There is nothing more delightful than a break in the glorious Cotswolds especially when you can bring your furry friend and stroll through fields and woods, crossing rivers and streams, wander along the banks of the Thames and explore pretty villages and lovely Burford High Street with its interesting shops. We have put this short break together with our friends at Country Creatures - who run just the sort of hostelries we love! Traditional and characterful inns with an eye for design - and excellent British sourced menus in lovely gardens or depending on the weather - inside by a cosy fire.
Your break starts in Ascott - one of the 3 'under Wychwood' villages and named after the historic forest of Wychwood which in 1086, covered what is now much of West Oxfordshire. In the Domesday Book, the forest included meadows, cultivated open fields, heaths and downland. It was largely used for hunting and the estates of Blenheim, Ditchely, Cornbury and Eynsham were once part of the forest and while only a small area of the forest survives today, it still exudes the mystery it has done for centuries.
Your walks take you to nearby villages and cosy pubs, as well as the bustling village of Burford with its interesting shops such as Reavley's Chemist - operating since 1734 and reputed to be one of the oldest pharmacies in England. After a delightful walk to Clanfield and a stay in the newly refurbished Double Red Duke, meet some different terrain as your route takes you along the Thames to Kelmscott, home of William Morris whose tomb is in the 12th Century churchyard.
We have included the option of transfers back to your hotel if you want to take it easy (or spend longer over lunch!), and we think this is the perfect getaway for a quick recharge of your batteries!
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
-
from £575 per person
based on mid week. Weekend supplements may apply
Based on two people sharing a room
What’s included?
There are no extras, however you’ll love what’s included as standard
Duration
4 nights
Start & Finish
Start any day (price may vary)
Hotels
- Classic
-
Two traditional village inns
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle walking (2) More info...
Mileage
4 - 7.5 miles with optional extras or transfers
Terrain
Rolling hills and footpaths
Traffic-free
largely
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic
-
1. Day one
Arrive in Ascott under Wychwood with optional walk
Arrive at The Swan your cosy country inn in the village of Ascott under Wychwood. Settle in and make the most of the country air with a short circular walk to the nearby village of Shipton under Wychwood with tis attractive green and several pubs. Your route takes you along the Oxfordshire Way crossing the Rive Evenlode several times. A short detour will take you up the High Street and the chance to stop for refreshment before continuing back to your hotel with a good appetite for dinner.
4 miles (6.5 km)
-
2. Day two
Walk to Churchill
After a breakfast set off in a northerly direction as the route winds through the rural countryside and catch glimpses of the Evenlode across the fields as you follow The Wychwood Way through rolling countryside to Churchill where The Chequers makes a perfect stop for lunch. Stroll back the way you came or we will transfer you to Ascott and your second night at the Swan.
5 or 10 miles (8 or 16 km)
-
3. Day three
Ascott under Wychwood to Clanfield
This morning we will transfer you to Burford where you have time to wander along the pretty High Street and interesting shops. Stop for an early lunch or pick up a picnic before heading off through flatter countryside and quaint villages with a couple of inns to your home for the next two nights – the Double Red Duke in Clanfield.
7.5 miles (12 km)
-
4. Day four
Clanfield to Kelmscott
Set off after breakfast and head cross country towards the River Thames whose flow you follow for the next few miles to the Thames side village of Kelmscott, and the 17th Century home of William Morris Victorian textile designer, novelist and Father of the Arts and Crafts movement. (Kelmscott Manor is currently closed for renovation). We can meet you here after lunch at the delightful Kelmscott Inn or you have the option of a stroll back along the Thames and different footpaths and villages beyond to Clanfield.
5 or 10 miles (8 or 16 km)
-
5. Day five
Depart
After a leisurely breakfast – it’s time to say farewell to ‘the Duke’ and return to reality!
Luxury
-
1. Day one
Arrive at The Swan your cosy country inn in the village of Ascott under Wychwood. Settle in and make the most of the country air with a short circular walk to the nearby village of Shipton under Wychwood with tis attractive green and several pubs. Your route takes you along the Oxfordshire Way crossing the Rive Evenlode several times. A short detour will take you up the High Street and the chance to stop for refreshment before continuing back to your hotel with a good appetite for dinner.
-
2. Day two
After a breakfast set off in a northerly direction as the route winds through the rural countryside and catch glimpses of the Evenlode across the fields as you follow The Wychwood Way through rolling countryside to Churchill where The Chequers makes a perfect stop for lunch. Stroll back the way you came or we will transfer you to Ascott and your second night at the Swan.
-
3. Day three
This morning we will transfer you to Burford where you have time to wander along the pretty High Street and interesting shops. Stop for an early lunch or pick up a picnic before heading off through flatter countryside and quaint villages with a couple of inns to your home for the next two nights – the Double Red Duke in Clanfield.
-
4. Day four
Set off after breakfast and head cross country towards the River Thames whose flow you follow for the next few miles to the Thames side village of Kelmscott, and the 17th Century home of William Morris Victorian textile designer, novelist and Father of the Arts and Crafts movement. (Kelmscott Manor is currently closed for renovation). We can meet you here after lunch at the delightful Kelmscott Inn or you have the option of a stroll back along the Thames and different footpaths and villages beyond to Clanfield.
-
5. Day five
After a leisurely breakfast – it’s time to say farewell to ‘the Duke’ and return to reality!