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.

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

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.

First we will make our homemade mixed berry jam & clotted cream, a seasonal pudding and then start baking! You will get a chance to bake a rich and delicious chocolate fudge cake, Victoria sponge and different variations of sweet & savoury scones (traditional ones and seasonal/unique ones). We will be using only organic ingredients but most importantly, we will have so much fun! There will be many treats made so you will take the extra ones with you as well as a mini jar of jam and AN ANTIQUE PIECE OF CROCKERY AS A SOUVENIR! Once back home, you will be able to practice what you have learnt. I will email you written recipes and lots of tips! Please message me for alternative dates and times. Other things to note Guests ages 2 and up can attend with their parents. Please message me for alternative dates and times. PLEASE ADVISE IN ADVANCE IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD ALLERGY OR RESTRICTION. www.thedoughhouse.co.uk

You will meet our lovely alpacas (Frodo, Gandulf, Chewy, Twiglet, Eeyore, Pippin, Whisky 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.

*** Save 25% when booking for 2 guests. *** Enjoy a 35% discount for groups of 3 or 4 guests. *** Get 20% off early-bird bookings when you book two or more weeks in advance. *** I can also host larger groups of up to 8 people. Please ask me if your group is more than 4 people. 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.

Bookings for 2-5 people achieve a 10% discount. Bookings for 6-8 people achieve a 20% discount. Come and experience this magnificent full-day, driving and walking tour of the famous Cotswolds with a friendly 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. • Have 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). I will collect you from (and return you to) Kemble train station. Tours run from 10am - 5pm approx. Private groups can be collected from your accommodation anywhere in The Cotswolds.

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

NOTICE START TIME IS NOT 6AM!! That was selected only because airbnb has an inflexible scheduling system- the actual start time can be negotiated but start time could be from 10am to 1pm. Enjoy a guided walk with me through gorgeous scenery and medieval ruins and quaint Cotswolds villages. Many famous Cotswolds villages get crowded but this route is more off the beaten path and so apart from the start & end locations, we can escape any crowds for an active day out. Please note there is about 8 miles walking with lunch and drink stops plus time to visit the ruins and churches, The route starts OUTSIDE the Old Swan Inn/pub in Minster Lovel village and it ends in Burford village (or can be done in reverse) which are within an hour drive from Oxford. If you require to be collected from your hotel in eg Oxford or the Cotswolds, that can be pre arranged but you would need to pay for the taxi directly. Likewise, I can assist you to arrange taxi pick up at the end of the day on same extra cost basis. Alternatively, buses return from Burford every hour to Oxford and take approximately 105 minutes. This activity does require some fitness & is probably not suitable for younger children.

You will meet our lovely alpacas (Frodo, Gandulf, Chewy, Twiglet, Eeyore, Pippin, Whisky 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.

*** Save 25% when booking for 2 guests. *** Enjoy a 35% discount for groups of 3 or 4 guests. *** Get 20% off early-bird bookings when you book two or more weeks in advance. *** I can also host larger groups of up to 8 people. Please ask me if your group is more than 4 people. 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.

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 small 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! At the end of the class you can chose your best pot(s) to take away on the day, which can be left to airdry at home and painted if you wish!

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.

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!

Bookings for 2-5 people achieve a 10% discount. Bookings for 6-8 people achieve a 20% discount. Come and experience this magnificent full-day, driving and walking tour of the famous Cotswolds with a friendly 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. • Have 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). I will collect you from (and return you to) Kemble train station. Tours run from 10am - 5pm approx. Private groups can be collected from your accommodation anywhere in The Cotswolds.

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. *This tour is individual/private. 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.

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.

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 new 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.

Meet and greet/sign disclaimer/introduce one another We walk to the Sheep Herding field, passing through some of the fields en route. If there are sheep on the way or points of interest we always stop to explain what is going on Sheep Herding activity starts with a warm up as a whole group. We then split off into 2/3 teams, and each team competes to get as many points as they can A final discussion and opportunity to ask any questions Other things to note: This activity involves a bit of walking, so make sure you are prepared (outdoor footwear, snacks to maintain energy levels etc etc). We run the activity in nearly all weather conditions, so bring waterproofs if it is looking a bit rainy It is suitable for pregnant women as it is slow paced

Learn the art of letterpress printing in a working printshop and create your own poster or cards. You will learn how to compose type, mix inks and operate the different presses. You will explore the range of wooden and metal type, and vintage blocks and learn how to use them. Choose your own type, set it on your galley, choose your ink colour, and print! You can print an A3 poster on the proofing press or make your own set of greeting or correspondence cards on the Arab or Adana presses. Suitable for children over 7 with adult accompaniment. If you are visiting the area for a special occasion, such as wedding planning, birthday or anniversary celebrations and would like to print something special such as Save the Dates or posters to mark the occasion please contact me directly so I can help organise what you would need.

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

Oxford is a beautiful historic city with an outstanding collection of world famous buildings! You will learn different techniques on how to get the most out of your camera. I will share great photography tips with you that will make your holiday images stand out so you can have beautiful memories of the places you visit. You can be beginner, intermediate or pro, everyone is welcome to join! Please bring your camera (or smartphone), a comfortable pair of shoes and your positive attitude! :)

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.

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