Secret Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the 'secret' side of the Cotswolds with a local guide in a small and friendly group of up to 16 people.
On our Secret Cotswolds tour, we'll explore picture-postcard Cotswold towns and villages - but not the famously "busy" ones! Escape the crowds of "honeypot" destinations in the Cotswolds and explore stunning, quieter locations, off the usual tourist trail. As well as better known Burford and Broadway, you'll discover the Cotswolds' very own standing stone circle, the timeless village of Stanton and the fascinating Cotswold village of Guiting Power.
Tours depart from Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, or from Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds.
Travelling from London or Oxford? Take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh! You'll skip all the traffic, enjoy a charming, scenic train ride, and get to spend even longer in the beautiful Cotswolds!
Available options
Moreton-in-Marsh 9.30AM
Moreton-in-Marsh pick up: Please meet in the car park at Moreton-in-Marsh rail station at 09.25 for departure by 9.30AM. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Car Park Moreton In Marsh Station Station | APCOA, Station, Station Rd, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AA, UK
Stratford-upon-Avon 8.50AM
Stratford-upon-Avon pick up: Please meet at Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal at 08.45 for departure by 08.50. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal, Windsor St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6NL, UK
What's included
Pickup from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre (8.50AM) or Moreton-in-Marsh rail station (9.30AM)
Admission to The Rollright Stones - we make a donation for every visitor
Souvenir booklets with maps, photos and information
Travel the back roads in a spacious, comfortable, 16-seater Mercedes minibus
Fun, friendly, local driver-guide to share stories and enhance your day
Detailed itinerary
1
Passengers joining the tour at Stratford-upon-Avon will be collected from Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal at 08.50. Then, we travel to the Cotswold town of Moreton-in-Marsh, where we collect our final guests from Moreton-in-Marsh rail station at 09.30. From Moreton-in-Marsh, it's a 15 minute drive to our first official stop. We'll provide an introduction to the tour en route.
2
Discover the secrets of The Rollright Stones, the Cotswolds’ very own ancient stone circle – a ‘mini Stonehenge’! This is a fascinating place to start our tour, learn some Olde English myths and legends, and drink in panoramic views across the Cotswolds countryside. Admission to The Rollright Stones is a donation of £2 per person, but we make this donation for you by arrangement with The Rollright Trust.
3
En route to our next stop, enjoy a scenic drive (approx 40 minutes) through the picturesque countryside made famous by the TV show ‘Clarkson’s Farm’* and discover tiny Cotswold villages far off the beaten track. (*Please note that while this tour passes through farmland owned by Jeremy Clarkson, we do not pass or stop at Diddly Squat Farm Shop. Queues for the farm shop can be hours long, and there just isn’t time to visit on a one-day tour!)
4
This vibrant, authentic Cotswold market town is a wonderful place to learn about the history of the area, photograph classic Cotswold cottages, and seek out delicious homemade cake.
5
Shhh… don’t tell anyone, otherwise this will become the next tourist trap! Gorgeous, remote and unspoilt, Guiting Power provides a slice of genuine Cotswolds countryside life. Have a pint in the local pub, or try one of David Beckham's favourite sausage rolls!
6
Perhaps not-so-secret, but the ‘Jewel in the Cotswolds Crown’ is not to be missed! There are art galleries to browse, independent retailers to support, and gorgeous traditional cottages to admire.
7
Fall in love with the quiet, charming village of Stanton, which is regularly voted as one of the most beautiful and unspoilt villages in the Cotswolds.
8
Leaving Stanton behind, now it's 5pm and time to say farewell to some of our passengers at Moreton-in-Marsh station. We hope you made friends and good memories!
You don't have to end your tour where you started - if you joined us in Stratford-upon-Avon, why not spend a night or two in the pretty Cotswolds market town of Moreton-in-Marsh? We have plenty of space for your luggage, and Moreton has several accommodation options, as well as a rail station for your onward travel.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and drink - please bring your own, or money for food and drink on the go
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
5.0
69 reviews
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There are two pick-up points for this tour: Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal, Stratford-upon-Avon – Departure at 08:50; Moreton-in-Marsh Rail Station – Departure at 09:30. Please note your ticket may display the tour start time as 08:50, regardless of your chosen pick-up location. However, if you selected Moreton-in-Marsh, your actual departure time is 09:30. Kindly arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Look out for our friendly guide in Go Cotswolds uniform, driving a large white minibus with green and purple Go Cotswolds branding—you won’t miss us!
Double-check your selected pick-up point. Occasionally, we don’t stop at both, so arriving at the wrong location could result in being left behind. To change your pick-up point, please log in to your account to update your booking. Need help choosing the best option? Contact us!
If you are arriving in Moreton-in-Marsh by train, the train arriving at approximately 09:17–09:20 is ideal. It’s a small station, and it’s just a 1–2 minute walk to the car park where your guide will meet you.
If you are arriving in Stratford-upon-Avon by train, note that our pick-up point is a 5–10 minute walk from the station. Please note that on Sundays, there are no trains arriving before the tour departs.
