Your Guide to
Moreton-in-Marsh
“Moreton-in-Marsh, a thriving Cotswold market town that’s been welcoming visitors for 1,700 years”
Sitting at the head of the pretty Evenlode Valley, Moreton-in-Marsh has been a thriving Cotswold market town since the 13th century and still hosts a bustling open-air street market every Tuesday. Straddling the Fosse Way, a Roman road built during the first and second centuries, Moreton-in-Marsh has long been a honeypot for travellers and was an important staging post before the opening of the railway in 1853. The charming high street is lined with elegant 17th and 18th-century buildings. Now housing art galleries, antique emporiums and welcoming tea rooms they provide a graceful backdrop to the daily hustle and bustle.
The White Hart Royal is a former manor house that gave shelter to King Charles I during the Civil War, while just outside of town is the Four Shire Stone, the former old meeting point of four counties, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. The stone is believed to be the inspiration behind the ‘Three-Farthing Stone’ in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, and the Bell Inn, his blueprint for Middle Earth’s ‘Prancing Pony’ pub.
Excellent transport links, including a direct rail link to London and Oxford, make Moreton-in-Marsh an easily accessible and charming part of the Cotswolds to explore.
We hope you enjoy your stay in this much-loved part of the Cotswolds. To help you plan your days we’ve put together a collection of our favourite experiences so you can make the most of your time with our Moreton-in-Marsh Guide.
Batsford Arboretum
This stunning Arboretum is a wonderful spot to let off steam. Follow the woodland trails through the beautiful estate surrounded by clouds of wildflowers, trees and plants. Batsford is always beautiful, but it really comes into its own during the spectacular autumn months.
Cotswold Farm Park
Guest Discount Available
Set high in the Cotswolds, overlooking the Windrush Valley, this is a fabulous day out for the whole family and much loved by locals and visitors alike. See rare breeds, spot new arrivals in the animal barn, follow the wildlife trails and spend time in the glorious countryside.
Bourton House Garden
Bourton House Garden has been a labour of love since 1983 when the then-owners of Bourton House set about transforming a neglected wilderness into the stunning garden you see today. Over the years the garden has evolved and visitors can now enjoy rare, unusual and exotic plants, inspired planting, and vivid combinations of texture and colour.
Broadway Tower
You can spot this iconic landmark from miles around. It’s the highest point in the Cotswolds, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Wales and the views are truly spectacular. E-bikes are available for hire or simply take your time exploring the 50-acre estate including a resident herd of red deer.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold sits on one of the highest points in the Cotswolds and is located on the Roman Fosse Way. The large market square is surrounded by Cotswold stone houses, independent shops and antique emporiums. The Porch House pub is reputed to be one of the oldest in England, with parts of the building dating back to the year 947.
Rollright Stones
This ancient site lies on the Oxfordshire and Warwickshire border and consists of three Neolithic and Bronze Age megalithic monuments. Traditionally a monarch and his courtiers turned to stone by a witch, the Rollright Stones consist of three groups. The Kings Men stone circle, the Whispering Knights burial chamber and the single Kings Stone.
Upton Wold Garden
Upton Wold is a real hidden garden in an outstanding Cotswold landscape. Filled with trees, shrubs and plants as well as woodland, herbaceous borders, and roses.
Moreton-in-Marsh Show
Enjoy Cotswold life at its best with a fun-filled day out for the whole family at the Moreton Show. The showground is packed with things to see, do and buy with everything from wellington boots to combine harvesters! See livestock displays and show jumping along with ‘best in’ flower and vegetable displays.
The Moreton Gallery
Established in 2010, the Moreton Gallery aims to introduce new and developing artists to the public. The work showcased is diverse, appealing, and affordable. The gallery is Arts Council-approved and is part of the Own Art scheme.
Chipping Campden Music Festival
Widely recognised as one of Britain’s leading music festivals, the appeal is far-reaching, attracting visitors and musicians from across the globe. Performances take place in the glorious setting of St. James’ Church, showcase a programme of superb breadth and diversity, and host a line-up featuring some of the world’s most exciting artists.
Fosse Gallery for Contemporary British Art
Founded in 1980, the Fosse Gallery in Stow regularly showcases some of the most contemporary British art and is often referred to as one of the most important art galleries in the UK. The owner is well-known throughout the art world for her keen eye and commitment to her artists.
Festival Opera, Longborough
The beautiful setting of the Longborough opera house, which has two bars, a choice of dining venues and picnic options, shows acclaimed performances during their annual season. Even if you are not an opera aficionado, this is an experience not to be missed.
