The Secret Cottage Tour
The Secret Cottage tour takes guests through hidden villages, pretty market towns, past grand stately homes, showing you some of the most beautiful places you will ever come across. The difference with our tours is that you are invited into our home, The Secret Cottage for a fascinating tour of a typical Cotswold cottage that is nearly 500-years old. If you’re visiting England and want to explore the Cotswolds, then join our experienced team on a unique adventure. Our family-run private tour takes guests on around the north Cotswolds, discovering amazing views and places of the Cotswolds in a luxury 7-seater minibus.
Market Towns in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are famous for once being one of the largest suppliers to the wool trade. After the industrial revolution when the cloth trade moved to the north of England, the Cotswolds remained unspoilt and peaceful. You will notice that many of the market towns have narrow roads leading from the market square, built so that farmers could count their sheep going in and out of the market. Market towns in the north Cotswolds include Moreton-in-Marsh, Witney, Chipping Norton, Woodstock and Stow-on-the-Wold. A typical market town has a large market square where farmers once brought their flocks of sheep to the market. The town buildings including the town hall are built from the pretty Cotswold stone, a pale-yellow limestone famous to the area. Cotswold market towns typically have pretty gift shops, friendly cafes, cosy pubs and antique shops. Villages in the North Cotswolds
Cotswold villages are typically found down long country lanes where clusters of pretty cottages sit on the edge of roads with perfectly kept gardens, sometimes a local shop selling fresh produce, a small church and perhaps a friendly, cosy village pub selling local ale. The north Cotswolds is famous for having some of the most charming villages in England. In fact, a street in the village of Lower Slaughter near Stow-on- the-Wold called Copse Hill Road was voted as the most romantic street in England by Google Maps two times. Many of the houses and cottages in the villages have thatched roofs, pretty, rambling rose gardens and mature shrubs that edge the garden walls. There are many rivers throughout the Cotswolds, often smaller streams meandering through villages where dogs and children paddle on a summers day. Pretty villages in the north Cotswolds include Churchill, Bourton-on-the-Water, Chastleton, Kingham, Sarsden, the Slaughters and the Oddingtons. Cotswold villages are idyllic, peaceful and wonderful to explore.
The Cotswold Hills
The views across the Cotswold hills are far-reaching and inspiring, especially from Broadway Tower where you can see as far as the Welsh Mountains on a clear day. The Cotswold countryside boasts gentle rolling hills with sheep, cows and horses grazing throughout. There are many famous stately homes open to the public and known for their magnificent architecture and well-tended gardens. Banks of daffodils line the country lanes and wildflower meadows spring to life in the summer. It’s no surprise that the Cotswolds has been noted as the second largest area of outstanding natural beauty in England and Wales. The countryside of the Cotswolds is unspoilt and beautiful.
Experience the Secret Cottage Tour
If you’re staying in London or want to experience a day in the Cotswolds, then book a daytrip with the Secret Cottage. Our 6- hour privately-run tour picks up our guests from Moreton-in- Marsh train station where you can get a direct train from London taking only 1 hour and 40 minutes. The unique experience of our tour is that we invite guests into our home The Secret Cottage and provide a delicious homecooked buffet lunch, then a traditional Cotswold cream tea in the afternoon. Discover charming hidden villages, beautiful Cotswold countryside, quaint market towns and impressive stately homes with the Secret Cottage Tour. See what our previous guests have said and read our 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor. Book today, to avoid disappointment.
Famous Cotswold Villages
The beautiful region of the Cotswolds spreads across 800 square miles, through Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and parts of north east Somerset. Charming Cotswold villages are nestled between hills, market towns and summer meadows. If you’re planning a visit or a weekend in the Cotswolds, then you will not be surprised that the area has been named as the second largest area of outstanding natural beauty in England and Wales.
The Cotswolds is not only famous for being unspoilt and beautiful, it was also well-known for being one of the largest contributors to the European wool trade. Before the Industrial Revolution, the Cotswolds was covered in sheep and farmers would take their flocks to weekly markets in the Cotswold market towns. The cloth trade moved to the north of England after the Industrial Revolution and the Cotswolds remained under-developed, calm and beautiful. Sheep farming has since lessened in the area, leaving the countryside free for agriculture, cows and walkers. The landscape is vast and hilly and in Spring the lanes are lined with daffodils and woodland is covered in wildflowers including bluebells. The Cotswolds is the perfect example of English countryside at its best. Villages in the Cotswolds are perfectly kept, small and wonderfully peaceful. Often hidden at the foot of a hill or down narrow lanes, Cotswold villages offer something special to visitors to the area.
