The quaintest countryside towns you ever did see! The Cotswolds offer stunning vistas of magical, sheep-dotted farms and hills. Visit the Cotswolds any time of year. Driving is the easiest, but it is possible to train from London to Moreton-on-Marsh, with a stopover in Oxford.
If you are driving from London, carve out a few hours to tour the great house and grounds of World Heritage site Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s ancestral home.
EAT
The Cotswold Cheese Company With locations in Moreton-on-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford, this shop stocks locally made farmhouse and artisan cheeses. Try the Stilton!
The Cotswold Chocolate Company Locally, handmade chocolates with natural ingredients. Shops in Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold.
The Peacock Oxhill 15th century pub a 10 minute drive from the villages of Upper and Lower Tysoe in the northern Cotswolds. Great for lunch or dinner.
The Swan Pub + Restaurant 16th century pub (with a remaining, exposed wall!) in Broadway with delicious food and an outdoor garden.
Sweet Memory’s Homemade fudge in Bourton-on-the-Water.
DRINK
The Bell Inn Traditional pub in Moreton-in-Marsh’s with an outdoor beer garden. The pub is rumored to have served as inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Prancing Pony” pub in Middle Earth.
Lucy’s Tea Room Adorable spot in Stow-on-the-Wold. Take tea in the garden.
Lygon Wine Bar Chic, cozy wine bar in Broadway with a roaring fire.
The Swan Hotel in Bibury Peaceful place for afternoon tea on the River Coln in the picturesque town of Bibury. Try the local trout.
PLAY
Broadway Tower This one mile, uphill hike from Broadway’s high street to the Cotswold’s tallest castle offers stunning views of the town below.
Hike through the villages and countryside Many of the villages are near each other and connected by trails. Stow-on-the-Wold, the Slaughters, and Bourton-on-the-Water are all within easy walking distance from each other.
Shop the medieval, honeycomb-colored villages Visitors will be treated to local, homemade specialties, including jams, honeys, chutneys, mustards and more.
St. Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold The medieval church’s west door is said to have captured J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination in creating “The Doors of Durin”.
STAY
AirBnB a cozy cottage We’ve enjoyed stays at Honeysuckle Cottage in Tysoe and Old Sheepcote in Broadway.
Old Farm This 15th century B&B is a working farm and a mile’s walk through sheep fields to the Moreton-in-Marsh town and train station.
