Cotswold Way
Cotswold Way
$2060
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey along the Cotswold Way, a self-guided walking tour through the heart of England's picturesque countryside. This adventure takes you from the charming village of Chipping Campden to the historic city of Bath, traversing rolling hills, quaint villages, and ancient woodlands. Discover the beauty of the Cotswolds with its golden towns, traditional pubs, and stunning views from Dover's and Cleeve Hill. Explore historic sites like Hailes Abbey and the Great Witcombe Roman Villa, and enjoy the unique charm of villages such as Broadway, Painswick, and Stanton. With comfortable B&B accommodations and luggage transfers, this moderate-grade tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable experience for all walking enthusiasts. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Chipping Campden
Location: Chipping Campden
Accommodation Name: The Volunteer Inn
Make your way to the historic village of Chipping Campden. This village meaning ‘Cheap’ which was a derivative of the word market, certainly sets the bar high with being one of the prettiest villages that you will stay in along the way. It feels fitting to start the trail surrounded by rich, honey coloured houses and buildings, and sums up the Cotswolds beauty to a tee. It also features the finest church in the whole of the region, built from the proceeds of the wool industry. The high street is full of lovely boutique shops, and a host of drinking and dining options, ranging from tasty delis offering great local produce, pubs offering traditional British fare, to fine dining restaurants, all within a 100m stretch of high street.
Accommodation: The Volunteer Inn is a traditional old coaching inn dating back to the 17th century used to recruit volunteer mercenaries. It is located at the end of the high street opposite St Catherine’s Church on the corner of Hoo Lane where the Cotswold Way turns right off the high street. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Chipping Campden to Broadway - 6 miles/9.7 km. 3-4 hrs
Location: Chipping Campden, Dover's Hill, Broadway Tower, Broadway
Accommodation Name: Windrush Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
The start of the Cotswold Way is easy to find as it is right by the old Market Hall. We Start the first day with a straightforward walk into Broadway. Today is a good introduction to the trail as a whole as you walk through agricultural land and open hills. Make your way up to Dover's Hill where you catch your first views. You will walk along nice wide gravel paths and through wheat fields. Walking through some woods climb to Broadway Tower and roll your way back down towards Broadway where you will be staying tonight. Broadway - You will receive a warm welcome at the 4 star Windrush Guesthouse. *Note if staying during a weekend, supplements may apply. We would recommend booking 2 nights. If no availability in Broadway then we may book you in Stanton
Day 3 : Broadway to Winchcombe - 12 miles/19.1 km 5.5 hrs
Location: Stanway House, Beckbury Camp, Hailes Abbey, Winchcombe, Sudeley Castle
Accommodation Name: White Hart
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trail enters well-manicured, mainly flat pasture land, part of an estate belonging to Stanway House. There will be a chance to see the outside of the beautiful honey coloured Jacobean house from the walk. Entering the tiny hamlet of Woody Stanway, there is a brief walk up and down the Cotswolds escarpment, passing an Iron Age hill fort called Beckbury Camp. This is called Cromwell’s Clump and supposedly where Thomas Cromwell sat and watched Haile’s Abbey being dissolved. Once off the escarpment there is a track leading off to a fruit farm which has a great little tea room and restaurant, as well as a farm shop. Next are the the ruins of pretty Hailes Abbey before the last few kilometres to Winchcombe. This small town was at one point the capital of Mercia and attracted pilgrims to an abbey now long gone. It has a large church built with the riches of the wool trade and beautiful 16th century townhouses built with local honey coloured limestone. It is described as the walker’s capital of the Cotswolds as other long distance routes intersect here. Sudeley Castle close by, is worth a visit; It is the only private castle that has a queen buried within the grounds. Queen Katherine Parr who was the last surviving wife of King Henry VIII.Accommodation: You will spend the night at White Hart in Winchcombe, a charming, traditional pub located in the heart if Winchcombe. It has a cosy, rustic feel with a traditional bar offering local ales and hearty food.