Snowshill Village
Snowshill Village is in Gloucestershire and near to the famous Broadway village. Snowhill Manor is well-known for its late owner Charles Paget Wade, a poet and craftsman who was an enthusiastic collector of artefacts and antiques from all over the world. Now owned by The National Trust, the manor still has Wade’s lifetime collection for visitors and guests to explore. Cotswold Lavender Farm is also in Snowshill, a 35- acre awe-inspiring farm with fields of bright purple Lavender in the summer months. The farm is a popular attraction for locals and visitors offering an inviting gift shop which sells Lavender products, plants and local crafts. Hook Norton Village
The village of Hook Norton stands on brown ironstone and you will find the stone is used to build many of the village houses and buildings. It has an unusual colour, a darker stone compared to the traditional pale limestone of Cotswold stone. Hook Norton Village is a few miles from Chipping Norton and locally nicknamed as ‘Hooky’. The village is perhaps most famous for its well-known Hook Norton Brewery, an independent family-run business that produces an earthy real ale. If you’re interested in how ale is made, then the brewery runs tours – or you can sample some of their delicious ale at any of the local pubs in the area.
Lower Slaughter Village
The village of Lower Slaughter is very popular with visitors to the area and known for its stunning Cotswold stone houses and cottages, a honey-coloured pale-yellow limestone that is famous for the area. Lower Slaughter and its twin village Upper Slaughter are in Gloucestershire, nestled between Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold where the River Eye runs through them. Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter was once named as the ‘most romantic street in England’ by Google Maps and it’s no wonder when you visit. In the village, there is also a 19th century corn mill that ceased operating in 1960, now called The Old Mill Museum, showcasing local crafts and open to visitors with a friendly café.
Naunton Village
Naunton village is between Cheltenham and Stow-on-the-Wold and is famous for being a pretty village where the River Windrush flows through it. Next to the river, there are beautiful banks of wildflowers and daffodils in the summer and a pretty water meadow nearby. The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Niwetone and now has around 400 residents there. The village church of St Andrew was erected in the 15th century, replacing a Saxon church. Naunton village is hidden down far from the main road down country lanes at the foot of a hill which if you climb, gives you fantastic views of the village and surrounding area.
Secret Cottage Village Tours
If you want to see the Cotswolds with a friendly family-run tour company, then book your seats with the Secret Cottage Tour based in the north Cotswolds. If you’re coming from London, then there’s a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh train station where we pick you up in our 7-seater luxury Mercedes minibus. Secret Cottage takes you to all the Cotswold villages, showing you some of the prettiest places, cosy thatched cottages with log-burning fires, magnificent village stately homes and some of the most beautiful views you will ever come across. We bring you to our 400-year old home The Secret Cottage and give you a delicious homemade lunch along with a tour of our ancient cottage. In the afternoon, we treat our guests to a traditional Cotswold cream tea before taking you back to the train station. Book your Secret Cottage tour today!
Private Cotswold Tours
Visitors come from every part of the world to delight in the awe-inspiring views that the countryside in the Cotswolds has to offer. Charming villages are hidden down long country lanes with pretty, thatched cottages, delightful village greens, meandering rivers, friendly local pubs and cost cottages. Across the Cotswolds there are several stately homes, grand manors, estates, castles and a palace. The Cotswolds history goes back through hundreds of years to medieval times and also has a famous roman road called the Fosse Way. Cotswold market towns are classic of English countryside towns, with stunning market squares, friendly cafes, hotels and inns, gift shops and plenty of antique shops.
The Cotswolds is the second largest area of outstanding natural beauty in England and Wales, covering 800 square miles and stretching across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and parts of north-east Somerset. It’s no surprise that thousands of visitors come from all over the world every year to see this beautiful place. The Cotswolds have a delightful, bustling atmosphere where people admire the beautiful ancient architecture, are inspired by the incredible views and learn all about the famous wool trade in the Cotswolds. The Cotswold Wool Trade
Prior to the cloth trade moving to the north of England after the industrial revolution, the Cotswolds was most popular and well-known for being one of the largest contributors to the European wool trade. The Cotswold countryside were home to hundreds of Cotswold sheep, nicknamed the ‘Cotswold Lions’ because of their incredible golden wool. Cotswold farmers took their sheep to the town market squares every week, trading their flocks in the famous market squares. Now sheep farming has reduced, the towns have weekly markets selling food, homewares and fresh produce.
