The Cotswolds walking & Hiking tour
7 Days Starting in woodstock uk and ending in Strat
Visiting: Hanborough Station, Blenheim Palace, Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, Northleach, Yanworth, Chedworth Roman Villa, Broad Campden, Blockley, Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stanton, Hailes Abbey, Sudeley Castle, Broadway Tower, Chipping Campden, Mary Arden's Farm, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Parkway Station Car Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
COT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 10
Physical rating:
Low, Fairly Easy
Age range:
25-85
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians, Meat, Pescatarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Cotswolds is a uniquely English walking destination with colourful farmland and winding country lanes lined with dry stone walls leading to sleepy medieval villages of honey-coloured stone and thatched cottages. Think of a typical image of England and it is likely to be found in the Cotswolds! Join our small group walking tour to stroll through bright yellow mustard fields surrounded by dry stone walls and along winding country lanes that lead to scattered dreamy medieval villages like Stanton and Broadway. We look forward to being your hosts, to walking up and along grassy escarpments through colourful mustard fields and across enchanting countryside dotted with ancient Oak and Beech trees. Among the highlights are visits to Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill with a landscaped park by Capability Brown, formal gardens at Sudeley castle where the Catherine Parr, 6th wife King Henry VIII is buried, the ruins of Hailes Abbey, raided and destroyed by Henry’s soldiers. Roman influence also ran deep in England and after our pretty walk to Chedworth Roman Villa you can really step back in time and let your imagination run wild.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Day: Hanborough To Blenheim Palace
Location: Hanborough Station, Blenheim Palace, Broadway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Broadway
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
We meet at 13.00 at Hanborough station. There are good connections from London Paddington station and Oxford. We drive to the pretty village of Woodstock and walk into the Blenheim estate, one of England’s largest houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987) and the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace! We then enjoy a picnic lunch at Blenheim Palace in the magnificent park landscaped by Capability Brown. Afterward, we tour the Palace of the Dukes of Marlborough where Sir Winston Churchill was born and walk around its stunning formal gardens, rock gardens and grounds. Restored to magnificence in the late-19th and early-20th centuries it is a great afternoon out!
Day 2 : The Cotswold Village Walk From Stow To Bourton On The Water. 12.5 Km
Location: Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Broadway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We visit the delightful, bustling town of Stow-on-the-Wold with time to admire antiques and do a little shopping. Then we descend an escarpment to reach an old mill listed in the Domesday Book. With the sound of a rushing stream in our ears we continue through Lower and Upper Slaughter and admire how exquisitely the many thatched cottages and gardens are kept. A picnic lunch with some rest and then our walk leads us to the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water with its eccentrically built miniature model of the village. (4hrs/8miles/12.5km)
Day 3 : Chedworth Roman Villa. 16 Km
Location: Northleach, Yanworth, Chedworth Roman Villa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Broadway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A beautiful long walk starts at the Wool Town of Northleach and winds through quaint hamlets and sleepy villages with beautiful gardens, crossing meadows and woodland with wild flowers in abundance. We picnic at Yanworth before continuing on foot to our destination which lies close to the Fosse Way. This Roman road was built during Caesar’s invasion of Britain. At Chedworth in the sleepy Coln valley, we find the ruins of England’s finest Roman Villa. Time to enjoy the extensive excavations and pictorial mosaic floors. (5hrs/10miles/16km)
Day 4 : Broad Campden — Blockley — Morten-In-Marsh 19Km
Location: Broad Campden, Blockley, Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Moreton-in-Marsh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Broadway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
From the immaculate little village of Broad Campden we cross fields and go over Hangman’s hill to reach the village of Blockley for a picnic lunch and then, climbing the Cotswold escarpment, we pass through open fields to Moreton-in-Marsh stopping on the way at the Cotswold Falconry Centre to watch a world-class flying display.
Walk: 6hrs/12miles/19km
Day 5 : Broadway — Stanton- Hailes Abbey — Sudeley Castle 15Km
Location: Broadway, Stanton, Hailes Abbey, Sudeley Castle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Broadway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk from Broadway to the honey-coloured stone cottages of Stanton village, along the famous ‘Cotswold Way’ path past Jacobean Stanway Manor to the majestic ruins of Hailes Abbey for a picnic lunch. After learning about the dissolution of the monasteries, cast your minds back to Tudor England life as we visit Sudeley Castle and its formal gardens where Katherine Parr, last wife of Henry VIII lived. (5hrs/9miles/15km)
Day 6. Broadway Tower To Chipping Campden. 11 Km
Location: Broadway Tower, Chipping Campden
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Stratford-upon- Avon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a sharp uphill climb to Broadway tower for spectacular views, we walk across open farmland to descend into the market town of Chipping Campden where there is free time to explore and have lunch.
