Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
11.0Kg CO2e
Route directions
and maps
The Cotswolds are England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and comprise 787 square miles of meadows and scenic rolling hills above a bedrock of Jurassic limestone. This distinctive stone is quarried and used in the construction of the golden-coloured local buildings and gives the stone-built villages of the Cotswolds a beautiful and quintissentially 'English' look.
This 8 night walking holiday takes you through some of the finest North Cotswold villages with shorter walking days, allowing the maximum time to explore the delightful villages and walk at a relaxed pace. Your route includes visits to some of the best-known towns and villages in the region including Broadway, Chipping Campden and Guiting Power as well as the Saxon capital of Winchcombe and the nearby Sudeley Castle, the last resting place of Henry VIII's sixth wife, Katherine Parr. Enjoy the rolling Cotswolds countryside, riverside walks and some stunning horticultural gems in the gardens of National Trust manor houses, such as Kiftsgate or Hidcote.
Accommodation along your route has been hand-picked in characterful Bed & Breakfasts, inns and townhouses. Offering a warm and friendly Cotswold welcome and hearty cooked breakfasts, they offer comfortable stops along the walk and a charming insight into Cotswold life.
Standing at the crossroads betwen the Fosse Way Roman Road and what is now the A44, Moreton-in-Marsh, a small market town with a central market square and a set of stocks, is a great place to explore before heading out for dinner. Overnight in Moreton-in-Marsh.
You stay at The White Hart Royal Hotel.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Cross the high wolds, via the fantastic Mogul manor house at Sezincote. At the center of this traditional, family-run estate stands a 200-year-old Mogul Indian palace. The architecture reflects the influence of Indian design, reminiscent of the majestic Taj Mahal, and provides a captivating contrast to the typical Cotswold landscape. Pass a number of pretty hamlets to reach Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square. Overnight in Stow-on- the-Wold.
You stay at No. 9.
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Number Nine is a bed and breakfast located a few yards from the village square and minutes from the stunning Cotswold countryside. The building is an elegant 18th Century Cotswold stone house that was originally a coaching inn. The interior has been furnished to a high standard.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Today's route from Stow-on-the-Wold is a leisurely downhill walk across meadows to picturesque Lower Slaughter, renowned for its well-preserved limestone cottages, showcasing the traditional Cotswold architectural style. The Old Mill Museum, located at the western end of the village stands as a testament to the area's industrial history. Continue through pastureland to the pretty village of Bourton-on-the-Water, with its many attractions. A longer alternative walk is available for this day if you wish. Overnight in Bourton-on-the-Water.
You stay at The Manor Close.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Todays route follows the River Windrush to the village of Naunton with its ancient dovecote and then comes back through Upper and Lower Slaughter. Alternatively, you could spend the day in Bourton-on-the-Water. Whether strolling along the riverbanks, exploring the local shops, or enjoying the various attractions, immerse yourself in the idyllic charm that has earned it its reputation as one of the most enchanting and sought-after locations in the region. Overnight in Bourton-on-the-Water.
You stay at The Manor Close B&B.
WiFiTV
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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
A short transfer takes you to Guiting Power with its russet-coloured houses clustered round a sloping green. The craftmanship of Cotswold masons over the centuries is reflected in the harmonious integration of this distinctive stone into the buildings. Highlights on the walk include a lovely wooded section through Guiting Wood and the impressive Sudley Castle and Gardens, last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife. The castle is enveloped by a vast 1,200-acre estate and boasts ten award-winning gardens. A dramatic descent brings you to the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe. Overnight in Winchcombe, with its fascinating church and local museums.
You stay at The Lion Inn.
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The Lion Inn is a 15th Century Coaching Inn with eight classically decorated rooms. There is also a garden, bar and restaurant.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Follow the pilgrims' route to Hailes Abbey. Founded in 1246 by the Earl of Cornwall, it stands as a testament to medieval monastic life amidst the picturesque Cotswold countryside. Continue over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House, with its magnificent gatehouse and medieval tithe barn and on to idyllic Stanton. This quintessential Cotswold village nestles beneath the slopes of Shenbarrow Hill and the combination of natural beauty and architectural heritage creates a setting that feels suspended in time. Stay in the coaching village of Broadway, where an array of fine houses and inns flank the 'broad way'. Overnight in Broadway.
You stay at Windrush House.
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Windrush House is just a short walk from the picturesque Cotswold village of Broadway. Rooms have been individually designed and feature stylish colour schemes and opulent fabrics, providing an alluring retreat for the discerning guest. A scrumptious breakfast will start your day perfectly, the finest local ingredients are sourced to ensure freshness and quality.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Walk up to Broadway Tower, the 18th century folly from where there are fine views across the vale before descending to Chipping Campden. Often referred to as the 'jewel in the crown' of the Cotswolds, Chipping Campden boasts a rich history and well-preserved architectural heritage. Featuring a covered market place, beautiful 'wool church', almshouses and silversmiths. Overnight in Chipping Campden.
You stay at Noel Arms.
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The Noel Arms is one of the oldest inns in the Cotswolds, dating from the 16th Century and is steeped in history. Rooms are individually styled with elegant furniture. There is a on-site restaurant and coffee shop.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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 Moreton-in-Marsh. Overnight in Moreton-in-Marsh.
You stay at The White Hart Royal Hotel.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: The White Hart Royal Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh; The Kennard, Bath; The Oxford Coach & Horses B&B, Oxford.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
MastercardVisaAmExHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
The Kennard is located on a quiet residential street in easy walking distance from some of the best restaurants and shopping areas of Bath, as well as close to Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, Pulteney Bridge, Holburne Museum and the Victoria Art Gallery. This boutique Guest House offers 12 refurbished and individually decorated bedrooms over five floors, with views either over the garden and city, or out over the street below. There is free Wi-Fi, a small sitting area and an honesty bar at the property and full English breakfast (or continental buffet) is included.
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The Oxford Coach & Horses is built on the site of an old coaching inn dating from the 18th century and is located within 10 minutes walk from the city centre. This delightful, refurbished coaching inn offers a pleasant retreat and an oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle nearby and yet far enough away from it all. Said to be the last coaching inn in Oxford before the road to London was put in, the Oxford Coach & Horses is a family-owned business with eight bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, a flat screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, a safe and plenty of storage space. There is also tea & coffee making facilities. The property is small enough to provide a friendly welcome with the advantage of having up-to-date facilities to make your visit relaxed and comfortable. The B&B is just around the corner from a vast range of international cuisine in the St Clements and Cowley Road area.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £534.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £534.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open until 10pm today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
11.0Kg CO2e
Route directions
and maps
