel
Search train tickets to Oxford
3. The Cotswolds
Train Time from London: Approx. 1hr 40min
If you're interested in finding yourself in the middle of a fairy tale world, I would suggest a visit to the Cotswolds. Just outside of Oxford is the idyllic region of the Cotswolds. In my opinion, the best way to explore is by taking The Secret Cottage Tour. You can read more about what that tour entails and how to experience the Cotwolds right here! *Pro tip: As I note in that post, you'll want to take the train from London to Moreton-in-Marsh for the easiest access to the area. There isn't a city named "The Cotswolds."
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, families, groups of friends, history lovers, and cultural travel
Search train tickets to The Cotswolds (such as Moreton-in-Marsh)
4. Harry Potter Studio Tour
Train Time from London: Approx. 20min
For all you Harry Potter fans out there, you simply cannot make a trip to England without visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour just outside of London. Escape into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and see how all of the films were made right on the same sets that they were filmed. I mean...how often do you get to say that you were literally hanging out in Dumbledore's office?! This studio tour is absolutely a must see, especially since it's so closeby!
*Word to the wise: Make sure you get on the direct (express) connection train to Watford Junction from London Euston. I made the mistake once of getting on the local train, which unfortunately stops at every single station on the way (it took 45 minutes instead of 20...ugh), Once you arrive, a Warner Bros. Studio Tour decked out in HP logos will pick you right up from the station. You can't miss it.
Perfect for: Families, solo travelers, Harry Potter fans, groups of friends, and movie buffs
Search train tickets to Watford Junction
5. Brighton
Train Time from London: Approx. 1hr
Just an hour outside of London is the cheery, beachy town of Brighton. This city basically has the beach scene that London is missing. The best time to come is in the warmer season as the winter season tends to limit the amount of outdoor activities you can do. Come here to stroll down the pier or walk along the beach, see the colorful downtown area, and maybe stop in a trendy cafe or two. The city is also known for their lively LGBTQ community.
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, LGBTQ travelers, groups of friends, families, and outdoorsy travelers
Search train tickets to Brighton
6. Bath
Train Time from London: Approx. 1hr 30min
Bath is known for being a quaint, countryside destination that is famous for its well-preserved Roman-era bathhouses, 18th-century Georgian architecture, and honey-colored bath stone that is used throughout the town's architecture. A trip to Bath is like a trip into history. *Pro tip: if you're feeling up for it, you can combine this visit with a trip to Stonehenge, too. It might be a bit tight for some, but just know it can be done!
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, history lovers, groups of friends, and cultural travel
7. Edinburgh
Train Time from London: Approx. 4hr 30min --OR-- Flight Time from London: Approx. 1hr 20min
At the north end of the UK is the ever-popular town of Edinburgh, Scotland. While it might be a bit long for a train ride (clocking in at under 5 hours), you can always hop on a quick flight in the morning and be in the city in less than 2 hours. Visitors can enjoy the medieval influence and architecture of the Old Town, alongside the elegant charm and Georgian influence of the New Town. There is also a lively food and art scene that shouldn't be missed while visiting.
Perfect for: Couples, families, solo travelers, groups of friends, foodies, history lovers, and cultural travel
Search train tickets to Edinburgh
8. Cambridge
Source
Train Time from London: Approx. 50min
Talk about a history lover's paradise! Cambridge boasts one of the world's most prestigious, oldest, and prettiest universities right in town. The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209, so it's bound to have some really unique stories right within those old walls. Come here to relax around the town, explore the quaint passageways between the historic buildings, and grab a pint or some food at the local pub.
Perfect for: Groups of friends, solo travelers, couples, history lovers, cultural travel, and educational travel
Search train tickets to Cambridge
9. Stonehenge
Train Time from London: Approx. 1hr 30min
I don't think I need to speak for Stonehenge because this miraculous, prehistoric site speaks for itself. It's not too far from London, so history lovers should definitely put this on their list. It is worth saying that Stonehenge will not take up your full day's itinerary, so you can easily combine it with a nearby city like Bath or Salisbury. *Pro tip: When you arrive to the train station in Salisbury, you'll need to take a bus or taxi to get to the actual site. The bus is probably your cheapest option and costs around £14 for the trip only, or £26 for trip and site entry.
