Our commissions for bespoke kitchen design in Moreton-in-Marsh allows us to visit this pretty market town sitting at the head of the Evenlode Valley, within the Cotswolds district and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Gloucestershire.It has been a thriving Cotswold market town since the 13th century and still hosts a bustling open-air street market every Tuesday.
Just over 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Moreton-in-Marsh, the “Four Shire Stone” marked the boundary of the historic counties of Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire, until the re-organisation of the county boundaries in 1931. Since then it marks the meeting place of Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Oxfordshire. The “Four Shire Stone” stone is believed to be the inspiration behind the ‘Three-Farthing Stone’ in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, and the Bell Inn, his blueprint for Middle Earth’s ‘Prancing Pony’ pub.
Excellent transport links, including a direct rail link to London and Oxford, make Moreton-in-Marsh an easily accessible and charming part of the Cotswolds to explore.
Moreton has many buildings in characteristic Cotswold stone and has long been a honeypot for travellers, originally as an important staging post before the opening of the railway in 1853. The town’s economy thrived thanks to wool and cloth-making in the medieval era and is why the charming high street is lined with elegant 17th and 18th century buildings, many of which now house art galleries, antique emporiums and welcoming tea rooms.
Each September the town hosts the UK’s largest one-day agricultural show. Held on part of the Batsford Estate, the show has been running since 1949.
The Cotswold Cheese Company was founded in 2006 by husband and wife, Jon and Lisa Goodchild. Establishing themselves in Moreton-in-Marsh, the shop quickly became the talk (and taste) of the town, with Cotswoldians and tourists alike travelling from far and wide to sample the cheesy delights of the Cotswold Cheese Company. Following the success of the first shop further stores were opened in Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford.
Daylesford Organic Farm is only a 15-minute drive from Moreton-in-Marsh and is where the Daylesford empire started. Alongside the highly regarded farm shop featuring seasonal fruit and vegetables, a butchery and fresh fish counter, artisan bread and award-winning cheese, you’ll also find home and garden treasures to buy as well as a café, restaurant, and bar.
Cotswold Grey is an independent and eclectic homeware store based in London and the Cotswolds. Stunning objects are bought directly from the artists and designers, and some are one-of-a-kind. Browse through furniture, soft furnishings, and home accessories as well as artwork, tableware, and pieces for the garden.