Cotswolds, South
The Cotswolds AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) - the largest in Britain - covers an area of 790 square miles, and fulfils most people’s idea of a ‘typical’ English landscape. It encompasses rolling hills, deciduous woodland, pastoral river valleys, wildflower meadows and honey-coloured stone villages
This holiday explores the southern part of the area where the landscape is softer and more bucolic; where clear streams run through flower meadows in the secluded Duntisbourne, Coln and Windrush valleys, and honey-coloured cottages cluster round manor houses and medieval churches, well off the 'beaten track'.
Beautiful villages, the hallmark of the Cotswolds, will feature highly, and amongst those visited will be Swinbrook, Minster Lovell, Asthall, the Duntisbournes, Ampney Crucis, Coln St Dennis, Coln Roger, Coln St Aldwyns and Bibury - described by 19th century artist William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in England' - where a clear trout stream flows alongside a village street lined with picturesque cottages, picture-perfect almshouses and flower-filled gardens.
One of the walks will finish in the bustling little town of Burford with its wide high street and medieval merchants' houses, and another will lead through Cirencester Park to finish in Cirencester - 'Capital of the Cotswolds' - with its wonderful cathedral-like church, Corinium Museum, Roman amphitheatre, (Cirencester was the second most important town in England during the Roman occupation), and handsome terraces of Georgian townhouses.
Accommodation
Unless you ask us to customise your trip, and choose alternative accommodation, your holiday in the southern Cotswolds will be based in a comfortable family-run guest house in the handsome and historic market town of Cirencester '. Your room will have ensuite bathroom facilities and you will have a choice of continental or full English breakfast. Cirencester has wide range of restaurants, tearooms and inns.
If you prefer hotel accommodation we can arrange a room at the King's Head Hotel which stands on the Market Place in Cirencester, looking across at the spectacular frontage of the medieval abbey. The hotel offers a range of classic, superior and feature rooms and suites, and a choice of restaurant and brasserie menus in the evening. The additional cost for accommodation at the King's Head Hotel will depend upon the room type chosen and whether you wish to include evening meals in the hotel restaurant.
Bed & Breakfast
Holiday Options
- All of the above prices are per person, and based upon two guests sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
- Single traveller supplement; £85 per night (more about solo traveller supplements and single room supplements).
- Discounts available for parties of three or more guests.
Currency Converter: All of our prices are in British pounds. To estimate the cost in another currency use the currency converter here.
Travel information
Rail: Kemble
Onward travel: Public bus or taxi