Day 4 : Winchcombe to Charlton Kings - 11 miles/18 km, 5 hrs
Location: Winchcombe, Cleeve Hill, Belas Knap, Cheltenham, Charlton Kings
Accommodation Name: Double Tree
Meals Included: Breakfast
A longer day involving the ascent to the highest point in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill 1,083 ft (330 m) with potentially great views as you will be mostly walking along the escarpment. After a steep initial climb, on the way is the impressive Belas Knap, an Iron age burial ground. From the escarpment, you descend through beautiful woodland, before climbing back finally to the top of Cleeve Hill. with spectacular views over Cheltenham and Bishop’s Cleeve as well as further away to the Brecon Beacons in Wales. It is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its abundance of rare flora and fauna such as orchids, deer and birds of prey. You now keep the height walking past disused quarries which were used to gather the local stones for the houses below, and nature reserves with rare butterflies. The final section will see you dropping height though old woodland until you get to Dowdeswell Reservoir. The nearest accommodation from the trail is about 1km of walking down the London Road towards Cheltenham in the Village of Charlton Kings. Some accommodations are a couple of km further on and this distance is not included in the walk distance today as it varies. Cheltenham is a regency Spa town and is worth a visit even if you are tired, as it is full of interesting buildings, parks and restaurants.Accommodation: Double Tree offers quality accommodation just outside Cheltenham and within walking distance off the Cotswold Way. It is a short 10 min taxi ride into Cheltenham itself. If this accommodation is not available then alternatives may be booked
Day 5 : Charlton Kings to Birdlip 11 miles/18km, 5 hrs
Location: Cotswolds, Lineover Woods, Leckhampton Hill, Crickley Hill, Birdlip
Accommodation Name: Royal George Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today starts with the climb up again to the top of the Cotswolds Scarp through Lineover Woods, which features ancient beech and lime trees. Once back on the escarpment (note that the distance today is from the Dowdeswell reservoir) you will find the going easy, although the trails can be muddy and slippery if it has been raining. You will see how prominent the escarpment is with a steep drop off your side. Eventually reach Leckhampton Hill - the site of one of several Iron-Age hillforts situated on top of the Scarp dotted along the length of the Cotswold Way. The hill was also an important quarry which supplied the limestone building material for Regency Cheltenham and the prominent Devil’s Chimney can be seen from where these quarries once were worked. Next some woodland walking brings you to Crickley Hill, which has a lovely café overlooking the Severn Vale. There is finally a bit of road walking to reach the accommodation in Birdlip.
Accommodation: Royal George Hotel. This old stone building is pretty much the only choice in the area, and the only pub in this tiny village. It has plenty of large rooms and serves some really well priced meals before 5pm. On Fridays, there is often a live band playing.
Day 6 : Birdlip to Painswick 7.5 miles/12km, 4 hours
Location: Birdlip, Great Witcombe Roman Villa, Cooper's Hill, Painswick Beacon, Painswick, St Mary's Church, Painswick
Accommodation Name: St Anne's House
Meals Included: Breakfast
Returning to the trail from Birdlip, after the initial road walk join a nice wide woodland trail. After about 3.5km you will come to a sign towards the Great Witcombe Roman Villa. It is only a few hundred metres diversion, and well worth seeing. The trail then comes out into a tiny hamlet which is Cooper’s Hill and if you want to challenge yourself, you can walk up the hill itself, but it is incredibly steep, and you will wonder in awe how people run down it chasing cheeses! The actual trail skirts around the right of the hill at a slightly easier gradient. Walk through more lovely woodland and eventually reach the Painswick road where another short walk through the woods will bring you towards the Royal William Pub, at around lunchtime. The Cotswold Way then climbs to the top of the Painswick Beacon - another Iron Age hillfort - before descending into the town of Painswick shortly after. The town is often touted as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’ - the local stone is of a different hue almost ivory in colour in contrast to the honey coloured limestone that the Cotswolds is famous for. Don't miss the only surviving English Rococo Garden in the country and has been beautifully preserved and original to how it was planted in 1748 and the 15th century St Mary’s church.
Accommodation: St Anne's House is a former wool merchant's house in the heart of Painswick with antiques, a log fire and a relaxed family atmosphere.
Day 7 : Painswick to Kings Stanley - 10 miles/15.7 km, 4.5 hrs
Location: Painswick, Haresfield Beacon, Standish Wood, Stroud, Kings Stanley
Accommodation Name: The Grey Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving the pretty suburbs of Painswick, the trail goes over pasture land and gradually works its way uphill to get back up onto the escarpment again and to a trig point at Haresfield Beacon with some spectacular views towards the Severn River, with the Forest of Dean and Brecon Beacons in the distance. You then walk around to the next obvious spur and into Standish Wood, which features ancient Beech Trees and a long barrow at the end of the wood. Exiting the forest, you head downhill towards the outskirts of Stroud, including a walk through a lovely vineyard. All of a sudden you will have to cross the main road leading into Stroud itself, reaching a canal. From here, it’s a short walk to the picturesque village of Kings Stanley and your accommodation.Accommodation: The Grey Cottage has been welcoming walkers for many, many years. It is built of local Cotswold stone in ca. 1838 and sits in a flower garden. Mix of private and ensuite facilities. There are limited dining options in town, but the owner allows you access to a pantry.
