Cottages near Moreton-in-Marsh
The market town of Moreton-in-Marsh inspired Tolkien
Moreton-in-Marsh is a thriving Cotswold market town sitting at the head of the pretty Evenlode Valley. There has been a market held here since the 13th century. Every Tuesday the brightly coloured stalls still set up shop to trade their wares. As a town which straddles the Fosse Way, an ancient Roman road, Moreton-in-Marsh has always been an important staging post. Consequently, there are a number of characterful coaching inns and pubs. The White Heart Royal in particular is a former manor house which gave shelter to King Charles I during the civil war. Tolkien fans should stop for refreshments in the Bell Inn. The author was a regular visitor, and the pub later became the blueprint for the Prancing Pony, the inn at Bree that features in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Alongside the market, the lovely high street is lined with elegant Cotswold stone buildings which house art galleries, antique shops, and cosy tea rooms. The oldest building in town is the Curfew Tower, which dates to the 16th century. Each night the bell would toll to remind the townspeople of the risk of fire at night.
Each September the annual Moreton show is an agricultural event that celebrates past and present rural life. Whilst just a little further afield lies Batsford Arboretum. This impressive display of rare trees and plants is the largest private collection in England. It was planted by Lord Redesdale and today is a fabulous place to explore, particularly when the autumn colours are at their most vibrant.
With excellent transport links, including a direct rail link to London and Oxford, this lovely market town is easily accessible. It is a wonderful base from which to explore this charming part of the Cotswolds. See below for our collection of cottages near Moreton-in-Marsh
