Iconic Cotswolds
England Hiking + Walking Tours
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length5–6 days
- Prices from£974 Rates
Overview
This guided or self-guided walking tour in southwest England will lead you through the stunning Cotswold countryside. Through fields and over rolling hills, your trails lead to honey-colored Cotswold villages and bustling market towns.
The Cotswold Hills region is perfect walking country. The winding lanes and national footpaths will transport you back to the pre-industrial England when sheep and dry-stone walling were the biggest industries.
Depending on your itinerary, Global heritage sites, the university city of Oxford, Churchill’s Blenheim Palace, the Neolithic wonder of Stonehenge, and the spa town of Bath are highlighted.
With stunning views around every corner, excellent accommodation, fantastic pubs, and delectable cuisine, you are in for an experience you won’t forget!
Highlights
- Blenheim Palace - the birthplace of Winston Churchill
- University city of Oxford
- Stonehenge and Avebury, World Heritage Sites
- Bath and the Roman Baths
- Stunning walking trails
Be sure to check out all our hiking tours!
Itinerary
Guided Tour - Oxford & Bath: Version 1
Day 1: London - Oxford (by train) - Moreton-in-Marsh Royal, 4 - 6 mi. (6 - 10 km)
Day 2: Moreton-in-Marsh - Chipping Campden - Broadway Tower, - Moreton-in-Marsh, 5 - 8 mi. (8 - 13 km)
Day 3: Moreton-in-Marsh - Blenheim Palace (train transfer) - Blenheim - Moreton in Marsh, 4 - 7 mi. (6 or 11 km)
Day 4: Moreton in Marsh - Bampton - White Horse Hill - Tetbury, 4- 6 mi. (6 - 10 km)
Day 5: Tetbury - Bath (transfer) - Bath Skyline Walk - Tetbury, 5 - 8 mi. (8 - 13 km)
Day 6: End of tourDay 1: London - Oxford by transfer - Moreton-in-Marsh, 4 - 6 mi. (6 - 10 km) | Elevation: 127 ft
At 10 am, your guides will meet you at platform 1 (below the clock) of London Paddington railway station. From there, you will be taken by minibus directly to the outskirts of Oxford, where you will embark on a walk along the River Thames and make your way into the heart of one of the world's most beautiful university cities. During your visit, you will enjoy a tour of the University and have lunch in this lively city. After lunch, you will travel deep into the Cotswolds to your hotel in Moreton in Marsh, where you will enjoy your first dinner together as a group.Sample accommodation
3 star: The Redesdale | 4 star: The ManorDay 2: Moreton-in-Marsh - Chipping Campden - Broadway Tower, - Moreton-in-Marsh, 5 - 8 mi. (8 - 13 km) | Elevation: 450 ft
On this day, you will have a chance to explore the Cotswolds. Your journey will begin by walking through fields from Chipping Campden to the breathtaking Hidcote gardens. These gardens are famous for their unique design of 'outdoor rooms' and are sure to leave you in awe. You will then make your way to the renowned Broadway Tower, which offers views of 16 different counties from its summit. After taking in the stunning scenery, you will walk to the charming village of Broadway, known for its picturesque beauty and considered one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds.Sample accommodation
3 star: The Redesdale | 4 star: The ManorDay 3: Moreton-in-Marsh - Blenheim Palace (train transfer) - Blenheim - Burford, 4 - 7 mi. (6 or 11 km) | Elevation:
You will take a train from Moreton in Marsh to Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Before entering the palace grounds, you will visit the nearby village of Bladon to pay your respects at Churchill's grave. Once inside the palace grounds, you will be amazed by the stunning gardens designed by Capability Brown, including the formal Italian Gardens and the Rose Garden. You will also have the opportunity to tour the palace itself and learn more about the history of the Churchill family. After lunch, you will walk to the Column of Victory, which was built to commemorate the Battle of Blenheim and the defeat of the French. Finally, you will return to Moreton-in-Marsh for the evening.Sample accommodation
3 star: Prince of Burford | 4 star: The Lamb InnDay 4: Moreton in Marsh - Bampton - White Horse Hill - Tetbury, 4- 6 mi. (6 - 10 km)
When you travel from Moreton in Marsh, your first stop will be in Bampton, a village that Downton Abbey fans will recognize as the outdoor filming location for the popular TV series. From there, you will continue your journey towards the breathtaking White Horse Hill, where you can witness the beautiful ancient carving atop the Ridgeway. Another notable attraction in the area is Wayland Smithy, a well-preserved Neolithic burial chamber that is steeped in history and legend. After your exploration, you will head to the charming White Horse pub in Woolstone for a delicious lunch. The next stop on your itinerary is the world-famous Stonehenge, where you can marvel at the iconic stone circle and immerse yourself in the history and mystery of this ancient site. Finally, you will travel to your hotel in Tetbury, located near Highgrove, the private residence of Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen Consort.Sample Accommodation
