cotswolds2018-blog

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The most helpful thing I learned after a few vacations that could have been even more full of experiences, is that guided tours are a lifesaver and can serve to make a quick vacation somewhere, even more fruitful. Here are just a few reasons why having a guided tour in the Cotswolds is advantageous.

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Cotswolds Guided Tours

You get to a new place, what are your first thoughts? What to do first? What to see first? What is the best way for me to utilize my time so that I make the most of my trip? These are all questions that pop into your head when you are in a new and exciting place. I know from personal experience that alot of value time can be spent wasted on a vacation if some sort of a plan isn’t set in place. The most helpful thing I learned after a few vacations that could have been even more full of experiences, is that guided tours are a lifesaver and can serve to make a quick vacation somewhere, even more fruitful. Here are just a few reasons why having a guided tour in the Cotswolds is advantageous:

First hand knowledge and amazing guides! The quality of a tour is obviously important and having a great guide who is personable as well as knowledgeable serve to enhance the overall experience. It is extremely hard to self navigate when you are in a new country or just a different area period, especially if you do not have access to wifi or internet. A guide is familiar with the lay of the land and can safely navigate you and your companions through new territory while also offering some fun facts and entertainment along the way!

Opportunity to ask questions. Because tour guides have usually been giving the tours for a while, they are very familiar with the history of where you will be touring a know little special facts. On a guided tour, you have the opportunity to stop and ask questions at your leisure, especially with our tours which are a bit more relaxed and homie. This is also a great opportunity to really interact with your environment and surroundings. Chances are that the guide will know about a few special little places and take you there for a little exploring.

Flexibility! The great thing about guided tours is that the sizes of the group can vary. The right tour company will allow you the option of having smaller groups are going with a larger groups and other couples. There is also sometimes amazing flexibility with where you tour and how long the tours last. This is a great addition for people who have both set schedules as well as those who have more time to spend out on the tours.

These are just a few reasons why guided tours can be beneficial and advantageous to your vacation experience. Have a look around the site and find one of our private or public tours that are sure to meet any needs you have. Our team looks forward to creating memories with you!

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I think it goes without saying that the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom. It’s perfect for casual strolls through the charming villages or simply soaking in some history by visiting one of the stunning country manor homes. Sometimes, a step out of the ordinary is necessary. Sometimes, on vacation you want to step out of the regular tour routine.

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Fun Activities in the Cotswolds

I think it goes without saying that the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom. It’s perfect for casual strolls through the charming villages or simply soaking in some history by visiting one of the stunning country manor homes. Sometimes, a step out of the ordinary is necessary. Sometimes, on vacation you want to step out of the regular tour routine. Luckily, the Cotswolds caters to a host of whims you might be wanting while on vacation. Here a just a few out of the standard things to do while in the Cotswolds:

Cycling If you are looking to get a bit more active while exploring the cotswolds, cycling on your own or taking a cycling tours is one of the best ways. It is perfect for getting some exercise while seeing the beautiful countryside in the Cotswolds. Several cycling places offer a wide range of bikes, and tours depending on the kind of path you want to take and where you want to travel to.

Hit the Water

A great place to cool off and also have a bit of fun is at the Cotswold Water Park. This one one of the best places for a family day out or just a day out with friends. The Cotswolds Water Park is full of nature reserves and country parks. Here you can engage in a host of active activities like water sports, walking, cycling, birdwatching, camping, fishing, riding or caravanning. If you are looking for even more action, they offer the opportunity to try your hand at paintballing, clay pigeon shooting, and a high ropes adventure course. Once you’ve worked up an appetite amble over to a Cotswold village pub for some lunch!

Make a New Friend The Cotswolds offers several places to go to for making new friends both furry and smooth. Places in the Cotswolds like Abbey home Farm, Cotswold Wildlife Park, and Fairytale Farm offer the opportunity to meet animals and play with them. The is great for a casual day out and perfect for families with small children or kids that love animals. Here you can not only learn about the rare breeds of animals and pet them, but also take a ride on the tractors and view some of the countryside. Admission into these places vary but are relatively cheap overall.

