Unique things to do in Cotswolds

Awarded "Experience of The Year" at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 22/23!! Ready for some SUP therapy? Learn to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and enjoy a SUP safari on the beautiful River Avon with Wittering SUP; an award winning ASI accredited SUP school. Perfect for absolute beginners, you'll learn how to stand up paddleboard followed by a peaceful tour of the beautiful river Avon to enjoy the tranquillity and local wildlife (kingfishers, deer, herons, wagtails, skylarks, swallows, Canada Geese, buzzards, Red Kites, otters, mink, water voles, oystercatchers and even rare curlews!). Every ticket sold makes a contribution to the Kemerton Conservation Trust who help take care of our beautiful wildlife here. With ASI qualified SUP Technical Coaches (and all gear provided), you will learn everything you need to start your paddleboarding adventure; how to kneel and ultimately stand on a board, correct paddle-stroke and turning techniques as well as safety and equipment knowledge before we head off on our adventure! Ideal for couples, families or friend groups from age 12+ so long as you can swim at least 50m. This a very accessible water sport and you don't need any experience to join in. All paddlers get a 10% discount from our friends at Revil's Farm Shop and Cafe; hot drinks and delicious lunches onsite - Yum!

Join our creative, fun and friendly Introduction to the Potter's Wheel Class. We're currently limiting the group to x14 ppl per session. This allows for bags of individual attention and guidance from either Sarah or myself. Please allow 1.5hrs for your visit. On arrival you'll be offered a warm welcome and shown to your potter's wheel. Following a step by step demonstration, you'll be sharing one wheel between two - each potter has two turns to attempt to make a pot. (We encourage participants to swap between goes as it's a great spectator sport and we think you learn loads by watching your potting partner make their pot.) At the end of the session you may...or may not ;) have two pots to show for you efforts. You’ll be offered one of three choices: 1) The ‘green’ option. We’ll recycle all your attempts so your clay can be enjoyed again and again by our lovely customers. 2) Select your favourite pot to take away, air-dry and paint at home. 3) For an additional £20 per pot we’ll fire and glaze your creation. Your masterpiece will need to dry thoroughly before it goes in the kiln. It will be fired twice. This whole process takes about a month, after which we’ll contact you to let you know it’s ready for collection from the Pottery. P+P can be arranged at £5 per item.

Step inside a 16th century Cotswold thatched cottage to learn to bake English scones. See how the owners of the cottage have lovingly restored the old farm labourer’s home and hear stories of the cottage’s ancestry. Whist enjoying making the scones using vintage cooking utensils in the cottage kitchen, there is also chance to sample some local English gin, while waiting for the scones to bake in the oven. While the scones are cooling, enjoy a short guided walking tour around the Cotswold ironstone village of Hanwell, visiting a 13th century church and a castle where King James l stayed not once but twice, followed by your cream tea with homemade jam and clotted cream back at the cottage. Come hungry for history, heritage and of course scones with lashing of homemade jam and clotted cream! Yum! If you don't have a car to travel to us, please don't worry, as we have a train station nearby. Please contact us for details.

A 2 hour introductory class for those who are absolute beginners - you will learn the very basics of throwing on the potters wheel. This will include weighing and preparing balls of clay before you start, then the basics of the wheel - from centering your clay, pulling, shaping and working with your tools, beginning to learn the techniques of throwing bowls and cylinders. This is a fun and quick way to introduce yourself to throwing on the wheel and is suitable for complete beginners. This is a fantastic way to enjoy and learn the age old art of the potters wheel At the end of the session you will be able to choose 1 of your pieces which will be bisque fired for you then glazed in a colour of your choice and fired again. Your pieces will be ready for pickup usually within 2 months of your class, but sometimes longer. Pick up will be arranged via an email or can be posted at a small charge There will be a maximum of 10 people attending this class. Each person has their own dedicated potters wheel

A fun and enjoyable 3.5 hour ride taking in the city's famous buildings, historic sites and pleasure gardens before joining the Kennet and Avon Canal cycle towpath for a ride through history along the Avon Valley. The valley is abundant with wildlife and historical sites including the 'Dundas Aqueduct'. Returning to Bath, you will cycle through a Victorian railway tunnel (Two Tunnels Path), the longest cycling tunnel in Britain. The interactive light and sound installation in the tunnels provide a real ‘wow’ factor before you emerge overlooking the city, followed by a pleasant roll downhill to the cycle path along the River Avon back into the city. You'll also get the chance to see some of the amazing wildlife in the City including Kingfishers, Peregrine Falcons and Grey Herons. Our guides are experts in local military history and wildlife providing a unique perspective on Bath as a World Heritage City . Our groups are a maximum of 6-8 riders ensuring a more personal experience. Guests will need to be able to cycle a bicycle safely. Tours are suitable for all abilities although a basic level of fitness is required. The minimum age for a rider is 12 years old. The routes are mostly traffic free, mainly flat with some small climbs.

