Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
11.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
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.
You stay at The Portland Guesthouse.
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The Portland Guesthouse is a late Georgian property with seven ensuite bedrooms, each with a unique personality. Decor ranges from Regency blue and gold to a warming plum and light neutral lower floor rooms. Breakfast is served in the traditional regency breakfast room.
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'.
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, then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House and on to idyllic Stanton, before reaching the old coaching village of Broadway for your overnight.
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
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.
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 the idyllic market town of Moreton-in-Marsh for your overnight stay.
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
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.
You stay at The Manor Close B&B.
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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.
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.
You stay at The Portland Guesthouse.
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The Portland Guesthouse is a late Georgian property with seven ensuite bedrooms, each with a unique personality. Decor ranges from Regency blue and gold to a warming plum and light neutral lower floor rooms. Breakfast is served in the traditional regency breakfast room.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Portland Guesthouse, Cheltenham; The Kennard, Bath; The Oxford Coach & Horses B&B, Oxford.
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The Portland Guesthouse is a late Georgian property with seven ensuite bedrooms, each with a unique personality. Decor ranges from Regency blue and gold to a warming plum and light neutral lower floor rooms. Breakfast is served in the traditional regency breakfast room.
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.
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 our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
11.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