Attend a Festival The Cheltenham Festivals delivers 4 amazing festivals! One celebrating jazz, one celebrating science, one for music and one for literature. At these festivals, you’ll encounter the newest names in music, amazing food, and all-around good vibes. You’ll be able to experience festivals in abbeys, cathedrals, country houses, as well as churches. This is definitely something to check out for great family fun.

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With its multitude of lush green pastures and distinct historical element, the Cotswolds has been known for catching the attention of famous actors and film directors. Because of its picturesque and old town feel, the Cotswolds has found its place in a number of famous films and has been the sight of several tv locations. In this blog, we will look at just a few of the many locations that Cotswolds has been used to bring a little magic to the screen: Gloucester Cathedral,Blenheim Palace,Bampton Village

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Cotswolds famous film locations

With its multitude of lush green pastures and distinct historical element, the Cotswolds has been known for catching the attention of famous actors and film directors. Because of its picturesque and old town feel, the Cotswolds has found its place in a number of famous films and has been the sight of several tv locations. In this blog, we will look at just a few of the many locations that Cotswolds has been used to bring a little magic to the screen:

Gloucester Cathedral

One of the most famous locations seen in a very popular movie series is the Gloucester Cathedral. Originally constructed for the purposes of being an Abbey, the Cathedral has had a long and rigorous history surrounding it. Today it is still home to archives and the original library that was built inside. It is maintained by a team of young stonemasons and is visited by over 300,000 people every year. Known for its high ceiling and castle like appearance the Cathedral was perfect for the filming of the J.K Rowling series. That’s right, you guessed it! Gloucester Cathedral has made many appearances on the noted Harry Potter film series. And while the Harry Potter might be it’s most noted role, the Cathedral can also be seen in the TV series Sherlock, and well as in the childs film Alice through the Looking Glass.

Blenheim Palace

Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful country houses in the Cotswolds has to be Blenheim Palace. Built between 1705 and circa 1722 the house was originally built for John Churchill and is one of the largest houses in England and one of the only to be named a palace. This gorgeous building, offered on our tours, is now home to various residential, agricultural, and commercial properties. The stunning Blenheim Palace can be seen in the lastest Disney live-action version of Cinderella! The Grand and Bladon Bridges can be seen as Cinderella makes her way to the ball. If you are in the Cotswolds, this is definitely a place, you’ll want to visit.

Bampton Village

Located not far from the River Thames, Bampton Village gives off a very rustic and quaint feeling. This famous Cotswolds Village may look very familiar, and that is because it has been home to famous characters on a popular British television series. The charming town of Bampton is the site of Downton in the British drama Downton Abbey! Various pubs and churches have been used for scenes and the Coggs was the place where Lady Edith’s illegitimate child was brought up. Bampton Village can also be spotted in the upcoming BBC drama “Cider with Rose”.

The Cotswolds is a place of magic and definitely worth a trip out! For this very purpose, it is a natural attraction for famous actors and film directors. Come and explore the never-ending wonders of the Cotswolds and be transported in time by visiting one of these locations.

For more information on other famous filming locations in the Cotswolds, visit here: https://www.cotswolds.com/things-to-do/film-and-tv-locations. To book a tour with us at Blenheim palace, visit here: http://undiscoveredcotswolds.com/package/blenheim/

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If captivating grade-listed buildings with landscaped gardens are your thing, you’ve come to the right place. We pick a few of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring stately homes you simply need to visit this year Chastleton House and Stanway House.

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Cotswolds Manor Houses

If captivating grade-listed buildings with landscaped gardens are your thing, you’ve come to the right place. We pick a few of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring stately homes you simply need to visit this year Chastleton House

Chastleton House is definitely one of the grander gardens found in the Cotswolds. Built between 1607 and 1612 for Walter Jones, Chastleton House is the perfect place for an escape into a different era. Owned by the national trust, the manor affords guests the opportunity to try their hand at a game of croquet, or take a pleasant tour through the gardens. The Jacobean style garden allows guests to explore different “rooms” as well as enjoy taking in some of the lush fruit in bloom like strawberries and peaches, available for purchase.

Stanway House

Last but certainly not least is the breathtaking Stanway House. Similar to the Chastleton House, this manor is formatted in the Jacobean style. This manor is perfect for taking a step back in time and really appreciating old English history. Its quaint church, memorable furniture, and impressive water garden all lend itself to making Stanway a special place. Stanway House is one of the manor houses available for entry on our tours. It is one of the best places to simply take in the scenery while enjoying a cup of English Cream Tea with your group and our amazing tour guides.

