Following the western edge of the Cotswold Hills, the Cotswolds Way is a 102 mile ramble taking you almost the Cotswolds' entire length, from the dainty market town of Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire, down to the city of Bath at the area's southern most point.

It would take about a week to walk the entire thing, so alternatively why not just choose the section nearest to you, or indeed the one which has the best pub along the way, and go for a gentle afternoon stroll, ending in a nice cold pint of cider.

Along the route you’ll pass through pretty villages and beech woods, past Neolithic tombs and the sites of Civil War battles. Clamber to the top of the Cotswolds escarpment for horizon scanning western views over the River Severn and the Malvern Hills.

Highlights of the Cotswolds Way

• Chipping Campden – Begin in a picture-perfect market town of honey-stone cottages and historic guild buildings.
• Broadway Tower – Iconic hilltop folly with far-reaching views (on a clear day you can see for miles across multiple counties).
• Stanway & Stanton – Two postcard-pretty villages with thatched cottages, ancient churches and tranquil lanes.
• Belas Knap Long Barrow – Atmospheric Neolithic burial mound with sweeping countryside vistas.
• Cleeve Hill – Highest point on the trail, overlooking Cheltenham and the Severn Vale.
• Leckhampton Hill & Devil’s Chimney – Dramatic limestone scenery and panoramic escarpment views.
• Painswick – “Queen of the Cotswolds”; a lovely wool town ideal for a restorative stop.
• Coaley Peak (and Nympsfield Long Barrow) – Classic viewpoint across the Severn Valley and towards the Forest of Dean.
• Tyndale Monument (North Nibley) – Striking tower with big-sky views over rolling hills and hedgerows.
• Bath – Finish in a UNESCO World Heritage city of Roman Baths, Georgian crescents and lively culture.

How to get to the Cotswolds Way

• By car – Use the M5 and A46 for easy access; popular trailheads with parking include Chipping Campden, Broadway, Winchcombe, Painswick, Wotton-under-Edge and Bath (consider Park & Ride for the city).
• By train – Fast services from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh (for the northern start), Cheltenham Spa (for central sections) and Bath Spa (for the southern end); link to trailheads by local bus or taxi.
• By bus – Local networks (e.g. services around Cheltenham, Stroud, Dursley, Wotton-under-Edge and Bath) connect towns and villages along/near the route—handy for linear day walks.
• By air – Nearest major airports are Bristol (best for Bath/south), Birmingham (best for the north) and London Heathrow; continue by rail, coach or car hire.

You can take your pick of beautiful Cotswolds villages - Snowshill, Upper Slaughter, Asthall. But Castle Combe, with its golden coloured cottages and idyllic Wiltshire views, is regularly named the prettiest village in England. Higgledy-piggledy cottages which look as if pixies probably live in them, a fifteenth century market cross and the River Bybrook meandering through, spanned by a beautiful and much-photographed bridge.

Incredibly, nothing new has been built here since 1600, making it just like stepping back in time - apart from all the tourists, film crews (it's been used as a location for Downton Abbey) and people getting the perfect shot for their Instagram.

Take a stroll through the village to the famous bridge, then back up to the market place, where you’ll find two classic pubs, the Castle Inn and the White Hart and an ancient church with tombs of Medieval knights within. One knight is depicted with his legs crossed, which apparently means he took part in the Crusades.

Highlights of Castle Combe, Wiltshire

• Historic beauty – Often called the prettiest village in England, with golden limestone cottages and timeless charm.
• Fifteenth-century market cross – The heart of the village, marking its medieval trading heritage.
• River Bybrook bridge – The iconic stone bridge is one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds.
• St Andrew’s Church – Home to Medieval tombs and the effigy of a Crusader knight with crossed legs.
• Film location fame – Featured in Downton Abbey, War Horse, and Stardust for its untouched authenticity.
• Traditional pubs – Enjoy a pint or a meal at The Castle Inn or The White Hart, both brimming with character.
• Walking trails – Follow scenic paths around the village and through the wooded Bybrook Valley.