Day 8 : Kings Stanley to Wotton-Under-Edge 13 miles/20.5 km, 6.5-7 hrs
Location: Kings Stanley, Coaley Peak, Cam Long Down, Dursley, Tynedale Monument, Wotton-Under-Edge
Accommodation Name: The Swan Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The longest day of walking with the most ascent along the trail, but the spectacular views more than make up for it! Leaving Kings Stanley, the trail leads through the village of Middleyard. The trail then descends through pristine ancient woodland before gradually climbing to Coaley Peak - a site of an Iron Age hillfort, and also that of Nympsfield Long Barrow, which is a 2500 BC Neolithic burial ground. This is a popular picnic spot as it presents a great vantage point of the Severn Vale but also of Cam Long Down where you will be heading to and Tynedale Monument in the distance. There follows a very short and sharp ascent up to Cam Long Down and you will then walk along the ridge towards Dursley and lunch at the Old Spot Inn is recommended. Almost instantly after the pub, you will have another short and sharp, steep climb back up. The trail then splits again for an alternative option, a longer walk which adds another 3 miles/ 4.5km to the route but more splendid views as you walk around the plateau including a visit to the Tynedale Monument, before a descent into Wotton - another important wool trading town.Accommodation: The Swan Hotel is almost directly on the Cotswold Way through Wotton It is a large pub with a host of facilities. It certainly seems like the beating heart of the community, with a number of ensuite rooms.
Day 9 : Wotton-Under-Edge to Old Sodbury 12.5 miles/20.5 km, 5.5-6 hours
Location: Wotton-Under-Edge, Newark Park, Alderley, Lower Kilcott, Lord Robert Somerset Tower, Hawkesbury Upton, Horton Court, Little Sodbury, Old Sodbury
Accommodation Name: The Cross Hands
Meals Included: Breakfast
A less arduous day although you do have to walk back up to the ecarpment once again. You will then continue up on a quiet road for a while, passing the site of Newmark Park. This is a National Trust managed Tudor hunting lodge with impressive views of the area and lovely gardens. Continue along the Edge and drop down through the woods to then walk through farmland passing through the very quaint village of Alderley with some impressive houses. The walking is now fairly flat, and you pass the pretty hamlet of Lower Kilcott where you will be walking on a quiet road, then another climb will bring you to the Lord Robert Somerset tower, who was in command of the Household Cavalry Brigade at the Battle of Waterloo. Hawkesbury Upton is a good spot to have some food, as there is a great little pub and farm shop. You leave the village on an old Drover’s Road which is a lovely flat and open track with good views to the Severn Vale, continue along passing Horton Court, which features a 12th century Norman Hall and some of the earliest Renaissance motifs used in England. Through Horton reach Little Sodbury along quiet lanes and another ascent and descent.
Accommodation: This charming 14th-century posting house lies in the tranquil village of Old Sodbury, on the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds. The Cross Hands is a lovely, welcoming hotel; it blends old world charm with fresh, modern décor beautifully. In fact, in 1981, even Queen Elizabeth II took advantage of our renowned hospitality after being caught in a winter blizzard!
Day 10 : Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton 9 miles/15 km, 4.5 hrs
Location: Old Sodbury, Dodington Park, Tomarton, Dyrham, Dyrham Park, Pennsylvania, Cold Ashton
Accommodation Name: Toghill House Farm
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Old Sodbury you will shortly be entering the grand estate of Dodington Park, catching glimpses of the Grade 1 listed manor house as you walk through the stunning 300 acres of private land. The house belongs to the inventor, James Dyson, who is now one of the richest people in the UK. The trail leads to the lovely village of Tomarton. There are a few busy road crossings, as well as treks through grain fields and pastures. You then walk downhill for a while till you reach a village called Dyrham and soon you will be at the gates of the very imposing and beautiful Dyrham Park. There is a National Trust Café within the estate. Passing the hamlet of Pennsylvania, you now only have one more kilometre to walk and you will reach your final destination of Cold Ashton. It is a very pretty village, but few accommodation options which are about 1km out of the village continuing on the quiet road.
Accommodation: Toghill House Farm was built in 1691 and was originally used as a resting house for monks travelling between Glastonbury and Malmesbury. It was restored in 1861 as a working farm and now offers bed, breakfast accommodation.
