Sometimes, nature travel is more refined than rugged. That's true of our rural sojourn in the Cotswold Hills—it's filled with wild discoveries, yet decidedly genteel. On walks through ancient beech forest and wildflower meadows, along hedgerows and trout-filled streams, an idyllic tableau of traditional England awaits. Our focus is on native habitats, artisan agriculture and conservation in Britain's largest designated National Landscape. Explore hidden byways and unspoiled villages, with private tours of lavish gardens, an organic farm, gourmet picnics, and pints at local pubs that date back centuries. Enjoy exclusive access to Highgrove House Gardens on the royal estate of King Charles III, where a private tea awaits. In the evenings, Britain's finest country house hotels provide a luxurious retreat, renowned for historic architecture, bucolic settings and sustainable farm-to-table fare.
Trip Highlights
Nature & Conservation Off the Typical Track
Wander scenic footpaths through Britain's largest National Landscape, protecting ancient habitats, globally significant wetlands and rewilded farmlands
Unspoiled Countryside & Medieval Villages
Discover picture-postcard villages and local pubs, and stay at historic luxury inns and manor houses set among peaceful gardens, meadows, brooks and woodlands
Private Tours & Special Access
Enjoy exclusive experiences at grand estates, including King Charles' Highgrove House, lavish gardens and nature reserves, and falconry and sheep dog demonstrations
Why Choose Nat Hab for the Cotswolds?
The Cotswold Hills, famous for their natural landscapes interwoven with villages of golden limestone, exuberant gardens, small organic farms and grand country estates, embody a vision of rural England that’s rarely realized in contemporary times. While this is nature travel of a different sort from an African safari or an Arctic polar bear adventure, an immersion in a quieter natural beauty is also inspiring—and also at risk—as the reach of the urban world grows ever greater. We've gone to great lengths to share the delights of the Cotswolds in the singular manner you've come to expect from Nat Hab:
Explore One of Britain's Most Treasured Natural Landscapes in Depth
Though the population of the Cotswolds is small, it’s a popular tourist destination. Most visitors come for just a day, often on a coach tour from London or Oxford, racing from one packed town to the next. In contrast, we've created a peaceful, personalized experience. Our wide-ranging itinerary features lesser-known places and interactions that reveal the true natural beauty of the Cotswolds, along with a more private take on famed highlights you wouldn't want to miss.A Focus on Nature & Conservation
If you're inspired by examples of conserving nature and rural vistas amid human presence (after all, there have been people living, farming and working in the Cotswolds for 6,000 years), this trip is for you. Local families and the national government alike are dedicated to preserving and restoring these irreplaceable landscapes, which we discover on footpaths and scenic byways. In addition to admiring classic architecture and glorious gardens, we explore nature reserves of ancient hardwood forest, wildflower meadows, marshes, streams and hedgerows, occasionally encountering local wildlife whose presence is often subtle. We also witness the wonder of "rewilding," inspired by local efforts to return hard-worked terrain to its natural state.Private Tours & Exclusive Access for a Personalized Experience
A hallmark of our itinerary is the exceptional number of private experiences we've arranged. You won't be held up in long queues or bumping shoulders with dozens of other visitors at the Cotswolds' most acclaimed sites. Enjoy private tours of Hidcote and Painswick gardens and the royal gardens at Highgrove House; a private conservator-led tour of Wytham Woods, the natural ecology laboratory of Oxford University; a private canal cruise; private falconry experience; and other behind-the-scenes activities featuring private presentations with local experts. We don't think you'll find anywhere near this privileged access on another trip!A Small Group Allows Access to Less-Visited Destinations
With only 14 travelers, we can navigate narrow country roads and one-vehicle lanes hemmed by hedgerows, which are off limits to motorcoaches. We thus get to places others can't, including tiny villages that exude all the charm you expect in the Cotswolds, plus local pubs and family farms that can't accommodate bus tours. We're also able to stay in intimate inns with personalized service.A Dedicated Expedition Leader—Plus Local Experts for Superlative Interpretation
You'll benefit from the exceptional attention and flexibility from start to finish that only a Nat Hab Expedition Leader can provide. Our guides are a font of knowledge about the natural and cultural history of the Cotswolds, including conservation commitments that are central to preserving the landscape and way of life that make this area unique. Local experts also lend detail and insight to augment your experience. From organic farmers and gardeners to bird conservationists and cheese makers, the specialist guides who join us add to your appreciation for the region, its nature and its people.Country House Hotels Offer Luxury, History & Hospitality
Nature travel isn't necessarily about the accommodations. But in the Cotswolds—on our itinerary—they are a highlight! We've selected several of the region's finest country house hotels, with centuries of history and the character to go with it. We stay in the most idyllic Cotswolds settings, with inns set in peaceful stone villages, surrounded by gardens, manicured lawns, rolling countryside and wild nature. All offer elegant guest rooms and amenities, with dining rooms managed by award-winning chefs who tap local purveyors for the finest and freshest ingredients.Farm-to-Table Food Culture Offers Outstanding Local Fare
There is a big emphasis in the Cotswolds on "field to fork" food: local, organic artisan production of cheese, cream, lamb, pork, trout, berries, honey, cider, ale and more. The inns and pubs where we take our meals source many of their ingredients from known local producers. For nature lovers who are also foodies, this trip won't disappoint!Outstanding Naturalist Expedition Leaders
We're known for the quality of our guides, and you'll find that the leadership on this trip is no exception! With a deep knowledge of England's diverse ecosystems, your Expedition Leader enhances your adventure in a way that makes you feel safe, cared for and enlightened. Read our Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures a Rewarding Experience
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you get our exclusive guarantee, promising that we will meet the lofty expectations set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most impressive guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise for yourself!Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel as well as the exceptional quality of our worldwide adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world's leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
