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Charming stone cottages along a quiet lane near Great Tew, Cotswolds.

Our Hidden Cotswolds Gems – Restaurants, Pubs, Historic Houses & More!

Discover Cotswolds Gems with The Cotswolds Day Tours Company

Uncover the hidden treasures of the Cotswolds on a private tour designed around your interests. From charming pubs and award-winning restaurants to historic manor houses, country halls, and secret villages, our Hidden Gems Tour takes you beyond the guidebooks.

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Travel in comfort with your own local driver-guide (and Ziggy, our friendly fox red Labrador, if you’d like some four-legged company). Tours depart from Oxford or London (Notting Hill) and are fully customisable — whether you’d like to stop at Diddly Squat Farm Shop, enjoy a pint at The Farmer’s Dog pub, stroll through Great Tew, or wander the grounds of elegant country estates.

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Why Choose Our Hidden Gems Tour?

  • Visit authentic Cotswolds villages far from the crowds

  • Explore traditional pubs & cosy inns loved by locals

  • Discover historic houses, gardens, and manor halls

  • Enjoy farm-to-fork dining experiences at hidden restaurants

  • Private SUV transport with flexible pickup/drop-off

  • Dog-friendly & LGBTQ+ inclusive

Worton Kitchen and dining, a Cotswolds gem on the outskirts, on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Worton Garden Kitchen 

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Nestled just outside Oxford, Worton Kitchen Garden offers a uniquely intimate and beautifully rustic setting that’s perfect for enhancing your day out in the Cotswolds. Housed in atmospheric farm buildings surrounded by lush, seasonal kitchen gardens, the venue features two private dining spaces—the enchanting Glasshouse (seats up to 60) and the cozy Old Shop (up to 20)—or you can hire the entire establishment for your group. Delight in hyper‑local, hyper‑seasonal dishes crafted by their Head Chef from produce grown on the farm, with bespoke menus tailored to your tastes, whether you're planning a countryside brunch, a post-tour dinner, or a memorable group gathering

Worton Kitchen and dining, a Cotswolds gem on the outskirts, on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.
Worton Kitchen and dining, a Cotswolds gem on the outskirts, on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.
Quince and Clover meet the team with delicatessen quality food on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Great Tew walks, Quince and Clover & Falkland Arms 

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Discover one of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque estates on a scenic walk through Great Tew, a chocolate-box village of thatched cottages, ancient woodland, and rolling countryside. Along the way, enjoy the company of our friendly dog, Ziggy, and hear local stories that bring the landscape to life. After your walk, choose between two exceptional lunch spots — the historic Falkland Arms, a classic English pub full of character, or Quince and Clover, a stylish café-deli serving fresh, seasonal dishes. This relaxed day or half-day trip offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and outstanding food.

Quince and Clover meet the team with delicatessen quality food on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.
Alt Text: "Great Tew estate walks on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.
Minster Lovell 13th century manor house on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Minster Lovell heritage walk 

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Nestled just outside Oxford, Worton Kitchen Garden offers a uniquely intimate and beautifully rustic setting that’s perfect for enhancing your day out in the Cotswolds. Housed in atmospheric farm buildings surrounded by lush, seasonal kitchen gardens, the venue features two private dining spaces—the enchanting Glasshouse (seats up to 60) and the cozy Old Shop (up to 20)—or you can hire the entire establishment for your group. Delight in hyper‑local, hyper‑seasonal dishes crafted by their Head Chef from produce grown on the farm, with bespoke menus tailored to your tastes, whether you're planning a countryside brunch, a post-tour dinner, or a memorable group gathering

Minster Lovell 13th century manor house on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.
Ziggy the fox red Labrador on walks near Taynton and the 800-year-old church on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.
Rousham House and Gardens of Monty Dons favourite gardens on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Rousham Gardens - Monty Dons favourite!

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Rousham Gardens, a masterpiece of 18th-century landscape design by William Kent, is celebrated as Monty Don’s favorite garden, described as “the greatest garden ever made” for its timeless beauty. While there is no historical figure named William Blake directly linked to gardening at Rousham, the gardens’ iconic features—serpentine paths, classical statues, and lush greenery—evoke the poetic spirit of the era, with Kent’s vision creating a living stage. Open daily, Rousham offers visitors an unspoiled, immersive experience.

