Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk

Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk

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9 Days From

$2720

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Tour Overview

Embark on the "Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk" and immerse yourself in England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This enchanting journey takes you through picturesque villages like Guiting Power, Broadway, and Chipping Campden, each steeped in history from the Saxon, Jacobean, and Medieval eras. Discover the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe and the historic Sudeley Castle, the final resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife. Enjoy leisurely walks each day, allowing ample time to explore charming Cotswold villages and stunning gardens at historical manor houses. With luggage transfers included, you can relish the scenic routes unburdened. Stay in welcoming accommodations offering hearty breakfasts, and consider extending your adventure with city breaks in Bath or Oxford. This tour promises a perfect blend of relaxation, history, and natural beauty. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Explore the Cotswolds, England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  • Discover beautiful villages such as Guiting Power, Broadway, and Chipping Campden.

  • Visit historical sites from Saxon, Jacobean, and Medieval eras.

  • Explore the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle.

  • Enjoy stunning gardens at historical manor houses.

  • Relax with daily walks, allowing time to explore delightful Cotswold villages.

  • Walk to Broadway Tower for panoramic views across the vale.

  • Visit charming villages like Broad Campden and Blockley, and explore Batsford Arboretum.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Moreton-in-Marsh

Location: Moreton-in-Marsh

Standing at the crossroads betwen the Fosse Way Roman Road and what is now the A44, Moreton-in-Marsh, a small market town with a central market square and a set of stocks, is a great place to explore before heading out for dinner.

Day 2 : Moreton-in-Marsh to Stow-on-the-Wold

Location: Stow-on-the-Wold

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the high wolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, via the fantastic Mogul manor house at Sezincote and a number of pretty hamlets.

Day 3 : Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water

Location: Bourton-on-the-Water

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's route from Stow-on-the-Wold is a leisurely downhill walk across meadows to picturesque Lower Slaughter with its working mill and on to Bourton-on-the-Water, with its many attractions. A longer alternative walk is available for this day if you wish.

Day 4 : At Bourton-on-the-Water

Location: Bourton-on-the-Water

Meals Included: Breakfast

The route follows the River Windrush to the village of Naunton with its ancient dovecote and on to lovely Guiting Power, where the church has a fine Norman arch.

Day 5 : Bourton-on-the-Water (Guiting Power) to Winchcombe

Location: Winchcombe

Accommodation Name: Overnight in Winchcombe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk through woods and fields before the dramatic descent to the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, close to Sudeley Castle, last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife. Overnight in Winchcombe, with its fascinating church and local museums.

Day 6 : Winchcombe to Broadway via Stanton

Location: Broadway

Accommodation Name: Stay in the coaching village of Broadway

Meals Included: Breakfast

Follow the pilgrims' route to Hailes Abbey, then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House, with its magnificent gatehouse and medieval tithe barn and on to idyllic Stanton. Stay in the coaching village of Broadway, where an array of fine houses and inns flank the 'broad way'.

Day 7 : Broadway to Chipping Campden

Location: Chipping Campden

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk up to Broadway Tower, the 18th century folly from where there are fine views across the vale before descending to Chipping Campden, the loveliest of all Cotswold villages, with its covered market place, beautiful 'wool church', almshouses and silversmiths.

Day 8 : Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh

Location: Moreton-in-Marsh

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 Moreton-in-Marsh.

Day 9 : Leave Moreton-in-Marsh

Location: Moreton-in-Marsh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart after breakfast

What's Included

  • All Breakfasts

    All breakfasts are included in the tour package.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodations during the tour are included.

  • Route directions and maps

    Route directions and maps are provided for the self-guided tour.

  • Luggage transfers

    Luggage transfers between accommodations are included, allowing you to enjoy the scenic walks without carrying your belongings.

What's Not Included

  • Hotel upgrades

    Hotel upgrades are not included in the tour package.

  • Transfers to and from hotels

    Transfers to and from hotels are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation

    Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.

  • Solo traveller supplement

    A solo traveller supplement applies when only one person is traveling on a departure date.

Food

Enjoy the local cuisine in quintessentially British pubs, cafes and delicatessens - local delicacies include Cerney Ash or Stinking Bishop cheeses, Crackleberry Farm eggs, Cotswold Cream liqueur and the local ales - try the Yubby beer from the Yubberton Brewery Co. There's also the archetypal English Cream Teas that go down a treat with a nice hot cup of tea!
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Accommodation

You'll be staying in a mix of 3-star and 4-star guesthouses, B&Bs, inns, and hotels, all offering a warm Cotswold welcome and hearty cooked breakfasts.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodations can I expect during the tour?

    You will be staying in a mix of 3-star and 4-star guesthouses, B&Bs, inns, and hotels, all offering a warm and friendly Cotswold welcome along with hearty cooked breakfasts.

  • Are luggage transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfers between accommodations are included, allowing you to enjoy the scenic walks without the burden of carrying your belongings.

  • Is there an option for a longer walk during the tour?

    Yes, on Day 3, there is a longer alternative walk available if you wish to extend your walking experience.

  • What historical sites will I visit during the tour?

    You will visit areas of historical interest from Saxon, Jacobean, and Medieval eras, including the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle, the last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife.

  • Can I extend my stay in the area after the tour?

    Yes, you can extend your stay with city break add-ons in Bath or Oxford. Please ask for more details.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Jane Holdaway (Google Reviewer)  

Had an exceptional holiday with...

24-Mar-2025

Had an exceptional holiday with Exodus during which we travelled extensively around Sri Lanka and got a real taste of the country and the people who live there. The itinerary was packed with interesting trips and activities and all of the hotels were very comfortable. We had an excellent local guide who looked after our group brilliantly and became a friend by the end of the tour. This was not the cheapest tour we looked at but we don't regret a penny spent on it because of the quality and attention to detail. Would thoroughly recommend Exodus! ...more ...less

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team ...more ...less

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.! ...more ...less

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained! ...more ...less

Roger Wells (Google Reviewer)  

We have just returned from...

12-Feb-2025

We have just returned from a 2 week Exodus trip to Egypt, Alexandria to Aswan. We had a great time, enjoyable company, with an excellent guide, Sayed. All worked out as described. The 3 day Red Sea extension was relaxing. Even the train journey, Cairo to Aswan, was a great part of the experience ...more ...less

Damian Cannon (Google Reviewer)  

We've been on several group...

21-Mar-2025

We've been on several group trips with Exodus to destinations such as India and Jordan where we'd rather let some one else do the organising. In all cases these trips have been excellent with wonderful guides and well designed itineraries. We have always returned with happy memories. In cases where things have gone wrong Exodus have never disappointed us with their service. During one case our plane was diverted at the start and we joined the tour 3 days late. But despite this Exodus organised everything, including a driver, required to let us catch up. Equally during the pandemic our trip was cancelled twice and in the end we decided to take a full refund which Exodus handled properly. Having just returned from our latest trip we're already considering where we can go next. It's possible that we wouldn't bother to use Exodus in Europe because we can organise everything ourselves but further afield we'll definitely be travelling with Exodus again. ...more ...less

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip! ...more ...less

Trustpilot
Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer. ...more ...less

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Friday

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Thursday - Friday

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Thursday - Friday

Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 23, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Thursday - Friday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 08, 2025
$2720 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk

9 Days Starting and ending in Moreton-in-Marsh, England

Visiting: Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Winchcombe, Broadway, Chipping Campden ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W08CC

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2720 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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