If you’re coming to England and want to see picture-perfect English countryside, miles and miles of beautiful rolling hills, pretty, picturesque villages and historical market towns, then make sure you discover private Cotswold tours. Historical Places to Visit in the Cotswolds
Whether you’re on a private Cotswold tours or thinking of planning a weekend to visit, the Cotswolds is famous for having many historical places to visit. Snowshill Manor near Stow-on-the-Wold is now owned by the National Trust but was once home to Charles Paget Wade, an English poet, architect and an artist / craftsman. Wade collected curious objects and artefacts since he was a young man, housing all his belongings in Snowshill Manor where they still remain. Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is a magnificent palace set in a huge estate with 2000 acres. It was Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace and belonged to the Churchill family for many years. The palace is still owned by the 11th Duke of Marlborough, the late John Spencer-Churchill who died in 1999. Chastleton House near Moreton-in-Marsh is over 400-years old and was originally built by a wool merchant called Walter Jones. The house was passed on through his family and was also owned by Robert Catesby who is known to be part of the famous gunpowder plot to blow up parliament. History tells that Catesby planned some of the gunpowder plot in his bedroom at Chastleton House. Private Cotswold Guided Tours
If you’re interested in booking a daytrip to the Cotswolds with an experienced private tour, then book your place with the Secret Cottage Tour. If you’re coming from London, then you can get a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh train station which only takes one hour and 40 minutes from London Paddington. We pick our guests up in our 7-seater luxury Mercedes minibus and take you on a 6-hour tour around the north Cotswolds, visiting some of the most beautiful places in England. We go through hidden villages, drive by majestic stately homes and show you some of the most beautiful places in the Cotswolds. The Cotswold countryside has incredible views and in some places, you can see as far as the Welsh Mountains. A truly unique and special part of our tour is that we invite you in to our home – the Secret Cottage which is a 400-year old thatched cottage hidden away from the village main street. We provide our guests with a homemade delicious buffet lunch and a traditional Cotswold cream tea, along with a private tour of our ancient cottage. After the tour, we will return you to the train station so you can get your train back to London for the evening. Book your place with the Secret Cottage Tour today, to avoid disappointment.
Cotswold Group Tours
It’s no wonder that the Cotswolds have been named the second largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. The Cotswolds has many unique and pretty villages that are often hidden down long country roads, nestled between market towns, dense woodland and the lush green, rolling Cotswold hills. Feast your eyes on stunning manor houses with beautiful gardens and discover the incredible views and walking trails with the most picturesque views in England. Cotswold market towns are built from the honey coloured pale- yellow Cotswold stone, a special limestone that is famous for the area. In summer, beautiful colourful hanging baskets decorate the villages and towns, daffodils fill the grass verges and riverbanks and wildflowers grow sporadically in the meadows.
Stow-on-the-Wold Market Town
If you enjoy arts and crafts, then Stow-on-the-Wold is the highest known town in the Cotswolds, boasting art galleries, a large market square where regular sheep markets used to take place and some of the most inviting gift shops in the area. If you love art, then the Red Rag gallery and Fosse Gallery are worth exploring, plus there are clothes boutique shops, friendly cafes and restaurants to see. On a summer’s day, crowds of people sit at cafés on the edge of the square and enjoy a cool drink or coffee while you people-watch in the town.
Bourton-on-the-Water
The charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water is centred around the village green, overlooking the slow meandering River Windrush. Visitors and locals sit on the grass and picnic while dogs paddle and children play. Bourton has some great tourist attractions offering plenty to do in such a pretty Cotswold village. The Model Village is a fun stone built replica of Bourton village, standing just waist-high, complete with houses, streets, trees in the village. Bourton also has Birdland where you can discover a fantastic selection of rare and exotic birds. The British Motoring Museum is also on the edge of the village and popular with classic car enthusiasts. Broadway Village
If you love historic places with plenty to do, there’s a delightful buzz in Broadway Village with popular arts and crafts being the centre of conversation. The village sits at the foot of the Cotswold Edge, overlooked by Broadway Tower an stunning 18th-century folly that has a famous exhibition on William Morris. In the early 20th-century the well-known artists and writers Edmund Gosse, John Singer Sargent and Henry James lived in Broadway Village and famous furniture designer Gordon Russell also grew up in the village and had a workshop here. Now his workshop is popular with visitors and a design museum called the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery.