Next time you happen to be in the Cotswolds and are wanting to have a casual day out, check out one of these incredible Manor Houses. For more information on tours, please see the link below: http://undiscoveredcotswolds.com/

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Minster Lovell is a beautiful thatched village located in the Windrush Valley. This stop is usually one of the last on our tours and for the right reason. Few scenes in the Cotswolds are as beautiful as the sun setting on the local inn situated in this town. Here you can take a seat next to a human-sized chess board, take a walk through the gardens, or simply enjoy a stroll along the river that powers the local inn.

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The Cotswolds most haunted village, Minster Lovell

Minster Lovell is a beautiful thatched village located in the Windrush Valley. This stop is usually one of the last on our tours and for the right reason. Few scenes in the Cotswolds are as beautiful as the sun setting on the local inn situated in this town. Here you can take a seat next to a human-sized chess board, take a walk through the gardens, or simply enjoy a stroll along the river that powers the local inn. If you are in the mood for a bit more history, venture through the town looking at the rustic thatched cottages, while making your way up to an old manor hidden in the town. Along the way, listen to the legends that accompany the old manor by one of our amazing tour guides. Several legends are attached to the picturesque medieval ruins of the manor house at Minster Lovell. Lord Francis Lovell was a close friend of Richard III and after Richard's death at the battle of Bosworth hefled to Minster Lovell, where a faithful servant hid him, perhaps for several years, in a secret chamber, but the servant died suddenly, and as no-one else knew he was there, Lovell was left to starve. Minster Lovell ruins are said to be haunted by a knight in shining armour on a white charger, perhaps the hapless LordFrancis Lovell, whose ghost perhaps makes the groans and sounds of rustling papers said to come from underground. Another story relates that a certain Lovell came to Minster Lovell where he fell for his brother's wife and, in his jealousy, shot him. The widow refused to have anything to do with her brother-in-law, and drowned herself in what is now known as the Lady's Pool. The enraged brother burnt down the house. When workmen tried to demolish the ruins it is said that their axes broke.

This is just one amazing village that is available on the tours with Undiscovered Cotswolds! For a comprehensive list of all of the tours and villages to be visited, please look online at the link below. We look forward to seeing you soon! http://undiscoveredcotswolds.com/

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There truly isn’t a place like the Cotswolds anywhere else in the world. From the quaint shops in small storybook villages, to the vibrant flowers in the rolling hills, the Cotswolds truly is the epitome of beauty. The Cotswolds is home to several wonders, but some of the most beautiful things it has to offer are the gardens. Most of the lush gardens are located on the grounds of historic manor houses but are definitely worth a look if you are in the area.

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Cotswolds Gardens

There truly isn’t a place like the Cotswolds anywhere else in the world. From the quaint shops in small storybook villages, to the vibrant flowers in the rolling hills, the Cotswolds truly is the epitome of beauty. The Cotswolds is home to several wonders, but some of the most beautiful things it has to offer are the gardens. Most of the lush gardens are located on the grounds of historic manor houses but are definitely worth a look if you are in the area. A one of the more noted gardens can be seen below:

The Painswick Rococo Garden

The Painswick Rococo garden is only one of the many stunning gardens the Cotswolds has to offer. Designed in the 1740’s this garden was originally used for intimate party gatherings and by an English gentleman as a pleasure garden. This garden was rescued from ruin and is the perfect place for a romantic escape. For a very small price, guests can gain access to this wonder and indulge in a drink from the Eagle House, snap a picture in the Gothic Alcove, or simply take a stroll and enjoy the scenery. Perfect for little getaways, this garden is definitely worthy of a stop on a casual day out or for a more special occasion when the famous snowdrops are in bloom during the winter.

Next time you happen to be in the Cotswolds and are wanting to have a casual day out, check out one of these incredible gardens. For more information on tours, please see the link below: http://undiscoveredcotswolds.com/

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Located on the River Windrush, Swinbrook is a favourite stop along the tour with Undiscovered Cotswolds. This village is lush with green and perfect for a scenic stroll. One of the most popular places to stop by on your journey through Swinbrook is the local grave site. A set of these graves belong to famous sisters who have lived a life of intrigue, the Mitford sisters.

