Cotswold Villages Walking Tour

England
Walking
Self-Guided
Cotswold way

Cotswold Villages Walking Tour

Prices

From $895USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels / B&B

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Experience beautiful English countryside and villages on the Cotswold Villages walking tour

Stroll down country lanes and follow national scenic trails through the beautiful English countryside of the Cotswolds.

Explore one lovely village after another, each with its own unique character and history.

Witness the many rivers of the Cotswolds, including the River Coln, the River Windrush, the River Dickler and the River Evenlode.

Experience local hospitality as you stay in comfortable guesthouses with personal service from your hosts.

Explore classic country village life in England as the Cotswold Villages walking tour takes you through some of the best-known villages in the Cotswolds, plus a few that are off the beaten path.

Travel by foot from Cheltenham to Bourton-on-the-Water, to Stow-on-the-Wold, to Moreton-in Marsh and explore the surrounding areas. You’ll encounter historic sites dating back to the Iron Age, climb hills to reach spectacular overlooks, meander through incredible gardens and parks, and sip tea in some of the most charming villages of the Cotswolds.

Because the tour is self-guided, you can always linger longer in the places that capture your attention and stroll right by things the sights that don’t. You’ll find yourself spoiled by the personal hospitality at family-run guesthouses in the Cotswolds. This peaceful escape to the English countryside is the perfect way to escape the stress and pressures of daily life. You’ll wish that your Cotswold Villages walking tour would never end!

Cotswold Villages Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Cheltenham

Arrive in Cheltenham and take some time to explore the most complete Regency town in England. There is plenty of period architecture, a variety of boutique shops, and a number of great restaurants to choose from when you get hungry. Get a good night’s rest in preparation for the start of your walking tour.

Overnight Location
Cheltenham Townhouse
Distance
N/A
Meals
None

Day 2 Cheltenham – Bourton-on-the-Water

Your group will be gathered today to take a short transfer. Depending on your preference, transfer either to Northleach or Chedworth Roman Villa, then walk to Bourton-on-the-Water. At Chedworth, you’ll see the best-exposed Roman villa in England, set against a backdrop of lovely woods and pastures beside a small river, River Coln. Northleach is a market town where you can get a wonderful introduction to the area. There is a large church from the 15th Century built in typical Cotswold style.

Visit the Heritage Centre for an insightful look at traditional Cotswolds farming life.
Walk along the Monarch’s Way, through seemingly untouched hamlets, over the rolling hills. In the valley of the River Windrush, you’ll arrive in Bourton, which is the best-known village in this area. A variety of attractions are available here, including a maze, museums, and a perfumery. Your luggage will be transferred to Bourton-on-the-Water, where you will spend the night.

Overnight Location
Lansdowne Guest House, Bourton-on-the-Water
Distance
Full Route: 11 miles / 17 km; Short Route: 6.5 miles / 10 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Bourton-on-the-Water – Cold Ashton – Naunton – Bourton-on-the-Water

Walk to Cold Ashton today, over the rolling hills and through the mixed farmland along the way. Stop at a traditional pub for rest and refreshment, then continue your walk to Naunton. In Naunton you’ll find pleasant countryside where a cluster of stone cottages are nestled in the valley among the sheep and horses. The path from here follows the River Windrush back to Bourton by way of forests and lush meadows. You’ll also pass a lost medieval village. Spend another night in Bourton-on-the-Water.

Overnight Location
Lansdowne Guest House, Bourton-on-the-Water
Distance
Full Route: 11 miles / 17 km; Short Route: 8 miles / 12 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Bourton-on-the-Water – Upper and Lower Slaughter – Stow-on-the-Wold

Today’s walk features two of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds. You’ll understand why when you visit Upper and Lower Slaughter, two lovely riverside villages situated on the River Eye. Local artists find inspiration in the manor houses and charming cottages, and their work is frequently exhibited in the village hall. The old water mill in Lower Slaughter is currently a museum, and the mill itself is slowly being restored to working order. Next, explore the similarly pleasant riverside towns of Upper and Lower Swell. Sitting on the banks of the River Dickler, you’ll find quaint towns with cozy country inns. You can also visit the Georgian therapeutic well. Continue from there to Stow-on-the-Wold. This town features a central market square surrounded by lovely old stone buildings. It was once used to host sheep fairs. Your luggage has been transferred for you to Stow-on-the-Wold, as you will spend the night here.

Overnight Location
The Limes Guesthouse, Stow-on-the-Wold
Distance
Full Route: 8 miles / 12 km; Short Route: 6.5 miles / 10 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Stow-on-the-Wold – Icomb – Bledington – Oddington – Stow-on-the-Wold

Enjoy a peaceful day of walking through the countryside today. You’ll wander through secluded villages and join up for a time with the Oxfordshire Way trail as it traverses the wide valley carved by the River Evenlode. Take in the view across to the Wychwood, and visit the villages such as Icomb, Oddington, and Bledington, which many tourists often miss. Return to Stow-on-the-Wold through a countryside full of delightful manor houses, charming cottage gardens and village greens. Don’t miss the medieval wall paintings that can be seen in churches along the way. After a calm and peaceful day, spend another night in Stow-on-the-Wold.