Rousham House and Gardens of Monty Dons favourite gardens on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.
Rousham House and Gardens of Monty Dons favourite gardens on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.
Kiddington Hall picnic spot former home of Jemima Khan on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Kiddlington Hall Picnic

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Kiddington Hall, a Grade II listed manor house near Woodstock, Oxfordshire, is an ideal spot for a picnic amidst its historic grounds. While the hall itself is a private residence, the surrounding Kiddington Park, landscaped by “Capability” Brown in the 18th century, offers picturesque lawns and gardens perfect for a family outing. Visitors can enjoy the serene setting with views of the hall’s honey-coloured Cotswold stone and formal terraced gardens. Picnics are best planned in advance, as public access to the grounds may be limited—check with the estate for permissions or nearby public areas like the village green. Pack a blanket and explore this enchanting location, rich with history from its 1673 origins to its 1850 Italianate remodelling by Sir Charles Barry.

Kiddington Hall picnic spot former home of Jemima Khan on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.
Kiddington Hall picnic spot former home of Jemima Khan on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

"Explore our curated picks of the Cotswolds' best pubs and gastropubs, perfect for casual foodies seeking authentic, relaxed dining."

"Voted UK Pub of the Year 2025"

The Bull at Charlbury, voted UK Pub of the Year 2025, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

The Bull, Charlbuy

The Bull in Charlbury has been named the UK's best pub at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2025.  The pub, a historic 16th-century gem on Sheep Street, is owned by James Gummer and Phil Winser, who reopened it in July 2023 after a refurbishment. They are part of the Public House group, also behind The Pelican in Notting Hill. The Bull, known for its farm-to-fork ethos and Michelin-starred chef Sally Abé leading the kitchen since April 2025, offers open-fire cooking and cozy rooms, making it a standout for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures tours. Its dog-friendly vibe welcomes dogs like Ziggy, ensuring a fun stop. Pair it with a visit to nearby Wilderness Festival for a perfect day out.

"A Jeremy Clarkson & David Beckham favourite"

The Chequers in Churchill, a classic Cotswolds pub, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

The Chequers, Churchill

The Chequers in Churchill, a classic Cotswolds pub with flagstone floors and wooden beams, is a favorite stop near Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm, as highlighted in Clarkson’s Farm-inspired road trips. Known for its hearty British dishes, like the renowned ploughman’s lunch, and a dog-friendly atmosphere perfect for Ziggy, it’s a cozy gem for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures. While not directly owned by Clarkson, its proximity to his farm and Hawkstone Brewery (home of his lager) makes it a popular spot for fans, with David Beckham spotted chatting with Clarkson’s colleague Gerald Cooper here in January 2025. The pub’s traditional charm, local ales, and seasonal menu make it a must-visit for a relaxed, authentic Cotswolds experience. Book ahead for weekends. 

"Part of the Carol Bamford collection"

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The Bell, Charlbury

Nestled in Charlbury, The Bell is a beautifully restored 17th-century pub, ideal for Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun, pet-friendly day trips with Ziggy. Its modern British menu features seasonal dishes using Daylesford Organic Farm produce, including Cornish fish pie and wood-fired sourdough pizzas. The cozy interior, with Cotswold stone walls and log fires, includes a snug for quiet moments. The nearly one-acre orchard garden with a stream is perfect for summer dining. Dog-friendly and family-oriented, it’s a great tour stop, though some note inconsistent service and high prices (e.g., £17 for a glass of wine). With a Michelin Guide nod and a 3.7/5 Tripadvisor rating, book ahead for its lively vibe and live acoustic sets. 

