Christmas Markets & Winter Walking in The Cotswolds
Get into the Christmas spirit with a trip to the Cotswolds that includes guided winter walks in the countryside plus entry to Blenheim Palace’s fabulous festive market experience. For a limited time only, this 300-year-old stately home and UNESCO World Heritage Site is transformed into a winter wonderland. Expect magical lakeside strolls lit up by thousands of twinkling lights, lavish rooms that reimagine scenes from classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty, and the Great Hall illuminated with a huge Christmas tree. There’ll also be the opportunity to shop for seasonal gifts and yuletide treats at the palace’s marketplace stalls.
What you’ll love
- Exploring the winter landscapes of the Cotswolds on foot
- A choice of guided walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Admiring Blenheim Palace in its full festive splendour
- Browsing for all sorts of goodies at the Christmas market
- Staying at Harrington House, our country house in the Cotswolds
What’s included
- Entry to Blenheim Palace and its Christmas event
- Transport to and from Blenheim Palace
- The services of your HF Walks Leaders throughout
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
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Spend the day visiting Blenheim Palace and its Christmas market. The lavish rooms and halls of this UNESCO-listed manor house will be transformed into a festive fantasyland that follows the story of classic fairytale, Sleeping Beauty. Expect Christmas shopping, carol singers, yuletide treats to try, and this grand stately home decorated in its festive best.
Choose one of three guided walks that explore the stunning landscapes of the Cotswolds. For maximum flexibility, all walks begin and end on the doorstep of our country houses. Without need for transport, leaders can adjust walk times to suit weather windows and there’s no need to call time at the café or pub to rush back for a coach.
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.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
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.
Spend the day visiting Blenheim Palace and its Christmas market. The lavish rooms and halls of this UNESCO-listed manor house will be transformed into a festive fantasyland that follows the story of classic fairytale, Sleeping Beauty. Expect Christmas shopping, carol singers, yuletide treats to try, and this grand stately home decorated in its festive best.
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, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surrounds. 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, and comfortable mattresses.
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.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
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, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on 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
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
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 InformationEssential information
For sightseeing
Much of your day will be spent on your feet at a venue, so we recommend bringing sturdy shoes. There may also be stairs to climb, uneven surfaces (cobbles or rocky paths), or wet and muddy paths as expected at this time of year.
For walking
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.
Essential
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- 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
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
Harrington House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
22 Nov - 25 Nov 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £439 £389 Double from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
29 Nov - 02 Dec 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £439 £389 Double from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
13 Dec - 16 Dec 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £439 £389 Double from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
3 nights
from
£439pp
£389pp
New holidays
or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ guests click here