Overnight Location
The Limes Guesthouse, Stow-on-the-Wold
Distance
Full Route: 10.5 miles / 16 km; Short Route: 7.5 miles / 12 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Stow-on-the-Wold – Moreton-in-Marsh

Explore the Evenlode Valley further today and witness architecture that is a mix of the typical and the surprising. First, Donnington offers a glimpse of the typical English manor house. Then come to the Oriental House at Sezincote. This manor from the 18th Century is built after the Indian style and features water gardens. Continue walking to reach Moreton-in-Marsh, with its broad main street at its center. The main street is lined with shops, inns, and fine houses. You will spend the night in this charming town, and your luggage has already been transferred for you.

Overnight Location
The Redesdale Arms, Moreton-in-Marsh
Distance
Full Route: 8 miles / 12 km; Short Route: 6.5 miles / 10 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Departure Day

Sadly, your Cotswold Villages walking tour has come to an end. We hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the Cotswolds. Buses and trains are available in Moreton-in-Marsh to take you back to Cheltenham or to Oxford, Reading, London, and beyond. Safe travels!

Overnight Location
N/A
Distance
N/A
Meals
Breakfast

Cotswold Villages Walking Tour Price and Dates

This self-guided hiking tour in England is run as private tour for your group only and the price is based on the number of guests on your trip.

Prices below are per person:

  • Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $1,050USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,775USD
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Accommodation on the Cotswold Villages Walking Tour

This tour is based in 3-4-star hotels and bed and breakfasts. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $405USD to have a private room in a hotel.

Cheltenham Townhouse, Cheltenham

Quiet and cozy, with clean, spacious rooms, the Cheltenham Townhouse is an elegant home base for exploring Cheltenham and the surrounding area.

Lansdowne Guest House, Bourton-on-the-Water

This lovely family-owned-and-operated guesthouse is conveniently located near the center of Bourton-on-the-Water. You’ll be well taken care of so can focus on enjoying this beautiful area.

The Limes Guest House, Stow-on-the-Wold

Enjoy this clean and comfortable guesthouse, with a highlight being the peaceful gardens. Sip a cup of tea by the koi pond and listen to the birds.

The Redesdale Arms, Moreton-in-Marsh

This has the character and charm of an old coaching inn, but renovated to include modern amenities for your comfort. Enjoy the courtyard when the weather is good and the roaring log fire when it isn’t.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s included in the Cotswold Villages Walking Tour?

Meals

6 breakfasts are included with accommodations. Lunches, dinners and drinks are not included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 6 nights along the tour. Extra nights may be added for an additional fee.

Also Included

  • Accommodation as described above
  • Luggage Transfers
  • Full Tour Pack with color-coded routes on local maps
  • Smartphone App with GPS routes
  • 24-hr emergency helpline

Not included

  • Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
  • Entrance to attractions
  • Buses and/or Ferries unless otherwise stated
  • Tourist Taxes where applicable

Optional Extras

  • This tour can be extended to up to 11days, 10 nights. Several beautiful circular walking routes can be added during your stay in Cheltenham. Options include tours to Leckhampton Hill, the village of Winchcombe, or the town of Cranham. You can add additional nights in Cheltenham

Frequenty Asked Questions about Cotswold Villages Walking Tour

How hard is this tour?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The difficulty level is moderate, but you should be ready to walk between 6-11 miles (10-17 km) per day or customize your tour for shorter routes.

Can this tour be extended?

Yes! Several circular walking routes can be added during your stay in Cheltenham. Options include tours to Leckhampton Hill, the village of Winchcombe, or the town of Cranham.

Do I need a Visa?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included?

Six breakfasts are included with your accommodations. Lunches, dinners, drinks, and other food is not included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your travel insurance.

How do I get to Cheltenham to start this tour?

You can reach Cheltenham by car via major UK roads and motorways. Train service with the Great Western Railway operates with regular connections to London.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in Moreton-in-Marsh. Buses and trains are available to return to Cheltenham if you have parked your car there. Or, take a train from Moreton-in-Marsh to Oxford, Reading, or London and beyond.

Do I need vaccines?

Check with your family doctor.

What should I pack?

Dress for the weather of the season in the Cotswolds. Always pack a jacket in case the temperatures are cooler than expected, and quality rain gear. Sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses is also recommended. Choose clothes that are comfortable and manage moisture well. Sturdy walking shoes are also recommended.

What is the weather like in the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds have mild weather, without extremes of heat or cold, making in reasonable to visit at any time of year. This beautiful area is not known for abundant sunshine and it rains frequently, particularly during the winter. More information about weather in the Cotswolds.

When is the best time to travel to England for this tour?

The best time to travel to the Cotswolds for this tour is during the warmer months from May to September, but the trip is available year-round.

Reviews

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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $895USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels / B&B

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The difficulty level is moderate, but you should be ready to walk between 6-11 miles (10-17 km) per day or customize your tour for shorter routes.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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