Perfect for: History lovers, couples, solo travelers, cultural travel, and groups of friends
Search train tickets to Salisbury (for easiest way to Stonehenge)
10. Liverpool
Train Time from London: Approx. 2hr 10min
Music and maritime history are the 2 most popular things to come out of Liverpool, England. Big fans of The Beatles, or just legendary music in general, can add this British hub to their destination list. Stop in at the popular Cavern Club, where the Beatles once played on stage, or spend your time exploring museums or restaurant hopping around town.
Perfect for: Music lovers, cultural travel, families, couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends
Search train tickets to Liverpool
11. Rye
Train Time from London: Approx. 1hr 45min
Rye is an incredibly adorable, historic, and quaint city just near the coast in East Sussex. This little medieval town is a hidden gem within England and is a great place for exploring the cobblestone roads, half-timbered houses, and plenty of cozy tea rooms. There is even a street called Mermaid Street... Yes, please!
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, families, history lovers, cultural travel, and groups of friends
12. Windsor
Train Time from London: Approx. 1hr
For travelers looking to get an inside look at royal life outside of London, take a trip to the Queen's favorite weekend home at Windsor Castle. Visitors can take tours of the castle grounds and see things like the State Apartments and the Great Park. If you're into horses or racing, you can check out Ascot Racecourse, which is just a few miles from the castle. For families traveling with small children, Legoland Windsor might also be a good option for the afternoon.
Perfect for: Families, cultural travel, couples, solo travelers, history lovers, and groups of friends
Search train tickets to Windsor & Eton
BONUS: Paris
Train Time from London: Approx. 2hr 15min
Alright, so it's not in the UK... But Paris is always a good idea! It definitely is possible to do a day trip from Paris because the train ride is only a little over a 2 hours. Obviously, I'd recommend spending more than just 1 day in Paris; but if it's the only chance you have to see it, then do it.
A Few Other Destination Ideas:
Bristol - Approx. 1hr 35min from London
Downton Abbey's Highclere Castle (in Newbury) - Approx. 1hr from London
Brussels, Belgium - Approx. 2hr from London
Leeds Castle (in Leeds) - Approx. 2hr 10min from London
Stratford-Upon-Avon - Approx. 2hr from London
Have you ever taken a day trip from London? --OR-- Do you have any other day trip recommendations that you'd add to this list? Comment below with more tips!
*Disclosure: Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. It is at no risk to you and does not cost you anything extra. All money made from affiliate links go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you.
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How to Decide Where to Stay in London (or Any City)
If you’re heading to a big city like London for the first time, it can be overwhelming to sit down and plan everything—especially your accommodations. If you're sick of the planning headache, use this easy 3-step system to help you decide where you want to stay in London—or any city! *Plus, check out a few ideas on where you can stay in London and the adorable vacation rental I stayed in!
How to Decide Where to Stay in London (or Any City)
Tell me if this has ever happened to you:
You just booked a flight to visit a new city you’ve never been to. You’re super excited and you’re on your “Traveler’s High” because you scored the perfect ticket. You’re daydreaming about all the adventures you’re going to have, all the food you’re going to eat, and all sights you’ll see.
And then...all of a sudden... You realize that you have to actually PLAN everything. Where to stay, where to eat, how to get around...
If you’re heading to a big city like London for the first time, it can be a bit daunting and overwhelming to sit down and plan everything—especially where you want to stay. There are so many options and so much ground to cover that choosing the perfect place can be tricky.
Luckily, I’ve gone through this headache enough times to figure out an easy way that you can decide where to stay in any city based on your biggest priorities. You can use the examples below to help pick your accommodations for London!
Step 1: Know Your Priorities
Like I said, this system was created on selecting a place to stay based around your priorities. There are 3 main priorities when it comes to choosing an accommodation:
1. Budget
The most obvious priority here is budget. What is your budget? Do you know how much money you’re able to spend per day on accommodations?
If you have a lower budget, you might be considering hostels or couchsurfing. If you have a medium budget, you can start to consider apartment rentals or low to mid-range hotels. If you have a high budget, you’re probably able to consider luxury hotels or even home rentals.
2. Location/Convenience
The next priority tends to be the exact location of where you’re staying and how convenient it is for your travel itinerary. Some things to consider:
Transportation: How close is it to public transportation? Do you need a car, or can you get around by foot? What is the transportation like to/from the airport (or train station, dock, etc.)?
Walkability: Is the hotel in a good location that you can easily walk anywhere? Is it in a safe area that is good to walk at any time of day?