"Reimagined by Mathew Freud (great-grandson of Sigmund Freud)"

The Bull in Burford, a 16th-century luxury Cotswolds hotel, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

The Bull Inn, Burford

Nestled in historic Burford, The Bull is a 16th-century coaching inn reimagined by Matthew Freud, great-grandson of Sigmund Freud, as a luxury boutique hotel. Known for its eclectic design, curated art collection, and vibrant communal dining, it’s a perfect stop for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun, pet-friendly day trips with Ziggy. Enjoy innovative dishes in a stylish yet cozy setting. Dog-friendly and ideal for a unique Cotswolds experience. Book ahead. Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

"Off the beaten track"

The Swan in Swinbrook, a charming Cotswolds pub, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

The Swan, Swinbrook

Nestled by the River Windrush in Swinbrook, The Swan Inn is a 16th-century gem, perfect for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun, pet-friendly day trips with Ziggy. Owned by the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire’s estate and run by Archie and Nicola Orr-Ewing, it features a seasonal, farm-to-fork menu with dishes like Cotswold partridge and sticky toffee pudding. Its cozy, flagstone-floored interior, log fires, and riverside garden create a welcoming vibe. Awarded 2 AA Rosettes and Oxfordshire’s Dining Pub of the Year, it’s a must-visit, though some note slow service. Book ahead. Tripadvisor: 4.3/5

"Absolute gem"

he Fox in Oddington, a charming Cotswolds pub, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

The Fox, Oddington

Tucked in the charming village of Lower Oddington, The Fox is a 19th-century inn, perfect for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun, pet-friendly day trips with Ziggy. Part of the Daylesford Stays collection, it features a farm-to-fork menu by chef Alan Gleeson, with wood-fired pizzas, Hereford sirloin, and ‘nduja scotch eggs, sourced from Daylesford Organic and Wootton estates. Its cozy bar, crackling fires, and walled garden create a welcoming vibe. Dog-friendly, with stylish rooms, it’s a gem despite occasional slow service. Book ahead. Tripadvisor: 4.1/5

"Part of the Carol Bamford collection"

The Wild Rabbit, a chic Cotswolds pub by Carol Bamford, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

The Wild Rabbit

A chic 18th-century inn in Kingham, The Wild Rabbit is perfect for Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun, pet-friendly day trips with Ziggy. Part of Daylesford Estate, it offers seasonal farm-to-fork dishes by chef Sam Bowser, like rabbit agnolotti and cod with celeriac. Cozy interiors with fireplaces and a serene garden add charm. Dog-friendly, with a Michelin Guide nod, it’s a top stop despite occasional pricey critiques. Book ahead. Tripadvisor: 4.1/5

"Carol Bamford's latest edition"

The Three Horseshoes, a chic Cotswolds pub by Carol Bamford, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

The 3 Horshoes

The Three Horseshoes in Asthall, near Burford, is Carole Bamford’s latest addition to her Daylesford Stays pub collection, reopened in July 2023 after a light refurbishment. This 18th-century inn, once called The Maytime, honors its farrier heritage with equestrian-themed decor and cozy rooms. Its seasonal menu, crafted by Head Chef Roger Williams, features Daylesford Organic produce, craft beers, and wood-fired pizzas served from a horsebox in the scenic Windrush Valley garden. Dog-friendly, it’s perfect for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures with Ziggy. Book ahead. Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

"For Jeremy Clarkson & Diddily Squat fans"

The Farmer's Dog pub, made famous by Jeremy Clarkson's Amazon Prime series, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Farmers Dog Pub ("Diddly Squat), Burford

Nestled near Burford, The Farmer’s Dog is Jeremy Clarkson’s vibrant pub, opened August 2024, perfect for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun, pet-friendly day trips with Ziggy. Housed in a charming stone building, it features farm-to-fork dishes using Diddly Squat Farm produce, like the Diddly Squat Burger, and Hawkstone beers. With cozy fires, a scenic terrace, and a tent housing The Farmer’s Puppy kitchen and Hops & Chops butcher, it’s a lively stop. Book for dinner; walk-ins for lunch. Book ahead. Tripadvisor: 4.2/5

"For foodies & art lovers"

The Artist Residence, a chic Cotswolds hotel, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Artist Residence, South Leigh

