3 Night Cotswolds Guided Walking Holiday
You get the best of all worlds in the Cotswolds, a designated National Landscape that never fails to enchant with honey-coloured villages, old-fashioned tearooms, historic attractions, and a wealth of walking delights. As a fabulous introduction to the area, this holiday is perfect for those keen to enjoy beautiful scenery and the choice of up to three different-grade daily guided walks around the Windrush Valley, the Slaughters, and parts of the Cotswold Way.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the gorgeous Cotswolds countryside on foot
- Exploring postcard-pretty villages with thatched cottages
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader
- Staying just a skip away from the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water
- Relaxing at Harrington House, our Grade II-listed country house
What’s included
- En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three guided walks (on walking days)
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Option 1 - The Quarry Lakes and Salmonsbury Camp
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: On this circular walk from Bourton we follow the Monarch's Way to Clapton on the Hill. Our return route takes us via the quarry lakes back to Bourton.
Highlight: At the end of your walk there is plenty of time to explore Bourton-on-the-Water. Enjoy a pint in one of the pubs, visit the shops, or find a bench beside the River Windrush and soak up this charming rural village.
Option 2 - Little Rissington
Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 560 feet (170m)
In summary: Follow the Monarch’s Way to Clapton-on-the-Hill, then take the route across the valley to Little Rissington. We return via the quarry lakes to Bourton.
Highlight: Visit the 'plague church' at Little Rissington with its memorial window to the Red Arrows and the graves of those killed at the nearby RAF Flying School.
Option 3 - Sherborne
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
In summary: Walk from Bourton to Clapton-on-the-Hill, then track south to the attractive village of Sherborne before returning to Bourton via the Windrush valley.
Highlight: An opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the rolling countryside to the south of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Option 1 - A Quiet Walk to Broadway
Distance: 7miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: A fine walk starting at Ford we head north, partly following the Cotswold Way passing Snowshill, all the way to Broadway.
Highlight: Visiting Broadway a fine show village filled with old cottages and gabled houses
Option 2 - Three villages and a Hamlet to Broadway
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 750 feet (220m)
In summary: A pleasant walk beginning east of Temple Guiting heading through the historic village of Snowshill on our way to Broadway.
Highlight: Visiting Broadway a fine show village filled with old cottages and gabled houses
Option 3 - Over the Hills to Broadway
Distance: 11½ miles (19km)
Ascent: 1,140 feet (350m)
In summary: A walk from Snowhill through Temple Guiting leading through historic villages and finishing in Broadway.
Highlight: Visiting Broadway a fine show village filled with old cottages and gabled houses
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Option 1 - The Slaughters and Salmonsbury Camp
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In summary: On this circular walk from Bourton we visit the pretty villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter following the River Eye, before returning to Bourton via Salmonsbury Camp.
Highlight: The twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter are just a couple of miles' walk from Bourton-on-the-Water. The River Eye flows through these most picturesque of villages, creating a picture-postcard scene.
Option 2 - The Slaughters and Lower Harford
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Total ascent: 550 feet (180m)
In summary: Visit both Upper and Lower Slaughter and the medieval village of Lower Harford, before a riverside walk beside the Windrush takes us back to Bourton-on-the-Water.
Highlight: The twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter are just a couple of miles' walk from Bourton-on-the-Water. The River Eye flows through these most picturesque of villages, creating a picture-postcard scene.
Option 3 - Naunton & the Windrush Valley
Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)
Total ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In summary: Follow a clockwise loop from Bourton along the tranquil valley of the River Windrush to Lower Harford and the village of Naunton. Our return route takes us over the fields via the Slaughters.
Highlight: We should have time for refreshments in the Black Horse Inn at Naunton and/or the charming mill shop at Lower Slaughter. Keep a lookout for herons on the riverside section of this walk.
Option 1 - Ilmington to Chipping Campden
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: Starting from the village of Ilmington we'll climb up over the ridge past the 18th century Foxcote House to the neighbouring village of Ebrington. Our route continues along the Monarch’s Way into Chipping Campden.
Highlight: Chipping Campden is another fine market town whose wealth derived from affluent wool merchants in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Option 2 - Hidcote to Chipping Campden
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Total ascent: 900 feet (300m)
In summary: Our walk links the National Trust gardens at Hidcote Manor with Chipping Campden. We'll pass over the rolling hills via the village of Ilmington.
Highlight: Hidcote Manor Garden is designed in an Arts & Crafts style and is famed for its colourful outdoor 'rooms', each planted in a different design.
Option 3 - Mickleton to Chipping Campden
Distance: 10½ miles (17.5km)
Total ascent: 1300 feet (400m)
In summary: Starting from the village of Mickleton, we'll first climb the hill to Hidcote Manor, then continue over the downs to Ilmington. Our walk continues along the Monarch's Way to Chipping Campden.
Highlight: Hunt out the 11 mice carved into the pews in Ilmington's fine Norman church.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Option 1 - The Quarry Lakes and Salmonsbury Camp
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: On this circular walk from Bourton we follow the Monarch's Way to Clapton on the Hill. Our return route takes us via the quarry lakes back to Bourton.
Highlight: At the end of your walk there is plenty of time to explore Bourton-on-the-Water. Enjoy a pint in one of the pubs, visit the shops, or find a bench beside the River Windrush and soak up this charming rural village.
Option 2 - Little Rissington
Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 560 feet (170m)
In summary: Follow the Monarch’s Way to Clapton-on-the-Hill, then take the route across the valley to Little Rissington. We return via the quarry lakes to Bourton.
