The Cotswolds stretches across the counties of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and parts of north-east Somerset, making it easily accessible from any south England airports, railway lines and motorways. The Cotswolds region has been named as the second largest area of outstanding natural beauty in England and Wales, spreading through 800 square miles across the south-west of England. The area is well-known for being a beautiful place where visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the incredible countryside and the charming market towns and villages. Special Cotswold attractions vary from castles, animal parks, stately homes and some of the most historic places in England, enticing visitors to explore this wonderful area.
Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey is an Anglican parish church and was once a Benedictine monastery in Somerset, the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The abbey is situated in the beautiful Cotswold city of Bath with unusual architecture that is described as Gothic Revival and English Gothic, with several transformations throughout the years. Bath Abbey history dates back as far as Anglo-Saxon times with many interesting stories involving saints and sinners, kings and queens and tales of major conflict.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Near Burford is The Cotswold Wildlife Park just off the A40. The famous wildlife centre is a stunning animal park set in 160 acres of manor grounds. It has an impressive 260 different species of animals including lions, rhinos, giraffes, monkeys and wolves. The gardens of the manor are landscaped and the park has around 375,000 visitors each year. In the Cotswold Wildlife Park, there is a bat house, a reptile house and an insect house where many different species such as crocodile monitors, bearded dragons, scorpions, tarantulas and black mambas can be seen.
Blenheim Palace
This 17th century home sits in 2,000 acres of land in Woodstock with many tours and walks for visitors to explore. Blenheim Palace was home to the Churchill family and Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace. The estate was given to John Churchill the 1st Duke of Marlborough in a dilapidated state by Queen Anne following his succession of victory at the War of Spanish Succession. There are countless major events held at Blenheim Palace throughout the year including Battle of Proms and Countryfile Live. The palace is still owned by the 11th Duke of Marlborough, the late John Spencer-Churchill who died in 1999.
The Model Village
The Model Village found in Bourton-on-the-Water, is an unusually unique experience for visitors who are exploring the Cotswolds. Bourton village is in Gloucestershire, a pretty village with the River Windrush flowing through the centre. The Model Village on the outskirts of the village is a one-ninth scale replica of Bourton Village, including buildings from the Old Water Mill to the Old New Inn by the ford. The fascinating buildings are constructed from Cotswold stone, a pale-yellow limestone famous to the Cotswolds. Visitors can walk through the replica, discovering miniature bridges by the river, perfectly built stone houses and even admire the flowers planted in the gardens.
Batsford Arboretum
The beautiful attraction of Batsford Arboretum is home to some of the country’s largest private collection of trees and shrubs and has been noted as an incredibly romantic place to visit. The arboretum compliments the English seasons with the beautiful changing colours in the trees, with snowdrops in the Spring and a myriad of browns, oranges and greens during the Autumn. Next door to the arboretum is The Cotswold Falconry Centre, another popular attraction for visitors to discover around 150 birds of prey with daily free-flying demonstrations.
Sudeley Castle
Sudeley Castle is one of the few castles left in England which still has residence, therefore the castle is only open to the public on certain dates around the year and the family quarters are closed off to visitors. The beautiful Castle near Winchcombe in Gloucestershire was built in the 15th century but could be on the landmark of a 12th century castle. The castle is famous for its beautiful gardens which is maintained to a very high standard. The 6th wife of Henry VIII, Queen Catherine Parr is buried in the chapel of St. Mary.
The Secret Cottage Tour
Discover the hidden gems of the area and the charming attractions of the Cotswolds with a day tour with the Secret Cottage. If you’re staying in London, then we pick guests up from our nearby train station in Moreton-in-Marsh in our luxury minibus. The train journey only takes 1 hour and 40 minutes from London Paddington on a direct line. We will not only show you stunning stately homes, quaint Cotswold villages and pretty market towns but you are invited in to our home The Secret Cottage for a tour. Our thatched cottage is nearly 500-years old, relax in our home with some delicious homecooked food for lunch and a traditional Cotswold cream tea in the afternoon. Our tours get booked up quickly, so don’t miss out – book your tour today!