Nearby Attractions: What attractions, restaurants, or other places of interest are nearby? Is it close to where you want to be?
Safety and Ambiance: Is the area or neighborhood safe? Does the accommodation feel homey and somewhere that you wouldn’t mind spending time around? How big is the room and does it have adequate privacy? Noise levels?
3. Amenities
This might not fall high on the priority list for everyone; but for others, amenities can sometimes make or break a decision on where you want to stay during your trip. Does the place you’re staying have convenient and comfortable amenities for you to enjoy? Some amenities to consider can be:
Wi-Fi (this is huge for me!)
Complimentary meals, refreshments, or hors d’oeuvres
On-site pool, gym, spa, etc.
Bar, lounge, or restaurants on-site or nearby
Room views, balcony, or other outdoor space options
Bike rentals or other means of access to transportation
Pet friendly
In-room amenities (toiletries, electronics, robes, etc.)
Check-in/out times (for real...this can be a huge hassle sometimes!)
Step 2: Choose Your Style of Accommodation
Once you’ve decided on your priorities with the questions above, you can start to narrow down the selection on the type of place you want to stay. In London, there are options for all budget ranges that fit everyone’s needs! Here are a couple examples to help you with your selection:
Hostel
For the budget friendly traveler
Hostels are a great option for adventurous, budget friendly travelers. You can usually pick places that have both private and shared rooms at very affordable prices. I personally love the website Hostelworld
Photo via Wombats City Hostel London, 7 Dock Street
Apartment Rentals
For the mid-range budget traveler
Apartment (and home) rentals have been on the rise in popularity in recent years because of their affordability, convenience, and overall homey feeling that can be hard to find when you’re traveling. I personally love them because you can really get what it feels like to live like a local in the city you’re visiting. You can experience the local grocery store, the local bars, the local restaurants, the local shops... all without feeling like you’re being coerced into doing so just because your hotel is right next door (or the concierge recommended it $$).
Living room of my FG Properties apartment rental in London
While I was in London, I stayed in a really lovely apartment rental through FG Properties. I was very impressed with the wide variety of locations and types of apartments that they had all over London—plus the interior decor on all of their properties looked so cute! Everything about the apartment was super modern, up-to-date (including a keyless entry), and the location was perfect (literally steps away from the tube station and tons of places to eat). There was even a washer/dryer in the apartment, which is perfect for people who are staying longer term and need to do some laundry!
Click and browse the gallery below to read more about the apartment:
I’d recommend this company as an option for Apartment Rentals if you were coming to London! Plus, you’d be supporting a local business! You can check out their rental properties right here. f you need to contact them during your stay, you can get in touch with their reception desk, who helps with check-in/out, maintenance, and any other things you need throughout your visit.
Bedroom of my FG Properties vacation rental in London
Hotels
For the luxury traveler
If your travel budget permits, you might consider splurging a little and booking a reservation at one of London’s finest hotels. Take advantage of all the amenities and luxuries that your little heart desires. And, since London is quite the thriving metropolis, you won’t have a problem finding an excellent luxury accommodation within the city.
Photo via Hotel 41, 41 Buckingham Palace Road
Step 3: Book Your Reservation
The last part of the process has arrived. Now that you’ve selected your accommodations, it’s time to book it. Get your confirmation number and get ready to travel!
Not too bad of a system, right?! It’s pretty easy to select once you actually have an idea of what your priorities are and what you’re looking for.
Try out these tips next time you’re having difficulty deciding where to stay in a new city and let me know what you think!
Thank you to FG Properties for hosting my visit in London. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you.All opinions are my own.
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Day Trips from London: Visiting the Cotswolds
Looking to do an easy day trip outside of London? Check out this travel guide to the Cotswolds, which is conveniently located about 1 hour and 40 minutes away from the city. Discover the best ways to explore this area, including an immersive excursion with the Secret Cottage Tour.
Day Trips from London: Visiting the Cotswolds
If you're visiting London, you might want to consider scheduling in a day trip (or two) to visit a few other destinations just outside of the city center while you're there. The transportation system within the UK allows you to easily travel within the country at a pretty affordable rate. Some day trip destinations outside of London could be York, Oxford, Brighton, Bath, or--my personal favorite--The Cotswolds.
What is the Cotswolds?
