Walk the whole Cotswold Way National Trail from north to south on this 12-day self-guided walking tour. Just over 100 miles, the Cotswold Way trail allows you to explore this scenic region on foot, from charming local villages to historical sites and scenic viewpoints.

You’ll discover the remains of Iron-Age hill forts and grand medieval and early-modern architecture, including Sudeley Castle and Dyrham Park, There is so much to see and do in the Cotswolds and walking the whole Cotswold Way will allow you to experience all the highlights. Choosing a self-guided tour means you can explore at your own pace, lingering in the places that capture your interest.

Each day, your walk takes you from one charming guesthouse to the next, while your luggage has already been transferred for you. Stay in centuries-old farmhouses and coaching inns that have been renovated for your comfort without losing their original character. You’ll enjoy warm local hospitality as your hosts do whatever they can to exceed your expectations and introduce you to this incredible region they call home. You are sure to have an absolutely delightful time on your Cotswold Way 12-day walking tour!

Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle is one of the most popular attractions in the Cotswolds, a 1000-year-old fortification boasting a prestigious royal history. Today’s castle is a 15th-century construction built on the foundations of a 12th-century fortress, and is located near Winchcombe in Gloucestershire. A visit to the house and castle grounds means that you’ll be walking in the footsteps of many former English kings and queens, including Richard III, Elizabeth I and Lady Jane Grey. Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr, lived in the castle and is entombed in a beautiful 15th-century church in the gardens.

The castle itself is packed with precious artifacts and relics of English history. Expect to see Marie Antoinette’s bed hangings, Katherine Parr’s love letters, and Charles I’s personal beer mugs. However, the greatest treasure in Sudeley Castle lies outside the castle itself, in the beautifully designed gardens, featuring a staggering array of English roses. The castle puts on a regular roster of events, including sound and light shows, so make sure to check ahead so you don’t miss a thing!

Dyrham Park

Stretching over 274 acres, Dyrham Park is a real highlight on the Cotswold Way. This grand country house sits in an ancient deer park, with superb grounds and gardens, and is a wonderful place for a relaxing stroll. You’ll find tranquil, picturesque ponds, stunning borders, and an orchard filled with wildflowers, as well as a beautiful stately home with unique architecture and fascinating artifacts.

The history of Dyrham Park stretches all the way back to the Anglo-Saxon period: indeed, the name Dyrham comes from the Old English word for a deer enclosure. In 1689 the park was acquired by William Blathwayt, an important figure in the court of William III, and he made his stamp on the house and gardens by expanding them in a Dutch style. Today, this beautiful stately home stands as a reminder of England’s rich and diverse history.

Crickley Hill Country Park

Crickley Hill Country Park is a quintessential part of the Cotswolds scenery – a beautiful region, rich in biodiversity and with a history that extends back thousands of years. The park covers a region of limestone grassland, teeming with different species of plants, which support yet more species of animals, insects and birds. This is the best place in the Cotswolds to see butterflies, which create a dazzling spectacle as they flit to and from the colorful flowers.

The region around Crickley Hill has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, with evidence for human activity going back to 4000BC. It’s no wonder that humans have long been attracted to this stunning place, with magnificent views over the hills, extending all the way to the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains in Wales.