3 star: The Ormond | 4 star: Hare and HoundsDay 5: Tetbury - Bath (transfer) - Bath Skyline Walk - Tetbury, 5 - 8 mi. (8 - 13 km)
In the morning you transfer down to Bath, via a 2000-year-old Roman Road and into the city via the Kennet and Avon canal. In the afternoon you can visit the incredible Roman Baths and tour the Georgian-inspired Royal Crescent overlooking the city. We then head back to the hotel for your last night dinner together.Sample accommodation
3 star: The Ormond | 4 star: Hare and HoundsDay 6: Departure
After a relaxed breakfast, your tour officially ends. Regular direct trains depart from Bath Spa Station into London and other mainline stations.Guided Tour - Cotswolds Villages & Towns: Version 2
Day 1: Moreton-in-Marsh - Hidcote Gardens - Moreton-in-Marsh, 4 - 6 mi. (6 - 13 km)
Day 2: Golden Stoned Chipping Campden - Broadway Tower - Moreton in Marsh, 4 - 6 mi. (6 - 10 km)
Day 3: Transfer to Blenheim Palace, 5, 8, or 10 mi. (8, 13, or 16 km)
Day 4: Moreton in Marsh - Stow on the World (by transfer) - Burford, 5 - 8 mi. (8 - 13 km)
Day 5: Burford - Barnsley (by transfer) - Coln Valley - Bibury - Bampton - Burford, 6 - 8 mi. (10 - 13 km)
Day 6: End of tourDay 1: Moreton-in-Marsh - Hidcote Gardens - Moreton-in-Marsh, 4 - 6 mi. (6 - 13 km)
Your tour guides will greet you at the Moreton-in-Marsh Station. After a swift lunch at your hotel, you'll begin your introduction to the Cotswolds with a leisurely walk from the charming town of Chipping Campden to the stunning Hidcote Gardens. These gardens were inspired by American designs and feature a series of outdoor "rooms" that are sure to take your breath away. You'll continue your walk to the Ebrington Arms, a pub recently recognized as the best in England by the Sunday Times, before returning to Moreton-in-Marsh for your first group dinner together.Sample accommodation:
3 star: Redesdale Arms | 4 star: The ManorDay 2: Chipping Campden - Broadway Tower - Broadway - Moreton-in-Marsh, 4 - 6 mi. (6 - 10 km)
Next, you'll depart again from Chipping Campden and join the Cotswolds Way, a 102-mile-long route extending all the way to Bath. Your journey will take you past Dovers Hill, where the quirky Cotswold Olympiks take place, and towards Broadway Tower. From the top of the tower, you can take in panoramic views of 16 English and Welsh counties with the landscape spread out like a beautiful patchwork quilt before your eyes. Following lunch at Broadway Tower, you'll make your way down to Broadway, also known as the Jewel of the Cotswolds, where you can indulge in some delicious afternoon tea at the Broadway Deli and explore the stunning high street shops. Your day will conclude with a return to Moreton in Marsh for the evening.Sample accommodation:
3 star: Redesdale Arms | 4 star: The ManorDay 3: Blenheim Palace, 5, 8, or 10 mi. (8, 13, or 16 km)
You will transfer by train from Moreton in Marsh through the beautiful Cotswolds to Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. First, you will visit Winston Churchill’s grave in the village of Bladon before walking into the Palace grounds designed by the renowned garden landscaper, Capability Brown. You will tour the Palace itself and walk around the formal Italian Gardens and the Rose Garden. After lunch, you will walk to the Column of Victory, built to celebrate the victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim, before returning via train to Moreton in Marsh.Sample accommodation
3 star: Redesdale Arms | 4 star: The ManorDay 4: Moreton in Marsh - Stow on the World (by transfer) - Burford, 5 - 8 mi. (8 - 13 km)
You will travel from Moreton in Marsh to Stow on the Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds, with a magnificent market square and the site of a famous battle in the English Civil War. You will then walk down towards the Slaughters (two villages called Upper and Lower Slaughter) probably the most photogenic villages in the whole region and onto lunch at Bourton on the Water, often referred to as the Venice of the Cotswolds. After lunch, you will head to Burford and your next hotel in one of the prettiest Cotswold towns there is, renowned for its bustling high street and atmosphere.Sample accommodation
3 star: The Prince | 4 star: The LambDay 5: Burford - Barnsley (by transfer) - Coln Valley - Bibury - Bampton - Burford, 6 - 8 mi. (10 - 13 km)