How to get to Castle Combe

• By car – Just off the M4 (Junction 17), about 30 minutes from Bath or 20 minutes from Chippenham. Limited parking available near the village entrance.
• By train – Nearest station is Chippenham, with regular services from London Paddington and Bristol; from there, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride.
• By bus – Local buses run from Chippenham and Bath, though services are limited—check timetables in advance.
• By air – Bristol Airport is the closest (around 45 minutes by car); Heathrow is about 1 hour 45 minutes away.

This wonderfully bizarre and dangerous event takes place every year on the spring bank holiday at Cooper’s Hill near Brockworth, Gloucestershire.

The rules are simple: a 9 pound Double Gloucester round cheese is launched from the top of the very steep hill and the competitors go tumbling after it. Whoever catches the cheese, or crosses the finish line first is the winner, although with the cheese reaching speeds of 70 miles per hour, the chances of catching the thing are pretty slim. For safety reasons the Double Gloucester was replaced by a foam cheese a few years ago, however hospitalisation is not unheard of, with St John's Ambulance staff waiting at the bottom of the hill.

Highlights of Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling, Gloucestershire

• Unique tradition – A world-famous (and slightly mad) annual event held on the spring bank holiday near Brockworth.
• The challenge – Competitors chase a 9lb round of Double Gloucester cheese down a dangerously steep hill.
• Thrills and spills – The cheese can reach speeds of up to 70 mph, sending participants tumbling head over heels.
• Historic roots – The tradition dates back hundreds of years, thought to have links to local pagan spring festivals.
• Foam replacement – For safety, the real cheese was swapped for a foam replica, though injuries remain common.
• Spectator sport – Thousands gather to watch the chaotic fun and cheer on the fearless runners.
• Community spirit – Local volunteers, St John’s Ambulance crews and long-standing competitors make it a true Gloucestershire institution.

How to get to Cooper’s Hill

• By car – Located near Brockworth, just off the M5 (Junction 11A). Follow signs to Coopers Hill or Crickley Hill Country Park. Parking is limited, so arrive early.
• By train – The nearest station is Gloucester, around 5 miles away. From there, take a taxi or local bus to Brockworth.
• By bus – Buses from Gloucester or Cheltenham stop near Brockworth; check local timetables around the spring bank holiday for updated routes.
• By air – Bristol Airport and Birmingham Airport are both within 1.5 hours’ drive; continue by car or train to Gloucester.

The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire is confirmed in the Guinness Book of Records as England’s oldest pub. Parts of this rambling old inn have been carbon-dated to 947 AD, when the building was believed to have been founded by the Saxon Duke of Cornwall, Athelmar, as a hospice for travellers and pilgrims.

It’s filled with a pleasing quantity of low timber beams, winding staircases and wonky door frames. You can even see witch marks, symbols intended to ward off evil spirits, carved into the 16th century fireplace in the dining room.

Highlights of The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold

• England’s oldest pub – Officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records, with origins dating back to 947 AD.
• Historic foundation – Believed to have been established by the Saxon Duke of Cornwall, Athelmar, as a hospice for travellers and pilgrims.
• Timeless charm – A beautiful jumble of low timber beams, winding staircases, and wonky door frames that ooze character.
• Witch marks – Look for carved symbols in the 16th-century fireplace, said to protect against evil spirits.
• Traditional fare – Enjoy hearty Cotswolds cuisine and local ales in a centuries-old setting.
• Central location – Perfectly placed in Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic market town with antique shops, galleries and tea rooms nearby.

How to get to The Porch House

• By car – Situated in Stow-on-the-Wold, easily reached via the A429 (Fosse Way) and A424. Public parking available in the town square.
• By train – The nearest station is Moreton-in-Marsh, around 5 miles away, with regular services from London Paddington. Taxis and local buses connect to Stow.
• By bus – Local routes link Stow-on-the-Wold with nearby towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh and Cheltenham.
• By air – Birmingham Airport and Bristol Airport are both around 1.5 hours’ drive; car hire or train connections via Moreton-in-Marsh make travel easy.