In the afternoon we go to Hidcote Arts and Crafts garden in the north Cotswolds, a stone’s throw from Stratford-upon-Avon. Created by the talented American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston its colourful and intricately designed outdoor ‘rooms’ are separated by walls or hedges with outstanding herbaceous borders that are always full of surprises.
Walk: 2.5hrs/7miles/11km
Day 7 : Shakespearean England Stratford Canal Walk. 8 Km
Location: Mary Arden's Farm, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shakespeare's Birthplace
Accommodation Name: Stratford-upon-Avon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A delightful gentle stroll along the quiet Stratford canal finds us steeped in culture and history stopping along the way to visit the farmstead home of Mary Arden (Shakespeare’s mother) Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (Shakespeare’s wife) and the birthplace of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon. (2hrs/5miles/8km)
Day 8 : Departure Day.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Parkway Station Car Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
09.30 departure from our hotel for Warwick Parkway station where trains go to London.
If you wish, we can help you make other independent departure arrangements such as early taxis to Birmingham or a London airport.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
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Walking sticks
One walking stick per person
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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Fully Guided
Owner Guided. Fully Guided: 2 experienced Caspin Journeys Tour Leaders/guides 24/7 Service of expert multilingual Caspin Journeys Leaders/ guides with extraordinary local knowledge, available for the duration of your trip.
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Local Taxes
Tourist taxes at Hotels
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Meals – Full Board
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as per itinerary
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Tipping and Gratuities
All gratuities for Hotel porters and Waiters service
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to museums, events and parks as listed in the itinerary
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Meals – Half Board
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as per itinerary
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Drinks with Meals
Wine, water & coffee. No spirits
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Accommodation
Woodstock: 1 Night Broadway: 4 Nights Stratford-upon-Avon: 2 Nights A nice hotel and a good night's sleep are an important part of your overall travel experience! When considering a hotel, we look at more than just the rooms. We look for hotels or bed and breakfasts which are committed to ensuring their guests are well looked after and pay attention to detail, for example offering locally sourced breakfast produce, or a special selection of toiletries, or tea and coffee making facilities in the room. Wherever possible your hotel will be perfectly positioned for exploring and will have a historical charm or maybe a new and innovative design. We choose the best possible places to stay ensuring that each night you are comfortably settled in a place that is welcoming and full of authentic local charm. We are on a mission to find the ingredients you need to wake feeling rested and looking forward to each day of your Caspin Journeys tour! Take a closer look at some properties we have chosen for you... Owner Guided.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and Gratuities for your Trip Leaders is at your discretion
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Country Entry Visas
International travel always requires a valid passport(minimum six months).
Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure.
It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your Holiday- vacation. -
Train Tickets
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Mini Bar & Bar Drinks
Please do not forget to settle your bill before leaving each Hotel
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Travel Insurance
N.
B.
It is a requirement of booking with Caspin Journeys Ltd that you have adequate personal travel insurance to cover the eventualities of your trip. -
Airport Transfers at Destination
Not all tours include airport transfers (see Itinerary)
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Not Included
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International Travel
Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
International travel always requires a valid passport. Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your vacation.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Because our hotel prices are based on double/twin bedrooms, we must charge a single supplement to an individual traveller using a private room on a trip. The single supplement reflects those costs — we don’t make money on it. To keep down these costs we book economical double rooms and they are sometimes smaller, even though they cost more per person.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. 2 experienced guides 24/7, Local specialist guiding, All English speaking
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Covid-19 Important: Please check for any vaccine requirements with the health authority of your country of origin
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
NO. (Unless on a private bespoke tour or by special arrangement)
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Which Airport to Fly to?
Pick-up and drop off at Naples International Airport. If you plan on staying in Naples for a few days early just make your way there and back on the airport shuttle bus which goes directly into town every 20 minutes.
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Company Instant Book
Yes We do. However, we strongly advice you to contact us to verify availability and check whether tour departure is guaranteed before you make any payments
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes. We transport your luggage between hotels and bring it to your room. You may bring only 1 case and 1 daypack . 1 MEDIUM CASE (60 cm/24″ x 40 cm/16″ x 25 cm/10″) + 1 DAY PACK (43 cm/17″ x 33 cm/13″ x 15 cm/6″). We have limited space in the minibus and will ask you to pay transfer costs. During the day you only carry snacks, water, rainproof and personal items in your daypack
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Activity Levels Explained. (Part 3 of 3
Strenuous: Full day hikes, 5-8 hours, requiring good stamina and some trekking through rugged mountainous terrain with steep climbs and descents of as much as 1500m, altitudes that can exceed 2000m and some rugged uneven footpaths. For full enjoyment of these tours good fitness is required.
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Activity Levels Explained. (Part 1 of 3
Leisurely: Walking and hiking trails and paths through rolling countryside with occasional steep trails with up to 350m elevation gain/loss. Fairly easy: Walks and hikes through gentle terrain, across fields, along coastal trails with little elevation gain/loss; altitude is not a factor. Occasionally slightly uneven paths and trails.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4star +
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. International travel always requires a valid passport. Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your vacation.