Chipping Campden
On the northern borders of the Cotswold escarpment in Gloucestershire is a beautiful old market town called Chipping Campden. In the town is an ancient wool church close to a unique 17th-century covered marketplace. In the village, walkers gather every day by the stone marked The Cotswold Way, a path that explores one of the highest points in the Cotswolds with the most amazing views. The Old Silk Mill on Sheep Street and the Court Barn Museum makes the town popular for those who are keen on arts and crafts. The Secret Cottage Tour
If you want to explore some of the most beautiful towns and villages in the Cotswolds, then book a Secret Cottage Tour. We take guests from all over the world to all the best places in the Cotswolds, including pretty market towns, magnificent stately homes, charming villages, historical buildings and show you the best views around. Our tours are unique because we invite you in to our home – the Secret Cottage. The cottage is a 400-year old thatched cottage with pretty gardens, open fires and an Aga in the kitchen for cooking. We provide a homecooked delicious lunch for our guests with a traditional Cotswold cream tea and a private tour of our beautiful home. After the tour, we will return guests to the train station so you can be back in London for the evening. Book your place with the Secret Cottage Tour today, to avoid disappointment. Discover North Cotswold Tours
There are many beautiful market towns in the Cotswolds but the most beautiful and famous towns are situated in the north of the Cotswolds. Discover popular Cotswold tours that show you the true heart of this quintessentially English region that is notably an area of outstanding natural beauty. North Cotswold market towns have pretty buildings, a magnificent market square and friendly locals welcoming visitors. Market towns were once home to regular wool markets where sheep farmers would trade their flocks, when the Cotswolds was once one of the largest suppliers of wool to the European market. Since the industrial revolution when the cloth trade moved to the north of England, sheep farming has lessened, allowing the Cotswolds to remain underdeveloped, tranquil and free from industrialisation.
Chipping Norton
More commonly known as ‘Chippy’ to the locals, Chipping Norton town was originally built on the site of a Norman castle. This pretty and bustling market town in Oxfordshire is one of the highest towns in the area. The weekly markets have taken place in the market square since the 13th century and the town was one of the largest wool towns in the Cotswolds during the 15th Century. Chipping Norton is perhaps more well-known for Bliss Mill, a majestic Cotswold stone mill built on the outskirts of town that was once a thriving tweed mill and now beautifully renovated apartments and homes. Chipping Norton Recording Studios once saw the likes of Gerry Rafferty, Beverley Craven, Status Quo, Bay City Rollers, Duran Duran and many more musical stars perform and record. The studio closed in 1999 and is now a dental practice. Woodstock
Perhaps the most famous landmark in Woodstock is Blenheim Palace. The palace is now home to the late John Spencer- Churchill who was the 11th Duke of Marlborough. Blenheim Palace was originally called Blenheim Park and was gifted to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough after his success for victory over France in the War of the Spanish Succession. The gift was from Queen Anne, along with £240,000 to fund the renovation of the home because it was in a dilapidated state. Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace and is now buried with his family in a nearby church in the village of Bladon. The market town of Woodstock was once described in The Domesday Book of 1086 as a royal forest where English Kings would often stay or visit. Henry I had a menagerie in the park and Woodstock town was famous for the courtship between King Henry II and Rosamund Clifford. Stow-on-the-Wold
The pretty and magnificent town of Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the most well-known towns in the north Cotswolds. Stow is surrounded by the lush green rolling Cotswold hills and was built on the old Roman road called the Fosse Way. Stow is known as the highest town in the Cotswolds at 800 feet above sea level and was once a regular meeting place where six roads meet from various locations in the town. Stow is a charming market town where there are several shops in town centre around a large market square, next to cafes, hotels, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. Stow has thousands of visitors every year from all over the world, here to admire the beautiful architecture and discover the intriguing history that engulfs this part of the Cotswolds.
Moreton-in-Marsh
Moreton-in-Marsh is positioned on the Fosse Way, a famous Roman road that leads through the Cotswolds. The town was developed in the 13th century as a Cotswold market town with a wide high street and large market square. Off the main street are interesting narrow lanes and streets where beautiful Cotswold homes and cosy cottages reside. Moreton-in-Marsh has been a traveller’s town for around 1700 years and was once used as a coaching station for travellers passing through the Cotswolds. A main line train station was introduced in 1853 connecting Oxford and Worcester, and popular 18th century inns and houses were built to cater for locals and visitors. The market square includes the Redesdale Market Hall, constructed in 1887 by the 1st Baron Redesdale.
Secret Cottage Cotswold Tours
If you’re thinking of booking exciting Cotswold tours, discover the Secret Cottage Tour. The Secret Cottage Tour shows guests the hidden parts of the Cotswolds. Explore charming villages, pretty market towns, see stunning far- reaching views, hidden villages and the secret beauty spots in the Cotswolds. If you’re staying in London, then you can get an easy train to our nearest station in Moreton-in-Marsh from London Paddington. We collect guests in our 7-seater luxury Mercedes minibus and take you on our unique 6-hour tour around the Cotswolds, also inviting you into our home The Secret Cottage. Experience an interesting tour of our 400-year old thatched cottage and enjoy some delicious homemade food from our kitchen. You provide hot drinks and pastries in the morning, also a tasty homecooked buffet lunch, then a traditional Cotswold cream tea in the afternoon. If you want to experience exclusive Cotswold tours, then book with The Secret Cottage. Read our 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor!
