If you’re on planning a trip to England and visiting London, then the Cotswolds is within easy reach with a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh from London Paddington, only taking 1 hour and 40 minutes. The Cotswolds is perhaps most well-known for its expanse of countryside, historical places and landmarks and the attraction to celebrities. With 800 square miles of rolling hills, pretty Cotswold market towns and stunning villages, the Cotswolds is not only breath-taking but gives you a real sense of true English countryside at its best.
The Cotswold Hills
The landscape in the Cotswolds is like no other area stretch of countryside in England. The Cotswold hills are gentle rolling hills that sweep for hundreds of miles with fantastic walking trails, vast fields, cows and sheep and stunning views throughout. In the spring, there are banks of daffodils lining the roadsides and bluebells carpeting the woodlands. In the summer, beautiful wildflower meadows surround crystal clear rivers and walkers ramble across the open fields. In the winter, there is often good snowfall, creating a magical fairy-tale scene for villages in the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds Inspiring Authors
The fascinating market town of Moreton-in-Marsh is believed to have inspired many writers in their time. The fantasy writer J.R.R Tolkien regularly visited the town and it seems that the town of Bree in Lord of the Rings is a fantasy replica of Moreton alongside the popular pub called The Bell Inn was the inspiration for The Prancing Pony in his book. Broadway Tower near the village of Broadway is thought to be Amon Hen and The Rollright Stones is the Barrow Downs in his novel. It’s no surprise that the beautiful Cotswolds has inspired many great writers, including Beatrix Potter, Jane Austen, T.S. Eliot, J.M. Barrie and Nancy Mitford.
Attractions in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds date back to Medieval times and is therefore full of historical places to visit if you’re planning a trip here. Sudeley Castle, Warwick Castle, Snowshill Manor, Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Hidcote Manor, Batsford Arboretum and Westonbirt Arboretum are just a few of the amazing places to visit if you’re touring the area. The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water, Arlington Row in Bibury, Chedworth Villa, Broadway Tower, Chastleton House, Tewkesbury Heritage Centre and many of the inspiring places to visit. Fun family days in the Cotswolds can include a visit to the Cotswold Farm Park near Guiting Power or if you fancy something a bit more exotic, then the Cotswold Wildlife Park is set in the stunning grounds of a manor near Burford, with over 260 different species of animals to discover.
Secret Cottage Cotswold Tours
If you’re thinking of visiting the Cotswolds and want a unique experience, then book a tour with the Secret Cottage. This family-run tour is an exciting day out giving you a 6-hour tour that takes you to pretty market towns, hidden villages, showing you historical stately homes and some of most beautiful places in the Cotswolds. We pick our guests up from Moreton-in-Marsh train station in our luxury 7-seater minibus, so if you’re coming from London then it’s an easy day trip from the city. We provide a homecooked delicious buffet lunch in our 4Our experienced guides will tell you all about 400-year old Secret Cottage alongside a tour of our home. We also give guests a tasty Cotswold cream tea in the afternoon. Our dedicated and experienced team know all about the history of the Cotswolds, whether it’s explaining how Catesby planned some of the Gunpowder Plot at Chastleton House or showing you some of the best views in England, it’s a magical tour that will leave you feeling relaxed, inspired and in awe of the Cotswolds. There is a wealth of history throughout the area so why not discover with the Secret Cottage tour. Once the tour has finished, we will drop you back at the train station in time to be back in London for your evening meal. We are proud of our 5-star reviews, so book soon to avoid disappointment!