Uber and similar services are not widely available in the Cotswolds, and local taxis can be difficult to book last minute. We strongly recommend booking taxis in advance or using public transport where possible.
If you're not at your pick-up point on time (08:50 in Stratford-upon-Avon, 09:30 in Moreton-in-Marsh) and we can't contact you, the tour will depart without you. Make sure we have your correct mobile number with international dial code before your tour.
After the tour, please plan any onward travel as follows: from Moreton-in-Marsh: After 17:00; from Stratford-upon-Avon: After 17:30
We have plenty of secure luggage space on board our vehicles, though please note our guides may not be able to assist with very heavy luggage
Children aged 3–15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sorry, no children under 3.
Tours run in all but dangerous weather—please dress appropriately!
The total tour duration of 8 hours includes travel time. Approximate travel times are as follows: 30 minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon to Moreton-in-Marsh (for those who select pick up in Stratford-upon-Avon); 15 minutes from Moreton-in-Marsh to The Rollright Stones; 40 minutes from The Rollright Stones to Burford (this scenic drive is described in the itinerary); 40 minutes from Burford to Broadway; 10 minutes from Broadway to Stanton; 30 minutes from Stanton to Guiting Power; 30 minutes from Guiting Power to Moreton-in-Marsh.
Accessibility: Users of lightweight mobility equipment such as canes, walking frames and foldable manual wheelchairs are welcome on our tours, provided you can climb 3 steps to get on and off our minibus, multiple times during the tour. Lightweight, foldable manual wheelchairs can be stored in the luggage compartment of our minibus. We're sorry, we cannot accommodate wheelchair users who are unable to get in and out of their chair unassisted, nor can we accommodate any electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Meeting point
Please wait in the car park front of the ticket office at Moreton-in-Marsh train station. Arrive at 09.25 and be ready to depart at 09.30. Look out for a big white, green and purple Mercedes minibus, driven by one of our friendly guides in Go Cotswolds uniform. You shouldn't be able to miss us!
Important notes
You don't need to print your ticket - please just have it handy on your mobile phone and be prepared to show it to your guide if requested.
About Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming market town in the West Midlands, famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This picturesque town is rich in history, culture, and beautiful Tudor architecture, making it a must-visit destination for literature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Top Attractions
Shakespeare's Birthplace
The childhood home of William Shakespeare, now a museum offering insights into his life and works.
Historical
1-2 hours
£18.50 (adult ticket)
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
A world-renowned theatre hosting performances of Shakespeare's plays and other classic works.
Theatre
2-3 hours (performance length)
£15-£65 (depending on the performance and seating)
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
The childhood home of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, featuring a beautiful thatched cottage and gardens.
Historical
1-2 hours
£10.50 (adult ticket)
Stratford-upon-Avon Canal
A scenic canal offering picturesque walks, boat tours, and a peaceful escape from the bustling town center.
Nature
1-2 hours (walking or biking)
Free (walking and biking), £10-£20 (boat tours)
Holy Trinity Church
The final resting place of William Shakespeare, this beautiful church is a must-visit for literature lovers.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish and Chips
Crispy battered fish with thick-cut chips, often served with mushy peas and tartar sauce.
Main Course
Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
Ploughman's Lunch
A hearty meal featuring cheese, pickles, bread, and sometimes ham or other cold cuts.
Lunch
Vegetarian options available.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
A moist sponge cake filled with dates and covered in a rich toffee sauce, often served with custard or ice cream.
Dessert
Can be made gluten-free and vegan options available.
Pork Pie
A savory pie filled with seasoned pork and a jelly glaze, often served cold.
Snack
Contains pork and gluten.
Popular Activities
Boat tours on the River Avon
Hiking in the Cotswolds
Cycling along the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal
Picnics by the canal
Afternoon tea at a local cafe
Strolling through the town's gardens and parks
Attending a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Visiting historic sites related to Shakespeare
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the peak tourist season with pleasant weather and numerous outdoor events. The town is vibrant with open-air theatre performances and festivals.
15°C to 22°C
59°F to 72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Stratford-upon-Avon is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a friendly atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
Getting there
By air
- Birmingham Airport • 30 miles (48 km)
By train
Stratford-upon-Avon Station
By bus
Stratford-upon-Avon Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around. The main bus station is located in the town center.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Town Centre
Old Town
Shottery
Day trips
Warwick Castle
10 miles (16 km) • Half day to full day
A magnificent medieval castle with a rich history, offering tours, exhibits, and live performances.
Cotswolds
20 miles (32 km) • Full day
A picturesque region known for its charming villages, rolling hills, and historic sites.
Birmingham
30 miles (48 km) • Full day
A vibrant city with a rich industrial heritage, offering museums, shopping, and dining.
Festivals
Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival • May
Shakespeare Festival • April and September
Christmas Market • Late November to early December
Pro tips
- Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Book tickets for Royal Shakespeare Theatre performances in advance, especially during peak season.
- Explore the town on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and scenic spots.
- Take a boat tour on the River Avon for a unique perspective of the town.
- Visit the Stratford-upon-Avon Market for fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
