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The Cotswolds: Storybook Charm and Adventure
Cotswolds, England
8 Days
From $7295
Hiking and Culture
The Cotswolds: Storybook Charm and Adventure
Cotswolds, England
8 Days
From $7295
Hiking and Culture
Trip Overview
Wander Through the Cotswolds—Timeless Trails, Golden Villages, and English Charm
Nestled in the heart of England, the Cotswolds is a storybook landscape of rolling green hills, honey-colored villages, and winding country lanes. This journey invites you to slow down and soak in the peaceful rhythm of the English countryside.
We’ll walk along ancient footpaths, through lively market towns, and past stately homes and manicured gardens. Follow the historic Monarch’s Way and Thames Path, glide across a quiet lake on stand-up paddleboards, and explore some of the most picturesque villages in the region.
Evenings offer a chance to unwind in charming historic inns, savor locally inspired meals, and enjoy the warmth of traditional Cotswold hospitality. Blending history, nature, and culture, this trip is a gentle yet immersive journey through one of England’s most beloved regions—where every golden valley and cobblestone lane has a story to tell.
Maximum group size: 14
Highlights
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Enjoy stunning views of Bath with a skyline walk, explore the Roman Baths, and visit Jane Austen’s favorite spots.
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Walk through picturesque Cotswolds villages like Tetbury, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water.
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Visit Westonbirt Arboretum, one of England’s largest tree collections.
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Explore Roman history at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester.
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Stay in charming boutique hotels and historic inns.
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Try stand-up paddleboarding on peaceful waters.
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Meet a real-life Lord of the Manor and visit a stately home.
Inclusions
- 1 - 2 local guides and an AGC guide depending on group size
- 7 nights at charming B&B accommodations
- Daily breakfast, 5x dinners, 4x lunches as detailed in the itinerary
- All transportation and luggage transfers during the trip
- Experiences as stated in the itinerary: Roman Baths, Westonbirt Arboretum, Corinium Museum, Paddle Boarding Session
- All gratuities for activities, baggage porters, and hotel services
Not Included: Transportation to/from the UK, alcoholic beverages, gratuities for the AGC guide and local guide(s), optional activities not on the itinerary, any meals not included on the itinerary, and Travel Insurance.
Trip Info
Activity Level: This trip is designed for active women in good physical condition who want to explore the Cotswolds on foot, immersing themselves in the region’s rolling landscapes, charming villages, and historic trails. Daily walks range from 3 to 7 miles on well-maintained paths with gentle elevation changes. While the pace is relaxed, the trip includes multiple days of walking and other active experiences like stand-up paddleboarding. A rating of 2 is suitable for women who walk briskly for 35–45 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week. Expect 3 to 5 hours of daily activity on varied terrain.
Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5
Curious about how we rate our trips and how to prepare for yours? Explore our AGC Fitness Guide for more details.
This trip is designed for those who want to explore the rolling hills, picturesque villages, and historic landmarks of the Cotswolds.
Wondering what kind of gear works well for our trips? Our AGC Gear Guide highlights some of our go-to favorites.
We’ll start our journey with two nights at The Bird in Bath, a charming boutique hotel housed in a Victorian townhouse, just a short stroll from the city center. The hotel offers an eclectic atmosphere and cozy spaces to relax. From Bath, we’ll head to The Close in Tetbury for three nights, a historic 16th-century townhouse filled with classic English character and set within a tranquil walled garden. For our final two nights, we’ll unwind at The Lamb Inn, a former weaver’s cottage transformed into a cozy country inn, offering welcoming rooms with ensuite bathrooms and a true Cotswold charm.
Trip Resources
Itinerary
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
After arriving at London Heathrow Airport you are free to arrive in Bath at your leisure. You can take the direct train from London Paddington to Bath Spa, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you arrive early, feel free to store your luggage at the hotel and take a stroll through Bath's charming streets. At 3:00 pm, we’ll gather for the official start of our trip with a welcome meeting, followed by a relaxing guided walk through the city’s central highlights. The Georgian architecture and quaint streets of Bath are the perfect introduction to our adventure. In the evening, we’ll come together for a celebratory welcome dinner.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: The Bird in Bath (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking tour of Bath (1-2 hours)
Travel Time: Train from London to Bath (~2 hours)
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: The Bird in Bath (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking tour of Bath (1-2 hours)
Travel Time: Train from London to Bath (~2 hours)
DAY 2
Today, you'll step back in time to the eighteenth century, following in the footsteps of Georgian society as you explore Bath's hidden skyline walking route. This stunning walk offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, providing a unique perspective of Bath from above. The skyline was first used by men and women of high society who often felt the need to escape the hectic demands of city life. This picturesque route will take you back in time in the most relaxing of ways!
In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to visit the iconic Roman Baths before our guides take you on a tour of the city, sharing their favorite spots through both a literary and architectural lens. You'll explore Jane Austen’s favorite haunts and admire landmarks like Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together at one of Bath’s fantastic restaurants.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Bird in Bath (or similar)
Daily Activities: Skyline Walk (2-3 hours, ~7 miles, ~710 feet elevation +/-)
In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to visit the iconic Roman Baths before our guides take you on a tour of the city, sharing their favorite spots through both a literary and architectural lens. You'll explore Jane Austen’s favorite haunts and admire landmarks like Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together at one of Bath’s fantastic restaurants.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Bird in Bath (or similar)
Daily Activities: Skyline Walk (2-3 hours, ~7 miles, ~710 feet elevation +/-)
DAY 3
Today, we’ll walk out of Bath following the scenic canal system towards Batheaston. Once a vital trading route between Bath and London, this waterway provides a unique vantage point as we bid farewell to the city's timeless beauty. From Batheaston, a short transfer takes us to Westonbirt Arboretum, one of England’s largest and most spectacular tree collections. We’ll enjoy a leisurely café lunch beneath the canopy, then have time to explore the tranquil grounds.
