Iconic Cotswolds

Day 1: Oxford colleges and the Cotswolds, approx. 3 mi.
Day 2: Chipping Campden - Moreton-in-Marsh, approx. 8 mi. 
Day 3: Blenheim Palace, 5, 8, or 10 mi. (8, 13, or 16 km)
Day 4: Stow on the World - Burford, 5 - 8 mi. (8 - 13 km)
Day 5: Tetbury and Westonbirt Arboretum, 9 mi. (12 km)
Day 6: End of tour

Day 1: Oxford colleges and the Cotswolds, approx. 3 mi.
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 Manor

Day 2: Chipping Campden - Moreton-in-Marsh, approx. 8 mi. 
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 Manor

Day 3: Blenheim Palace, 5, 8, or 10 mi. (8, 13, or 16 km)
Today you transfer 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: The Prince of Burford or the Highway | 4 star: The Baytree

Day 4: Stow on the World (by transfer) - Burford, 5 - 8 mi. (8 - 13 km)
Today you journey from Burford to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. Steeped in history as the site of a famous battle during the English Civil War, Stow offers plenty to explore, including its impressive market square. From there, take a walk toward the Slaughters, two of the most picturesque villages in the region. Next, enjoy lunch in Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds,’ with ample time to soak in its charm before returning to Burford in the evening.

Sample accommodation
3 star: The Prince of Burford or the Highway | 4 star: The Baytree

Day 5: Tetbury and Westonbirt Arboretum, 9 mi. (12 km)
Today you travel to Tetbury, a charming market town in the Cotswolds with deep historical ties to the wool trade. Before lunch, your guide will lead you on a scenic hike through the valleys and villages surrounding the town. Along the way, pass Chavenage House, a 16th-century estate famous for its role in the popular TV series Poldark. Enjoy lunch at Westonbirt Arboretum, home to over 2,000 tree species and five national tree collections. In the afternoon, continue your walk through the breathtaking Cotswold countryside, before returning to your accommodation for a final dinner together.

Sample accommodation
3 star: The Ormond | 4 star: The Hare & Hounds

Day 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-Marsh

Day 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 Spa

Day 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 Hotel

Day 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 Inn

Day 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&B 

Day 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 House

Day 6: Departure after breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before you depart.  Transfers are to Moreton in Marsh train station.