On this trip, you will travel from Burford and embark on a walk from the charming village of Barnsley down the picturesque Coln Valley, eventually reaching the delightful village of Bibury. This village is so picturesque that Henry Ford once considered moving it entirely to the United States. After taking in the sights, the group stops for lunch at a nearby trout farm before heading to Bampton, a must-see destination for Downton Abbey fans, as it's the location of all the outdoor filming for the series. Upon return to Burford, you will enjoy your last meal with the group.Sample accommodation
3 star: The Prince | 4 star: The LambDay 6: End of tour
The group transfers from Burford to a mainline station i which is normally Charlbury.Day 1: Moreton-in-Marsh Royal - Chipping Campden, 7 mi. (11 km)
Day 2: The Cotswold Way, Broadway and Broadway Tower, 6.5 mi. (10 km)
Day 3: Winchcombe, Stanton and Stanway, and Hailes Abbey, 10.5 mi. (17 km)
Day 4: Venice of the Cotswolds, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Day 5: Stow-on-the-Wold, highest town in the Cotswolds, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 6: Departure from Moreton-in-MarshDay 1: Moreton-in-Marsh Royal - Chipping Campden, 7 mi. (11 km)
Guests arrive from London at 10 am into Moreton in Marsh (there are direct trains from London Paddington) followed by a quick introductory briefing before you head off for your first walk into the Cotswolds. Walk via the arboretum at Batsford, which is a good lunch option, before walking through the stunning village of Blockley. Visit the amazing topiary at Broad Campden before walking into Chipping Campden, one of the signature market towns of the Cotswolds. At Chipping Campden there will be ample time to explore and enjoy the town before settling into your hotel for the eveing.Sample accommodation
3 star: Lygon Arms | 4 star: The Cotswold House Hotel and SpaDay 2: The Cotswold Way, Broadway and Broadway Tower, 6.5 mi. (10 km)
Today you set out to walk a portion of the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile trail stretching all the way from Chipping Campden to Bath, this morning’s walk takes you toward Broadway Tower. With spectacular views over 16 counties in England and Wales, this is a perfect spot to enjoy lunch before continuing into Broadway itself. From here, finish today’s walk in Broadway, commonly known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds.” Be sure to browse the many intriguing shops on the bustling high street, and for some truly luxurious relaxation, indulge in afternoon tea at the wonderful Broadway Deli.Sample accommodation
3 & 4 star: The Broadway HotelDay 3: Winchcombe, Stanton and Stanway, and Hailes Abbey, 10.5 mi. (17 km)
Picking up once more on the Cotswold Way, walk from Broadway to the centuries-old market town of Winchcombe. Along the way, pass through the sleepy villages of Stanton and Stanway, as well as the spectacular 13th century ruins of Hailes Abbey. Upon arriving in Winchcombe, spend a little time exploring this charming Cotswold town, before settling down for the night in a cozy local inn.Sample accommodation
3 star: The White Hart Inn | 4 star: The Lion InnDay 4: Venice of the Cotswolds, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Today’s itinerary takes you uphill to the Cotswold escarpment, one of the most dramatic sections of the Cotswold Way. Passing through lush woodland, you’ll soon arrive in the charming English village of Guiting Power. Home to the fantastic Farmers Arms pub and a local café serving what is locally hailed as the world’s best Victoria sponge cake. Pause here for lunch before continuing to Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds,’ this beautiful spot will be your home for the evening.Sample accommodation
3 star: Chestnuts B&BDay 5: Stow-on-the-Wold, highest town in the Cotswolds, 10 mi. (16 km)
Today offers a stunning walk from Bourton-on-the-Water to the picturesque market town of Moreton-in-Marsh. Along the way, pass through Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds, with an impressive market square and a wide range of cozy cafés and curious antique shops. Highly recommended is a visit to the Slaughters, famously one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, with its peaceful river and beautiful mill. At the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Moreton-in-Marsh for your final evening of the tour.Sample accommodation
3 star: Resedale Arms | 4 star: The Manor HouseDay 6: Departure after breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before you depart. Transfers are to Moreton in Marsh train station.Map
Accommodation
You will have your choice of 3-star accommodations or 4-star accommodations. In each day’s detailed description, you will find the name of the preferred hotel listed so you can make an informed choice. If the preferred hotel is not possible due to availability or other factors, you will be offered an establishment of equal standard.