Broadway Arts Festival
The Broadway Arts Festival is a biennial event that celebrates the unique, artistic heritage of the village, forged by the famous colony of American writers and artists who found inspiration here during the late 19th century. Encompassing different locations throughout the village, you’ll find workshops, outdoor theatre, exhibitions, talks, live music and garden tours.
The Big Feastival
This fabulous three-day festival near Kingham brings together Michelin-star chefs, award-winning food producers with street food, supper clubs and unique pop-ups, plus fabulous family activities and some of the biggest music artists in the UK. Set on Alex James’ farm in the heart of the Cotswolds, enjoy the best food and music against a memorable backdrop.
Restaurant Henne, Moreton-in-Marsh
Perfect for: dinner, special occasions
Henne is a small, intimate dining space for just 14 guests at any one time. The experience features multiple savoury courses, desserts and petit fours with a focus on high-quality local produce. Expect modern seasonal British cuisine. Booking is essential.
Otis & Belle, Moreton-in-Marsh
Perfect for: super coffee and delicious bakery items
An artisan sourdough bakery and patisserie, with goods baked fresh every day by Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef and owner Will Alexander. Everything is baked with love and care and the shop is named after his two children
White Hart, Moreton-in-Marsh
Perfect for: lunch and dinner
This 17th-century coaching inn offers seasonal menus using locally sourced ingredients. You can dine in the atmospheric bar, warmed by a roaring log fire during the winter months or the charming restaurant, ideal for family and friends. There’s also a breezy courtyard for warm summer evenings.
Moreton Wine Merchants, Moreton-in-Marsh
Perfect for: wine tasting and sharing platters
An independent wine merchant and wine bar where you can purchase from their impressive range of wines or enjoy a glass or two accompanied by one of the weekly-changing cheese and charcuterie boards.
Blockley Cafe, Blockley
Perfect for: brunch, lunch and dinner
This exceptional café is fully licensed, offering great coffee, breakfast, lunch, and some truly delectable cakes. From Wednesday to Saturday, the cafe is also open for evening meals – bookings for dinner are recommended.
Daylesford Organic, Daylesford
Perfect for: brunch, lunch and dinner
The Trough Café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is the main dining room with high ceilings and an open kitchen. The Old Spot is open for breakfast and lunch. Menus are filled with home-grown, organically sourced produce. The Legbar is a relaxed and convivial space for drinks, nibbles and small plates and is open into the evening.
The Fox Inn, Broadwell
Perfect for: lunch and dinner
The Fox Inn is a welcoming, dog-friendly country pub on the green in the village of Broadwell. The pub serves real ale, good pub food and has a large outdoor beer garden with outdoor dining as well.
Kingham Plough, Kingham
Perfect for: lunch, dinner
The Kingham Plough is a delightful Cotswold stone pub in the heart of the Evenlode Valley. The pub is renowned for championing local produce and suppliers and the daily changing menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Cotswold Barn, Longborough
Perfect for: breakfast, lunch, sweet treats
The Cotswold Barn is a delightful destination experience with a farm shop and café. The menu features an abundance of local produce including free-range eggs, salad and homemade quiche and sandwiches.
Michaels Mediterranean Restaurant, Chipping Campden
Perfect for: brunch, light lunches and dinner
A friendly Mediterranean restaurant with a pretty terrace for alfresco dining when the weather is kind. The menu is a mix of traditional and modern Mediterranean and includes sharing mezze platters. Booking is recommended for dinner.
Chastleton House, Chastleton
Thought to date back to 1607, Chastleton is a Jacobean country house and a time capsule of the last 400 years, now owned by the National Trust. The house remained within the same family for much of its existence and with little intrusion from the modern era. You truly feel like you are walking back through time.
Sezincote House & Garden, Sezincote
This traditional, family-run estate sits in 3,500 acres of beautiful Cotswold countryside but at its heart, you’ll find a 200-year-old Mogul-inspired Indian palace topped with a Verdigris-hued onion dome. Romantic gardens are filled with temples, waterfalls and grottos, evocative of a Moghul paradise garden.
Snowshill Manor & Gardens, Snowshill
Managed by the National Trust, Snowshill is the eclectic home of Charles Wade. He was an architect and artist with a passion for the unusual. His collections are quirky and avant-garde and as you wander through the atmospheric rooms, you’ll find thousands of objects from the tiniest of toys to genuine Samurai armour.
Hidcote Manor Garden, Hidcote
This Arts and Craft-inspired garden is part of the National Trust collection and is full of surprises. There is plenty for both young and old to explore with a maze of narrow pathways, secret gardens and wilderness areas. There are some tranquil spots too and you might spot woodpeckers and buzzards soaring high overhead.