Tucked in the quaint village of South Leigh, Artist Residence is a 16th-century thatched inn, ideal for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun, pet-friendly day trips with Ziggy. Run by Justin and Charlotte Salisbury, it blends rustic charm with bohemian flair, featuring quirky decor, neon art, and cozy rooms. The Mason Arms pub serves seasonal British fare, like smoked haddock Scotch eggs, using local produce. Dog-friendly, with a herb garden and free bikes, it’s a perfect stop near Oxford. Book ahead. Tripadvisor: 4.7/5

"Farm to fork menu"

The Double Red Duke, a chic Cotswolds hotel and pub, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Double Red Duke,
Bampton

Nestled in Clanfield near Bampton, The Double Red Duke is a stylish 17th-century inn, perfect for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips. Owned by Sam and Georgie Pearman, it boasts a farm-to-fork menu by chefs Richard Turner and Richard Sandiford, featuring open-fire-cooked steaks and Sunday roasts. Cozy snugs, a jasmine-clad Garden Room, and 19 chic rooms create a luxurious vibe. Book ahead for this Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub. Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

"Hidden gem. great for steak"

The Black Horse in Salford, known for one of the best steaks in the Cotswolds, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

The Blackhorse, Salford

Tucked in Salford, near Chipping Norton, The Black Horse is a 17th-century pub, reborn in September 2023 by Lionhearth Group, ideal for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips. Chef Dan Smith’s farm-to-fork menu features prime rib, rotisserie chicken, and sides like hasselback potatoes. Cozy interiors with log fires and a sunlit terrace create a warm vibe. The Salford Cottage offers stylish stays. Open Wed-Sun, 11:30am-11:30pm (Sun 6:30pm). Book at lionhearth.co.uk. Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

"A local institution, great sausage rolls"

The Cotswold Guy in Guiting Power, famous for sausage rolls and David Beckham visits, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

The Cotswold Guy, Guiting Power

Nestled in Guiting Power, The Cotswold Guy is a boutique farm shop and deli, ideal for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips. Opened in 2021 by Chris Davey, it offers locally sourced produce like award-winning Beef Wellingtons, artisan cheeses, and TCG Scotch Eggs. The trattoria-style deli serves coffee, cakes, and oven-ready meals. With a cozy garden and unique “ride-through” for equestrians, it’s a gem. Open daily; pre-order at thecotswoldguy.co.uk. Tripadvisor: 5/5

"Make sure you try the spa area as well"

Daylesford Organic Farm on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Daylesford farm shop, Moreton-in-Marsh

Nestled near Moreton-in-Marsh, Daylesford Organic Farm Shop is a gem for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips. Founded by Lady Carole Bamford, it offers fresh produce from a 28-acre market garden, artisan breads, award-winning cheeses, and organic meats. The Trough, with a Green Michelin Star, serves seasonal dishes, while The Old Spot offers wood-fired pizzas. Open Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 9:30am-5pm. Book dining at daylesford.com. Tripadvisor: 4.2/5

"Great for a pint and feed after a long walk"

Falkland Arms in Great Tew on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Falkland Arms, Great Tew

Nestled in the idyllic village of Great Tew, The Falkland Arms is a 16th-century pub, perfect for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips. Run by Wadworth, it features flagstone floors, oak beams, and a cozy inglenook fireplace. Enjoy award-winning Wadworth ales and seasonal dishes like Sunday roasts in the charming bar or heated garden. With seven ensuite rooms, it’s ideal for stays near Chipping Norton and Blenheim Palace. Open daily, 12pm-11pm (Sun 9pm). Book at falklandarms.co.uk. Tripadvisor: 4.2/5

"Michelin recommended. "

"Part of the Pig group of pub restaurants"

The Yurt at Nicholsons, a unique Cotswolds dining spot, on a Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.
The Village Pub in Barnsley, part of the Pig Group, on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

The Yurt at Nicholsons

The Village Pub, Barnsley

Nestled within Nicholsons Nursery in North Aston, The Yurt offers a unique dining experience, ideal for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips. Michelin-recommended with an AA Rosette, chef Andrew Carr crafts seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired dishes like monkfish scampi and beetroot-cured salmon using local produce. The eco-friendly yurt and private dining huts create a cozy, vibrant vibe. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-2:30pm. Book ahead at nicholsonsgb.com. Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

