Ten Years of Exploring the Cotswolds: Discover Hidden Places with In & Beyond Bath
2026 marks ten years since In & Beyond Bath (formerly Around & About Bath) was founded. Over the past decade, we've been helping visitors experience a different side of the Cotswolds through private guided tours that go beyond the well-known sights.
While iconic villages often inspire people to visit the Cotswolds, it's the quieter moments that leave the biggest impression. A peaceful country lane, a fascinating local story, an unexpected historic church or a leisurely lunch in a traditional inn often become the memories guests treasure most. That's the experience we've spent the last ten years creating.
From our base in Bath, we introduce visitors to both the famous landmarks and the lesser-known corners of the Cotswolds, sharing the history, landscapes and local knowledge that bring this remarkable region to life.
Why the Cotswolds Reward a Guided Tour
The Cotswolds is one of England's most loved destinations, and places such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and Chipping Campden are deservedly popular. Their beautiful streets, historic buildings and welcoming atmosphere have attracted visitors for generations.
However, there is another side to the Cotswolds that many people never discover. Venture away from the busiest locations and you'll find peaceful villages connected by winding country lanes, medieval churches filled with history, impressive country estates, independent pubs serving exceptional food and landscapes that feel wonderfully unspoilt.
Exploring these quieter corners isn't always easy with a sat-nav and hire car. Britain's historic country lanes can be challenging for overseas visitors, and navigation often favours the quickest routes rather than the most scenic ones.
Travelling with a knowledgeable local guide allows you to slow down and experience the Cotswolds more deeply. Knowing which lane to turn down, where to stop for the best views, and the stories behind the places you visit transforms a sightseeing trip into something much more memorable.
Private Cotswolds Tours from Bath
For ten years, In & Beyond Bath has specialised in private Cotswolds tours designed around each guest's interests. Our visitors come from across the world, including the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and all share a desire to experience the Cotswolds beyond the typical tourist trail.
Rather than following a fixed script, every tour balances the region's iconic locations with hidden gems, allowing guests to enjoy the famous highlights while discovering places they would never have found independently.
Hidden Cotswolds & Dark Age England – Full-Day Tour
Our flagship tour perfectly captures our approach. Beginning in Castle Combe, we arrive early to experience one of England's most photographed villages before the busiest part of the day. Set within a peaceful valley, its honey-coloured cottages, medieval church and historic streets offer the quintessential Cotswolds experience.
From there we venture deeper into the southern Cotswolds, visiting one of England's oldest hilltop market towns with remarkable links to the country's early history. Guests enjoy refreshments in an historic building originally founded as accommodation for medieval scholars before exploring the atmospheric abbey ruins and enjoying a leisurely lunch in one of the area's outstanding historic inns.
The afternoon is intentionally flexible. Depending on guests' interests, we may visit Lacock, explore an elegant Elizabethan country house, browse the antique shops of Tetbury, or enjoy a scenic drive past Highgrove. Every tour is shaped around creating memorable experiences rather than simply following a timetable.
Quintessential Cotswolds – Half-Day Tour
Perfect for visitors with limited time, this carefully designed half-day experience offers an authentic introduction to the Cotswolds. Alongside Castle Combe, guests visit a magnificent country estate, discover an attractive historic town overlooked by many visitors, and, where time allows, stop for refreshments in a traditional coaching inn.
Cotswolds Day Tours from London
New for 2026, our London rail tours make exploring the Cotswolds easier than ever. Guests travel by train from London Paddington to Bath before joining one of our private guided experiences.
Choose between Cotswolds & Bath or Stonehenge & the Cotswolds, enjoying all the benefits of a private tour without the need to hire a car.
Transfer Tours Through the Cotswolds
One of our most popular experiences is our Transfer Tour service.
Rather than simply travelling between destinations, guests can turn the journey itself into part of their holiday. Whether travelling between Bath and the northern Cotswolds or onwards towards Stratford-upon-Avon, we create a leisurely day of discovery, visiting beautiful villages, historic sites and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Every transfer is tailored to individual interests, creating a unique experience while travelling comfortably between accommodation.
Autumn Colours in the Cotswolds
Autumn is one of the most rewarding times to visit the Cotswolds.
Our seasonal tour combines the historic market town of Tetbury with the spectacular colours of Westonbirt Arboretum, where hundreds of maple species create one of Britain's finest autumn displays. As golden light filters through vibrant red and amber leaves, it's an unforgettable way to experience the changing seasons in the Cotswolds.
Start Your Cotswolds Adventure
Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, exploring with a knowledgeable local guide opens up a side of the Cotswolds that many visitors never experience.
From peaceful villages and historic market towns to hidden churches, country estates and outstanding local food, every journey is designed to help you connect with the landscape, its history and the people who know it best.
If you're looking for a more personal way to experience the Cotswolds, browse our tours or get in touch with In & Beyond Bath to start planning your visit.