**Group bookings of 3 or more people achieve a 10% discount** Come and experience this magnificent full-day, driving and walking tour of the famous Cotswolds with an expert local guide, in-vehicle refreshments and plenty of incredible photo opportunities along the way. The Cotswolds is an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB) known for its stunning countryside, historic castles, grand manor houses, lively market towns and quaint villages with honey-coloured stone cottages. By booking this tour, you will escape the hassles and time-constraints of accompanying a larger group, gain local insights and be able to fully immerse yourself in the experience. During this tour, you will: • Be driven in a luxury vehicle with refreshments. • Visit quintessential English countryside locations. • Learn about the history of the places we visit . • Hear fun stories from my time growing up in the Cotswolds. • Have access to an in-vehicle Wi-Fi connection. • Enjoy some free time to explore, or relax. • Stop for photographs in various places along the way. • Eat and drink in a Cotswold pub or restaurant (Optional- not included in tour price). Tours run from 10am - 4:30pm approx. Public tour guests - I will collect you from (and return you to) Kemble train station. Private tour guests - you can be collected from (and returned to) your accommodation anywhere in The Cotswolds.

You will meet our lovely alpacas (Frodo, Gandulf, Chewy, Twiglet, Eeyore, Pippin, Whisky, Merry, Legolas and Gimli). We will explain the characteristics of these lovely animals and teach you how to handle them. You will feed and walk the alpacas around our 16th century Manor Estate. The walk is more of a gentle stroll, as we appreciate both the beautiful gardens and many historic features of the Estate; our medieval stocks, a Tudor barn and 5 acres of amazing gardens, a lake and a large orchard. At the end of the experience you will have the opportunity to spend some free time interacting with the alpacas up close, off the lead. We end with a refreshing glass of home-made apple juice.

We will pick you up in our Chrysler Grand Voyagers, which carry masks and sanatiser. Pick up points are Moreton-in-Marsh train station, (perfect if you come up from London for the day on the direct train and you could always call in at Oxford on your return), The Lygons Arms in Broadway, The Plaisterers Arms in Winchcombe or The Queens Hotel in Cheltenham - with our guide and driver and take you on guided tour of the Cotswold villages and towns. The tour will last approx 4.5 hours. During the tour informative talks and information on each village/town we visit. Other things to note We can pick up from your chosen accommodation in the Costwolds

You will be welcomed by a GB Archery qualified instructor whilst taking in the beautiful views of Kelston Roundhill then taken through our little woodland walk to the Archery range, here you will be shown all you need to know about your bow and arrow and the rules on the range through a safety briefing and demonstration. Now it’s your time to show off your new skills! The instructor will be there throughout your hour-long session to get you shooting like a pro ready for Archery games at the end! You may share the range with another group however we only take two groups at any one time so that you get the most out of your session. In our experience we have found this works well and you are able to go head to head with another team! If there is not a time/date that suits you on Airbnb feel free to get in touch to organise one that suits you.

*** Enjoy a 10% discount for groups of 3 or 4 guests. *** Get 20% off early-bird bookings when you book two or more weeks in advance. Experience the picturesque Cotswolds, an area of idyllic English countryside known for its green landscapes, charming villages, and honey-coloured stone cottages, on a guided driving tour without worrying about missing the must-see places. Skip the hassles of a DIY or large-group trip and relax on a luxury tour of must-visit towns and villages. See the historical homes of Stow-on-the-Wold and marvel at the honey-stoned Broadway and other precious villages like Chipping Campden, Bibury and Snowshill. Highlights: - Spend at least 6 hours exploring the best of the Cotswolds! - Discover iconic villages, historic towns, and stunning countryside! - Enjoy free time to explore each location at your own pace! - Travel in a luxury car along the country roads! - Learn about local history and photography from your guide! NOTES: - I can pick you up from your chosen accommodation in the Cotswolds. Please ask me! - London pick-up and return are possible for an additional fee. - If you would like to participate on a date that is not available, please send a request. I will do my best to accommodate.