Special Cotswolds Tour with Secret Cottage
Envisage the green rolling Cotswold hills carpeted with cows and sheep, far-reaching views across the Vale of Evesham and along the Cotswold Way. Villages with tiny thatched cottages, friendly picturesque market towns and some of the most stunning scenery you will ever come across. The Cotswolds is a beautiful region in the south-west of England, near to London, Devon and Cornwall and the West Midlands.
If you’re travelling to the United Kingdom and want to see a picturesque part of English countryside, then book a Cotswolds tour with a private tour company. Based in the north Cotswolds and close to Moreton-in-Marsh train station, the Secret Cottage Tour invites guests to discover this beautiful area, taking you to hidden villages, stunning market towns and popular local attractions. The Secret Cottage private tour is exclusive to the north Cotswolds. We have a family-run daytrip which ensures guests are comfortable with luxury transport, informative local history and an exciting 6-hour tour around the Cotswolds. If you are visiting England or exploring the south-west, then a 6-hour tour will show you the best places to visit in the Cotswolds. Why Are the Cotswolds Magical?
The Cotswolds are possibly most famous for incredible views and some of the most beautiful landmarks around. The region has been named as the second largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales making it a popular tourist attraction. The Cotswolds spread across several counties including Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, and is 800 square miles. Walking in the Cotswolds is extremely popular, with not only many famous interesting walks but paths that provide walkers with the most amazing views, some reaching as far as the Welsh Mountains on a clear day. The Cotswolds is steeped in history, well-known for Roman roads such as the Fosse Way and Medieval market towns that still boast most of the earliest buildings around. Buildings are constructed using the famous Cotswold Stone, a beautiful pale-yellow limestone that is prominent wherever you look. Exclusive Cotswold Villages
A typical Cotswold village will have a perfectly manicured village green where children play, a cosy and inviting village pub, a local shop and often a small primary school or pre- school. Villages in the Cotswolds have a distinctive calmness and beauty about them. Village houses are built from Cotswold stone and old thatched cottages rest on country lanes or are hidden behind majestic old trees. In the winter months, the villages are quiet with cosy fires smoking from the chimneys and in summer there is a lively bustle as villagers gather to socialise or play cricket on the green. Neighbours and friends have drinks outside the local pub and dogwalkers ramble through nearby fields. Village life in the Cotswolds offers a strong community that has been founded through generations by tradition. Famous Cotswold History
The region of the Cotswolds was once one of the largest suppliers of wool to the European wool trade. Once, the Cotswold hills were draped with Cotswold sheep and local farmers met weekly in the market squares of Cotswold market towns to trade their sheep. When the cloth trade moved to the north of England after the Industrial Revolution, sheep farming in the Cotswolds minimised, helping the Cotswolds to avoid major industrialisation, leaving the landscape peaceful and green. Cotswold sheep were distinctive for their golden, thick coat and were more commonly known as the ‘Cotswold Lions’.
Book a Secret Cottage Tour
If you’re coming to England or planning a trip to the Cotswolds, then make the time to see the beautiful English countryside at its best on a 6-hour daytrip. Book your private Cotswolds tour with the Secret Cottage Tour. We take guests to many stunning places in the area catering for families and small groups, taking you on a magical tour around the Cotswolds in our 7-seater luxury Mercedes minibus. If you’re staying in London, then there’s a direct train from London Paddington to our local train station at Moreton-in-Marsh only taking one hour and 40-minutes. Our Cotswolds tour picks guests up from the train station for an exclusive 6-hour tour around the north Cotswolds. There’s no need to bring food as we invite you to our home The Secret Cottage and provide a delicious homecooked buffet lunch, a hot drink and pastry in the morning and a traditional Cotswold cream tea in the afternoon. You will see beautiful Cotswold stately homes, chocolate box villages with Cotswold stone thatched cottages, pretty market towns and some of the most incredible views around. A Cotswolds tour is the best way to see this beautiful countryside, giving you a real taste of English heritage at its most charming. We are proud to have over 1,000 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor – book your Secret Cottage Tour today!
A Cotswolds Day Out
The region of the Cotswolds is possibly one of the most beautiful places you will ever experience and it’s no wonder that it’s been named as the second largest area of outstanding natural beauty in the UK. When you’re in the Cotswolds, you will be amazed at the breath-taking views, the green rolling hills, the pretty meadows and the stunning stately homes that you pass by. The Cotswolds is a picturesque vision of English heritage, a magical place of beauty, magnificence and splendour. Cotswold villages and pretty market towns are a wonderful aspect of this beautiful region in England. The Cotswold hills and countryside spread for an impressive 800 square miles across several counties in the south-west of England. Many villages and towns are hidden far from civilisation, down dusty winding country lanes and through tunnels of trees.