Contrary to what many people think, the Cotswolds is actually an area in the south central region of England that runs through 5 counties (Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Wiltshire). Located just a quick 1 hour and 40 minute train ride outside of London, the Cotswolds is an incredibly picturesque and charming part of England that will make you instantly feel like you've been transported back in time to a different era.
One of the best things about seeing the Cotswolds--besides being in awe of the gorgeous rolling hills and honey-colored cottages that line the village streets--is getting to see each of the individual towns, which each have their own unique personality and sense of style. Throughout your visit, you're very likely to see a few lively markets, local pubs with people enjoying a pint, castles, cottages, and country houses, and even some sheep and cattle grazing the natural surroundings.
*Fun fact: The word "wold" is an old English term used to describe the hills; it's said that term Cotswolds is referring to "the sheep enclosure in the rolling hillside." Makes it fun to know when you actually see the sheep along the hills when you're there!
What is the best way to experience the Cotswolds?
There are a few different ways to experience the Cotswolds: You can rent a car, drive out to the country, and take your time experiencing the area. You can even stay the night at local hotels, cottages, or inns that are located throughout the villages (my personal favorite is The Slaughters Manor House, photos below). You can also take the train from London, rent a car or hire a driver when you arrive to the area, and explore on your own.
BUT, if you want to save time, money, and frustration on your Cotswolds experience (all while simultaneously getting some insider scoop from a real local), I would personally recommend getting yourself a spot on the incredibly popular Secret Cottage Tour. Make sure to book in advance because this tour is incredibly popular for a reason (reservations fill up fast) and there is limited availability for every group! I promise that you won't be disappointed you signed up for it...
Experiencing the Cotswolds with The Secret Cottage Tour
When You Arrive
After you've been confirmed on the Secret Cottage Tour, you'll receive an email with clear directions on how to get to the Cotswolds area, including what time to book your train tickets and what stations you can depart/arrive from. Seriously--the process of getting there couldn't be easier with their help: you buy your train ticket in advance online, show up to the station, get off the train at the designated stop, and your tour guides will be right there to pick you up. It's super simple!
My favorite part is that, besides arranging for your train ride, you don't have to worry about transportation at all when you sign up for this tour. Not only does the Secret Cottage Tour team pick you up at the train station when you arrive, but they also drive you from village to village throughout the day and take you back to the train station in the late afternoon once the tour is concluded. It makes for a really great day trip for people wanting to experience the countryside of England without having to take the time figuring it out themselves.
After you join the rest of your group at the station in the morning, you're ready to start your day exploring the Cotswolds!
What to Expect
In addition to having your transportation throughout the Cotswolds included, you'll also be treated with 3 delicious meals (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea) throughout the full-day tour. The best part about those meals is that they are each served in the charming cottage home of Robin and Becky, who own and operate the Secret Cottage Tour.
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to live in one of the cottages you see throughout the Cotswolds villages, this is the perfect opportunity to "experience" what it could be like and ask them questions about their unique home and lifestyle. I guarantee you won't leave without a full and happy belly, too, because the food is awesome!
In between each meal, your tour guides will take your group from village to village to explore the idyllic area and explain a bit of the history along the way. I especially loved how diligent their team was at showing the group the best of the best within the region. They'll keep you away from the overpopulated (or sometimes overrated) villages and spend more time taking you to the more remote and picturesque locations that, often times, only locals know about.
Make sure to ask questions if you have any because the team is extremely knowledgable on the area and they are very passionate about sharing information that they know. I learned so much from them on my trip and was able to see some areas that I had never even seen in pictures before!
What You'll See
Each tour is a little bit different in terms of what you might see or do, but you can definitely expect to explore and learn about a number of unique villages throughout the Cotswolds region during your visit. When I was on the tour, every town we saw seemed to be more beautiful than the last.
One of my favorite parts about having the Secret Cottage Tour team guide us around was that they were able to take us to the more secluded and picturesque locations of the Cotswolds that are a little bit lesser known to tourists. It really made for some epic shots!
This tour offered a great itinerary for a quick day trip outside of London, while enticing you to want to return to the area and spend more time. There really is so much to explore in the Cotswolds region, which you'll quickly see after going on this incredible tour.
How to Secure Your Spot on the Tour
If you're visiting the Cotswolds, I highly recommend going on this tour whether you're traveling solo or with other people. The team is incredibly friendly, the food was amazing, transportation was super easy, and the setting was more charming than you can imagine. It's one of the best tours I've ever done!