Highlight: Visit the 'plague church' at Little Rissington with its memorial window to the Red Arrows and the graves of those killed at the nearby RAF Flying School.
Option 3 - Sherborne
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
In summary: Walk from Bourton to Clapton-on-the-Hill, then track south to the attractive village of Sherborne before returning to Bourton via the Windrush valley.
Highlight: An opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the rolling countryside to the south of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Option 1 - Hampnett to Bourton
Distance: 6½ miles (11km)
Ascent: 550 feet (160m)
In summary: Follow the Diamond and the Macmillan Way to Cold Aston. A third trail - the Gloucestershire Way takes us back to Bourton-on-the-Water.
Highlight: St George's church in Hampnett with it's beautiful Victorian stencilling.
Option 2 - Hazelton to Bourton
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
In summary: From near Hazleton, the Gloucestershire Way and the Diamond Way take us through Notgrove and to Cold Aston. We then follow the same route as the Easier Walk back to Bourton-on-the-Water.
Highlight: Discover the legend of the Notgrove Long Barrow, said to contain a golden coffin.
Option 3 - The Gloucestershire Way
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: Follow the Gloucestershire Way through the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds. We'll pass sleepy villages, then make our way back to Bourton-on-the-Water through the Windrush Valley.
Highlight: We start near the supposedly haunted Frog Mill Inn; once the staging post for the Oxford to Gloucester mail coach.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Harrington House
You get the best of all worlds at this Grade II-listed retreat just a skip away from the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water – the impossibly pretty Cotswolds town with chocolate-box cottages, old-fashioned tearooms, and low-arched stone bridges that span the River Windrush. Not only will you be within walking distance of the Cotswold Motoring Museum, the Model Village, and Birdland Wildlife Park & Gardens, but it’s an easy drive from village beauties Broadway and Bibury. For walkers and hikers, there’s no shortage of thrills, especially for those keen to explore the well-trodden trails and paths around the Windrush Valley, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire Way, Cotswold Way, and Monarch Way.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Harrington House has 27 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
We love: Rooms 1 and 2 on the first floor for their master bedrooms, original Palladian design, and lovely views. Room 24 in the Windrush Cottage is a large twin room with its own private garden.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Seasonal dining, tailored for you
Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.
Welcome Cream Tea
What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.
A hearty breakfast to start the day
Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.
Our famous picnic lunch
Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.
3-course evening meals
Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Harrington House
Getting to Harrington House
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Harrington House
Sherborne Street
Bourton-on-the-Water
Gloucestershire GL54 2BY
Tel: +44 (0)1451 821213
By train
The nearest station is Moreton-in-Marsh.
However, the nearest mainline station is at Cheltenham Spa.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
From Moreton-in-Marsh, it’s a nine-mile journey taking 20 to 30 minutes.
From Cheltenham Spa, it’s an 18-mile journey taking 35 to 45 minutes.
For pricing, please contact Limozena taxis directly.
Limozena
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Limozena*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1451 820972
Email: denwalmsley@yahoo.co.uk
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Harrington House.
*Limozena is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By bus
The 801 bus goes from Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water and takes about 30 minutes. Alight next to the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Shop from where it’s a short walk to Harrington House.
By car
There’s free car parking at Harrington House if you decide to drive.
Directions
From the A429 take the road into the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water. At the war memorial by the village green, turn into Sherborne Street. Cross the narrow bridge and continue to just before the road forks. You’ll find Harrington House on the left.
By air
The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport.
From the airport
Take the train to London Paddington station from where there are direct trains to Moreton-in-Marsh, which takes just over two hours. Then you can get the bus or a taxi to Bourton-on-the-Water.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- Walking poles
Harrington House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Members save £30 on all prices. Join today! Click here or call us to find out more.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
16 Jan - 19 Jan 2026 3 nights |
Version 3
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £469 pp |
from £469 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
23 Jan - 26 Jan 2026 3 nights |
Version 3
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £469 pp |
from £469 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
06 Feb - 09 Feb 2026 3 nights |
Version 3
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £469 pp |
from £469 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
13 Feb - 16 Feb 2026 3 nights |
Version 3
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £469 pp |
from £469 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
06 Mar - 09 Mar 2026 3 nights |
Version 3 Single from £549 Double from £519 pp |
from £519 pp |
from £549 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
13 Mar - 16 Mar 2026 3 nights |
Version 3 Single from £579 Double from £519 pp |
from £519 pp |
from £579 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
27 Mar - 30 Mar 2026 3 nights |
Version 3
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
|
24 Apr - 27 Apr 2026 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £589 pp |
from £589 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
29 May - 01 Jun 2026 3 nights |
Version 2
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
|
12 Jun - 15 Jun 2026 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £619 pp |
from £619 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
03 Jul - 06 Jul 2026 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £649 Double from £619 pp |
from £619 pp |
from £649 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
17 Jul - 20 Jul 2026 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £619 pp |
from £619 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
31 Jul - 03 Aug 2026 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £619 pp |
from £619 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
11 Sep - 14 Sep 2026 3 nights |
Version 2
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
|
18 Sep - 21 Sep 2026 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
|
09 Oct - 12 Oct 2026 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £619
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire |
from £619 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
30 Oct - 02 Nov 2026 3 nights |
Version 3
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £519 pp |
from £519 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
13 Nov - 16 Nov 2026 3 nights |
Version 3
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
|
27 Nov - 30 Nov 2026 3 nights |
Version 3
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £469 pp |
from £469 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
3 nights
from
£469pp
20% off Guided Walking Holidays
or call 020 3974 8865
85Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