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Can I change my mind and transfer to another trip even after I've already made a reservation?
Transfers to another trip are allowed subject to availability. After your final payment due date we are unable to allow transfers. Any cancellation will follow the Cancellation Policy in our terms and conditions. When transferring to a different date or trip, if the trip costs more than your original trip, you must pay the difference. Exceptions to the Transfer Policy include our Private Trips.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If you are the first to Book, You tour booking will be taken on a provisional basis, we will keep you updated and confirm the tour as soon as we reach six. We aim to confirm a tour at least 75 days before departure.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes. Prior to departure Caspin Journeys will provide you with useful information which will include: Names of the Participant. Details of Accommodation. Background reading. Packing list. Travel support.
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How can I purchase insurance for my Trip?
Travel insurance helps you relax about the holiday/vacation you are planning ahead. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your travel investment. Some insurance companies offer protection called “cancel for any work-related reason”. Make sure you take out insurance within the stipulated no. of days of making your reservation with us. We do not sell insurance.
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What is the tipping policy?
In the Service industry in Europe, tipping is customary but not obligatory and at one’s discretion. We at Caspin Journeys have a policy of tipping 10% for the great service we get from our hotels, restaurants and specialist guides. These gratuities are included in the price of your trip (Except for your Trip Leaders).
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I am a vegetarian or have Dietary restrictions. Can yo accommodate this?
Yes! On the booking form or on a separate email you can provide us information on any special requests or requirements you may have. If you are vegetarian, let us know if that means you do/ do not eat poultry and/or fish. We pass the information along so that you do not have to worry about it during the trip. We can accommodate most dietary requests, so please do not hesitate to let us know.
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How Fit do I need to be to do a Caspin Journeys trip
You need to be healthy and have good general fitness. Our trips are not marathons. If you walk, swim, play golf or do another aerobic activity to stay fit, you shouldn’t have any trouble on our trips. Our trips have different levels of activity and you can choose the level that fits you best. And even then, you will have options. The Caspin support vehicle. Read about our Activity Levels
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
As listed in the itinerary. (Not all tours include airport transfers)
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Will I need a Passport or Visa if I'm travelling internationally
International travel always requires a valid passport. Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your holiday/vacation.
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Activity Levels Explained. (Part 2 of 3
Moderate:Activity that involves walks and hikes mostly on unpaved trails and paths through hilly terrain with typical elevation gains and losses of 350-600m. Occasional steep and uneven sections of trails and steps. Challenging:Full day hikes, approximately 4-6 hours through mountainous terrain with significant elevation gains and losses (600-900m). Terrain may be rugged with uneven footpaths.
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What is the maximum group size?
10
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
In the FAQ we have included Activity Levels Explained. (please check them out)
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes. As listed in the itinerary
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I'm a single Traveller. Will I be comfortable?
Yes, we do have guests who travel on their own and you’ll feel welcomed as we travel in small groups — max 10 — made up of couples, friends, solo travellers or family members travelling together.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes. You will mostly travel in our own air-conditioned Minibus from start to finish
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What if I dont want to participate in a scheduled walk or visit?
Our guides will make suggestions and you can choose what appeals to you. You may want to linger longer in a museum, sketch, watch the world go by in a café or shop while others are out walking. Many of our walks can be abbreviated with the option to jump in the minivan and catch a lift. This is your vacation not a marathon and it is important to us that you go home relaxed and invigorated.
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Can I speak to someone who has done this trip?
Of course! We can put you in touch with a reference who has done that trip. Just contact us!
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes. We can assist with advice with pre or post tour accommodation but require you to book direct.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Entrance fees to museums, events and parks as listed in the itinerary
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes. 2 experienced Caspin Journeys guides 24/7
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euros
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Joining instruction icluding backgroud reading
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Travelling opens our minds and broadens our horizons and it is better still if we do it responsibly and sustainably, and continuously improve our understanding and appreciation for the world around us.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Transfers to another trip are allowed subject to availability. After your final payment due date we are unable to allow transfers. Any cancellation will follow the Cancellation Policy in our terms and conditions. When transferring to a different date or trip, if the trip costs more than your original trip, you must pay the difference. Exceptions to the Transfer Policy include our Private and Custo
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1992
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Face masks will be required on all transportation. We will have a supply as a backup. The spacious minibus will be sanitized and aired throughout the day. Dining at larger or separate tables and al fresco if possible! Sanitation measures –We are constantly reviewing the cleaning protocols with accommodation providers to ensure they comply with the most current safety guidelines.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We tailored the best journeys for who wants to enjoy Italy, England, Spain or Corsica in small groups with like-minded
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
NO
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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