If you love trees - and who doesn't? - then you're in for a treat. Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, is a magical tree garden, one of the best in the world.

The story of Westonbirt began with Robert Holford, a wealth Victorian with a passion for plant collecting. He brought in exotic and beautiful trees from around the world and you can still see many of them at Westonbirt today.

There are 2500 species including some rare and endangered trees like the Bristol Whitebeam, which grows wild in the Avon Gorge and nowhere else, and Giant Sequoias over 40 metres tall.

Westonbirt is particularly famous for its vibrant autumn display as the thousands of trees change colour, making for a spectacular natural event and one of the best places in the UK to see the autumn leaves.

Highlights of Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

• World-renowned tree garden – One of the finest arboreta in the world, home to over 2,500 species from across the globe.
• Victorian origins – Founded by Robert Holford, a passionate 19th-century plant collector who introduced exotic species to the estate.
• Rare and endangered trees – Spot unique specimens like the Bristol Whitebeam, found only in the Avon Gorge, and towering Giant Sequoias over 40 metres tall.
• Seasonal beauty – Stunning year-round, but especially magical in autumn when the foliage turns vivid shades of red, orange and gold.
• Family-friendly walks – Enjoy accessible trails, a treetop walkway, and picnic spots perfect for all ages.
• Educational experiences – Visitor centre, guided tours, and seasonal events that celebrate biodiversity and conservation.

How to get to Westonbirt Arboretum

• By car – Located near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, just off the A433. Parking is available on site and well signposted from nearby towns.
• By train – The nearest stations are Kemble (20 minutes’ drive) and Chippenham (30 minutes’ drive), both with links to London and Bristol.
• By bus – Limited services run from Tetbury and Bath; check local timetables, especially in off-peak seasons.
• By air – Bristol Airport is around an hour away; Birmingham Airport and Heathrow are also within easy reach by car or train.

Cheltenham in Gloucestershire is a real gem, a handsome 18th century spa town with Regency charm round every corner. Mineral rich spring water was discovered in 1716 and after a visit from the ailing King George III, Cheltenham suddenly found itself transformed into a fashionable spa boom-town.

Nowadays it's a smart, lively place, named by the Sunday Times as 'the best place to live in the South West'. For a small town it punches well above its weight, filled with boutiques, coffee shops, gastro pubs, a Michelin starred restaurant, plus a calendar-full of events, and of course a long and noble association with the sport of kings.

The town is world famous for horse racing, so why not buy a big hat and treat yourself to a day of champagne and a few flutters at Cheltenham Racecourse, home to The Cheltenham Festival, the most prestigious jump racing event of the year and its grand finale, the legendary Gold Cup.

There's also plenty of arts and culture to be had, with literature, jazz and music festivals happening annually. In fact 30 festivals take place here every year - including a film festival and a balloon festival - so whenever you visit you'll be sure to find something interesting going on.

Highlights of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

• Elegant spa heritage – A beautiful 18th-century Regency town, famed for its mineral-rich spring waters and grand architecture.
• Royal connection – Transformed into a fashionable spa resort after a visit from King George III in 1788.
• Stylish living – Named by The Sunday Times as the best place to live in the South West, thanks to its chic boutiques, coffee shops and fine dining.
• Culinary excellence – Home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and a thriving gastro pub scene.
• The Cheltenham Festival – One of the world’s premier horse racing events, culminating in the legendary Gold Cup.
• Festival town – Hosts over 30 festivals a year, from literature and jazz to science, film and balloons.
• Cultural scene – Packed with galleries, theatres and live music venues celebrating creativity all year round.
• Green spaces – Enjoy strolls through Pittville Park, Montpellier Gardens and the Promenade lined with Regency terraces.

How to get to Cheltenham

• By car – Easily reached via the M5 (Junctions 10 and 11) and A40; parking available throughout the town centre and at Cheltenham Racecourse.
• By train – Cheltenham Spa station has frequent services from London Paddington, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff. Taxis and buses connect to the town centre.
• By bus – National Express and local services operate regular routes from major UK cities including London, Bristol and Birmingham.
• By air – Bristol Airport and Birmingham Airport are both about an hour’s drive; connections by train or coach are also available.

