Cotswold

Castles in The Cotswolds are not unusual, in fact the area is home to some of the most beautiful castles in . Many are top of the tourist attractions in the region. There is also Blenheim Palace which although is not a , remains a popular tourist attraction, one of the most stunning and magnificent homes in The Cotswolds. The Cotswolds have some of England’s most famous and majestic castles, many with interesting royal connections and historical reports attached. The region stretches across the Cotswold hills in the South- West of England and is only 1 hour and 40 minutes if you are catching a train from London. Steeped in unusual history, the Cotswolds was once famous for being one of the largest areas that contributed to the output of English wool during the Medieval times. It is well-known for ‘The Cotswold Way’, a pretty one hundred miles walk with magnificent breath-taking views that trails along the Cotswold hills.

Berkeley Castle

Berkeley Castle has greeted royals over the centuries including Edward II, Henry VIII, and the late Queen Mother. The castle was built in 1153 and still belongs to the , remaining a beautiful example of English heritage in the pretty Cotswold countryside. There are many interesting and historical stories about the castle, including that supposedly the murder of Edward II happened there and Midsummers Night’s Dream by Shakespeare was written for a Berkeley family wedding at the castle. The last court jester known in apparently England died at the castle in the Great Hall when he fell from the minstrel’s gallery. Nobody knows if he was pushed or if he just fell. Berkeley Castle is a perfect illustration of magnificent architecture and English stately aristocracy, a charming addition to the beautiful Cotswolds. Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle is the only private castle in England to have a royal queen buried within the grounds. It has had royal influences for a thousand years where Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII apparently lived and died in the castle. The castle is set in 1,200 acres of beautiful land with ten award-winning gardens, the most distinguished being the Queens Garden. The famous garden was named after the four queens who once walked the castle grounds; Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I. The Pheasantry at Sudeley offers an extraordinary collection of 16 rare and endangered species of birds from all around the world.

Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire is thought to be one of the finest examples of the Elizabethan architecture in England. The historic estate is an enormous Medieval fortress and supposedly one of the largest within the country. It has connections with Medieval monarchs and is associated with King Henry VIII, perhaps more famously tells the royal romantic love story of The Earl of Leicester Robert Dudley and Queen Elizabeth I. The ruins of the castle stand like a majestic carcass overlooking the most beautiful new Elizabethan garden that boasts colourful wildflowers, a perfect haven of peaceful tranquillity.

A Daytrip from London

If you’re staying in London while visiting England, then a daytrip to The Cotswolds is easily achievable. You can catch a train from London to Moreton-in-Marsh taking just 1 hour and 40 minutes, where we can pick you up in our luxury Mercedes minibus. We take you on a wonderful scenic 6-hour tour, showing you the most beautiful places in the countryside, with majestic stately homes, magnificent Cotswold castles, stunning Cotswold attractions, pretty market towns and charming chocolate box villages. The Cotswold Secret Cottage Tour not only shows guest the breath-taking views, but also takes them to our home to enjoy a typical Cotswold cottage and some delicious homemade food. The Secret Cottage is hidden away in a small village and we delight in showing our guests our beautiful home that is typical of a 500-year-old Cotswold stone cottage with thatched roof. We give you a tea or coffee and pastry in the morning, then bring you home for a tasty homemade buffet lunch. In the afternoon, you return to Secret Cottage for a traditional Cotswold cream tea! A visit to The Cotswolds feels like a day in paradise, a fantastic tour with friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, and wonderful home cooked food at the Secret Cottage. Escape the city to The Cotswolds for a fun and relaxing day out. We advise guests that we get booked up quickly, so don’t want to miss out – book with us soon!