Cotswolds Touring Driver Guide

We just spent the day with Michael and his friend David (as we needed 2 cars for our group of 8.) He came highly recommended from a friend. He is exactly what you would expect of a Cotswolds local chap who is retired and sharing his love of the English countryside with visitors. They picked us up in Moreton on the Marsh--an hour train ride from Paddington station. We had a beautiful Fall day in between days of rain so felt extremely lucky because the views are absolutely stunning. Michael and David showed us a number of villages and we got out to hear about the history of Chipping Camden as we walked about a beautiful old church and village. We drove on and stopped in Broadway (more touristy but nice shops to pop into and houses to see) and had lunch at their local pub, the Mount Inn in Stanton, which we all enjoyed. Michael made us a reservation at a long table with a view which was beautiful and cozy. They served up everything from oysters, to cheese plates, paninis, venison burgers and caesar salads. Our day ended just as the sun was going down (at 16:30) and we made it onto a 16:40 train back to London. I can't recommend Michael enough--he is expensive (we gave a nice gratuity), but not if you are sharing between families and in my opinion his demeanor and knowledge were well worth it--an overall wonderful introduction to the Cotswolds and an experience we will never forget.

A side bar--we loved the off peak experience, but can only imagine how picturesque the landscape of lavender farms, sheep grazing and rolling hills would be in high season...might need to book Michael for a late Spring day tour.