Inclusions
What’s Included
Guided Tour (Cotswolds + Oxford & Bath)
- Accommodation for 5 nights in the selected category
- Breakfasts
- 2 dinners
- Entry into all iconic points of interest, including Stonehenge, Blenheim Palace, Roman Baths, Oxford Colleges, & Hidcote Gardens
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Luggage transfers
- Walking poles
- Local professional guide (s). For groups less than 8 people, the guide will actually be the support vehicle driver. For groups of 8 and larger, there will be two guides. One driving the support vehicle, the other “on the ground” with the group
- Accommodation for 5 nights in the selected category
- Breakfasts
- 2 dinners
- Entry into all iconic points of interest including Blenheim Palace & Hidcote
- Transport throughout
- Luggage transfers
- Walking poles
- Local professional guide (s). For groups less than 8 people, the guide will actually be the support vehicle driver. For groups of 8 and larger, there will be two guides. One driving the support vehicle, the other “on the ground” with the group
- Accommodation for 5 nights in the selected category
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
- Route maps, comprehensive GPS routes (Ride with GPS), & route guide with daily written instructions
- Walking poles
- Emergency support
Guided Tour (Cotswolds Villages & Towns
Self-Guided Tour
What’s Not Included
Guided - 6 day
- Lunches & café stops
- Any dinners not mentioned
- Any beverages with dinners
- Gratuity for your local guide(s)
- Travel Insurance
- Lunches & dinners
- Entry to iconic points & places of interest: Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, Hidcote Broadway tour, Roman Baths, & Stonehenge
- Travel Insurance
Self-Guided tour
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2024
Cotswolds + Oxford & Bath (Version 1)
Sunday departures
April 14, April 28, May 19, June 2, June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28, August 11, September 8, September 22, October 6 & October 20, 2024Country accommodations All other departures May 12 & 26 Twin/double $ 4057 £ 2024 $ 3,723 € 2459 Ft 1003430 kr 366884 ₪ 10023 ¥ 407224 Mex$ 53714 NZ$ 4467 kr 29466 zł 10714 S$ 3535 kr 28590 CHF 2320 $ 2,674 $ 3656 £ 1824 $ 3,355 € 2216 Ft 904277 kr 330631 ₪ 9033 ¥ 366984 Mex$ 48406 NZ$ 4026 kr 26554 zł 9655 S$ 3186 kr 25765 CHF 2091 $ 2,410 Single supplement $ 900 £ 449 $ 826 € 546 Ft 222599 kr 81389 ₪ 2223 ¥ 90338 Mex$ 11916 NZ$ 991 kr 6537 zł 2377 S$ 784 kr 6342 CHF 515 $ 593 $ 812 £ 405 $ 745 € 492 Ft 200785 kr 73413 ₪ 2006 ¥ 81485 Mex$ 10748 NZ$ 894 kr 5896 zł 2144 S$ 707 kr 5721 CHF 464 $ 535 Premium accommodations All other departures May 12 & 26 Twin/double $ 4659 £ 2324 $ 4,274 € 2824 Ft 1152159 kr 421265 ₪ 11509 ¥ 467583 Mex$ 61675 NZ$ 5129 kr 33833 zł 12302 S$ 4059 kr 32828 CHF 2664 $ 3,070 $ 4198 £ 2094 $ 3,851 € 2544 Ft 1038133 kr 379573 ₪ 10370 ¥ 421308 Mex$ 55571 NZ$ 4622 kr 30485 zł 11085 S$ 3657 kr 29579 CHF 2400 $ 2,767 Single supplement $ 1101 £ 549 $ 1,010 € 667 Ft 272175 kr 99516 ₪ 2719 ¥ 110457 Mex$ 14570 NZ$ 1212 kr 7992 zł 2906 S$ 959 kr 7755 CHF 629 $ 725 $ 992 £ 495 $ 910 € 601 Ft 245404 kr 89727 ₪ 2451 ¥ 99593 Mex$ 13137 NZ$ 1092 kr 7206 zł 2620 S$ 865 kr 6992 CHF 567 $ 654 Cotswolds Villages & Towns (Version 2)
Sunday departures
