The Cotswolds: Exploring England's Classic Countryside

The Cotswolds—famous for its villages of golden limestone, exquisite gardens, small organic farms and grand country estates—embodies a vision of rural England that’s rarely realized in contemporary times. We've gone to great lengths to design an encounter with the Cotswolds that delivers on that romantic expectation—but to find it, you must not choose a conventional tour. Find out what sets our Cotswolds journey apart:

1. Explore A Treasured National Landscape in Depth
   The Cotswolds is Britain's largest National Landscape, one of 38 such areas of countryside in the UK designated for conservation in recognition of their outstanding rural beauty and land value. Most visitors to the Cotswolds 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 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. 

2. Private Tours & Exclusive Experiences
   A hallmark of our itinerary is the number of special private experiences we've arranged. You won't be held up in long queues or bumping shoulders with dozens of other visitors at coveted sites. Enjoy private tours of Hidcote and Painswick gardens plus the royal gardens at Highgrove House; private falconry and sheep dog demonstrations; and other behind-the-scenes activities featuring presentations with local experts. We don't think you'll find anywhere near this privileged access on another trip!

3. A Small Group Offers 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.

4. 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. We also witness the wonder of "rewilding," inspired by local efforts to return hard-worked terrain to its natural state. 

5. A Dedicated Expedition Leader, Plus Local Experts for Enhanced 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 this uniquye landscape, villages and way of life. 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. 

6. 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.

7. 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!

8. Outstanding 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.

9. 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!

10. 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.