16 Best Things to do in Moreton-in-Marsh in The Cotswolds [The Ultimate Guide]

Travellers have been visiting Moreton-on Marsh for over 1700 years. Here are the best things to do in Moreton-on Marsh, plus tips on where to stay.

This once important coaching station and principal market town is an excellent entry point when exploring The Cotswolds thanks to its direct trains from London, Oxford and Worcester. Its High Street is lined with several historically important buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, including The White Hart Royal Hotel, where King Charles I took shelter during the Civil War.

The High Street itself forms part of the Roman Fosse Way, an ancient Roman road that linked Exeter in the southwest and Lincoln to the northeast. The name “Fosse” comes from the Latin word fossa meaning “ditch” – most likely a reference to the defensive ditch running along the western border of Roman-controlled England.

Today, Moreton-in-Marsh is far from marshy but the Saxon name ‘Mortun’ meant ‘farmstead on the moor’. For many centuries the Vale of Moreton was in fact marshland and as a result became known as the ‘Hennemerse’ or ‘the haunt of wild fowl’ owing to its once large waterfowl population. This description wasn’t unique to Moreton, but in any case it survived and gradually evolved from ‘in Hennemersh’ to ‘in Marsh’.

From where to stay to where to eat, here are the best things to do in Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds.

1. Explore the High Street

Get acquainted with Moreton-in-Marsh by taking a stroll along its broad High Street. It’s here you’ll see a lovely mix of buildings dating from its origins in the thirteenth century through to the 17th century with Jacobean and Georgian facades.

Keep reading to discover the most important and interesting things to see and do.

2. The Bell Inn

Fans of Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ won’t want to pass up having a pint at The Bell Inn. This traditional coaching inn is considered to be the inspiration for the ‘Prancing Pony’, Middle Earth’s most famous pub in J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’. In fact, the Inn was presented with a special print by a branch of the J R R Tolkien Society.

Tolkien describes the pub as having three storeys and an entrance via a courtyard, and describes the fictional town of Bree as having similar characteristics as Moreton-in-Marsh.

Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 11am – 11pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am – 11:30pm, Sunday: 11-am – 10:30pm
Address: High St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AF
For more details, check the official Bell Inn website here.

3. See The Four Shire Stone

The connections with Tolkien continue! At Stow-on-the-Wold you can see ‘Doors of Durin’ at St. Edward’s Church’s and just outside of Moreton-in-Marsh centre is The Four Shire Stone. This is believed to be the inspiration for Tolkien’s Three-Farthing Stone, a central point in the ‘Shire’ where three Farthings met.

Built in the 6th century pillar, standing 9 foot high and made from Cotswold stone, The Four Shire Stone is a boundary marker that marks the place where the four historic English counties of Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire once met. But in 1931, (during Tolkien’s lifetime), there was a change to the boundaries of Worcestershire, and only three counties now meet at the stone.

Address: A44, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0PF

4. See the Curfew Tower

The 16-century Curfew Tower is one of the oldest structures in Moreton-in-Marsh. Each night, the bell was sounded up until 1860 to remind people of the risk of fire at night. It was also used as a lock up for local drunks and minor criminals for much of its history.

Apparently, the tower helped guide Sir Robert Fry home who was lost in the fog. In gratitude, he donated money to support the tower’s maintenance.

Address: 4c Oxford St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0LE

5. Visit St. David’s Church

The Parish church of St. David was originally a chapel of ease, that is, in a convenient location for parishioners living a long distance from the parish church. St. David’s Church was rebuilt and reconsecrated in the middle of the 16th century and in 1858 was rebuilt again in medieval style.

The church is located in the original settlement area to the east of the Fosse Way, known as ‘Old Town’.

Address: Church St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0LT
For more details, visit the official St. David’s Church website here

6. Have lunch at White Hart Royal Hotel

Originally called The White Hart, this was an important coaching inn with up to 70 horses. The White Hart became famous after Charles I stayed here overnight on two occasions while on military manoeuvres during the English Civil War in 1644 and 1645.

With the arrival of the railway in 1853, the inn was purchased by entrepreneur Robert King who seized the opportunity to promote the connection with Charles I. King acquired the royal coat of arms now displayed above the main entrance and renamed the hotel The White Hart Royal. You can also see a copy of the King’s unpaid bill on a plaque within the entrance lobby.