Charming Market Towns
The beautiful Cotswold market towns of Burford, Chipping Norton, Woodstock, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold have a lot of history attached to them, often dating back to Medieval times. Cotswold market towns have a special atmosphere, the locals wonderfully friendly and there is much to offer for an exciting shopping experience. Cotswold market towns once had weekly sheep markets where farmers traded their sheep, providing for the wool trade. In fact, the Cotswolds was known to be one of the largest suppliers to the European wool trade before the industrial revolution moved the cloth trade to the north of England. Now beautiful Cotswold market squares have weekly markets selling fresh produce and the squares are surrounded by cafes, gift shops and antique shops. Cotswold market towns are typically busy most the year round and the strong working community have a supportive network that resonates when you visit.
Cotswold Country Villages
If you’re exploring the Cotswolds, then you will discover charming hidden villages that nestle between hills or woodland, far from main roads and or closely developed towns. Cotswold villages are small, with several stone cottages dotted around, thatched cottages and sometimes a grand house somewhere in the village. Village life offers a strong community and many of the villages have been self-sufficient for years with a small primary school, a village shop and a local pub and a small village church in the centre. Well-known villages in the Cotswolds include Kingham, The Rollrights, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bledington, Chastleton, Upper and Lower Slaughter and Snowshill. Villages are quiet in the winter with plumes of smoke coming from the woodburners in the cosy cottages and in the summer, villages are bustling with locals being sociable and walkers exploring the surrounding countryside.
Stunning Scenic Views
The stunning countryside in the Cotswolds is possibly one of the most beautiful places you will ever come across. There are plenty of scenic views with far-reaching with especially for visitors who go to Broadway Tower where you can see as far as the Welsh Mountains across the Vale of Evesham. With hundreds of miles of green rolling hills, winding and meandering rivers stretching throughout the countryside, trickling streams through villages and a healthy wildlife, the Cotswolds is one of the most idyllic places in England. Cotswolds tour guides promise an interesting and exciting day out where you can experience the beauty of the Cotswolds while you’re visiting England. It will be a memory that you will never forget. Cotswolds Secret Cottage Tour
If you’re planning a day in the Cotswolds, then book a tour with the Secret Cottage. The Secret Cottage Tour takes you to all the hidden parts of the Cotswolds that provide the ultimate experience. Discover the beautiful countryside, plenty of hidden villages and charming market towns. Be inspired by far-reaching views and the secret beauty places in the Cotswolds. If you’re staying in London, then you can get a direct train to our nearest station in Moreton-in-Marsh from London Paddington. We pick up our guests from the train station in our comfortable 7-seater luxury Mercedes minibus and take you on an exciting 6-hour tour around the Cotswolds. Our guests are invited into our 400-year old home for a tour of the Secret Cottage and some wonderful homecooked food. We provide a hot drink and pastry in the morning, a delicious homemade buffet lunch and a traditional Cotswold cream tea to enjoy in the afternoon. If you want to experience the best private Cotswold tour, then book with the Secret Cottage today. Read our 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor to hear what has been said from previous guests.
Ancient Cotswold Places
The Cotswolds was once well-known for being a large contributor of wool to the European wool trade. Soon after the industrial revolution, when the cloth trade moved to the north of England, the Cotswolds was left unspoilt, peaceful and avoiding major industrialisation. There are numerous historical Cotswolds attractions to discover, whether you’re planning on exploring for a weekend or coming to the Cotswolds for a day. If you’re visiting England and planning on touring interesting places of history, then make sure you make time for the Cotswolds. There are many historical Cotswold sites with ancient buildings, unusual architecture and masses of well-known history in the area. There are not only old market towns to find but quaint hidden villages, Cotswold castles and enormous stately homes.
Chipping Campden – Hidcote Manor Garden
The beautiful Hidcote Manor Garden is in the village of Hidcote near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. It is believed to be one of the most well-known gardens in England, renowned for its influential designs of art and crafts. The gardens boast magnificent rare trees, colourful shrubs, herbaceous borders and perfectly sculptured hedges – a vision that can only be inspired by experience. It was originally created by Lawrence Johnstone in 1910 and is now owned by the National Trust and open to the public. The design and creation of the garden has had an extraordinary influence on many famous garden designs, inspiring enthusiastic gardeners to create something special. Snowshill Manor
Snowshill Manor was once owned by Charles Paget Wade whose hobby from a young age was collecting unusual items, crafts and antiques. The manor is near Stow-on-the-Wold in the north Cotswolds, and is well-known for being a home of unusual objects and antiques. It is believed that Charles Paget lived in a small cottage in the garden, giving the manor space to his collection of over 22,000 items that he cherished. Snowshill Manor is now owned by the National Trust and the house is still home to Charles’ remarkable collection.
