(83 Reviews)
98% Recommended

Rey Alton

Bellaire, TX
Travel Lifestyle Specialist

The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience.  But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than ...
Learn more about me.

Cotswolds Travel Agent Expert

The Cotswolds is a picturesque region in central England, known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and quintessentially English countryside. Famous for its honey-colored stone cottages, traditional market towns, and scenic walking trails, the Cotswolds offers a peaceful retreat with stunning natural beauty. With historic sites, cozy pubs, and beautiful gardens, it's a popular destination for those seeking a slower pace of life and an authentic taste of rural England. The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a designated protected area, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.   


 


Here are five top places to visit in the Cotswolds:



  • Bourton-on-the-Water – Often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds," this charming village is known for its picturesque bridges over the River Windrush and its lovely, traditional stone buildings.

  • Stow-on-the-Wold – A historic market town famous for its antique shops, cozy pubs, and beautiful square, Stow-on-the-Wold is also a great spot to explore Cotswold stone architecture.

  • Bibury – A quintessential Cotswold village, renowned for its scenic Arlington Row, a row of historic weavers' cottages, and its peaceful setting by the River Coln.

  • Chipping Campden – Known for its elegant high street lined with beautiful buildings, this town is rich in history and offers a variety of shops, galleries, and gardens to explore.

  • Broadway Tower – A stunning folly situated on a hill with panoramic views of the Cotswold countryside. It’s also home to an exhibition on the tower’s history and the area’s heritage.


 


Here are ten great activities to enjoy in the Cotswolds:



  • Paddle along the River Windrush – Take a canoe or kayak along the river in Bourton-on-the-Water, enjoying the peaceful scenery and charming bridges.

  • Explore the Cotswold Way – Hike this scenic 102-mile trail through beautiful countryside, picturesque villages, and historic sites.

  • Visit Sudeley Castle – Discover the rich history and stunning gardens of this medieval castle, once home to Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife.

  • Shop in Chipping Campden – Stroll through this charming market town and explore its independent shops, art galleries, and antique stores.

  • Tour Blenheim Palace – Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and admire its grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and extensive parkland.

  • Explore Hidcote Manor Garden – Wander through one of England’s most famous Arts and Crafts gardens, known for its beautifully designed outdoor spaces and vibrant plant life.

  • Visit the Cotswold Farm Park – Get up close to a variety of farm animals and learn about conservation efforts at this family-friendly park.

  • Take a scenic drive through the Cotswolds – Enjoy a leisurely drive through the rolling hills and picture-perfect villages, discovering hidden gems along the way.

  • Discover the Rollright Stones – Visit this ancient stone circle near Chipping Norton, a mysterious and atmospheric site dating back to the Neolithic era.

  • Tour the Broadway Tower – Climb to the top of this iconic tower for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Cotswold countryside.

My Reviews

73 of 117 people found this review helpful
Another fabulous trip!
Rey has booked several domestic and international trips for me over the years. Each time the experience was fantastic. Rey is not only a knowledgeable and experienced travel agent, he is patient with groups and always provides stellar customer service. The resorts are always fabulous and his recommendations on what to do when we arrive at our destinations make my vacations more enjoyable. I’ve counted on Rey to book fabulous vacations for over 10 years and he always delivers the best. I’ve always enjoyed the individual attention and care Rey provides his clients. He understands the apprehension that comes along with trying new places and is thorough and accommodating as a result. He’s also great at making suggestions on future vacations and I’ve never been disappointed when I follow his suggestions. Rey will remain my travel confidante for many years to come. He’s the best, hands down!
By  TC  from  San Antonio, Texas
Traveled to  Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
72 of 121 people found this review helpful
Travel Expert
We have worked with Rey for many years and have always enjoyed the experience. Most of our travel has been river cruises in Europe but last year we did a trip to South Africa. Rey is very thoughtful, thorough and responsive.
By  Randy  from  Houston
Traveled to  Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
63 of 109 people found this review helpful
Destination Wedding Planner
Love working w/ Rey! Very knowledgable and detailed!! Definitely recommend to any and everyone traveling abroad.
By  Destination Wedding Planner - Elite Eventz   from  Houston, Texas
Traveled to  Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
63 of 112 people found this review helpful
July 4th Fun!!!
Rey and the Almeda Travel family have been so good to my family in assisting us in all of our travel needs/goals from beginning to return. Rey has shown nothing but the utmost professionalism, patience,guidance, and quality service that is so difficult to find these days. We have trusted Almeda Travel for the last 5-6 years for our vacations and will continue to do so, I also strongly recommend if you’re looking for an agent/team that is knowledgeable and consumer responsive go with Almeda Travel!
By  Lady on the Go  from  Beaumont, Texas
Traveled to  Washington D.C. ~ District of Columbia ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
56 of 101 people found this review helpful
Anniversary Trip
I have the opportunity to book travel with Rey at Alameda Travel several times over the past 5-8years. He is very informative and knowledgeable about different places to travel and the hospitality service companies in those areas. I have been very pleased with every interactions and trip we have been on.
By  Chris Cooper  from  Humble, Texas
Traveled to  Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • Cotswolds
  • England
  • Europe

Travel Specialist:

  • Honeymoons
  • Couples & Romance
  • Adventure
  • Historical Sites
  • Photography

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTIE
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2013
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2011
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2009

Connect with Me:

Industry Affiliations:

©  Travel Leaders Group