Walk The Cotswolds and Oxford - Guided

At a Glance

The Cotswolds

From

£2359

$3069

Per Person, Double Occupancy

โœ“ 25% Refundable Deposit
โœ“ Booking Protected by ABTOT
โœ“ 5* TripAdvisor Rated

Journey from Oxford, through the Cotswolds on this 6 Day Cotswolds Walking Tour

Walk the breadth of the Cotswolds, visiting some of Englandโ€™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 Englandโ€™s most iconic destinations, from the university city of Oxford to Churchillโ€™s Blenheim Palace. At the end of each day, relax with beautiful accommodation, local pubs and outstanding cuisine. Active England guarantees a guided Cotswold experience you wonโ€™t forget.

Tour Highlights

  • 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 โ€œcity of dreaming spires.โ€ Saunter around the university colleges, explore the botanical gardens or take a sip of Old Rosie at the Turf Tavern, one of Oxfordโ€™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.

Accommodation for pre-night Voco Spires

We collect you from Oxford railway station at 10.00am, where we begin with a looped walk into one of the worldโ€™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.

3 miles - Up to 100 ft elevation

Accommodation for nights 1 and 2:
3* Country option โ€“ The Redesdale Arms
4* Prestige option โ€“ The Manor
Transferring to the historic market town of Chipping Campden, we walk to the stunning Hidcote Gardens, internationally renowned for its collection of outdoor โ€œrooms.โ€ We then have lunch at Broadway Tower, where youโ€™ll enjoy awe-inspiring views over 16 counties in England and Wales. In the afternoon, we walk into Broadway, the โ€˜Jewel of the Cotswoldsโ€™, with its bustling high street and irresistible antique shops. Finally, we return for the evening to Moreton-in-Marsh.
 
8 miles - Up to 450 ft elevation
 
Accommodation for nights 1 & 2:
3* Country option โ€“ The Redesdale Arms
4* Prestige option โ€“ The Manor
We transfer from Moreton-in-Marsh to Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchillโ€™s birthplace and a World Heritage Site. Our itinerary begins with a visit to Winston Churchillโ€™s grave in the village of Bladon, before taking us into the Palace grounds. Designed by the renowned garden landscaper, Capability Brown, thereโ€™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.
 
7 miles - Up to 240 ft elevation
 
Accommodation for nights 3 & 4:
3* Country option โ€“ The Prince of Burford
4* Prestige option โ€“ The Baytree
We travel from Burford to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. The site of a famous battle in the English Civil War, youโ€™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 โ€˜Venice of the Cotswoldsโ€™, Bourton on the water. Our itinerary allows a little more time here before returning to Burford in the evening.
 
8 miles - Up to 350 ft elevation
 
Accommodation for nights 3 & 4:
3* Country option โ€“ The Prince of Burford
4* Prestige option โ€“ The Baytree
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. We lunch at Westonbirt Arboretum โ€“ home to some 2000 different tree species and five national collections. If time allows after our visit to Westonbirt, weโ€™ll pass Chavenage House, the 16th-century property which starred in the popular programme โ€˜Poldarkโ€™. Come the afternoon, we continue our walk through yet more stunning Cotswold countryside, before arriving back at our accommodation for our final dinner together.
 
11 miles - Up to 200 ft elevation
 
Accommodation for night 5:
3* Country option โ€“The Ormond
4* Prestige option โ€“The Hare & Hounds
Our tour ends after breakfast, when we help with your onward travel arrangements. We will provide transport to Kemble, the nearest mainline train station.

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.

Accommodation for post-night – Hampton By Hilton Bath City

Due to local scheduling, activity time is subject to change. Accommodations vary depending on departure date.