Address: High St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0BA
For more details, visit the official White Hart Royal Hotel here

7. Go shopping at Cotswold Grey

If, after visiting The Cotswolds you’re tempted to move here and live your days in a charming limestone cottage, then you’ll want to decorate it with gorgeous homewares from Cotswold Grey. Everything here is absolutely gorgeous! Cotswold Grey is a contemporary boutique furniture, homewares and gift shop that works with the world’s finest suppliers to provide your home with the best and finest quality pieces. If your budget is too small for a cottage, then why not pick up a small item to decorate your home.

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm; Sunday: 10am – 4pm. Tuesday: Closed for viewing appointments
Address: The Old Ironmongers, High St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AE
Visit the Cotswold Grey online store here

8. Explore the Wellington Aviation Museum

Located in an old Victorian school building, the Wellington Aviation Museum is a small museum packed full of RAF memorabilia. The extensive private collection traces the history of the Moreton-in-Marsh airfield and has become an invaluable record of how the second World War impacted this small market town. The museum is dedicated to all those who served or who passed through RAF Moreton-in-Marsh station.

Opening times: Open every Sunday 10am to 2pm (Mar – Nov)
Address: Bourton Rd, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0BG
For more details, visit the official Wellington Aviation Museum website here

9. Visit the Moreton-in-Marsh Market

Ever since Every Tuesday throughout the year was granted its market charter in 1227, there has been a market running here. Moreton-in-Marsh is home to the largest street market in the Cotswolds with some 200 stalls selling everything from leather goods, purses, books, fish, produce, pet products, clothing, cookware, and more. The market runs every Tuesday throughout the year.

Opening times: Every Tuesday, 9am – 3pm
Address: High St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AE

10. See The Redesdale Hall

Located in the heart of town on the high street is Moreton-in-Marsh’s most prominent building, the Redesdale Hall dating from 1887. This Grade II listed building was built in a medieval style and named after Lord Redesdale, father of the infamous Mitford sisters, one of which was a close companion of Adolf Hilter.

Address: High St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0BA
For more details, visit the official Redesdale Hall website here

11. Spend the afternoon at The Batsford Arboretum

Covering 56 acres of beautiful parkland, The Batsford Arboretum is home to trees and shrubs from around the world including unique tree varieties in England. Set in the former home of the famous Mitford family, the arboretum is home to England’s largest “handkerchief tree” (Davidia involucrata). The gardens are particularly striking in Autumn when the leaves turn electric, red, orange and yellow. End your visit in the Garden Terrace Cafe and indulge in one of their cakes with afternoon tea.

Opening times: Open daily 10am – 4pm – Must book
Admission: Adult – £8.95; Concessions – £7.95; Children (4-16) £3.50; Under 4 years – Free
Address: Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AD
For more details, visit the official Batsford Aboretum website here

12. Explore Sezincote Estate and Garden

For a taste of India in The Cotswolds, visit the Sezincote Estate for its Hindu and Muslim inspired architecture complete with onion dome. Explore its perfectly landscaped gardens with a curving conservatory, home to many tender climbing plants, and little Indian style pavilion and water garden.

Opening times: Gardens open Wednesday – Friday
Address: Sezincote, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AW
For more details, visit the official Sezincote Estate and Garden website here

13. Visit Chastleton House

Located 10 minutes from Moreton-in-Marsh is Chastleton House, a delightful Grade I listed building that’s remained unchanged for the last 400 years. Explore this gorgeous Jacobean house with the help of room guides throughout the proper who can show you around.

The only downside is that Chastleton House closes for the winter, but it reopens again in the Spring with its beautiful gardens in bloom.

Admission: Adult – £10.50; Child – £6.00
Address: Chastleton, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0SU
For more details, visit the official Chastleton House website here

14. Treat yourself at Daylesford Organic Farm

Daylesford Organic Farm is perhaps the most famous organic farm shop in Britain. This is authentic farm to fork eating with everything grown, produced and made onsite. From meat and poultry, fruit and veg, cheese, milk and yogurt to homemade bread, you can enjoy it all in their wonderful restaurant located on their 2350-acre Cotswolds Farm.

If you want more, you can even join one of their Daylesford cookery courses where you’ll learn nose-to-tail butchery, or how to forage for your dinner. After all that, you can relax in their Bamford Wellness Spa and indulge yourself with one of their treatments. Booking is essential.