Copsehill Road was voted Britain's Most Romantic Street in a Google poll and whether or not you set much store in these sort of accolades, it certainly is a picturesque piece of pavement.

Located in the somewhat spookily named village of Lower Slaughter (the name comes from the Old English for 'wet land' apparently), Copsehill Road is a collection of charming sandstone cottages, flower-filled gardens and greenery set along on the banks of the River Eye as it winds through the village.

Have a nosey round the gorgeous village and check out the Old Mill Museum - built in the 18th century the mill is one of the village's newest buildings. Be sure to try the cafe's famously delicious gelato. Then amble the 20 minutes across the fields to Upper Slaughter.

Highlights of Copsehill Road, Lower Slaughter

• Britain’s Most Romantic Street – Officially voted the title in a Google poll, and it’s easy to see why.
• Idyllic setting – A row of golden sandstone cottages and flower-filled gardens lining the peaceful River Eye.
• Historic charm – The village name “Slaughter” comes from Old English for wet land, not anything sinister!
• The Old Mill Museum – An 18th-century mill (one of the village’s “newest” buildings) now home to a quaint museum and café.
• Famous gelato – Don’t miss the Old Mill Café’s homemade ice cream – a local favourite.
• Scenic walk – Take a leisurely 20-minute stroll across the fields to Upper Slaughter, another impossibly pretty Cotswold village.
• Photography heaven – Every corner offers a postcard-perfect view, from stone bridges to riverside cottages.

How to get to Copsehill Road, Lower Slaughter

• By car – Located near Bourton-on-the-Water, just off the A429 (Fosse Way). Parking available at the village entrance or nearby Bourton.
• By train – The nearest station is Moreton-in-Marsh, around 8 miles away, with regular connections from London Paddington; taxis are available for the short onward journey.
• By bus – Local routes link Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and surrounding villages, though services are limited—check ahead.
• By air – Birmingham Airport and Bristol Airport are both around 1.5 hours by car; continue by train or hire car to reach the village.

If you visit the Cotswolds in June and July and you'll get to see the famous lavender fields of Hill Barn Farm. Seventy glorious acres of purple flowers swathe the hills as you drive from the village of Snowshill towards the farm.

Come the end of July to early August this magical carpet of mauve disappears when the crop is harvested, the sweet scented lavender oil distilled in the on-site distillery and turned into food, drink, bath and beauty products

You’re free to explore the 20 acres or so of lavender fields which are open to the public. Bring a picnic, wander the fragrant, bee-filled meadows and buy yourself a lavender flavoured ice-cream.

Highlights of the Cotswold Lavender Fields, Snowshill

• Stunning seasonal spectacle – Seventy acres of vibrant purple lavender covering the rolling hills near Hill Barn Farm.
• Best time to visit – Peak bloom runs from mid-June to late July, when the fields are at their most fragrant and photogenic.
• Working lavender farm – Lavender is harvested from late July to early August, then distilled on-site into essential oils and artisanal products.
• Explore the fields – Around 20 acres are open to visitors, perfect for leisurely strolls and dreamy photos.
• Lavender ice cream – Treat yourself to this delicious local speciality at the farm shop or café.
• Picnic paradise – Pack a picnic and relax amid the hum of bees and the scent of summer in full bloom.
• Local crafts – Browse handmade lavender gifts, soaps, and beauty products in the on-site shop.

How to get to the Cotswold Lavender Fields

• By car – Located near Snowshill, just off the B4632 between Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold. Free parking is available at the farm.
• By train – The nearest station is Moreton-in-Marsh, about 10 miles away; from there, take a taxi or local bus towards Broadway.
• By bus – Limited services run to Broadway and Snowshill; check seasonal timetables, especially during harvest time.
• By air – Birmingham Airport and Bristol Airport are both around 1.5 hours away by car; car hire is recommended for exploring rural locations like this.