A Walk Through Time in Cotswolds

Destination
England, Europe
Duration
10 Days
Activity Level
Vigorous
Comfort Level
Superior
Wander through the heart of the English countryside as you explore the Cotswolds, a region rich in heritage and charm. This journey leads you past some of England’s most iconic landmarks, through storybook villages built of honey-colored limestone, and into bustling market towns that retain their centuries-old character. With gently rolling hills as your backdrop, follow a patchwork of scenic footpaths, quiet bridleways, and winding country lanes. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in a timeless landscape shaped by generations of sheep farmers and skilled dry-stone wallers, an England untouched by the rush of modern life, where tradition still exists. Each day of the tour can be customized.
Great For
- Exploring Villages
- Visiting Historic Sites
- Picturesque Landscapes
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Moreton-in-Marsh

Arrive in this historic market town and meet your guide at the station. Transfer and settle into the welcoming Redesdale Arms Hotel. Enjoy a relaxed evening in a traditional Cotswold coaching inn nestled on the High Street. Nestled in the heart of Moreton-in-Marsh, the award-winning Redesdale Arms welcomes guests to the gateway of the Cotswolds. Dating back to 1650, this 35-bedroom inn beautifully combines timeless character with the warmth and comfort of modern amenities.
Transportation: It’s easy to get here from London. The Paddington Station and train are the best options. Connections can be made from Heathrow to Paddington Station via the Heathrow Express.

Meals
None
Lodging
Redesdale Arms
Day 2 Moreton-in-Marsh to Chipping Campden

Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Moreton-in-Marsh, where your guide will greet you for a brief orientation before you lace up your walking shoes. From here, your first steps into the Cotswolds lead you along tranquil country paths toward Chipping Campden. Along the way, you’ll pause at Batsford Arboretum, where you can enjoy lunch surrounded by one of England’s most diverse tree collections. As the path continues, you’ll pass through the charming village of Blockley, with its golden stone cottages and winding lanes, before marveling at the whimsical topiary in Broad Campden.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Chipping Campden, a classic Cotswold market town full of character. You’ll have time to explore its historic High Street, browse local shops, and settle into rural English life.
Walking: 5-6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
The Noel Arms
Day 3 Hidcote Gardens via Ebrington Arms

This morning starts in the storybook village of Chipping Campden and sets off on a walk to Hidcote Gardens, one of England’s most enchanting horticultural gems. Designed as a series of distinct outdoor “rooms,” this American-inspired garden is a feast for the senses, with vibrant blooms, clipped hedges, and secret corners waiting to be discovered.
After soaking in the serenity of the garden paths, you’ll travel to Stratford-upon-Avon for an afternoon steeped in literary history. Here, you’ll step into Shakespeare’s world—beginning with a visit to his birthplace, where you’ll get a glimpse into his early life and creative legacy. You’ll continue to Holy Trinity Church, where the Bard was both baptized and laid to rest, and then explore Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the idyllic thatched home of Shakespeare’s wife. If you love theatre, you’ll enjoy our final stop: the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, a hub of world-class performances and a fitting end to your Shakespearean journey. After a day of gardens, poetry, and culture, you’ll return to Chipping Campden for a restful evening.
Walking: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy, flat terrain

Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
The Noel Arms
Day 4 Chipping Campden to Broadway Tower

Today’s walk follows the celebrated Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden toward the dramatic high ground of Broadway Tower. The trail ascends past Dovers Hill, a scenic viewpoint and the quirky historic site of the Cotswold Olympiks, offering panoramic glimpses across the landscape. Rolling fields, dry-stone walls, and grazing sheep provide a quintessential Cotswolds backdrop. Atop the hill stands Broadway Tower, an 18th-century folly with views spanning 16 counties across England and Wales.
After a relaxed lunch near the tower, the path descends into the picturesque village of Broadway, known for its broad High Street, limestone cottages, and a variety of art galleries, tearooms, and independent shops. A peaceful evening in this “Jewel of the Cotswolds” offers time to explore or unwind.
Walking: 4-5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
The Broadway Hotel
Day 5 Stanton into Winchcombe

On this day of your journey, you’ll walk through some of the most picture-perfect villages in the Cotswolds. You’ll stroll down the peaceful lanes of Stanton and Stanway, where golden-stone cottages nestle against rolling hills, and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Stanway House and its remarkable gravity-fed fountain mark a highlight before reaching the medieval ruins of Hailes Abbey, once a significant pilgrimage site. The walk finishes in Winchcombe, a town steeped in Saxon heritage. An optional visit to Sudeley Castle offers a deeper look into Tudor history and the life of Catherine Parr, the final wife of Henry VIII.
Walking: 5-6 miles
Difficulty: Easy, flat terrain

Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
The White Hart Inn
Day 6 Winchcombe to Belas Knapp Loop

There will be a short transfer introducing a day of cultural discovery in Cheltenham, a spa town celebrated for its neoclassical architecture and artistic vibrancy. The walk begins along the Promenade, lined with Georgian buildings and boutique storefronts, leading into the Montpellier District’s stylish arcades and eclectic shops. A visit to the Pittville Pump Room reveals insights into the town’s spa heritage, followed by peaceful moments in Imperial and Montpellier Gardens. Those with an eye for the arts may wish to explore the Wilson Art Gallery and Museum before returning to the tranquility of Winchcombe.
Walking: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
The White Hart Inn
Day 7 Walking Route in Bath

