There are many wonderful towns and villages to visit on a tour of the South Cotswolds, where you will find Roman heritage, royal connections and picturesque countryside views.
Here are just a few of my favourite highlights. If you have any particular destinations in mind for your visit, let me know and I will create a bespoke tour just for you.
Castle Combe is my home village, so it holds a special place in my heart. It takes its name from the 12th-century castle that stood to the north. It has been used as a filming location for TV and film, including Poirot, Downton Abbey and War Horse.
The famous market cross was erected in the 14th century when the privilege to hold a weekly market was granted. It stands at the intersection of the lower village’s three main streets.
Other attractions include the River Bybrook with its quaint stone bridges, the Grade I listed Church of England parish church of St Andrew, and a motor racing venue.
Almost entirely owned by the National Trust, Lacock’s unspoiled appearance attracts many visitors, as does its annual scarecrow festival.
It’s home to Lacock Abbey, a 13th-century nunnery with beautiful cloisters that was converted into a stately home in the 16th century. The many additions and renovations over the years have created a fascinating mixture of architectural styles.
The beautiful buildings of Lacock and have been used in film and TV, including Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, and the Harry Potter films.
Once called England’s prettiest village by writer William Morris, Bibury is a beautiful tourist destination packed with tea houses, historic buildings, and a National Trust Wildfowl Reserve.
It’s also home to Arlington Row, the most photographed street in the Cotswolds. Originally built as a wool store in the 14th century, the limestone cottages have been used for television and film locations, and are depicted on the inside cover of all UK passports.
Tetbury is the second largest town in the Cotswolds and the location of Highgrove House, home to HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
It lies on the site of an Anglo-Saxon hill fort, and was an important market for wool and yarn in the Middle Ages. The annual Tetbury Woolsack Race maintains this link to the town’s past, as hundreds of competitors race up and down Gumstool Hill while carrying a 60-pound sack of wool.
Tetbury is known for its antique shops and independent specialist food and clothing shops, as well as Prince Charles’ Highgrove Shop. Another draw is the 17th-century pillared Market House, which is still in use today for craft fairs, exhibitions and a weekly market.
The largest town in the Cotswolds, Cirencester was one of the most substantial cities of Roman-era Britain, when it was known as Corinium.
As such, is home to various sites of historical interest, including Roman villas, a partially excavated amphitheatre, and the Corinium Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Roman artifacts.
Other sights include the stunning Gothic Church of St. John Baptist and Cirencester House, with its beautiful landscape gardens.
The duration of this day tour is around 7-8 hours. I am happy to customise the itinerary to suit your interests and requirements, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to discuss a custom tour.
Price on application please