You can book your reservation on the Secret Cottage Tour right here! Tickets are £95 and includes food, drink, and transportation within the Cotswolds area, as well as to and from the train station.
*Update: If you're interested in seeing what 16th-century pub life and local village cafes are like, there is another option to experience the Cotswolds on a full-day tour that takes you on a slightly different route than the SCT. To book your seat on the Cotswolds Mystery Tour for £75, click here!
Have you ever been to the Cotswolds? What are your favorite parts of the area? Comment below with more suggestions, tips, or questions!
Thank you to Robin and Becky from the Secret Cottage Tour for hosting me during my stay! All opinions are my own.
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London Travel Tips for First Timers
If you're traveling to London for the first time, we've got you covered with 12 tips to make your trip smooth and smart. Check out these London travel tips that will give you insight on how to get around effectively, what you should tip, and other must-know information to prepare you for your visit!
London Travel Tips for First Timers
Ahhh London... Home to some of the world's most interesting architecture, culture, fashion, and history. London is a fast paced city (not as fast as NYC, but definitely up there), and you probably want to avoid looking like a lost tourist when you arrive in town. If you're traveling to London for the first time, I'm going to do you a solid and queue you in on a few tips to make your trip much smoother.
1. Get an Oyster Card when you arrive
London's subway system, aka "The Tube", is an extremely effective way (both in time and money) to get around town. To take the tube, you're going to need an Oyster Card, which you can purchase at the airport kiosk or any tube station around the city. Put as much money as you think you might need for your stay and "top off" (refill your card) if you run out.
If you're flying into Heathrow, I recommend getting your Oyster Card right at the airport and taking the Piccadilly Line from the airport into the closest station to your hotel. Trust me when I say you will save A SH*T TON of money by doing this because cabs in London are freaking expensive. It might take a little planning ahead on Google Maps to figure out where your closest stop is, but it is so worth it when you're only paying a few pounds for travel instead of 60+ pounds just to get into the city. It's pretty easy and everyone speaks English so you won't risk getting lost if you just ask someone for help.
2. ALWAYS stay to the right on escalators
This is like an unwritten rule in London. If you're ever on an escalator, ALWAYS stay on the right hand side if you're just going to stand the whole way up. It's a courtesy thing that allows people to pass by on the left hand side if they want to get up quicker. *I personally think that New York needs to get their act together and start doing this because it's actually really nice...
I noticed that the same kind of goes for stairs too. If you're somewhere where there are stairs, always go on the right hand side to allow room for people going in the opposite direction. It's just a courtesy thing and it's much more organized instead of getting lost in the shuffle.
3. Check the sidewalks before you cross the street
Don't forget that people drive on the left side of the road in England when you're crossing the street! You should always look both ways; but in case you forget, just look down at the sidewalks for indicators on where to check for traffic. The sidewalks and streets are well labeled with "Look Right" or "Look Left" to help you remember which direction the cars are coming from.
You can also keep safe by crossing only when the pedestrian walk sign is illuminated. There are also somewhat-safe, designated pedestrian walkways where traffic is *supposed* to stop for people who are walking across (traffic usually stops; but there are a few ass holes who don't, so just be careful). These walkways are indicated by large poles with a large, white/yellow light bulb on top of them. These poles are located on both sides of the street, which you'll notice once you're there.
4. Get acquainted with the city by doing the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
OK... Hang with me for a second here... I know I said that the goal of these tips is to help you look less touristy, but honestly the hop-on hop-off bus tours are one of the best ways to get acquainted with any new city you're visiting. Truth be told, I actually do them all the time and I freaking LOVE them. They allow you to get a better understanding of where everything is located, and it's guaranteed transportation around the city. The hop-on hop-off bus tours in London often come with a "free" river cruise, a couple of walking tours, and the ability to use the pass for 2 days. It's pretty worth it in my opinion...
**If you really want to have an ultimate tourist experience, I'd consider getting the London Pass to grant you access into many of the attractions around town. You'll end up saving money on entrance fees and saving time on waiting in the lines.
5. Know how to tell military time
This tip is for those of you who are traveling from the US, or any other country that doesn't regularly use military time. Be aware that most of the times you see will be displayed in military time! Don't make the mistake of booking a ticket for a train or show that is at 09:30 and showing up at 9:30PM. Know the difference and be on the lookout for it if you're booking events or travel.