April 21, May 5, May 19, June 2, June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28, August 11, September 8, September 22, October 6 & October 20, 2024Country Accommodation All other departures May 19 & June 2 Twin/double $ 3857 £ 1924 $ 3,539 € 2338 Ft 953853 kr 348758 ₪ 9528 ¥ 387104 Mex$ 51060 NZ$ 4246 kr 28010 zł 10185 S$ 3360 kr 27178 CHF 2206 $ 2,542 $ 3478 £ 1735 $ 3,191 € 2108 Ft 860153 kr 314498 ₪ 8592 ¥ 349078 Mex$ 46044 NZ$ 3829 kr 25259 zł 9184 S$ 3030 kr 24508 CHF 1989 $ 2,292 Single supplement $ 900 £ 449 $ 826 € 546 Ft 222599 kr 81389 ₪ 2223 ¥ 90338 Mex$ 11916 NZ$ 991 kr 6537 zł 2377 S$ 784 kr 6342 CHF 515 $ 593 $ 812 £ 405 $ 745 € 492 Ft 200785 kr 73413 ₪ 2006 ¥ 81485 Mex$ 10748 NZ$ 894 kr 5896 zł 2144 S$ 707 kr 5721 CHF 464 $ 535 Premium Accommodation All other departures May 19 & June 2 Twin/double $ 4458 £ 2224 $ 4,090 € 2702 Ft 1102583 kr 403138 ₪ 11013 ¥ 447463 Mex$ 59021 NZ$ 4908 kr 32378 zł 11773 S$ 3884 kr 31415 CHF 2549 $ 2,938 $ 4017 £ 2004 $ 3,686 € 2435 Ft 993514 kr 363259 ₪ 9924 ¥ 403200 Mex$ 53183 NZ$ 4423 kr 29175 zł 10608 S$ 3500 kr 28308 CHF 2297 $ 2,648 Single supplement $ 1101 £ 549 $ 1,010 € 667 Ft 272175 kr 99516 ₪ 2719 ¥ 110457 Mex$ 14570 NZ$ 1212 kr 7992 zł 2906 S$ 959 kr 7755 CHF 629 $ 725 $ 992 £ 495 $ 910 € 601 Ft 245404 kr 89727 ₪ 2451 ¥ 99593 Mex$ 13137 NZ$ 1092 kr 7206 zł 2620 S$ 865 kr 6992 CHF 567 $ 654 Sunday departures
April 21, May 5, May 12, May 19, June 2, June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28, Aug 11, September 8, September 22, October 6 & October 20, 2024Country Accommodation Twin/double $ 1952 £ 974 $ 1,791 € 1184 Ft 482876 kr 176554 ₪ 4823 ¥ 195966 Mex$ 25848 NZ$ 2150 kr 14180 zł 5156 S$ 1701 kr 13758 CHF 1117 $ 1,287 Single supplement $ 900 £ 449 $ 826 € 546 Ft 222599 kr 81389 ₪ 2223 ¥ 90338 Mex$ 11916 NZ$ 991 kr 6537 zł 2377 S$ 784 kr 6342 CHF 515 $ 593 Premium Accommodation Twin/double $ 2373 £ 1184 $ 2,178 € 1439 Ft 586987 kr 214620 ₪ 5863 ¥ 238218 Mex$ 31421 NZ$ 2613 kr 17237 zł 6267 S$ 2068 kr 16725 CHF 1357 $ 1,564 Single supplement $ 1101 £ 549 $ 1,010 € 667 Ft 272175 kr 99516 ₪ 2719 ¥ 110457 Mex$ 14570 NZ$ 1212 kr 7992 zł 2906 S$ 959 kr 7755 CHF 629 $ 725 Extra Options
Extra nights on request.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This tour is rated easy to moderate and is appropriate for guests going for a good walk that can handle an incline or two. The terrain covered is varied including rolling hills and a few steeper walks which will be a bit more demanding. If you choose the guided tour, your holiday will be tailored by your guide to suit your individual preferences. Rewarding views are guaranteed. Either version, guided or self-guided, features daily distances ranging from 4-10 miles, and options for shorter or longer walks are available on most days. Please note that for the guided version, with groups of less than eight people, the guide will be the support vehicle driver. For groups eight and larger, one guide will serve as a support vehicle driver and the other will participate in activities with the group.
Airport Info
Fly to London Heathrow International Airport (LHR).
Local Travel
On the guided Oxford and Bath itinerary, you will be met at London Paddington Railway Station and transferred to Oxford to begin you walking holiday. Because of the early transfer time, it is advised that you arrive before your tour start and arrange for accommodations in London. For the villages and towns guided itinerary and the self-guided tour, you travel by train from London to Moreton in Marsh where you will met by a guide (for the guided tour) or a tour representative for an introductory meeting (self - guided).
Climate
The climate in this region is a temperate maritime climate with warm summers. The best time to visit is June, July, and August.
Recommended
Extra night in London before the start of your tour the next day at 8:30am.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Active England.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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