Opening times:
- Farmshop: Monday – Saturday: 8am – 8pm, Sunday: 10am – 4pm
- Café: Monday – Saturday: 8am – 10pm, Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Address: Daylesford, Kingham, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0YG
For more details, visit the official Daylesford Organic Farm website here

15. Learn about birds of prey at the Cotswold Falconry Centre

A great place to take the kids, the Cotswold Falconry Centre in Morton-in-Marsh is home of some of the most amazing birds of prey. Breeding and conservation are important at the Cotswold Falconry Centre and some of the birds you can see include owls, eagles, hawks and falcons. There are also various courses and experiences available

The Cotswold Falconry was opened in 1988 by Geoff & Naomi Dalton, with the aim of giving people a greater knowledge of birds of prey and an understanding of the ancient art of falconry.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about owls, eagles, hawks and falcons. For an additional fee, you can even join one of their experiences including Flying Start, an hour long experience where you get the chance to fly some of our amazing birds of prey.

Opening times: Open daily from 10:30am
Admission: Adult – £12.00; Concession – £10.00; Child (4-15) – £6.00
Address: Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB
For more details, visit the official Cotswold Falconry Centre website here

16. Explore the stunning Bourton House Gardens

What could be more glorious than spending a summer’s afternoon at Bourton House Garden wandering around its award winning three acre gardens surrounding an 18th century Manor House.

Bourton House Garden is famous for its eclectic topiaries, luxuriant terraces and colourful gardens. You will also find a unique Shade House, a serene White Garden and many creatively planted pots. Before you leave, recharge and refuel with afternoon tea in their Tithe Barn or in the Orchard.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday – 10am – 5pm
Admission: £8 per person payable on arrival (no booking required), Under 16 – Free
Address: Bourton-on-the-Hill, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AE
For more details, visit the official Bourton House Garden website here

Want to see more of the Cotswolds? Join one of these top-rated tours.

Don’t miss my Cotswolds travel guide for more tips

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Moreton-in-Marsh

Moreton-in-Marsh is a great place to base yourself when visiting the Cotswolds. There are loads of charming villages close by that all be reached in as little as 15-20 minutes. These include Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter Below are my top recommendations for accommodation in Moreton-in-Marsh.

Luxury – The Manor House Hotel

Treat yourself with a luxurious stay at the 4-star Manor House Hotel and dine in its award-winning restaurant. Each room in this 16th century building has its own distinctive charms with views of the historic high street or the Manor’s gardens. It has private walled gardens, including a water feature and a 300-year-old mulberry tree. All rooms are luxuriously decorated and have a TV, and an en suite bathroom with Molton Brown toiletries. Each morning enjoy a cooked breakfast, vegetarian options, as well as a full English. Check availability and prices at The Manor Place Hotel here

Mid-range – The White Hart Royal

You’ll sleep like a king at The White Hart Royal hotel where Charles I stayed on two occasions. Unwind in their four-poster beds, private garden, spacious wet room and a roll-top bath feature in some of the individually designed bedrooms. There is free internet access and parking onsite and each room includes tea and coffee making facilities and a laptop-friendly workspace, all within a 5-minute walk from Moreton-on-Marsh train station. Check availability and prices at The White Hart Royal here

Budget-friendly – Redesdale Arms Hotel

The Redesdale Arms Hotel is an award winning hotel in a 17th-century coaching house. All rooms feature stylish decor, free internet access, tea and coffee making facilities, a laptop-friendly desk and includes a superb breakfast. During the winter you can enjoy log fires or a patio garden in the summer. Check availability and prices at Redesdale Arms Hotel here

For more places to stay in Moreton-in-Marsh, check the latest prices here.

Airbnb

For an alternative accommodation option, I would recommend renting out an apartment or room through Airbnb. Cute Airbnb options are popping up all over the area so you’ll find some really beautiful places at very affordable prices. Airbnb has numerous convenient options to choose from. If it’s your first time get US$65 OFF here or get £50 OFF your first stay here, when you sign up using my unique reader referral link. If not, compare prices and book your stay here. For more inspiration, visit my guide to the most unique cottages on Airbnb.

Here’s a handy map to see all available stays.

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The Cotswolds