Dates & Booking

Dates Prices  
03 May 26 - 08 May 26
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GBP ยฃ2359.00 Book Now
03 May 26 - 08 May 26
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17 May 26 - 22 May 26
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17 May 26 - 22 May 26
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31 May 26 - 05 Jun 26
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31 May 26 - 05 Jun 26
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07 Jun 26 - 12 Jun 26
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07 Jun 26 - 12 Jun 26
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14 Jun 26 - 19 Jun 26
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14 Jun 26 - 19 Jun 26
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21 Jun 26 - 26 Jun 26
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21 Jun 26 - 26 Jun 26
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12 Jul 26 - 17 Jul 26
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12 Jul 26 - 17 Jul 26
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26 Jul 26 - 31 Jul 26
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26 Jul 26 - 31 Jul 26
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09 Aug 26 - 14 Aug 26
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09 Aug 26 - 14 Aug 26
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23 Aug 26 - 28 Aug 26
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23 Aug 26 - 28 Aug 26
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06 Sep 26 - 11 Sep 26
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06 Sep 26 - 11 Sep 26
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13 Sep 26 - 18 Sep 26
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13 Sep 26 - 18 Sep 26
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20 Sep 26 - 25 Sep 26
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20 Sep 26 - 25 Sep 26
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27 Sep 26 - 02 Oct 26
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27 Sep 26 - 02 Oct 26
Guaranteed Departure - Available
USD $3069.00 Book Now

Map

Gallery

Handpicked Accommodation

the-redesdale-arms_rsz_27082025114822091jpg

The Redesdale Arms

Moreton-in-Marsh
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.
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The Manor House Hotel

Moreton-in-Marsh
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.
the-prince-of-burford_rsz_27082025114729024jpg

The Prince Of Burford

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.
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The Bay Tree Hotel

Burford
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.
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The Ormond at Tetbury

Tetbury

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.

the-hare-and-hounds_rsz_27082025114057710jpg

The Hare & Hounds Hotel

Tetbury
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.

Jago

Trip Extensions

oxford bridge of sighs

Pre-Trip: Oxford

  • Voco Spires
  • 1 night
From ยฃ153
From $199
Oxford Spires Hotel is set in the heart of historical Oxford. Relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings with the River Thames on its doorstep. This trip extension includes a 1-night hotel stay.

Moreton-in-Marsh

  • The Manor House Hotel
  • 1 night
From ยฃ299
From $359
Welcome to the Cotswolds and Moreton-in-Marsh. Housed in a typical Cotswold stone building, the Manor House offers a warm welcome, top-notch rooms and excellent food.

Detailed Information

Difficulty Level

What difficulty rating is this tour?

Moderate. This tour is rated moderate meaning itโ€™s appropriate for guests who enjoy a good walk and can handle an incline or two. The terrain we cover is varied. Weโ€™ll enjoy some rolling hills, and a few steeper walks which are a bit more demanding. Daily distances range from 4-10 miles.

Is this tour suited to seniors?

Our Active England guided walking holidays in the UK are enjoyed by travellers of all ages, but are particularly popular amongst the over 60โ€™s. As a moderate tour, this walking holiday is suited to seniors who enjoy back-to-back walking days.

Equipment Provided
We can provide walking poles if required.
Pre & Post Tour Travel

For pre and post tour options, please see our London packages.

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 โ€“ 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. โ€œAs a single female, I would not hesitate to go on another Active England trip as a solo travellerโ€. S.G.

How hilly are the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds are a range of hills, with its name stemming from โ€˜Coteโ€™ meaning sheep enclosure and โ€˜woldโ€™ 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 โ€“ 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 โ€“ 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 โ€˜road less travelledโ€™ across the Cotswolds. They know the best spots for making your walking tour truly different and truly magical!

Whatโ€™s Included
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary All breakfasts and 2 x dinners (excluding dinner drinks) 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 24/7 emergency telephone support
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.

Reviews

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.

Carbon Footprint

Whatโ€™s the Number?
Nearly everything has a carbon footprint. Together with ecollective, weโ€™ve measured the carbon impact of not only every tour we operate but our entire business. Weโ€™ve taken into account greenhouse gas emissions across the business including office, travel, website, vehicles, accommodation, activities, food, suppliersโ€ฆ

What does the number mean?
Weโ€™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.

Weโ€™ve got a long way to go but weโ€™re on our way to net-zero

Weโ€™re committed to reducing our impact on the planet and working towards a sustainable future. Weโ€™ve taken ownership of our carbon footprint and are on a mission to reduce our emissions year on year.

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