England Cotswolds Village to Village Walking Tour

Meeting in Oxford (which is easily reached by train from London), a transfer takes you to a quiet footpath and a leg-stretching walk that passes through wheatfields and pastures, where you may encounter a flock of sheep or cows to Asthall, where you enjoy a traditional Cotswolds pub lunch in a local inn. Afterwards, walk alongside the Windrush River to the tiny village of Swinbrook and its fascinating church, famed for the unusual tombs of the Fettiplace family. Continue to St Oswald's Church, a little gem which dates back to the 11th century. Walk alongside the river all the way into Burford, ending directly at your hotel and base for the next two nights.

Today, embark on the first hiking adventure in the Cotswolds. Following the historic Monarch's Way, which traces King Charles II's escape after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, hike from one enchanting village to another on good trails, through gently rolling pastoral green countryside. Highlights include Bourton-on-the-Water (known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”), and Lower Slaughter (much nicer than its name suggests), both with honey-hued Cotswold limestone cottages draped in wisteria and climbing roses perched along the river's edge. Cross a wildflower-filled Coronation Meadow before finishing the day at the equally lovely market town of Stow-on-the-Wold and stately St Edward's Church. A short transfer leads back to the hotel in Burford.

Begin with a short transfer to the historic market town of Chipping Campden, the official start of the Cotswold Way trail. Set off southward toward the village of Broadway, passing thatched-roof cottages and climbing amid hedgerow-lined fields and sheep-dotted meadows up to the edge of the escarpment and Dover's Hill (750') to take in great views across the region. Ramble along the escarpment to Broadway Tower, an 18th century structure with a rich history and ties to William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement. Climb to the top for panoramas of the countryside and a bird's-eye view of Broadway. After lunch, take an afternoon trip to the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, renowned as the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Tour his restored home, visit his grave inside the Holy Trinity Church, see the Royal Shakespeare Theater, and immerse yourself in Tudor architecture before checking in to your hotel in Broadway.

Continue on the Cotswold Way, hiking directly from the hotel southwards out of Broadway on rolling terrain. Climb up to the site of an Iron Age hill fort before descending again to cross fields and some woodland at the bottom of the escarpment. From here, pass through the pretty villages of Stanton and Stanway, each with storybook golden stone architecture and lush gardens. Climb back up to the escarpment where the scenery opens wide across a patchwork of fields, then descend through verdant farmland, finishing at the ruins of Hailes Abbey, founded in 1246 by the Earl of Cornwall. A short transfer takes you a little further south to Sudeley Castle, which boasts strong royal connections through its 1,000-year history. Tour the grounds before transferring back to your hotel in Broadway. Dinner is on your own for a chance to explore one of Broadway's tempting restaurants.

After a short transfer to Winchcombe, rejoin the Cotswold Way and climb to Belas Knap, a Neolithic long barrow with magnificent views west towards Wales. Continue hiking south on rolling grassy trails, roaming through a common (shared pastureland) full of sheep to Cleeve Hill which, at 1,040 feet, is the highest point in the Cotswolds. From the summit, take in breathtaking views of Cheltenham and the surrounding area. Follow the broad ridge of the escarpment which gradually descends to the end point, Gotherington Railway Station. From here, jump on a steam train back to Broadway and your final night in the village.

Continuing south, now tracing the River Coln Trail, transfer to the ruins of Chedworth, one of the grandest Roman villas of its time. After exploring the beautiful ruins, enjoy a relaxed hike, following the banks of the River Coln all the way to the next hotel, in the charming village of Bibury, passing through woodland and small villages on the way. Your hotel is located just yards from Arlington Row, often said to be the prettiest street in England. This row of weavers' cottages was created in the 17th century, converted from the original wool store that dates back to around 1380. Stroll around the village before gathering for dinner.

A brief transfer takes you south of Bibury to Pitham Copse and the trailhead. Enjoy a relaxed hike along the banks of the scenic River Coln, wandering through farmland and over footbridges, passing through the villages of Quenington and Coln St Aldwyns, before arriving back in Bibury. Freshen up and enjoy a pub lunch before transferring into nearby Cirencester. Known as the capital of the Cotswolds, this historic town has strong Roman influence, and you'll spend the afternoon exploring it, including a visit to the Corinium Museum. Afterwards, transfer back to Bibury for a festive farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer back to Oxford with memories of idyllic rural landscapes, fluffy sheep, burbling rivers, and honey-toned cottages draped in roses and lavender as you continue your travels. The trip concludes at Oxford's train station.