Trip Overview

This seven day, fully guided trip explores the rich heritage, literary history and natural beauty of the Cotswolds. Beginning in the stunning city of Bath, full of elegant architecture and Roman history, the adventure soon ventures into the bucolic countryside, full of honey-coloured stone villages, traditional farms and historic houses.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore iconic historical sites. Visit the enigmatic Stonehenge, marvel at the incredible Roman Baths and take in the arresting magnificence of Blenheim Palace. Beyond these famous landmarks, the trip also offers a chance to connect with the local community. Visit an organic dairy farm, where the family has farmed the land for three generations, and discover the unique character of a stunning English vineyard, learning about the region’s terroir and tasting its signature wines.

Carefully crafted to highlight the very best of this cherished region, every aspect of the adventure is thoughtfully taken care of – from perfectly picked lunch spots to charming accommodation – leaving you nothing to do but simply relax and take it all in.

Day 1 – Stonehenge and Arrive in Bath Read Less: Day 1
Stonehenge and Arrive in Bath
Meet your Wilderness guide at Oxford Railway Station this morning and transfer south through the North Wessex Downs to visit Stonehenge – one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Afterwards, continue to the beautiful city of Bath, an elegant destination which has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times. Head out to stroll through Bath’s Georgian Triangle with your guide, taking in the grand architecture of The Circus, Royal Crescent and Brock Street. Soak up the sweeping skyline views from Royal Victoria Park before arriving at your hotel with time to relax before dinner.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 – The Roman Baths and Afternoon Tea Read Less: Day 2
The Roman Baths and Afternoon Tea
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Roman Baths, first established around 70 CE. Walk on original Roman pavements and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva, along with a remarkable collection of artefacts, including the famous gilt bronze head of the goddess herself. Come lunchtime, indulge in a Jane Austen-themed afternoon tea in the elegant Pump Room and afterwards step into the grandeur of Bath Abbey. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish—perhaps delving into Regency life at the Jane Austen Centre or browsing the boutiques of Walcot Street.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 – Westonbirt Arboretum and Historic House Tour Read Less: Day 3
Westonbirt Arboretum and Historic House Tour
Leave Bath this morning and travel north into the heart of the Cotswolds. Along the way, stop to visit Castle Combe, often referred to as the ‘prettiest village in England.’ Continue to Westonbirt Arboretum, which is home to an extensive collection of trees from around the world and an incredible place to explore. After a leisurely lunch, take a private tour of Chavenage House, a lived-in Elizabethan manor dating from 1576. It’s known for its rich history, resident ghosts, and many film and TV connections – including Poldark (2015-19) and Emma (2020). Settle into your lovely hotel this evening, a charming 18th century former coaching inn located in the historic town of Burford.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 – Foraging Walk and Cotswolds Villages Read Less: Day 4
Foraging Walk and Cotswolds Villages
After breakfast, visit Bourton-on-the-Water, an idyllic little village perfect for a morning meander. Come mid-morning, meet a professional local forager for a guided walk, connecting you with this beautiful landscape as you identify seasonal wild food. Learn how to forage sensitively and ethically, discovering the delicious, nutritional nature of soil-fresh ingredients. Later, explore the nearby villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter, as well as Stow-on-the-Wold, which is home to medieval stocks and the yew-framed north door of St Edward’s Church, said to have inspired Tolkien. This evening, take some time to relax back at your hotel before another lovely dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 – Cheese, Views and English Wine Read Less: Day 5
Cheese, Views and English Wine
This morning, head out to a family-run organic dairy farm for a behind-the-scenes tour of the creamery and a chance to sample some award-winning cheeses. Run by a family that has farmed here for three generations, the tour provides a wonderful insight into traditional farming life. Afterwards, visit Broadway Tower, a striking 18th century folly which offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Round the day off with a visit to a local vineyard, where you’ll have the chance to learn about the vineyard’s unique terroir and taste your way through a distinctive portfolio of signature wines.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 – Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare Read Less: Day 6
Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare
Today, transfer to the charming market town of Stratford-upon-Avon to explore the life and legacy of William Shakespeare. Begin with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre, learning more about costume design and the alchemy of stagecraft. Afterwards, visit the house where Shakespeare was born in 1564 and come full circle by also seeing his grave at Holy Trinity Church. This evening, head out for dinner at a traditional, quintessential village pub, where low beams, open fires and real ale set the stage for a thoroughly memorable evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 – Blenheim Palace and Depart Read Less: Day 7
Blenheim Palace and Depart
After breakfast, head out to visit the incredible Blenheim Palace. Built between 1705 and 1722, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is notable as the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. With ornate interiors – where every portrait, tapestry and furnishing has a story – enjoy visiting the Churchill Exhibition before strolling around the meticulously curated grounds. After lunch, visit Churchill’s grave at St Martin’s Church – a quiet, reflective spot steeped in history. From here, it’s a short transfer back to Oxford, where your guide will say goodbye at the railway station and your trip will conclude.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Download Itinerary