Day 11 : Cold Ashton to Bath Spa 9 miles/15 km, 4.5 hrs
Location: Cold Ashton, Sir Bevill Grenville's Monument, Bath Racecourse, Weston, Bath, Royal Crescent, Bath, The Circus, Bath, Guildhall, Bath, Bath Abbey, Bath, Roman Baths, Bath
Accommodation Name: The Apple Tree Boutique BB
Meals Included: Breakfast
The last day on the Cotswold Way certainly does not disappoint! It’s a wonderful last leg, walking through glorious rolling countryside which certainly feels and looks different from the Northern sections. The start of the walk heads downhill for a short while, traversing lovely farmland, before pretty much the only major climb of the day. It is quite steep at times, but you will be surrounded be fantastic views all around you. At the top you will reach a battle monument to Sir Bevill Grenville from the civil war. Passing Bath Race Course, you are treated to a wonderful view of Bath itself as well as further afield to Bristol to the West. It is a pleasant walk down to the outskirts of the city and you reach the suburb of Weston and walk into the city via the beautiful Georgian streets: Royal Crescent, and shortly after that the Circus. Finally pass the Guildhall and finish the trail in front of the imposing Bath Abbey and Roman Baths. The Cotswold Way ends as it started, with a limestone plaque, identical to that in Chipping Campden.
Accommodation: Our 5* accommodation The Apple Tree Boutique BB is a Victorian period home in the centre of Bath. It is only a 5 minute stroll to the city centre.
Day 12 : Arrangements end after breakfast
Location: Bath
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
B&B's -
Luggage Transfer
One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg.
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Digital Information Pack
Digital information pack including Navigational App, maps, route notes, and GPX files.
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Emergency Hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the tour.
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Travel to Chipping Campden and from Bath Spa
Travel arrangements to Chipping Campden and from Bath Spa are included.
What's Not Included
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Lunches, Dinners & Drinks
Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included in the package.
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Transfers
Transfers other than luggage transfers are not included.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Personal items and expenses are not covered.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Guide
This is a self-guided holiday; no guide is provided.
Accommodation
Experience the charm of traditional B&Bs throughout your journey, with accommodations offering twin share rooms, often with ensuite facilities. While baths are rare, showers are standard, and some locations may provide a separate bath area. Enjoy a cozy stay with a touch of local hospitality.
What You Carry
As the walk is fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, waterbottle, warm top, camera, spare mobile battery etc.
Grading
We grade this walk as ‘Moderate’ in relation to our other U.K tours, the route is hilly, but not mountainous, the weather is rarely too bad for walking, and there are generally quite a number of villages enroute. Days of up to 22.5 km are not too long for most reasonably fit people.
Mode of Transport
This self-guided tour includes luggage transfers between inns, allowing you to travel light and focus on the scenic walks. Travel to the starting point in Chipping Campden and from the endpoint in Bath Spa is included, ensuring a seamless journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Cotswold Way tour?
The tour provides bed and breakfast accommodations, typically on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. However, rooms generally do not have baths, and showers are the main option. Alternative accommodations may be used if the usual choices are full or closed.
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Is luggage transfer included in the Cotswold Way tour?
Yes, one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20kg, is transferred from inn to inn during the tour.
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Are meals included in the Cotswold Way tour package?
The tour includes 11 breakfasts, with one being a light breakfast in Wotton under Edge. Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included in the package.
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Is the Cotswold Way tour guided?
No, the Cotswold Way tour is a self-guided holiday, and no guide is provided.
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What should I carry during the Cotswold Way tour?
As the walk is fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including a raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, camera, spare mobile battery, etc.
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What is the difficulty level of the Cotswold Way tour?
The tour is graded as 'Moderate' in relation to other UK tours. The route is hilly but not mountainous, and the weather is rarely too bad for walking. There are generally quite a number of villages en route, and days of up to 22.5 km are not too long for most reasonably fit people.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Cotswold Way
12 Days Starting in Chipping Campden, England and ending in Bath, England
Visiting: Chipping Campden, Dover's Hill, Broadway Tower, Broadway, Stanway House, Beckbury Camp, Hailes Abbey, Winchcombe, Sudeley Castle, Cleeve Hill, Belas Knap, Cheltenham, Charlton Kings, Cotswolds, Lineover Woods, Leckhampton Hill, Crickley Hill, Birdlip, Great Witcombe Roman Villa, Cooper's Hill, Painswick Beacon, Painswick, St Mary's Church, Painswick, Haresfield Beacon, Standish Wood, Stroud, Kings Stanley, Coaley Peak, Cam Long Down, Dursley, Tynedale Monument, Wotton-Under-Edge, Newark Park, Alderley, Lower Kilcott, Lord Robert Somerset Tower, Hawkesbury Upton, Horton Court, Little Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Dodington Park, Tomarton, Dyrham, Dyrham Park, Pennsylvania, Cold Ashton, Sir Bevill Grenville's Monument, Bath Racecourse, Weston, Bath, Royal Crescent, Bath, The Circus, Bath, Guildhall, Bath, Bath Abbey, Bath, Roman Baths, Bath, Bath ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WAD
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided