Less than 2 hours by train from bustling London, the Cotswolds epitomize the storied English countryside with its quaint villages, pastoral landscapes and historical allure. Nestled between Chipping Camden in the north and Bath, the rural nature of this corner of Southwest England offers some of the best English country walking.
Cotswolds hiking offers the chance to roam through rolling pastures housing flocks of lambs, and oak woodlands filled with bird songs and bluebell flowers. Walking in the English countryside often means days of around 10 miles, and in the Cotswolds the gently rolling hills make for comfortable, non-technical hikes that are still moderately challenging. Other walking tours offer flexible Slower Adventures, comfortable short breaks or unique itineraries with plenty of time for cream tea, pub lunches, and exploring historic market towns.
On our self-guided Cotswolds walking tours, each night is spent in a new location and luggage is transferred accordingly, with accommodations ranging from simple guesthouses and charming country inns to historic 5-star hotels. Our award-winning navigation app provides you with GPS maps and directions along with our local sightseeing recommendations.
The roots of Macs Adventure are deep set in the UK, giving us unique knowledge and insider detail to make sure you get the best out of your Cotswolds tour.
The Cotswolds is world-famous for bustling market towns, beautiful villages, and stunning countryside. Our travelers love walking in England’s quintessential landscapes, discovering the abbeys, historic houses, ruins and history of the area. In this video, take a look at our flagship Slower Adventure: The Cotswolds in Comfort
Rolling hills, honey-colored stone, and villages that feel frozen in time. In this video, we take you through some of the best villages in the Cotswolds - from postcard-perfect streets and historic market towns to peaceful riverside hamlets. Each stop showcases the quiet charm, rich history, and beautiful countryside that make the Cotswolds one of England’s most loved walking regions. The best part? You can visit these villages on our self-guided Cotswolds hiking or biking itineraries. With hand-picked accommodations, luggage transfers, and flexible routes, you’re free to explore at your own pace - on foot or by bike.
The PIG-in the Cotswolds, a storybook hotel nestled in Barnsley village, Cirencester. With its honey-hued 17th-century house, Arts & Crafts gardens by Rosemary Verey, kitchen-garden cuisine, and tranquil Fieldhouse Spa, it’s the kind of place where beauty and warmth go hand in hand.
From their 25-mile menu ethos to on-site kitchen gardens, every plate is rooted in the local landscape. They’ve embraced B Corp certification, embedding social and environmental accountability into their operations. Join us as we peel back the curtain on the sustainable practices, the people who make them happen, and the choices that make THE PIG more than just a beautiful place to stay.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, TY Cycles is more than just a bike hire shop - it’s the beating heart behind some of our Cotswolds cycling adventures. In this episode of our People Behind the Scenery series, we meet Tom, the passionate owner of TY Cycles, and long-time local partner of Macs Adventure.
With his expert knowledge, top-quality bikes, and a genuine love for the Cotswolds, Tom and his team help travelers go beyond the tourist trail - one pedal stroke at a time.
Volunteer Inn, a locally-run pub and inn where owner Mark and his team welcome guests with warmth, care, and unmistakable Cotswold charm. Nestled in the heart of Chipping Campden, this 17th-century inn combines traditional character with hearty pub meals, cozy rooms, and a friendly atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the local community. Just a short stroll from the town’s historic High Street, the Volunteer Inn is the perfect base for exploring the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds.
Insider tip: Did you know that the team at the Volunteer Inn also moves your luggage across all our Cotswold trips?
The Cotswolds Effortlessly Bring the Classic English Countryside to Life
Whether you’ve seen it in scenes from Downton Abbey, imagined it in a Dickens novel or watched Jeremy Clarkson’s Farm, there is no denying that the Cotswolds are the picture-postcard definition of quintessential England. On a self-guided walking holiday, you'll spend your days hiking through rolling hills, farmland and pretty villages, arriving in your next stop just as most day-trippers are heading home. After the obligatory post-walk pint in a country pub, a hearty dinner awaits, followed by a night in a coaching inn that’s likely welcomed travelers for centuries. And the best part? You wake up the following morning and do it all again!
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