Walk The Cotswolds and Oxford - Guided
At a Glance
- 6 days, 5 nights
- 3 or 4 Star Hotels
- Guided
- Pickup: Oxford
- Carbon: 49kg CO2e
- Difficulty: Moderate
Journey from Oxford, through the Cotswolds on this 6 Day Cotswolds Walking Tour
Walk the breadth of the Cotswolds visiting some of England’s most iconic landmarks along the way. The Cotswolds is perfect walking country, with this tour passing through honey-coloured villages and busy little market towns, over rolling hills and down quaint country lanes. Taking the most picturesque roads, paths and bridleways, let us transport you back to England as it was before mechanisation when sheep farming and dry-stone walling were the most prosperous industries.
Explore global heritage sites and walk right into some of England’s most iconic destinations, from the university city of Oxford to Churchill’s Blenheim Palace. At the end of each day, relax with beautiful accommodation, local pubs and outstanding cuisine.
The routes on this tour are designed for walkers of all abilities, with longer and shorter options available each day. Whatever your requirements, with this tour Active England guarantees a guided Cotswold experience you won’t forget.
- Explore the parklands and staterooms of the renowned World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace
- Marvel at the spectacular views from the highest point in the Cotswolds, Broadway Tower
- Enjoy walking through picturesque Cotswolds villages, including Chipping Campden, Burford and Tetbury
Your Itinerary
Settle into life in England with our pre-trip extension in Oxford, the “city of dreaming spires.” Saunter around the university colleges, explore the botanical gardens or take a sip of Old Rosie at the Turf Tavern, one of Oxford’s oldest pubs. If you have time after all this, take to the water on a punt (a flat-bottomed wooden boat) and travel the short distance from Magdalen Bridge along Christ Church Meadows..
We collect you from Oxford railway station at 10.00am, where we begin with a looped walk along the River Thames and into one of the world’s most beautiful university cities. We lead you on a tour of the university, taking in the famous Oxford colleges, Bodleian library and Radcliffe square. After lunch, we head deep into the Cotswolds, to our hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh, where we check-in and get settled before coming together as a group for dinner.
Up to 3 miles – 100ft elevation
Transferring to the historic market town of Chipping Campden, we walk to the stunning Hidcote Gardens, internationally renowned for its collection of outdoor “rooms.” We then have lunch at Broadway Tower, where you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views over 16 counties in England and Wales. In the afternoon, we walk into Broadway, the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, with its bustling high street and irresistible antique shops. Finally, we return for the evening to Moreton-in-Marsh.
Up to 8 miles – 450ft elevation
We transfer from Moreton-in-Marsh to Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s birthplace and a World Heritage Site. Our itinerary begins with a visit to Winston Churchill’s grave in the village of Bladon, before taking us into the Palace grounds. Designed by the renowned garden landscaper, Capability Brown, there’ll be ample opportunity to explore before we tour the Palace itself and take in the formal Italian Gardens and the Rose Garden. After lunch, we walk to the Column of Victory, built to celebrate the victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim, before arriving into Burford.
Up to 7 miles – 240ft elevation
We travel from Moreton-in-Marsh to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. The site of a famous battle in the English Civil War, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in the magnificent market square. We then walk down toward the Slaughters, some of the most photogenic villages in the entire region, before lunching in the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water. Our itinerary allows a little more time here before returning Burford in the evening.
Up to 8 miles – 360ft elevation
Today, we set course for Tetbury, a wonderful Cotswold market town with historical links to the wool trade. Before lunch, our guide will take you on a hike around the valleys and villages which surround the town. On the way we’ll pass, Chavenage House, the 16th-century property which starred in the popular programme ‘Poldark’. We lunch at Westonbirt Arboretum – home to some 2000 different tree species and five national collections. Come the afternoon, we continue our walk through yet more stunning Cotswold countryside, before arriving back at our accommodation for our final dinner together.
Up to 9 miles – 200ft elevation
Our tour ends after breakfast when we help with your onward travel arrangements. Most of our guests travel from Kemble railway station, a short transfer from the hotel. Wherever your journey takes you next, our guides will be on hand to provide all the help you need.
Known for its hot springs, Roman baths, splendid Georgian architecture, and as the home of Jane Austen, Bath delights visitors with its quintessentially English charm. Your post trip extension includes transfer to the city, one night’s hotel stay and entry to the famous baths.
Map
Gallery
Handpicked Accommodation
Resedale Arms
The award winning Redesdale Arms Hotel sits at the gateway to the Cotswolds, on the High Street of the historic town of Moreton-in-Marsh. Steeped in history and dating back to around 1650, constructed of mellow Cotswold stone with a heavily oak beamed interior.
The Manor House Hotel
The Manor House Hotel, Moreton in Marsh, is an enchanting 16th Century Cotswold retreat where you can both indulge and relax in a homely atmosphere.
Prince of Burford
The Prince Of Burford is a newly refurbished pub and hotel converted from an 18th-century coaching inn, located in beautiful Burford on the north-eastern edge of the Cotswolds.