**Group bookings of 3 or more people achieve a 10% discount** Come and experience this magnificent full-day, driving and walking tour of the famous Cotswolds with an expert local guide, in-vehicle refreshments and plenty of incredible photo opportunities along the way. The Cotswolds is an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB) known for its stunning countryside, historic castles, grand manor houses, lively market towns and quaint villages with honey-coloured stone cottages. By booking this tour, you will escape the hassles and time-constraints of accompanying a larger group, gain local insights and be able to fully immerse yourself in the experience. During this tour, you will: • Be driven in a luxury vehicle with refreshments. • Visit quintessential English countryside locations. • Learn about the history of the places we visit . • Hear fun stories from my time growing up in the Cotswolds. • Have access to an in-vehicle Wi-Fi connection. • Enjoy some free time to explore, or relax. • Stop for photographs in various places along the way. • Eat and drink in a Cotswold pub or restaurant (Optional- not included in tour price). Tours run from 10am - 4:30pm approx. Public tour guests - I will collect you from (and return you to) Kemble train station. Private tour guests - you can be collected from (and returned to) your accommodation anywhere in The Cotswolds.

In this fun introductory class you will get familiar with the potters wheel and learn what it is like to have a go at throwing. On arrival at our Studio, you’ll be warmly welcomed as you join the rest of your group. The workshop begins with a full demonstration of the pot throwing process, given by one of our expert potters. You will then be individually assigned a potter’s wheel for the duration of the workshop and its your turn to get hands-on and have fun practising your pottery skills! An experienced tutor will be on hand throughout offering practical tips and guidance. You will learn the 5 basic steps in making a pot, from centering, opening out and pulling up the walls of your pots, using specialist tools. You may create as many pots as you wish on the session, using an unlimited supply of clay. As a beginner, your pots tend to be super wobbly and often collapse but it’s all part of the fun and the normal learning curve of a potter! This is a make and take class, so at the end of the workshop you can chose your best piece to take away on the day free of charge (additional pots charged at £3). Pots can be left to airdry at home and painted if you wish.

You will meet our lovely alpacas (Frodo, Gandulf, Chewy, Twiglet, Eeyore, Pippin, Whisky, Merry, Legolas and Gimli). We will explain the characteristics of these lovely animals and teach you how to handle them. You will feed and walk the alpacas around our 16th century Manor Estate. The walk is more of a gentle stroll, as we appreciate both the beautiful gardens and many historic features of the Estate; our medieval stocks, a Tudor barn and 5 acres of amazing gardens, a lake and a large orchard. At the end of the experience you will have the opportunity to spend some free time interacting with the alpacas up close, off the lead. We end with a refreshing glass of home-made apple juice.

Awarded "Experience of The Year" at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 22/23!! Ready for some SUP therapy? Learn to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and enjoy a SUP safari on the beautiful River Avon with Wittering SUP; an award winning ASI accredited SUP school. Perfect for absolute beginners, you'll learn how to stand up paddleboard followed by a peaceful tour of the beautiful river Avon to enjoy the tranquillity and local wildlife (kingfishers, deer, herons, wagtails, skylarks, swallows, Canada Geese, buzzards, Red Kites, otters, mink, water voles, oystercatchers and even rare curlews!). Every ticket sold makes a contribution to the Kemerton Conservation Trust who help take care of our beautiful wildlife here. With ASI qualified SUP Technical Coaches (and all gear provided), you will learn everything you need to start your paddleboarding adventure; how to kneel and ultimately stand on a board, correct paddle-stroke and turning techniques as well as safety and equipment knowledge before we head off on our adventure! Ideal for couples, families or friend groups from age 12+ so long as you can swim at least 50m. This a very accessible water sport and you don't need any experience to join in. All paddlers get a 10% discount from our friends at Revil's Farm Shop and Cafe; hot drinks and delicious lunches onsite - Yum!

Marcus is hugely conscious of fuelling his adventures with healthy country-style food. You will enjoy a delicious multi-course meal at your own place! To have a closer look at my menus check out the Whar's Included section below. Marcus's attention to detail in sourcing the most wonderful and delectable ingredients translates into the much-loved dishes he creates, ensuring that his customers are treated to an unrivaled culinary experience. Marcus's clients are greeted by oversized presentation cubes that are used to display his freshly made bread and cheeses selected by the master fromager. I will arrive 90 minutes before your preferred dining time in order to begin working my magic. I won't arrive empty-handed! No-no, I will show up at your doorstep equipped with every ingredient needed in order to prepare your meal. Feel free to put your apron on and cook some of the dishes with me! I am eager to share with you the secrets behind my recipes and Oxford and Cotswolds' local hidden treasures. Not in the mood? Well then lay down, relax, enjoy a few appetizers, and allow Marcus to take care of you with his personal table service. Eat, share, drink, laugh, and explore the dining scene from your own table. Oh and don’t worry about tidying up, everything will be left spotless for you to continue to enjoy!