Tucked in Barnsley, just 4 miles from Cirencester, The Village Pub is a charming 18th-century inn, perfect for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun, pet-friendly day trips with Ziggy. Part of The PIG group, it features oak-beamed ceilings, log fires, and a cozy garden. Enjoy farm-to-fork dishes like Sunday roasts and local ales. Dog-friendly with six stylish rooms, it’s ideal for a relaxed stop. Some note pricey food, but the warm vibe shines. Book ahead. Tripadvisor: 4.1/5

"best antiques in the Cotswold"

Tetbury famous for the best antiques on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Tetbury Village, Antiques 

"Highbrow interiors and food. Gem."

Aynho RH England upmarket interiors and great pizza on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

RH England at Anyho

"held every July/August - more than a festival"

The Wilderness Festival and nude cricket at Cornbury Park on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Wilderness Festival

"Great for a polo fix. relaxed vibe"

The Kirtlington Polo Club your British culture fix on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Kirtlington Polo Club

Chastleton House on a 2025 Cotswolds Day Tours private tour.

Chasleton House

Tetbury, the Cotswolds’ antiques hub, is a must-visit for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips. Over 25 shops line Long Street and Church Street, including Lorfords Antiques (30 Long St), boasting Europe’s largest decorative collection, and Top Banana Antiques Mall (1 New Church St), with eclectic Georgian to 20th-century finds from 50 dealers. Brownrigg offers painted furniture, while Amy Perry Antiques showcases bold pieces. Open daily, most 10am-5pm. Pair with a stop at The Cotswold Guy deli. Tripadvisor: 4.5/5 

Set in a 400-year-old Grade I-listed estate in Aynho, near Banbury, RH England is a luxurious design and dining destination, perfect for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips. Designed by Sir John Soane, this 73-acre manor features Capability Brown gardens and RH’s curated collections of furniture, art, and antiques. Enjoy dining at The Orangery (live-fire cuisine), The Loggia (wood-fired pizzas), or The Juicery. Open Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Book at rh.com. Tripadvisor: 3.7/5

Held at Cornbury Park near Charlbury from July 31–August 3, 2025, the Wilderness Festival is a vibrant four-day celebration of music, arts, and food, ideal for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips. Featuring headliners like Basement Jaxx, Supergrass, and Wet Leg, alongside unique experiences like paddleboard yoga, forest bathing, and farm-to-fork dining at The Dive, it’s a cultural gem. Family-friendly with camping options. Book tickets early at wildernessfestival.com. Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

Nestled in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside near the Cotswolds, Kirtlington Park Polo Club, founded in 1926, is a vibrant, dog-friendly gem for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips with Ziggy. Set against Capability Brown’s landscaped park, it offers thrilling polo matches, a cozy clubhouse, and farm-to-fork dining at the Chukka Bar. Family-friendly with free admission most days, it’s perfect for a relaxed outing. Book lessons or events at kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk. Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

Tucked in Chastleton, near Moreton-in-Marsh, Chastleton House is a Jacobean gem built in 1607, ideal for your Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun day trips. Managed by the National Trust, this unspoiled manor reveals 400 years of history with original furnishings and a quirky long gallery. Its walled garden and topiary lawn are perfect for strolls. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 1pm-4:30pm (pre-book tickets). Dogs welcome in grounds. Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

"400 year old Jacobean gem!"

Discover hidden treasures with Cotswolds Sightseeing Adventures’ fun, pet-friendly day trips. Explore Minster Lovell Hall, a 15th-century ruin by the River Windrush, perfect for picnics. Wander Painswick Rococo Garden, an 18th-century gem with quirky follies. Visit Chastleton House, a Jacobean manor with untouched charm. Enjoy Cotswold Falconry Centre near Moreton-in-Marsh for thrilling bird displays. These authentic Cotswolds spots promise unforgettable experiences.

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