Broadway Village – Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower was designed by James Wyatt in 1794, commissioned by Lady Coventry who wanted to know if she could see the beacon hill and the tower from her house. A trip to Broadway Tower will show you beautiful far-reaching countryside views where you can see as far as the Welsh Mountains, across the Vale of Evesham on a clear day. Broadway Tower is near the village of Broadway in Worcestershire and is considered an iconic Cotswold landmark. The 200-year old tower stands high on top of the Cotswolds escarpment and is the second highest point of the Cotswolds. It has 3 floors, each floor having a museum and has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction.
Sudeley Castle
The stunning Sudeley Castle is near Winchcombe in Gloucestershire and is well-known not only for the beautiful architecture of the castle but for the striking award-winning gardens in the castle grounds. Sudeley Castle is a family home but also a popular attraction in the Cotswolds, especially in the summer when visitors can walk the colourful gardens. Sudeley Castle is well-known for its royal connections through the last thousand years because kings and queens have resided there and walked the grounds. The most famous royalty were Elizabeth I, Richard III and Lady Jane Grey. It is also known to be the only English castle that has a queen buried in the grounds. The last wife of Henry VIII, Katherine Parr is entombed in a pretty 15th century church in the gardens of the castle.
The Secret Cottage Tour
The Secret Cottage is a private family-run tour company that has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our guests. Wherever you want to go in the Cotswolds, there are extraordinary views all around, but if you want to experience the best private Cotswolds day tour, then book the Secret Cottage Tour. If you’re visiting England and staying in London, then you can get a direct train to our nearest train station in Moreton-in-Marsh directly from London Paddington. We will pick you up from the train station in our 7-seater luxury Mercedes minibus and take you on a wonderful 6-hour tour of the north Cotswolds. We also invite guests into our home The Secret Cottage, giving you a tour of our 400-year old thatched cottage and some delicious homecooked food. Guests are given a hot drink and pastry in the morning, a tasty homemade buffet lunch and a traditional Cotswold cream tea in the afternoon. Make sure you book your tickets soon so you don’t miss out! Read our 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor to discover why booking a private Cotswold tour will give you the ultimate experience.
Family Days in the Cotswolds
It’s no surprise that visitors come from far and wide to experience the Cotswolds. The area stretches across several counties spreading through 800 square miles in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, north-east Somerset and Wiltshire. If you’re coming on holiday to England and would like to give your family a special day out in true English countryside, then the Cotswolds will not disappoint you. Family days in the Cotswolds take you on a special experience around the area, showing you beautiful stately homes, impressive castles and there’s masses of interesting historical places to discover. The Cotswolds offers beautiful views and some of the most stunning countryside that take your breath away.
The Cotswold Wildlife Park
The Cotswold Wildlife Park has a huge range of animals with over 260 different species including rhinos, giraffes, meerkats, wolves, lions, tropical birds and a varied monkey collection. The Cotswold Wildlife Park is a special family attraction situated close to Burford in Oxfordshire, set amongst acres of green estate land with a beautiful grand stately home. The park is a fantastic place to take the family any time of year and makes for a wonderful experience for children.
Blenheim Palace in Woodstock
The stunning estate of Blenheim Palace is in Woodstock in Oxfordshire. The palace was awarded to John Churchill by Queen Anne after his victory over France in the War of the Spanish Succession. John Churchill was the 1st Duke of Marlborough and the magnificent estate is now owned by the late John Spencer- Churchill who died in 1999 and was the 11th Duke of Marlborough. Blenheim Palace is famously known as being the Churchill family’s home for many decades and it is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Winston Churchill and his family are buried at a church in the nearby village of Bladon. Cotswold Farm Park
The Cotswolds offer numerous family attractions that are perfect for a day out and the Cotswold Farm Park is no exception. The farm is owned by TV celebrity Adam Henson and is situated near to Guiting Power in the north Cotswolds. Set amongst the idyllic Cotswold hills with far-reaching views, the farm has a large collection of rare farm breeds including sheep, cows and pigs. The farm park also has a campsite in the grounds and hosts many outdoor weekends for developing skills.
Bourton-on-the-Water
The village of Bourton-on-the-Water has some popular attractions for the family. The village sits on the River Windrush, so you can relax on the grass while children paddle in the river in the centre of the village. Bourton also has the famous Model Village which is an exact model of Bourton village has been built to stand waist high, complete with miniature trees, the river and Cotswold stone houses. Birdland is also a local visitor’s attraction where you can see hundreds on rare birds, including flamingos, penguins and parrots.