- Short introduction into the foraging code and what to look out for - Exploring the local area by foot where I will show you around 50 (!) different edible wild plants plus a few poisonous ones - Finding and identifying wild plants - Information and recipe ideas how these wild plants could be used - Every guest gets a booklet with valuable information on wild plants, selected health benefits and further study ideas - The walk also includes the sampling of foraged food/drinks and homemade natural skin salves/creams LET US GO ON A LITTLE FORAGING MISSION TOGETHER! Please note: You can also request availability if you cannot find a suitable time slot for your group…

Join our creative, fun and friendly Introduction to the Potter's Wheel Class. We're currently limiting the group to x14 ppl per session. This allows for bags of individual attention and guidance from either Sarah or myself. Please allow 1.5hrs for your visit. On arrival you'll be offered a warm welcome and shown to your potter's wheel. Following a step by step demonstration, you'll be sharing one wheel between two - each potter has two turns to attempt to make a pot. (We encourage participants to swap between goes as it's a great spectator sport and we think you learn loads by watching your potting partner make their pot.) At the end of the session you may...or may not ;) have two pots to show for you efforts. You’ll be offered one of three choices: 1) The ‘green’ option. We’ll recycle all your attempts so your clay can be enjoyed again and again by our lovely customers. 2) Select your favourite pot to take away, air-dry and paint at home. 3) For an additional £20 per pot we’ll fire and glaze your creation. Your masterpiece will need to dry thoroughly before it goes in the kiln. It will be fired twice. This whole process takes about a month, after which we’ll contact you to let you know it’s ready for collection from the Pottery. P+P can be arranged at £5 per item.

See Oxford's top attractions, while hearing about its history, stories and Oxford University traditions from a local point of view. This is not just a walking tour, but a fun experience where you join a small group to see Oxford’s most iconic attractions. I am sure you will love our City of Dreaming Spires as we follow a relaxing route around some of the UK’s most historic streets with its dazzling architecture & prestigious University. Along the route, we’ll see Oxford’s amazing historic buildings including colleges, museums, libraries, & monuments, plus we'll visit a vibrant indoor market where we can get an award-winning Gelato or delicious hot chocolate. I’ll tell you about some of Oxford University’s crazy traditions & you will hear stories about some of our famous authors, whilst we can’t forget the Harry Potter film locations. We go off the beaten track, through passageways, walk along medieval streets & peer through historic College doorways that make this experience so unique. By the end, you may be ready for a drink & a bite to eat at a magical hidden gem of a place. This tour is great for people of all ages, couples, singles & families. Join as strangers, leave as friends...that's the Airbnb way! Or you can book a private tour for a more intimate experience. If there are no dates in my calendar, please ask.

Legendary fantasy authors JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis were frequent visitors to the Malvern Hills and the distinctive landscape inspired many features of Middle Earth and Narnia, including the Giant's Cave from the Hobbit and the Victorian gas lamps from The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. You'll choose between 2 routes, the Tolkien Trail & the Lewis Loop, both of which are outlined below. The Tolkien trail follows the main ridge south from the Wyche Cutting, over several summits to the Giants Cave which is said to have inspired Tolkien's first book, the Hobbit. The trail then returns north, with optional stops at the Malvern Hills Hotel and/or the Kettle Sings Cafe before ending where it began. The Lewis loop begins in Priory Park in Great Malvern and heads past Malvern College & Cherbourg House where Lewis went to school before pausing at the Lewis Memorial in Rosebank Gardens. Next it follows Narnia's gas lamps up Happy Valley past St. Ann's Well cafe to the summit of North Hill before dropping down to Alexandra Rd where Lewis's biographer George Sayers & composer Sir Edward Elgar lived. After passing Lewis & Tolkien's favourite pub The Unicorn Inn, the loop ends at Malvern Priory, home to what's believed to be the original gas lamp Whichever walk you choose, you'll hear tales of literary legends whilst savouring the most stunning views in the West Midlands.

