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Secret Cottage Tours, Cotswolds, England

This day in the Cotswolds far exceeded my expectations! Our guide, Scotty, was readily identified at the train station in Moreton-in-Marsh (a direct trip from London Paddington), and we started our tour at Becky's cottage with pastries and coffee or tea, a look around part of the cottage that included her welcoming kitchen with its fantastic AGA, and then off to villages and cottages that one wouldn't have a hope of locating on one's own. Scotty was full of information -- and interesting, not like a snoozy university lecture; you'll be very lucky indeed if he is your guide for the day. We had some rain, but it didn't dilute our experience in the least -- although I would recommend wearing shoes that allow for some uneven terrain and will wipe clean easily. (Scotty had umbrellas available if anyone needed.) Our lunch back at the cottage was beyond plentiful and so delicious, with Becky and her daughter urging us to replenish our plates -- an experience that was duplicated when we returned for cream tea at the end of the day. (3 notes: Keep some pounds in your pocket if you leave your bag on the bus; there is an opportunity to buy post cards at one of the stops. Also, the mini-van is spacious enough that tall people will not be cramped for space. Finally, do not mistake any other tours in the area for this one!)

I've been taking days out of London for 27 years. This was definitely one of my very best experiences. You won't be disappointed!

Posted by
2461 posts

I will add my comments to your post. I had Becky herself as our guide for the day in mid-September. She is passionate about the Cotswolds and has a lighthearted sense of humor; she also pointed out photo opportunities at each stop when she noticed I liked to take photos. I loved my day with Becky and her family. It was like spending time with friends, they were that lovely.

Posted by
3719 posts

Thanks for posting this recommendation! Which villages did you see on the tour?

Posted by
4138 posts

I took the Secret Cottage Tour in May, 2016. Becky was our tour guide. It was fabulous. We visited villages and other places that you cannot get to by public transport. Most were too small for any kind of a big tour bus to drive in. Her house is fascinating and the food is delicious.

As for the names of the villages, I don't remember, but since they are so inaccessible by big tourist groups, it's unlikely that most foreign visitors would recognize them, like I didn't.