The Bay Tree
Located along a peaceful side street in the historic market town of Burford, seize the opportunity to sink into a relaxing ambiance of pure bliss.
The Ormond
An atmospheric coaching inn that has welcomed travellers since the 17th century. One of many historic buildings in the centre of town, an ideal base for exploring this area of outstanding natural beauty or wandering the many antique shops and independent stores that make Tetbury such a gem for an indulgent Cotswold break. Enjoy the informal modern well-kept ales, fine wines and delicious food.
Hare and Hounds
Located in Westonbirt with the Highgrove Estate and National Arboretum for neighbours; The Hare and Hounds Hotel is a homely country retreat that offers both relaxed and fine dining, with a focus on tasty British classics showcasing seasonal and local produce.
What our guides say...
Step back in time and discover the history and heritage of the Cotswolds and Oxford.
Trip Extensions
Pre-Trip: Oxford
- Voco Spires
- 1 night
Post-Trip: Bath
- Hampton by Hilton
- 1 night
What’s Included
- All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary
- All breakfasts and 2 x dinners (excluding dinner drinks)
- Walking poles
- GPS routes, provided via RideWithGPS (app available for Apple or Android)
- All special events, iconic points of interests, expert guests and entrance fees
- All transportation from rendezvous to farewell locations
- All baggage transportation
- All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
- Services of a professional local guide
Accommodation Types
We have handpicked the best family run, independent and country hotels, pubs and guest houses. Cosy and with informal dining, these country hotels are friendly and relaxed, with great menus with locally sourced food and ales. Our handpicked accommodation is 3* with the option to upgrade to 4* for an additional cost.
Difficulty Level
Moderate. This tour is rated moderate meaning it’s appropriate for guests who enjoy a good walk and can handle an incline or two. The terrain we cover is varied. We’ll enjoy some rolling hills, and a few steeper walks which are a bit more demanding. Your holiday, however, will be tailored by your guide to suit your individual preferences and rewarding views are guaranteed! Daily distances range from 4-10 miles.
Equipment Provided
Walking Poles can be provided if required
Pre & Post Tour Travel
Pick-up location: Oxford railway station. Our holidays are designed to be completely relaxing, with the start of our tours sitting within easy reach of London, Bristol or the Midlands. This tour begins from Oxford, a direct 1.5-hour train journey out of London, so that you can begin your holiday stress-free.
End-of-tour location: Kemble railway station.
FAQ's
Where are the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds National Landscape (previously referred to as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – AONB) stretches from Bath in the South to Stratford Upon Avon in the North, and across to Oxford in the East. An iconic pocket of England with breath-taking natural beauty, rolling hills and historic towns and villages, built from the golden Cotswold stone.
What is the best way to get out of London into the Cotswolds?
The best way into the Cotswolds from London and most major cities is by a direct train from Paddington into Oxford, Moreton-in-Marsh or Bath Spa. Our trips begin from mainline stations so you can arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to start your tour. If you prefer to drive, please confirm with our team the best place to park for each tour.
Can I join a tour as a solo traveller?
Of course! All our trips are open for single travellers to join. You will have a great time on our walking tours whether travelling on your own, as a couple, family or group, meeting like-minded people on our guided trips, or choosing your own adventure on our self-guided tours. “As a single female, I would not hesitate to go on another Active England trip as a solo traveller”. S.G.
How hilly are the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds are a range of hills, with its name stemming from ‘Cote’ meaning sheep enclosure and ‘wold’ meaning hills. There are therefore lots of hills and incredible views from the top! However, you will able to miss out some of the steeper inclines – or add in some hillier walk for those looking to stretch their legs. There are routes for everyone and with our routes your guide will tailor your tour to your preferences.
Why choose a guided holiday?
Our guides are the beating heart of our tours and can make all the difference to the enjoyment of your walking holiday – so we make sure to choose them VERY carefully! They are driven, knowledgeable, know how to have A LOT of fun and importantly will take you on the ‘road less travelled’ across the Cotswolds. They know the best spots for making your walking tour truly different and truly magical!
Make this trip private
Our private tours are based on our tried and tested group departures with two key differences. They offer you the freedom to travel when you wish and with whoever you’d like to holiday with.
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Carbon Footprint
What’s the Number?
Nearly everything has a carbon footprint. Together with ecollective, we’ve measured the carbon impact of not only every tour we operate but our entire business. We’ve taken into account greenhouse gas emissions across the business including office, travel, website, vehicles, accommodation, activities, food, suppliers…
What does the number mean?
We’re going to improve this by measuring and reducing our footprint each year. That means working with our suppliers to make changes that have a more positive impact on us and the planet. What does this look like in reality?
- Redesign trips to reduce our carbon impact
- Working closely with all our suppliers across England to join us on our decarbonisation journey
- Switching up our vehicle fleet to electric
- Investing in projects that permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere for any emissions that remain.
We’ve got a long way to go but we’re on our way to net-zero
We’re committed to reducing our impact on the planet and working towards a sustainable future. We’ve taken ownership of our carbon footprint and are on a mission to reduce our emissions year on year.
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