Welcome to my exclusive experience, where I combine my passion for portrait photography with an intimate exploration of the captivating city of Bath. During our photography tour, we will embark on a personalised journey, blending the art of portraiture with the stunning backdrop of Bath's most iconic locations. With my extensive knowledge of Bath's hidden gems, we will venture off the beaten path, away from the typical tourist spots. We will uncover secluded corners & charming alleyways that will serve as captivating backdrops for your portraits. Whether you're looking for candid shots or a portrait in a picturesque park, I will tailor the experience to meet your expectations and capture your unique personality. Either an experienced model or someone who feels a bit camera-shy, I will create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. What sets this photography tour apart is the combination of professional photography expertise and a deep understanding of Bath's hidden treasures. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, capturing cherished memories, or simply wanting to experience Bath through the lens, my photography tour is an opportunity to create artful and timeless portraits. *For special occasions please send an enquiry. **We will be 1 on 1. If you are more than one person please message me with your enquiry as I also do couples, families etc.

We will pick you up in our Chrysler Grand Voyagers, which carry masks and sanatiser. Pick up points are Moreton-in-Marsh train station, (perfect if you come up from London for the day on the direct train and you could always call in at Oxford on your return), The Lygons Arms in Broadway, The Plaisterers Arms in Winchcombe or The Queens Hotel in Cheltenham - with our guide and driver and take you on guided tour of the Cotswold villages and towns. The tour will last approx 4.5 hours. During the tour informative talks and information on each village/town we visit. Other things to note We can pick up from your chosen accommodation in the Costwolds

We will start with a whirlwind overview of Oxford as the central player in 1,000 years of British history, and giving guests an understanding of how the sprawling institution operates before embarking on the tour. Navigating down the windy alleyways we will get an insiders take on the little known viewing angles that bring across the drama of the world famous architecture in this city. With striking spires and imposing buildings, we will cover how these influenced Tolkien, C S Lewis, along with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. We will enter one of the oldest Colleges at Oxford, renowned for its beautiful gardens, before heading into one of the most famous Library's in the world - responsible for over 13 million books. Capping this off we will cover a Harry Potter film site, along with why the most powerful religious figure England has ever seen, was burnt alive in the centre of Oxford, on what is now such a nondescript part of road you could easily miss it. Please note: Colleges and the Library can shut without notice and currently they are available as of August 2021. If this changes on the day we will of course incorporate them - if we are not able to offer any access, we will offer up the option of a full refund.

Larkswold is a Cotswold Crafting destination for those who wish to experience a workshop in a relaxing and restorative environment, run by friendly, well-informed locals. During our Candle Making Workshop you will learn how to make poured candles, adding essential oils, colours & your choice of decorations to ensure your candles are totally unique to you. Ideal for gifts or to keep! CandleMaking is ideal for individuals, couples, families with children over 10 years and a brilliant activity for larger groups! Long wooden tables in our garden studio allow plenty of space, and the coffee is always on to enjoy with our delicious homemade cakes, all included. Our aim is to send you away feeling rejuvenated, refreshed & happy with your creations, and with a wealth of local knowledge! Other things to note You do not need any experience to successfully make your own candles. We will lead you through the process.

Step inside a 16th century Cotswold thatched cottage to learn to bake English scones. See how the owners of the cottage have lovingly restored the old farm labourer’s home and hear stories of the cottage’s ancestry. Whist enjoying making the scones using vintage cooking utensils in the cottage kitchen, there is also chance to sample some local English gin, while waiting for the scones to bake in the oven. While the scones are cooling, enjoy a short guided walking tour around the Cotswold ironstone village of Hanwell, visiting a 13th century church and a castle where King James l stayed not once but twice, followed by your cream tea with homemade jam and clotted cream back at the cottage. Come hungry for history, heritage and of course scones with lashing of homemade jam and clotted cream! Yum! If you don't have a car to travel to us, please don't worry, as we have a train station nearby. Please contact us for details.

You will be welcomed by a GB Archery qualified instructor whilst taking in the beautiful views of Kelston Roundhill then taken through our little woodland walk to the Archery range, here you will be shown all you need to know about your bow and arrow and the rules on the range through a safety briefing and demonstration. Now it’s your time to show off your new skills! The instructor will be there throughout your hour-long session to get you shooting like a pro ready for Archery games at the end! You may share the range with another group however we only take two groups at any one time so that you get the most out of your session. In our experience we have found this works well and you are able to go head to head with another team! If there is not a time/date that suits you on Airbnb feel free to get in touch to organise one that suits you.