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Swinbrook of cotswolds

Located on the River Windrush, Swinbrook is a favourite stop along the tour with Undiscovered Cotswolds. This village is lush with green and perfect for a scenic stroll. One of the most popular places to stop by on your journey through Swinbrook is the local grave site. A set of these graves belong to famous sisters who have lived a life of intrigue, the Mitford sisters.  The Mitford Sister had close connections to Nazi Germany so why not join an Undiscovered Cotswolds tour to learn more.  Swinbrook is also home to a chapel that may look ordinary on the outside, but is rich with history and full of unique statues that are definitely a must see.

Swinbrook is untouched by time, it is the quintessential English village with its stone walls, pretty church, cricket pitch with wooden pavilion, and an old stone pub next to the old stone bridge across the River Windrush. St Mary's Church has some fascinating memorials to the Fettiplace family, who owned the manor during the 17C, with six effigies in two triple tiers ‘like passengers on an old-fashioned steamer’. In the 20th century Swinbrook became closely associated with the "Mitford sisters"— the six daughters of David Freeman-Mitford, 2nd Baron Redesdale, who lived at nearby Asthall Manor. The sisters became celebrated, and at times scandalous, figures who were caricatured by The Times journalist, Ben Macintyre, as "Diana the Fascist, Jessica the Communist, Unity the Hitler-lover; Nancy the Novelist; Deborah the Duchess and Pamela the unobtrusive poultry connoisseur". The graves of four of the sisters can be found in the churchyard: near the porch are headstones to Nancy, Unity and Diana Mitford; their parents, and a fourth sister Pamela, are buried elsewhere in the churchyard. There is a plaque to their brother, Tom, inside the church. Make a booking with Undiscovered Cotswolds today for an opportunity to stop in this beautiful Cotswold village.

Book now at: undiscoveredcotswolds One of the best things about a tour with Undiscovered Cotswolds is stopping through some of the gorgeous fairy-tale villages that are hidden throughout the Cotswolds.

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Stow on the Wold is by far one of the more bustling villages available on a tour with Undiscovered Cotswolds. This village is one of the larger seen on the tour, and is only enhanced by what it has to offer. Stow on the Wold is home to several beautiful shops, stocked full with cute artisan products. One such shop is the Cotswold Sweet Company which sells fresh fudge and homemade chocolates as well as a host of other products that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow on the Wold is by far one of the more bustling villages available on a tour with Undiscovered Cotswolds. This village is one of the larger seen on the tour, and is only enhanced by what it has to offer. Stow on the Wold is home to several beautiful shops, stocked full with cute artisan products. One such shop is the Cotswold Sweet Company which sells fresh fudge and homemade chocolates as well as a host of other products that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. If a sweet tooth isn’t what you are after, and you are looking for something more adventurous. Take a stop by the door that inspired J.R.R Tolkien in his book Lord of the Rings. Hidden in a little nook off the town Square, the door is the perfect place to get in a good photo! Stow-on the-Wold is the highest of the Cotswold towns standing exposed on 800 feet high Stow Hill at a junction of seven major roads, including the Roman Fosse Way.

At the height of the Cotswold wool industry the town was famous for its huge annual fairs where as many as 20,000 sheep were sold at one time. The vast Market Square testifies to the towns former importance. At one end stands the ancient cross, and at the other the town stocks, shaded between an old elm tree. Around the square the visitor is faced with an elegant array of Cotswold town houses and shops. Stow is an important shopping centre and has many fine Antique shops, Art galleries, Gifts and Crafts and is a centre for Walking the Cotswolds countryside. Make a booking with Undiscovered Cotswolds today for an opportunity to stop in this beautiful Cotswold Town.

Book now at: undiscoveredcotswolds One of the best things about a tour with Undiscovered Cotswolds is stopping through some of the gorgeous fairy-tale villages that are hidden throughout the Cotswolds.

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When taking a journey through the many wondrous villages in the Cotswolds, it is easy to get lost in the scenery. One of the things to remember when taking everything in, is to slow down and really take in the shops. While several of the villages are filled with quaint shops that specials in their own unique products, one of the more client-popular shops to take note of is the Cotswold Sweet Company.