Bourton-on-the-Water
This picture-postcard village offers a wealth of attractions including Birdland Park and Gardens, the Model Village, Dragonfly Maze, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Wander alongside the riverside walk, as the River Windrush flows through the centre of the village, before refuelling with a cream tea in one of the lovely independent cafes.
Wellington Aviation Museum, Moreton-in-Marsh
An independent museum that is an invaluable record of how WWII impacted this small, market town. The extensive collection is the result of one man’s passion and pride at having served in the Royal Air Force and is a treasure trove of RAF memorabilia and aviation art.
Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton
Divided into six zones, including Huff and Puff, Enchanted Walk and Fairy Dell, Fairytale Farm has something to keep the whole family entertained. With animals including pigs, goats, ponies, lambs, chickens, rabbits and alpacas, as well as an adventure playground, Fairytale Farm has enough to do to keep children occupied for hours. What’s more, because they’re having so much fun, it won’t feel like learning at all!
The Lido, Chipping Norton
Described as an oasis of calm in a busy world, Chippy Lido offers open-air swimming in two heated pools – a 25-metre pool and a paddling pool for young children. Whether you are dedicated to getting to a certain number of lengths or you simply want to splash around with your family, Chippy Lido is a lovely pool to visit.
All Things Wild, Honeybourne
With a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities, there is plenty to keep your little ones entertained. Meet the farm animals, go bug hunting and ride the Dino Land Train, back to a land that time forgot where you can see Diplodocus, Triceratops, T-Rex, Stegosaurus and more in the Dino Field.
Birdland Park & Gardens, Bourton-on-the-Water
Birdland Park and Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water is inhabited by over 500 birds including flamingos, pelicans, penguins and even the elusive cassowary. The aviaries, which total more than 50, house parrots, falcons and ibis, whilst the Parliament of Owls, the newest attraction in the park, provides a home for eight different species of owl.
Cotswold Falconry Centre, Batsford
Next door to Batsford you’ll find the Cotswold Falconry Centre. Home to over 130 birds of 60 different species including vultures, falcons, eagles and owls, it’s also common to see the native birds in flight and there is always something different to see. There are daily flying displays and aviaries to explore.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Toddington
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) is a steam and diesel heritage railway. Since 1981, the volunteers have restored over 10 miles of line, together with platforms, buildings, steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock. In addition to a scheduled service, GWR hosts a number of galas and enthusiasts’ events throughout the year, including the ever-popular Santa Specials.
Bamford Wellness Spa, Kingham
Set on the Daylesford organic farm, Bamford Spa offers a holistic approach to relaxation and healing. A range of treatments use both modern and ancient techniques to fully relax the body and let the mind quiet. Classes are available and you can purchase access to The Spring wet spa.
C-Side Spa, Cowley
The magnificent surroundings of Cowley Manor make the C-Side Spa a luxurious escape. After enjoying a treatment of your choice and a swim in the indoor or outdoor pool, wander the grounds where you will find natural springs and lakes.
Dormy House Spa, Broadway
An award-winning spa just outside the heart of Broadway, a picturesque Cotswold location. You will find a menu of treatments, a relaxed spa café and fitness suites alongside the candlelit infinity pool.
Hatherley Manor Spa, Cheltenham
Take some time for yourself at Hatherley Manor Spa. A thermal suite lets you choose your favourite way to rejuvenate or meditate in their tranquil relaxation room. Visit for a treatment and spend some time in the pool for a break away from life’s stresses.
Cotswold House Spa, Chipping Campden
Open for spa days or treatments, Cotswold House Spa also has a hair salon and nail bar on site. Found in the centre of Chipping Campden, combine your spa day with a stroll around the town.
Ellenborough Park Spa, Cheltenham
The luxurious Ellenborough Park will not disappoint. Surrounded by countryside on the outskirts of Cheltenham you can enjoy the grounds after your favourite treatment or treat yourself to afternoon tea.
The Elan Spa at The Greenway, Cheltenham
This oasis of calm is an ideal retreat to relax and unwind while on holiday in the Cotswolds. With a choice of day packages and mini spa days, you will find something that will fit your needs perfectly.
The Lygon Arms Spa, Broadway
On the main street in Broadway, The Lygon Arms is a wonderful place to while away a few hours with a treatment before spending time relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet on a lounger. The Lygon is also home to the James Martin Grill for a delicious meal.
The Garden Spa at Minster Mill, Minster Lovell
Choose how you want to spend your time by booking either a spa day, a treatment or add-on use of the pool facilities. This space only allows eight users at a time making it a truly relaxing experience.
Please Note: Information correct at time of publishing. Please check the destination/attraction direct website before visiting to confirm opening hours and visitor details.