6. Tipping is not required
Tipping in London is not really a requirement like it is in the United States and it's almost always already calculated into the cost of your bill. This rule goes for restaurants, pubs, and any other place you'd head in for food/drinks. If you feel like the service you received was really above and beyond, a couple extra pounds is totally fine; but, for the most part, don't sweat the tip or get swindled into overpaying.
7. Download the free Tube Map App
If you're going to take my advice and utilize the Tube to get around, download the free Tube Map App on your smartphone. The map will give you a good understanding about where all the stations are located so you can properly plan your trip. You can also pick up a mini Tube map in most of the stations around the city if you don't want to download the app. I did both and found them to be very convenient! In any case, the Tube really is the most efficient and cost effective way to get around town, so I highly recommend it over taking pricey cabs or Ubers everywhere.
8. Utilize the bus system
The great thing about getting an Oyster Card when you land in London is that it also covers the cost of those iconic, red, double decker buses that you can use to get around town. The bus system is pretty nice and easy to use, especially if you have Google Maps to help you along the way. My personal favorite thing to do is to sit in the front row on the top level of the bus. It's the best seat in the house and you'll get a great view of the area while you're driving!
9. Pack layers
The weather in London is quite unpredictable. It can be really cold when you wake up and really hot by the time you're heading home in the afternoon. The best tip for this is to pack layers that can easily be taken off (or put back on) and won't be a pain in the ass to carry around all day.
You can also plan ahead by packing a small, travel-size umbrella in your bag. It can rain at a moment's notice and it's good to be prepared!
10. Take advantage of FREE things around the city
Much like NYC, London can be a very expensive city (especially for those of us using the US Dollar). Luckily, there are tons and tons of free things you can do around the city that won't cost you any money at all. Just a little planning ahead will go such a long way for your travel budget.
You can browse through markets like Borough Market, Camden Market, or Portobello Market; you can walk around the streets of Notting Hill or Chelsea and admire the architecture; you can people watch and explore the colorful streets of Shoreditch; or you can even get into some of the city's best museums and gardens (which are mostly free)! Make sure you look up some of these spots ahead of time so you can save money during your stay!
11. For my New Yorkers & Chicagoans: Don't expect to have Weekend Brunch
This one really hurt me when I found out. In the states, we take our weekend brunch very seriously. I mean...in New York, Sunday Brunch is practically an institution and something we take pride in! In London... Not so much. Don't expect to head into the city and have a grand brunch over the weekend because you might have a hard time finding it. More places are starting to try and catch onto the trend, but it is nowhere near the full-day event that we are used to in the US.
12. Know the direction your train is going (especially when traveling outside of London)
The tube system in London is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it, especially if you're familiar with subways in a big city. However, it's worth noting that some train lines split off at a certain stopping point and go in separate directions. Just be aware of this when you're getting on your particular tube line and take note of where your train will be heading and stopping. There are usually maps all over the stations to keep you in check.
The trains traveling outside of London are a whole different story though... I made the mistake of not knowing the trains outside of London (i.e. the trains you get at Kings Cross, Paddington Station, etc.) have express lines and local lines. For instance, if you're taking a day trip outside of London to visit York, there are trains that will stop at every single train station along the way and there are trains that will go express and only stop at a couple (or none) of the stations along the way. KNOW THIS BEFORE YOU BOARD/BOOK! It's usually indicated by the number of stops and duration of your trip. I got on the wrong train twice because I wasn't aware of this and it was not fun. A good solution is to make sure you ask someone before you board if you're confused.
BONUS: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LONDON BRIDGE AND THE TOWER BRIDGE!
The Tower Bridge
A lot of people get this mixed up, but do not confuse the 2 famous bridges in London: The Tower Bridge (pictured above) and the London Bridge (slightly less beautiful bridge closer to Big Ben/Parliament). An easy way to remember this is that the TOWER Bridge is near the TOWER of London, and the London Bridge is closer to London's Parliament. Make sure you know the difference because you'll get confused if you ask where the London Bridge is and they point to the plain looking grey one along the River Thames.
Have you been to London before? If you have more travel tips you'd like to see on this list, comment below with more advice to help our fellow travelers!
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Hi, I'm Ana Rebeca! Welcome to The City Sidewalks. Here you’ll find tips on Travel, Lifestyle, and Wellness.
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