You are Here » Cotswolds Adventures >> Secret Cotswolds Villages Tour
This Cotswolds private tour takes in the quieter side of the Cotswolds focusing on beating the crowds and visiting the many off-the-beaten path towns and villages in the area.
If you only have one day in the Cotswolds then this is the tour for you! Starting at your location of choice in the Cotswolds we focus on getting away from the crowds and tour buses and visiting the more local, off-the-beaten track villages and towns in the area. We try to avoid the main roads and use the quiet country lanes which give you a real insight into how people live their lives in this rural idyl. We will pick a quiet country pub for lunch and there will be plenty of time to explore the area on foot.
You will be looked after by our knowledgeable local driver-guide and travel in one of our luxury vehicles that can hold up to 7 guests. Your guide will give you a background of the areas history and at each of the stops you are free to either explore the village with your guide or to have some free time to yourself to have a look around and maybe do a little spot of shopping. All tours are bespoke and the itinerary is totally flexible so let us know if you have specific places you wish to visit or have any custom requests.
Please make sure your read all tabs at the top of the page. If you have any questions about this tour or have a custom request please click the green ‘Enquire Now’ button above to send us your enquiry and we will get back to you ASAP with some answers.
The price of this tour starts from £350 for the day depending on group size and pickup/drop location. See the BOOKING tab for more details or if you are ready to book.
This is a custom tour and the itinerary is Top Secret and depends on the start location but as a guide some of the places we may visit are listed below.
Snowshill– one of the hidden gems of the Cotswolds that never fails to leave an impression on those who visit. Enchanting village famous for the nearby lavender fields and with nice manor house and stunning church.
Swinbrook– lovely village nestled in the Windrush valley and once home to the glamorous Mitford sister and filming location for Downton Abbey.
Minster Lovell Hall– Ruins of 15th century manor house lying on the banks of the River Windrush. Just outside the tranquil village of Minster Lovell with its abundance of thatched cottages.
Painswick Beacon– fanstiaxtic spot in the south Cotswold offering amazing views over the severn vale
The Slaughters– both Lower and Upper Slaughter are set in the most amazing countryside and offer a quieter take on the Cotswolds with their beautiful honey-stone cottages and picture postcard views.
Stanton– one of the prettier villages in the Cotswolds and as it is not highly touristed it is often quiet and tranquil. Its 16th and 17th century cotswold stone cottages and comfortable pub make this an enjoyable stop.
Stanway– pretty cotswold village and Jacobean Manor House still owned by the Earl of Wemys- complete with water fountain that rises to over 300 feet making it the tallest gravity fed fountain in the world.
The following are some of the optional activities you may wish to consider during your day out in the North Cotswolds.
Attractions (entrance fees apply)
Hidcote Garden– Classic English gardens
Snowshill Manor House–quirky manor house with interesting collection of curios
Sudeley Castle– Classic manor house near Winchcombe where Catherine Parr is buried
Chastleton House– Jacobean mansion house that has changed little in 400 years
Outdoor Activities
Hike- take a short stroll between villages or along part of the Cotswolds Way
Horse Riding– enjoy a short hack in the countryside
Clay Pigeon Shooting– have a go at this classic Cotswolds Country pursuits
Hot Air Balloon Ride– Enjoy a birds eye view of the stunning Cotswolds scenery
Food
Pub Lunch– Lunch in a classic country pub such as the Mount Inn in Stanton
Afternoon Tea– Enjoy afternoon tea in a country manor house
Fine Dining– Experience high end dining at one of the Cotswolds more luxurious restaurants.
The tour starts at 10am and we can pick up anywhere in the Cotswolds (e.g hotel or train station) including in the price. Pick ups and drops outside of the Cotswolds available at an extra cost. See below for more details.
Local pick up (including Moreton-in-Marsh and Kemble train stations)- FREE
Stratford-upon-Avon area- £25 each way
Oxford- £50 each way
Bath- £40 each way
London Heathrow- £140 each way
Central London- £160 each way
Please send us an enquiry if you have any questions about pickup spots and charges.
For those coming in from London for the day the most cost/time effective option is to take a direct train from London Paddington to Kemble or Moreton-in-Marsh. The train takes around 90 minutes and means you do not get stuck in London traffic.
Train tickets can be bought at
How much is the tour?
The price starts from £350 per group depending on the season and group size. Please get in touch for more details
How many people can join?
Our vehicles can accommodate up to 7 passengers plus luggage
Do you offer London pickups?
Yes, we do but there is an extra charge (see Access tab)- a more cost-effective option would be to take a train from London Paddington to Kemble or Moreton-in-Marsh. The train takes around 90 minutes and means you do not get stuck in London traffic.
Can I stop for photos?
Yes, as this is a private tour we can stop whenever you want, as long as it is safe to do so!
How long is this tour?
This tour lasts up to 7 hours, usually from 10am to 5pm, but this is flexible. Please note our winter tours are shorter and tend to finish at 5pm due to daylight hours.
How do i get to the Cotswolds?
The easiest option would be to get a direct train from London Paddington to Kemble or Moreton-in-Marsh. Train times and prices can be seen at www.thetrainline.com.
Are you Licensed?
Yes, we are fully licensed with Stroud District Council as a Private Hire Operator (Number OP105). All our drivers carry the relevant insurance and license and are fully criminal record checked.
Where does this tour start and finish?
The tour can start from anywhere in the Cotswolds and we will meet you and drop you off at the location of your choice (hotel, train station etc). Pick up/drop off outside the Cotswolds is available at an extra cost.
Do you offer airport/city transfers?
Yes, we are a fully licensed Private Hire Operator and can arrange airport and city transfers during your stay. Please get in touch for a quote.
Prices start from £350 for a full day touring the Cotswolds and we can accommodate groups of up to 7 people for your own custom Cotswolds experience.
We recommend first sending us an enquiry (use green button above) initially to let us know your group size, requested dates, pick up point and any special requests you may have and we will get back to you promptly with our availability and price.
Once you are ready to book the tour click the ‘Book This Tour’ button below and you will be taken through to our booking pages where you will be required to pay a deposit of £100 to confirm the tour, with the balance to be paid again via credit card 6 weeks before the tour date.
Please note all tours are subject to confirmation. In the unlikely event your requested dates are not available we will contact you and your deposit will be refunded.
Full terms and condition can be found here
Cotswolds Adventures Ltd
The Lodge
23 Old Hospital Rd
Stroud, Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
GL5 4GA
Mobile : +44 7468 412201
Landline : +44 1453 790 725 info@cotswoldsadventures.co.uk