Chastleton House
The Jacobean home of Chastleton House is over 400 years old and has many of its original features, giving visitors the perfect Cotswold stately home experience with ancient architecture and historical artefacts. The beautiful Chastleton House is in the village of Chastleton, close to Chipping Norton and Moreton-in-Marsh. Visitors regularly come to the house to see ancient Cotswold history and wander through the wonderful gardens. Chastleton House is a fantastic experience with an interesting history that Robert Catesby once lived there. Catesby was a key player in the famous gunpowder plot and it’s believed that he lived at Chastleton during time of the plotting to blow up parliament.
The Secret Cottage Tour
If your family want to experience a fantastic day out in the Cotswolds, then book a tour with The Secret Cottage. The Secret Cottage Tour will show you the hidden parts of the Cotswolds that you may never find! Explore the countryside, hidden villages and the market towns, discover far-reaching views, hidden villages and the secret beauty spots in the Cotswolds. If you’re staying in London, then you can get a direct train to our nearest station in Moreton-in-Marsh from London Paddington. We collect you in our 7-seater luxury Mercedes minibus and take you on a special 6-hour tour around the Cotswolds. We invite our guests into our home The Secret Cottage, giving you a wonderful tour of our 400-year old thatched cottage and some delicious homemade food. You will be given a hot drink and pastry in the morning, a tasty homecooked buffet lunch and a traditional Cotswold cream tea in the afternoon. If you want to experience the best family Cotswold tour, then book with us. Read our 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor!
A London Escape
The Cotswolds is famous for having breath-takingly beautiful countryside in England and is well-known for its miles of rolling hills and tranquil settings. A six-hour guided tour around the area makes for a perfect escape from London where you can explore hidden villages and pretty attractions amongst the rolling hills. A Cotswolds daytrip from London is a delightful way to relax and get away from city life. Cotswold tours offer unique tours where you can relax in awe and admire the stunning views around you. Explore charming Cotswold villages around the rolling hills of the countryside, nestled near dense woodlands or on the edge of beautiful meadows. The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty and one of the most unspoilt places in England that boast chocolate-box villages, historical sites and castles, giving you the perfect vision of English country life.
Living the Cotswold Dream
Pretty gift shops and boutiques and fantastic pottery workshops are all typical of Cotswold market towns. Cotswold market towns have strong working communities, giving a wonderful atmosphere to every high street. Most towns have weekly markets and regular farmers markets where locals and visitors can buy fresh produce. The market squares are overlooked by shops, restaurants and cafes and off the square, narrow streets line the town where you will discover more places to shop. Charming Cotswold villages are nestled between hills and woodland, often with a small village shop and a local pub serving good food. Rivers and country lanes connect villages, laced between fields and open countryside. Discover 16th century cottages, magnificent stately homes, converted wool mills and some of the most beautiful buildings in England. London Escape to the Cotswolds The Cotswolds are in the south of England, stretching across 800 square miles and home to the beautiful rolling slopes known as the Cotswold hills. In just 1 hour and 40 minutes door to door by train you can visit The Cotswolds, escaping the hustle and bustle on a special daytrip from London. Cotswold villages such as Chastleton, Bibury, Bourton on The Water, Great Tew and Lower Slaughter are just some of the most beautiful villages in England. The market towns of Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the- Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, Woodstock and Burford are just a few of the most quintessential market towns in the area. You will notice that most of the buildings in the Cotswolds are made from beautiful Cotswold stone, a honey- coloured limestone which is famous to the area. The perfect landscape in the area is defined by sweeping rolling hills, beautiful rivers, grassland and magnificent views that give a true impression of stunning English heritage.
The Secret Cottage Tour
A visit to the Cotswolds will give you a wonderful vision of some of the most beautiful places in England. If you’re staying in London, then a daytrip to the Cotswolds is easy by train, giving you the perfect break and escape from London. If you’re planning on booking a Cotswold private tour, then you will discover hidden villages, beautiful market towns and stunning countryside views on our wonderful Secret Cottage Tour. Guests who are travelling from London Paddington can get a direct train to our local station at Moreton-in-Marsh. We pick up our guests in our 7-seater luxury Mercedes minibus and take you on an exciting 6-hour tour around the north Cotswolds. Driving through one of the most beautiful areas in England will be an experience you will never forget. We not only take guests for a special 6-hour tour around the Cotswolds – we also invite you into our home The Secret Cottage. Our cottage is nearly 500 years old and is the perfect example of a pretty Cotswold stone thatched cottage. We give guests a hot drink and pastry in the morning, then a tasty homemade buffet lunch and a traditional Cotswold cream tea in the afternoon. The Cotswolds is undoubtedly one of the most breath-taking places in England, so if you’re coming to England, then make sure you book your tour with us. See what previous guests have written – we have over a 1,000 5* reviews on Trip Advisor.