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

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Royal Observatory Greenwich

   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.

   10 minutes•Admission free•See on map

2. 2

   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.

   10 minutes•Admission free

3. 3

   A beautiful Cotswolds village surrounded by rolling hills that conjure up images of the Shire.

   15 minutes•Admission free

4. 4

   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.

   45 minutes•Admission free

5. 5

   A scenic drive through the Cotswold Hills, said to be the inspiration for 'The Wold' - the windy upland plain in the 'Kingdom of Rohan'.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free

6. 6

   Broadway Tower

   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.

   40 minutes•Admission free•See on map

7. 7

   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.

   1h 30m•Admission free

8. 8

   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.

   10 minutes•Admission free

9. 9

   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.

   45 minutes•Admission free

10. 10

    Royal Observatory Greenwich

    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

    10 minutes•Admission free•See on map

Meeting point

The operator confirms the exact meeting point on your voucher.

The map shows London.Open larger map

Pickup

• Everyone is picked up
• 1065 hotels are served
• You can request another pickup address
• The operator contacts you to arrange pickup
• Pickup begins 10 min before departure

Know before you go

• 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
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

Cancellation and refunds

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.