4 Night Cotswolds Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday
Spend the festive season in the Cotswolds and head out on winter walks in one of the UK’s most romanticised destinations. And when you’re not busy exploring countryside scenery, postcard-pretty villages, and historic market towns, cosy up in Harrington House – our charming property in the impossibly pretty town of Bourton-on-the-Water. We pull out all the stops at this time of year and our houses welcome you with a sprinkling of festive cheer, seasonal food, and plenty of yuletide treats. So wrap up warm and step into Christmas with HF Holidays.
What you’ll love
- Getting into the festive spirit with a guided walking holiday
- A choice of winter walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Discovering the stunning landscapes of Cotswolds on foot
- Staying in our country house in the market town of Bourton-on-the-Water
- Enjoying festive fare and leaving all the organising to us
- A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
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 - Dovers Hill to Broadway
Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: A pleasant walk following the Cotswold way passing the superb Broadway tower.
Highlight: Visiting Broadway a fine show village filled with old cottages and gabled houses
Option 2 - 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 3 - 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 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 - Bourton to Icomb
Distance: 9½ miles (15km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: Leaving Bourton via the quarry lakes and Wyck Rissington we then cross the Cotswold countryside to the idyllic Cotswold stone village of Icomb. With fine views across the Cotswold landscape we return to Harrington House via Greystones nature reserve and the picturesque main street of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Highlight: Take your camera – plenty of quintessential Cotswolds photo opportunities.
Option 1 - Bourton to Clapton Hill
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In summary: Our walk today follows the Monarch's Way south to the beautiful village of Clapton-on-the-Hill. After enjoying the village, we return via a different route to Bourton.
Highlight: The views across the Cotswolds from Clapton-on-the-Hill.
Option 2 - Little Rissington
Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 550 feet (180m)
In summary: Follow the Monarch’s Way to Clapton-on-Hill, then take the route across the valley to Little Rissington. We return via quarry lakes to Bourton.
Highlight: Visit the ‘plague church’ at Little Rissington with it’s memorial window to the Red Arrows and graves of those killed at the nearby RAF flying school.
Option 3 - Sherborne
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 700 feet (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 rolling countryside to the south of Bourton-on-the-Water.
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 - Dovers Hill to Broadway
Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: A pleasant walk following the Cotswold way passing the superb Broadway tower.
Highlight: Visiting Broadway a fine show village filled with old cottages and gabled houses
Option 2 - 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 3 - 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 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 - Bourton to Icomb
Distance: 9½ miles (15km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: Leaving Bourton via the quarry lakes and Wyck Rissington we then cross the Cotswold countryside to the idyllic Cotswold stone village of Icomb. With fine views across the Cotswold landscape we return to Harrington House via Greystones nature reserve and the picturesque main street of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Highlight: Take your camera – plenty of quintessential Cotswolds photo opportunities.
Option 1 - Bourton to Clapton Hill
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In summary: Our walk today follows the Monarch's Way south to the beautiful village of Clapton-on-the-Hill. After enjoying the village, we return via a different route to Bourton.
Highlight: The views across the Cotswolds from Clapton-on-the-Hill.
Option 2 - Little Rissington
Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 550 feet (180m)
In summary: Follow the Monarch’s Way to Clapton-on-Hill, then take the route across the valley to Little Rissington. We return via quarry lakes to Bourton.
Highlight: Visit the ‘plague church’ at Little Rissington with it’s memorial window to the Red Arrows and graves of those killed at the nearby RAF flying school.
Option 3 - Sherborne
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 700 feet (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 rolling countryside to the south of Bourton-on-the-Water.
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
For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:
- spare warm clothing
- spare high energy food
- head torch and spare batteries
- please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+
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.
Extra Savings for Members
HF Members save £30pp in the UK, £50pp in Europe & £80pp on worldwide holidays. Call us to join, add membership when booking online, or find out more here.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 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 27 Dec 2026 4 nights |
Christmas
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,199 pp |
from £1,199 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
30 Dec 2026 - 03 Jan 2027 4 nights |
New Year
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,089 pp |
from £1,089 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
106Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More