Cotswolds: Stories & Stone

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Trip Dates & Prices

All payments taken in local currency GBP

Trip Dates for 2026	Availability	Status	Price	Book
6th Jun - 12th Jun 2026	8 place(s) left	Available	£2,985	Book Now
22nd Aug - 28th Aug 2026	8 place(s) left	Available	£2,985	Book Now

Make This Trip Private

Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

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Cotswolds: Stories & Stone

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Trip Details

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Accommodation Read More

This Culture & Heritage holiday is based in three welcoming and comfortable accommodations.

For the first two nights, we stay in a vibrant boutique hotel in the historic city of Bath. For the following two nights, our stay is in an idyllic Cotswold town, providing a comfortable and traditional inn experience. For the final two nights, we stay in an elegant coaching inn located in the heart of a picturesque Cotswold village.

Single Rooms

There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £610 is charged.

Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Meals Read More

This trip includes all meals, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7. Dinners are two courses as standard.

Great food is paramount on all Wilderness England trips, and we will enjoy excellent regional cooking throughout this all-inclusive trip. Of course, dietary requirements can be catered for; just let us know at the time of booking.

Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group.

Inclusions Read More

Six nights’ accommodation in 4 star hotels and inns.
Meals during the trip are as stated in the itinerary.
The services of our experienced and knowledgeable guide/driver throughout.
Pickup and transport throughout the trip.
Seven days exploring the culture and heritage of The Cotswolds and the surrounding area.
Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary.

Grading Read More

This Culture and Heritage trip is designed for travellers interested in local history, traditions, and ways of life. It offers a relaxed pace with immersive experiences, guided visits, and opportunities to connect with communities, craftspeople, and custodians of heritage.

Most days are spent almost entirely outdoors, exploring historic sites, gardens, or rural areas. Terrain is generally easy, with some uneven surfaces, steps, or gentle inclines. There are also occasional opportunities to make ascents to scenic viewpoints—these may involve steeper and winding staircases, rugged paths, or rougher terrain for those who are keen. These trips would be suitable for most reasonably active travellers.

This trip is ideal for those who enjoy cultural depth without physical challenge, and who value engaging storytelling, local knowledge, and meaningful connection with place.

Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

Your Wilderness England Guide will meet you at Oxford Railway Station at 9.30am on Day 1 of your trip.

The trip will finish at Oxford Railway Station at 3.30pm on the final day.

Oxford is served by regular direct trains to and from London.

Wilderness Scotland

Cotswolds: Stories & Stone

Trip Overview

Your Next Adventure

Day by DayItinerary

Day 1

Stonehenge and Arrive in Bath

Day 2

The Roman Baths and Afternoon Tea

Day 3

Westonbirt Arboretum and Historic House Tour

Day 4

Foraging Walk and Cotswolds Villages

Day 5

Cheese, Views and English Wine

Day 6

Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare

Day 7

Blenheim Palace and Depart

Trip Dates & Prices

Make This Trip Private

Trip Details

Single Rooms

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