In the afternoon, we’ll follow the historic Monarch’s Way to Tetbury, a charming market town with deep Royal connections. This picturesque town will be our home for the next three nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Close (or similar)
Daily Activities: Morning walk (1-2 hours, 3-4 miles, ~200 feet elevation +/-), Afternoon walk (2-3 hours, ~4 miles, ~144 feet elevation +/-)
In the afternoon, we’ll follow the historic Monarch’s Way to Tetbury, a charming market town with deep Royal connections. This picturesque town will be our home for the next three nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Close (or similar)
Daily Activities: Morning walk (1-2 hours, 3-4 miles, ~200 feet elevation +/-), Afternoon walk (2-3 hours, ~4 miles, ~144 feet elevation +/-)
DAY 4
Today, we’ll immerse in the charm of the Cotswolds as we walk through picturesque villages before enjoying a peaceful stand up paddleboard on the lake!
We’ll begin our day on the Thames Pathway, starting near the river’s source in the quaint village of Kemble. Flowing 215 miles from Kemble to the Greenwich Barrier in London, the Thames is one of England’s most iconic rivers. We’ll explore a scenic stretch of this historic route, passing through the charming villages of Kemble, Somerford Keynes, and Ashton Keynes before reaching the Cotswold Water Park where 180 lakes spread over 42 square miles. At the water park, we’ll move our bodies in a different way, with an hour long refreshing Stand Up Paddleboarding session.
This evening, we’ll head into the historic market town of Tetbury for dinner on your own, where you’ll have a variety of delightful dining options to choose from.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Close (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking (2-3 hours, 5-7 miles, ~325 feet of elevation +/-)
We’ll begin our day on the Thames Pathway, starting near the river’s source in the quaint village of Kemble. Flowing 215 miles from Kemble to the Greenwich Barrier in London, the Thames is one of England’s most iconic rivers. We’ll explore a scenic stretch of this historic route, passing through the charming villages of Kemble, Somerford Keynes, and Ashton Keynes before reaching the Cotswold Water Park where 180 lakes spread over 42 square miles. At the water park, we’ll move our bodies in a different way, with an hour long refreshing Stand Up Paddleboarding session.
This evening, we’ll head into the historic market town of Tetbury for dinner on your own, where you’ll have a variety of delightful dining options to choose from.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Close (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking (2-3 hours, 5-7 miles, ~325 feet of elevation +/-)
DAY 5
Today, we’ll embark on a scenic looped walk, following the Macmillan Way from our hotel toward Chavenage House, a stunning stately home. Along the way, we might even have the chance to greet the Lord and Lady of the Manor. Our return route follows the historic Fosse Way, an ancient Roman trail, stopping for a quintessential pub lunch along the way. This evening, dinner is on your own to explore Tetbury’s fantastic dining options!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Close (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking (1-2 hours, ~4 miles, ~360 feet of elevation +/-)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Close (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking (1-2 hours, ~4 miles, ~360 feet of elevation +/-)
DAY 6
Today, we’ll venture into the Golden Valley, a name bestowed by Queen Victoria herself after visiting this enchanting landscape known for its stunning beauty and rich history. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Cirencester, often regarded as the capital of the Cotswolds and once a thriving center of Roman Britain. Here, you’ll have time to grab lunch on your own—there are plenty of fantastic options, and your guides will be happy to offer recommendations. Afterward, we’ll explore the Corinium Museum, home to fascinating Roman artifacts and history. Later, we’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque Windrush Valley, making our way into the charming town of Burford where we’ll spend the next two nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: The Lamb Inn (or similar)
Daily Activities: Morning walk (2-3 hours, ~5 miles, ~485 feet elevation +/-)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: The Lamb Inn (or similar)
Daily Activities: Morning walk (2-3 hours, ~5 miles, ~485 feet elevation +/-)
DAY 7
Today, we take a short transfer to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. From here, we set off on a scenic walk to Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds," passing through two of the most picturesque villages in the region, Upper and Lower Slaughter along the way. In Bourton-on-the-Water, you’ll have plenty of options for lunch on your own, whether you’re in the mood for a cozy tearoom or a classic pub meal. After lunch, we have the option to walk back to Burford, arriving with time to unwind before our final group dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: The Lamb Inn (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking (4-5 hours, 4-5 miles, ~40 foot elevation +/-)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: The Lamb Inn (or similar)
Daily Activities: Walking (4-5 hours, 4-5 miles, ~40 foot elevation +/-)
DAY 8
After breakfast, your guides will ensure you get to Charlbury station in time for your train back to London.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel Time: Driving (~15 minutes), Train from Charlbury to London (~2 hours)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel Time: Driving (~15 minutes), Train from Charlbury to London (~2 hours)
Reviews
This trip is brand new — be among the very first to experience it with AGC!
Dates & Prices
| Year | Departure Date | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2026 |
August 09 to August 16 |
Available |
$7295.00 |
Year
2026
Departure Date
August 09 to August 16, 2026
Availability
Available
Price
$7295.00
Make It Your Adventure
Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
Common Questions
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
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