This walk through the Cotswolds starts in the historic Regency spa town of Cheltenham and explores the quintessentially British villages of the area. The Cotswolds are England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and with a combination of panoramic rolling hills, sites of historical interest and the archetypal golden-hued vilages, there is so much to explore! Enjoy the delights of Cheltenham before taking in some world-famous villages along the route, including Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and the Saxon capital of Winchcombe. There's even the option to take a side trip to visit Stratford-upon-Avon if a visit to Shakespeare's birthplace is calling you!
Your route takes you over Cleeve Hill, the highest point of the Cotswolds, to Sudeley Castle, the last resting place of Katherine Parr (Henry VIII's 6th wife). Visit some of the 'wool churches' of the Cotswolds - so named because of the input of finances from local, wealthy wool merchants back in medieval times to create elaborate and architecturally stunning buildings. Two of note on this route are in Winchcombe and Chipping Campden. Other points of interest along the route include some beautiful formal gardens at Kiftsgate or the Hidcote National Trust gardens. The River Windrush (after which the post-war West Indian immigration boat was named) forms part of the route back to Cheltenham from Bourton-on-the-Water.
Accommodation along the route has been hand-picked in Bed & Breakfasts with character, ranging from inns and townhouses to tearooms. Offering a warm and friendly Cotswold welcome, as well as hearty breakfasts, they offer comfortable stops along the walk and a charming insight into Cotswold life.
On arrival in the historic spa town of Cheltenham you may well be tempted to explore the local area and some of its 'treasures' before finding somewhere to eat near the hotel.
Stay overnight at The Portland Guesthouse or similar
Starting from the classical Pump Room, the route crosses Cleeve Hill - the highest point of the Cotswolds - to Belas Knap long barrow and descends to Sudeley Castle and the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, with its fine 'wool church'.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Lion Inn or similar
Follow the pilgrims' route to Hailes Abbey, then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House and on to idyllic Stanton, before reaching the old coaching village of Broadway for your overnight.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Windrush House or similar
A half day's walking over the hills via Broadway Tower with its magnificent views to Chipping Campden. In the afternoon, explore this charming town with its silversmiths and 'wool church', or visit Dover's Hill, site of the annual 'Cotswold Olympiks', or the beautiful gardens at Kiftsgate or the National Trust gardens at Hidcote; or spend the afternoon at nearby Stratford-on-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Noel Arms or similar
Pass through the charming villages of Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, where you may visit the arboretum and falconry centre. On certain days of the week both Bourton House gardens and Sezincote House will be open. Finally, a pleasant stroll across meadows to the idyllic market town of Moreton-in-Marsh for your overnight stay.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The White Hart Royal Hotel or similar
After crossing the high wolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, the Cotswold Ring then passes through Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water, prettily located on the River Windrush, with its many attractions.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Manor Close or similar
The Ring follows the pretty River Windrush through the delightful villages of Naunton and Guiting Power. Finally, a dramatic descent from the high wolds, through the meadows of the Cotswold escarpment, to journey's end in Cheltenham.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Portland Guesthouse or similar
Breakfast included
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
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Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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Set in a 17th-century former coaching inn, the White Hart Royal Hotel is located in Moreton-in-Marsh’s historic town centre and boasts regal connections as King Charles I took shelter here during the English Civil War. A four-poster bed, private garden, spacious wet room and a roll-top bath feature in some of the individually designed bedrooms. Flagstone floors and an original inglenook fireplace are in the traditional Snug Bar and guests can also make use of the hotel’s two period lounges. Fresh, local ingredients are served on the traditional British menu in the Courtyard Restaurant.
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The Manor Close B&B offers a warm and friendly welcome and brings the best of Bourton-on-the-Water to your doorstep. With its English country house feel, guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV and complimentary WiFi. The property also features a Full English Breakfast with all ingredients being locally sourced wherever possible including the eggs that are both locally sourced and free range. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking.If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
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Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
Megan was excellent: knowledgable, empathetic, friendly and nothing was too much trouble.
Very thorough. All seems to be progressing well. I can't comment further as we haven't been on the holiday yet.
Excellent and rapid response from Jo Chaplin adapting to our dates and requirements.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels
Breakfast daily
Briefing at the start of your holiday
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Luggage transfers between hotels
Route directions and maps
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed by Headwater rep.
Departures
Meals
Breakfast daily
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