Today, you set off toward one of England’s most celebrated cities, the city of Bath. As you walk, you’ll pass landmarks tied to the English Civil War, including the poignant Granville Monument, commemorating a fallen Royalist hero. Around midday, pause for a traditional pub lunch at The Old Crown Inn. Then, you’ll continue to Bath, where elegant Georgian architecture and centuries of history greet you at every turn. You’ll wrap up your walk in front of the soaring Bath Abbey, with time to take in the city’s charm before settling in for the night.
Walking: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy, flat terrain

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hampton by Hilton Bath City
Day 8 Blenheim Palace

Begin your day stepping into British grandeur at Blenheim Palace, a Baroque masterpiece renowned for its grand façade, opulent interiors, and centuries of history. As you wander through lavish rooms and opulent halls, you’ll gain insight into the legacy of Winston Churchill and the artistry of Baroque architecture. The exhibits showcase his life through letters, photographs, and artifacts.
Outside, the palace gardens and vast parklands, crafted by famed landscape designer Capability Brown, invite you to explore meadows, rose gardens, and lakeside paths. The gardens are equally stunning, from the formal Italian Garden to the fragrant Rose Garden and the secluded Secret Garden.
In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Oxford, where the historic atmosphere of the university town sets the tone for your next adventure.
Walking: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy, flat terrain

Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Voco Oxford Spires Hotel
Day 9 Walking Tour of Oxford

Today you’ll experience Oxford’s scholarly beauty and quiet grandeur on foot. Your walking tour begins at the Radcliffe Camera, one of the most iconic buildings in the city, where you’ll admire its domed architecture before continuing to the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest and most revered libraries in Europe. As you wander through its historic courtyards and the vaulted Divinity School, you’ll feel steeped in centuries of academic tradition. Strolling down cobbled lanes, you’ll pass under the Bridge of Sighs and pause outside the Sheldonian Theatre, an architectural gem designed by Sir Christopher Wren. You’ll climb the tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin for a sweeping view of Oxford’s dreamy spires.
Later, you’ll visit one of the university’s most prestigious colleges, either Christ Church, with its grand dining hall and whimsical Alice in Wonderland ties, or Magdalen College, home to enchanting gardens and a peaceful deer park. There’s time to enjoy a bite at the Covered Market, where local cafés and artisan stalls buzz with activity. In the afternoon, you’ll slip into a wooden punt and glide down the River Cherwell past lush meadows and ivy-draped college walls. As the day winds down, you’ll enjoy a relaxed stroll along High Street, with time to browse bookshops, sip tea, or visit a museum before returning for a final evening in Oxford.
Walking: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy, flat terrain

Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Voco Oxford Spires Hotel
Day 10 Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before saying goodbye to your guide. Your guide will help you plan your onward journey. If you’re heading back to London, a direct train from Oxford to Paddington makes it easy, with smooth connections to Heathrow or beyond.

Meals
Breakfast
Dates & Price
Dates
This trip will be customized for you on your dates of choice.
Best Time of Year to Visit
Wander through the heart of the English countryside as you explore the Cotswolds, a region rich in heritage and charm. This journey leads you past some of England’s most iconic landmarks, through storybook villages built of honey-colored limestone, and into bustling market towns that retain their centuries-old character. With gently rolling hills as your backdrop, follow a patchwork of scenic footpaths, quiet bridleways, and winding country lanes. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in a timeless landscape shaped by generations of sheep farmers and skilled dry-stone wallers, an England untouched by the rush of modern life, where tradition still exists. Each day of the tour can be customized.
What’s included:
- All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
- All breakfasts
- Snacks & drinks for the day
- Activities:
- Entry tickets to Hidcote Gardens
- Entry tickets to Sudeley Castle
- Roman Baths
- Blenheim Palace, Park & Gardens
- Oxford Collages
- Oxford museums
- Oxford Punting
- Guides:
- 1x guides for walking tours.
- Overland transportation
Need to Know
Please note that this trip operates under Journeys International’s standard Terms & Conditions except for differences noted below. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions, but also note the following exceptions for trips to Mongolia. Anything not described here is governed by the standard Terms & Conditions.
Deposit Payments:
We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit of 25% per person, along with the standard Journeys International Reservation Form acknowledged digitally by each person responsible for payment, and a Traveler Information Form acknowledged digitally by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. All trips to England require a deposit prior to confirmation.
Final Payments:
Full and final payment for your trip will be due 90 days before departure.
Cancellations & Refunds:
If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing info@journeysinternational.com or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some lodging accommodations require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.
| Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation Penalty |
|---|---|
| 101 or more | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable |
| 76-100 | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 50% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit |
| 51-75 | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 70% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit |
| 0-50 | 100% of total land costs |
Travel Insurance:
Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets, and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.
For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.
All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of their trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.
Physical Requirements:
This tour is physically active, with varying levels of demands and fitness requirements depending on the specific itinerary. By signing this agreement, you represent that you do not have any physical or other conditions that would create a hazard for you, any Co-Travellers, or affect other people’s enjoyment of the tour. If you have a physical condition that will require special attention during the tour, you must inform us in writing when the booking is made, and we shall advise you whether the tour is suitable for you or not. We may require a medical certificate if you have a special condition. We reserve the right in our sole discretion to accept, decline, or remove anyone from a tour (at departure or during the tour) who we judge to be incapable of meeting the tour’s physical demands.
Duration 10 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Comfort Level
Superior
Charming and traditional Inns and Hotels
Activity Level
Vigorous
Moderate hiking
Extensions
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.












