Have you dreamt of walking through the unspoilt English countryside described in a Jane Austen novel? Do you yearn to immerse yourself in the ancient world of the Romans in Bath? Or perhaps you’re waiting to play the part of Shakespeare as you walk along the banks of the Avon? The limestone hills, quaint villages and rural tranquility of the Cotswolds have inspired generations of writers and poets. Now they can inspire you.
The Cotswolds are the Heart of England. To explore the richness of the region, you must be on foot. You’ll walk among centuries-old homes built with honey-colored Cotswold stone and steeply pitched thatched roofs. This is England as you’ve always imagined it, filled with history and charm, and set in rolling hills of green.
Special Update: With the strength of the dollar against the pound, the pirce of this trip has been reduced significantly. There's never been a better time in recent memory to visit England.
Day 1- June 27 - Arrive Windsor where you’ll be a guest at the Christopher Hotel, a former coaching inn dating back to 1711. You’re situated in Eton, in the shadows of Windsor Castle and a short walk by a pedestrian bridge over the River Thames. We are also near Eton College, whose alumni include monarchs and no less than 18 British prime ministers.
Day 2 – June 28 – Follow the Thames Valley north to historic Oxford, home of the oldest university in the English-speaking world. You’ll walk among the dreaming spires of this beautiful city before continuing on to Mickleton where you’re the guest of the classic and award-winning Three Ways House Hotel for the next seven days. Not only is it a great base for walking in the Cotswolds, but it’s the home of the celebrated Pudding Club, whose members have passionately prevented the demise of the great English pudding. (BD)
Day 3 - June 29 – Walk from the picturesque village of Snowshill through the unspoilt villages of Stanway and Stanton to Broadway, where you find a magnificent tower known as the “highest little castle in the Cotswolds.” (BLD)
Day 4 – June 30 – The ‘Warden’s Way,’ marked by beautiful pastoral scenery through the delightful villages of Guiting Power and Naunton, takes you to Bourton-on-the-Water with cottages dating to Elizabethan times. This is quintessential England. (BLD)
Day 5 – July 1 – A walk along the ‘Cotswold Way,’ one of England’s best known paths, takes you from Stanway to the beautiful and peaceful ruins of Hailes Abbey and a standing church dating to 1175 with medieval wall paintings. The walk continues on to explore the historic heart of Winchcombe, before a short stroll through attractive parkland leads to Sudeley Castle, former home of Catherine Parr, the sixth wife King Henry VIII. (BLD)
Day 6 – July 2 – You have all day to explore Stratford-upon-Avon, home of William Shakespeare. You’ll have ample time to visit the birthplace of the Bard and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage along with a peaceful riverside walk along the locks and weirs of the Avon. (BD)
Day 7 – July 3 – A walk on the Fosse Way Roman road along the valley of the fast flowing River Coln leads to Coln Roger with its Norman roots, and on to Arlington and Bibury, a village described by William Morris, the 19th century artist and founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, as “the most beautiful village in England.” From Bibury the walk continues to idyllic Coln St. Aldwyns, in a route characterized by tranquil riverside walking and some of the most beautiful stone-built cottages in the Cotswolds. (BSD)
Day 8 – July 4 – A walk from Broadway along the Cotswold Way as it climbs to the top of Broadway Hill for fantastic views over thirteen counties. Broadway Hill is followed by Fish Hill and a walk along the Cotswold escarpment to the summit of Dover’s Hill, for views across the Vale of Evesham and the Severn Valley. A descent of the ‘dip slope’ leads to Chipping Campden – the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds.’ Chipping Campden has the most complete medieval high street in Europe, with many historic and beautiful buildings, a wonderful ‘wool church’ and a range of excellent individual shops and galleries. After a generous amount of free time in Campden, the walk will continue along the ‘Heart of England Way’ to Mickleton, and the comfort of Three Ways House. (BSD)
Day 9 – July 5 – Step back 2000 years as you explore the city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Roman baths and beautiful Georgian and Regency architecture. Return to Windsor (B)
Day 10 – July 6 – Depart Windsor for return home. (B)
