Cotswold Landmarks Castles in The Cotswolds are not rare, in fact the region has some of the most beautiful castles in England and many are top tourist attractions in the area. Although Blenheim is not a castle, it is still an incredibly beautiful landmark which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Cotswolds have some of England’s most well-known castles, many that have royal connections and fascinating historical stories. The Cotswolds stretches across the Cotswold hills and is in the South-West of England, just a short trip taking 1 hour and 40 minutes on a train from London. The region is steeped in history and was once the largest supplier of English wool during the Medieval times. The Cotswold hills are magical with breath-taking views across to faraway places such as the Welsh mountains. Berkeley Castle Berkeley Castle is still owned by the Berkeley family and remains a stunning example of English heritage in the beautiful Cotswold countryside. Berkeley Castle was built in 1153 and has welcomed many royals over the centuries including Henry VIII, Edward II, Elizabeth I and the late Queen Mother. There are some incredible and historical stories about the castle, including where the murder of Edward II took place and apparently, Midsummers Night’s Dream by Shakespeare, was written for a Berkeley family wedding within the castle. It is also believed that the last court jester known in England died at Berkeley Castle when he fell from the minstrel’s gallery in the Great Hall. Berkeley Castle is a fine example of typical architecture and English stately culture and is a charming aspect to the beauty of The Cotswolds. Sudeley Castle Sudeley Castle is set in 1,200 acres of land and has 10 beautiful award-winning gardens with the most unique being the Queens Garden. The castle has had many royal influences over the years is the only private castle in England to have a royal queen buried within the grounds. Katherine Parr was the last wife of Henry VIII and is the only queen to have lived and died in the castle. The Queens Garden was named after 4 queens who once walked the castle – Katherine Parr, Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey. The Pheasantry at Sudeley Castle is very popular with tourists, offering an incredible collection of 16 rare and endangered species of birds from all over the world. Kenilworth Castle The carcass of Kenilworth Castle stands in majestic ruins overlooking the stunning Elizabethan garden that has a colourful array of wildflowers in all their glory. It is very popular with visitors coming to the Cotswolds because it is a perfect haven of tranquillity. Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire is believed to be one of Elizabethan’s finest examples of stunning castles in England. The beautiful historic estate is a magnificent Medieval fortress and one of the largest within the country. It has many connections with famous Medieval monarchs, associated with King Henry VIII and perhaps more famously tells the royal love story of The Earl of Leicester Robert Dudley and Queen Elizabeth I. Secret Cottage Tour from London The Secret Cottage Tour takes you on a wonderful 6-hour tour around the Cotswolds, showing you some of the most beautiful parts of the countryside, stately homes, castles, stunning Cotswold attractions, pretty market towns and magical chocolate box villages. If you’re coming to England and staying in London, then a daytrip to The Cotswolds is easy. You can catch a train from London to Moreton-in-Marsh taking just 1 hour and 40 minutes. The Secret Cottage Tour takes our guests around the area in a comfortable, luxurious Mercedes 7- seater minibus so you can relax in comfort while you take in the breath-taking views. We take you to the Secret Cottage which is our home, stopping for a morning drink and pastry, then return later for a delicious buffet lunch. We even treat you to a traditional Cotswold cream tea in the afternoon! A visit to the Cotswolds brings you some of the most beautiful sights of stunning countryside and magnificent buildings. Take a break from the city and escape to The Cotswolds for a relaxing and inspiring day out! We would like to advise guests that we do get booked up quickly, so if you don’t want to miss out – book with us soon!.