Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

Make your own way to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The day is free to explore the town. You can visit Shakespeare's birthplace in the centre of town, the Holy Trinity Church where he is buried, and the thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway once lived. Or why not see a famous play at The Royal Shakespeare theatres. Accommodation: Overnight in a traditional English bed & breakfast with en-suite rooms, delicious home cooking, friendly service and a cosy atmosphere.

Today's walk will bring you to Mickleton. We suggest that you stop off at the National Trust Gardens at Hidcote Manor, near Mickleton. Enjoy the wide views over the vales of Severn and Avon toward the Malvern Hills and Wales. Accommodation: A small hotel with award winning restaurant.

Today you will walk to Broadway via Chipping Campden, Fish Hill and the unique Broadway Tower, which offers remarkable views of the Cotswolds. Broadway is a beautiful and picturesque town, and the main street is lined with magnificent stone-built houses as well as some great antique shops. Accommodation: You will receive a warm welcome at a local hotel in Broadway.

On today's walk to Blockley you will pass Buckland where you can take a little time to explore, the church is interesting and has medieval painted roof timbers. Pass Laverton, Stanton and Snowshill. A visit to the Tudor Snowshill Manor, with its collection of art and artefacts from all over the world, is highly recommended. Blockley bears some resemblance to the villages of the Stroud Valley but the stone is much more golden in colour. During the 18th century when the wool industry was in decline, Blockley turned to silk production. The village is a unique collection of buildings reflecting its past glory of mills and silk production and is quite different in character to other north Cotswolds villages. Accommodation: A traditional inn in the village.

Today is a beautiful walk, and you will be able to explore some of the prettiest villages of the Cotswolds. To the medieval wool town of Bourton-on-the-Water, the walk will take you via Batsford, Stow-on-the-Wold and Lower Slaughter. The river Windrush flows down the main street of Bourton-on-the-Water. This Cotswolds town is well known for its footbridges over the river Evenlode. Accommodation: A family run 4* guesthouse where you can expect a warm welcome on arrival.

An easy schedule today, which allows ample time to explore Bourton-on-the-Water with its many attractions before setting out on your walk. Guiting Power, nestled in the hills above a small valley, is a perfect example of a Cotswold village. Accommodation: Overnight in a welcoming guesthouse in Guiting Power.

Walk to Winchcombe via one of these options: - Sudeley Castle, . 18.5 km/11.5 miles, 5 h - Warden’s Way & Sudeley Castle, 10.46 km/6.5 miles / 10.46 km, 2.5 h Your walk today leads you to the atmospheric ruins of Hailes Abbey, destroyed under Henry VIII, and the still inhabited Sudeley Castle, where Henry VIII's last wife Katherine Parr lived. Accommodation: A comfortable inn in the heart of Winchcombe. It has a cosy, rustic feel offering local ales and hearty food.

Your trip concludes after breakfast.