The Cotswolds

  The Cotswolds 

                         Amazing Footpaths. Picturesque Countrysides.  Enchanting Villages.  

THE CHARMING COTSWOLDS

6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS


Designated as "an area of outstanding natural beauty," the Cotswolds are just 100 miles west of London. Steeped in history, its tiny villages of honey-colored limestone abound with thatched cottages that cluster around spired churches.  Our hiking and walking tour will allow you to experience this, on foot!


This superbly picturesque countryside of rolling meadows and beech forests lends itself to our gentlest series of walks, 5 to 10 miles daily, with quite modest elevation changes. From our well-located hotel, we drive daily to ramble in various parts of the region.


TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • 4 scenic guided walks with talks led by local experts
  • Visits to charming and sleepy villages all with the architecturally pleasing honey-colored limestone houses: Stow-on-the-Wold, Stanton and Chipping Campden
  • Hidcote Manor - world renowned gardens designed by the horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston
  • A visit to Bourton-On-The-Water- known as the "Little Venice" of the Cotswolds for its elegant, low bridges
  • A visit to Bibury, a village with the most photographed buildings in the Cotswolds, Arlington Row

Spanning nearly 800 square miles of some of the most beautiful countryside in England, the Cotswolds have a timeless appeal. With its delightfully picturesque limestone villages, it looks as if time has stood still in the Cotswolds. The gentle hillsides ('wolds') ooze tranquility and the iconic image of a sheep grazing amidst the lush green hills can easily be seen while rambling from village to village.

Day 1  

Arrive at Charingworth Manor Hotel for the first of four nights. Lunch will be available at the hotel if you choose. Your group will rendezvous at approximately 1:30 to take a short walk to enjoy your first experience of the peace and tranquillity of the area. Dinner awaits you on your return to the hotel. (D) 4 miles


Day 2  

Walk via the lovely village of Ebrington to Hidcote Manor, one of England's world renowned gardens. Designed and created by the horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston in the Arts & Crafts style, it is made up of exquisite garden rooms, each possessing its own special character. Walk on to perhaps the loveliest of all Cotswold villages, Chipping Campden. Time to enjoy this gorgeous village before transferring back to your hotel. (B, L, D) 6 miles


Day 3 

Transfer to Moreton-in-the-Marsh. Pass by Sezincote, a unique example of Mughal architecture, then walk through Longborough and Donnington to arrive at pretty Broadwell, with its huge green, ford, and interesting churchyard. Continue to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest village in the Cotswolds, and unusually, built on a square, for free time. (B, L, D)  6 miles


Day 4   

Transfer to Stanway with its beautiful Manor House and walk across the estate to Stanton, which is generally agreed to be a perfect Cotswold village, frozen in time. The main street is lined with beautiful golden limestone houses and it is no surprise that Stanton is frequently used as a movie location.  Walk via Buckland along the Cotswold Way to beautiful Broadway for lunch. Free time in Broadway before returning to your hotel for overnight. (B, L, D) 6 miles


Day 5  

After breakfast we leave Charingworth Manor to head south. We stop at Bourton-on-the-Water and then continue to the top of the wolds, from where we walk down to the villages of The Barringtons (Little and Great Barrington), ending with a charming stroll along the river into Burford, where we spend the final two nights. (B, L ,D) 5 miles


Day 6 

After a short transfer to Bibury, time to walk around this village, considered by William Morris to be "the most beautiful village in England", and an example of perfect local architecture. Arlington Row is one of the most photographed group of buildings in the Cotswolds. Across country to Coln St. Alwyns and back to Bibury. Return to Burford for dinner and overnight.

(B, L ,D)  7 miles


Day 7 

Departure after breakfast. (B)



For the remainder of 2023 and for all of 2024 we will be offering our tours on customized basis only.  This means that you will select you tour, guided or self-guided, select your dates and we will plan your walking tour using the same great guides and accommodations as our group departures.  Group sizes can range from 2 to 12 people. 


Price:  $3,850 - Per Person  /  Double Occupancy

Single Supplement: $475


Your trip price includes the following. 

  • 4 scenic guided hikes
  • 7 nights' lodging in charming country inns    and hotels
  • Double-occupancy room with private bath
  • 6 sumptuous breakfasts and 6 dinners
  • 6 packed and pub lunch
  • Visits to charming and sleepy villages all with the architecturally pleasing honey-colored limestone houses: Stow-on-the-Wold, Stanton and Chipping Campden
  • Hidcote Manor - world renowned gardens designed by the horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston
  • A visit to Bourton-On-The-Water- known as the "Little Venice" of the Cotswolds for its elegant, low bridges
  • A visit to Bibury, a village with the most photographed buildings in the Cotswolds, Arlington Row

For additional information, please call or email us at info@ramblers.com and one of our exceptional Travel Advisors will be happy to share with you all kinds of details.

Best Time to Go

May through September


Convenient Airport

London Heathrow or London Gatwick


Traveling By Rail

There are direct trains from all London airports.   Moreton-in-Marsh would be the best arrival station. For more information including reservations, time schedules and current fares please refer to BritRail at (800) 677-8585 or www.britrail.comIn the UK the number to call is (08457) 484950, or you may visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. Another useful resource is The Train Line at www.thetrainline.com.


Weather

Follow this link to the Meteorological Office for information on climate and rainfall averages.




Self-Guided Tours  &  Trip Extensions


We also offer self-guided walking and hiking tours in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.  For these hiking tours we provide a carefully laid out itinerary, handle the accommodations, provide trail maps and trail  notes, provide luggage transfers and local emergency contacts.  All you need is you day pack and you are on your way.  You can also add on to your tour with our trip extensions.  These 2-4 night extensions will allow you to maximize your time in Britain and Ireland. 

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