Cotswolds - The Heart of England
The Cotswolds are a range of gentle hills extending northeast of the city of Bath, past Cheltenham to Stratford-on-Avon, the 'Heart of England'. This itinerary encompasses clusters of pretty towns and villages, charming pubs and tea shoppes along an easy route through outstanding natural beauty.
Our walk takes in the best of the Cotswold countryside. Starting in Stratford, Shakespeare's birthplace, we loosely follow the line of the Cotswold Way. On the second day our routepasses close to the wonderful National Trust Gardens at Hidcote Manor, near Mickleton (open to the public on most days). There are wide views over the vales of Severn and Avon, toward the Malvern Hills and Wales. We spend a night at the superb village ofBroadway, where the main street is lined with magnificent stone-built houses as well as some tempting antique shops. We visit the medieval wool towns of Chipping Campden, and Bourton-on-the-Water, where the River Windrush flows down the main street. Guiting Power, a perfect Cotswold village, leads us on 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. The tour ends at the delightful town of Winchcombe nestling in a deep valley near the Regency town of Cheltenham.
TRAIL MARKERS: Most of the route is well signposted and easy to follow.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS: On a bed and breakfast basis in comfortable country inns, hotels and guesthouses. All provide ensuite facilities.
ARRIVALS: The tour starts in Stratford-on-Avon. The most convenient major city and international airport is London. By train from London Paddington or by airport bus from Heathrow to Stratford. Journey time 2 hours. The starting point can also be reached by train from Birmingham International Airport.
END OF TOUR: After breakfast at Winchcombe on day 8. Bus (not Sunday) or taxi to Cheltenham, and train to London or bus to Heathrow. Journey time 2 hours.
Self Guided Inn to Inn 8 days
CODE: SCE
GRADE:
P I P E S T O N E...T R A V E L
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