Best Places To Visit On The Cotswold Way

One of the joys of hiking long-distance trails is discovering places you never planned to see. Here are some of my favourite things to see along The Cotswold Way, all without stepping off the trail.

Broadway Tower – The Cotswolds’ Iconic Folly

Broadway Tower is synonymous with The Cotswolds: it features everywhere from map covers to tourist information sites. Completed in 1798 by architect James Wyatt, the iconic castellated tower can be seen for miles around, but it’s not the tower that stayed in my mind.

I passed by early in the morning, well before the Tower was open and the crowds arrived, looking forward to breakfast in Broadway village. The flower meadows were alive with colour and sound, and it was every bit as romantic as you’d imagine.

But I was stopped in my tracks by a sign: did you know there’s a Cold War nuclear bunker here on the estate?! I certainly didn’t, and if I wasn’t desperate for coffee and croissants, I’d have hung around for the tour!

I highly recommend breakfast in Broadway village — find out more about resupply on The Cotswold Way in the main guide.

Stanway House And The World’s Tallest Gravity-Fed Fountain

Early on in the hike, the trail takes you through Stanway Estate village, past the magnificent Jacobean gateway to Stanway House.

At the time, I didn’t realise the house was open to visitors during the summer. Nor did I know it was home to something you can see for miles around…

A little further along the trail, slogging up a sharp hill in stifling heat, I needed a breather and turned round to admire the view (I always love to see where I’ve walked from). There, in the middle distance, was an incredible column of water heading straight up to the sky — I’ve never seen anything like it.

I discovered that Stanway Fountain, at 91.4 metres (300 feet), is the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world!

It’s turned on twice a day, so keep your eye out — and don’t forget to look behind you.

Hailes Abbey, Near Winchcombe

It turned out that a major theme of this adventure was a heatwave. I struggled up steep hills under the ridiculously heavy weight of my rucksack, drinking water like it was going out of fashion, always on the lookout for two things: shade and sugar! It was often 30 degrees during the day, and nights in the tent were sweltering.

After a night like this on the campsite at Hayles Fruit Farm, I found Hailes Abbey — an idyllic oasis of leafy shade and perfectly placed picnic tables. And I didn’t have to go far: it’s right next door to the campsite! (More details here: Campsites on The Cotswold Way).

A wander along the meandering paths through the extensive Cistercian ruins (from 1246) and a visit to the small museum is definitely worth a couple of hours of your time.

Sadly, opening times are now only once a month, but if you happen to be passing when it’s open, I highly recommend a visit — heatwave or not.

Dyrham Park, Near Bath

Closer to the end of the trail, Dyrham Park, owned by the National Trust, has a completely different charm. It’s a big estate full of manicured lawns, colourful flowerbeds, parkland, and a 17th-century mansion — still with plenty of places to sit in the shade!

Hikers approach Dyrham Park from a short bridleway signposted on the Cotswold Way. Buy a ticket to see the beautiful baroque house (including exhibitions that explore the history of wealth generated through the transatlantic slave trade), garden and parkland. There is, of course, a National Trust cafe (ticket not required), where there are a few sockets for charging up, as well as…icecream!

Finish Your Hike In Beautiful Bath

If you’ve been sensible (and why wouldn’t you be!) you’ll have walked south west from Chipping Campden and saved the best till last: the city of Bath.

The trail delivers you into the city beside one of its most iconic sights, The Royal Crescent, culminating outside yet another, Bath Abbey, just two minutes away from yet another — the Roman Baths!

Seriously, whatever else you do, ensure you plan for at least a couple of hours to soak in the atmosphere and celebrate the end of an amazing adventure: Bath is unforgettable.

Visit Bath for places to see.

I hope you enjoyed my recommendations for things to see along the trail — I’d love to know in the comments if you visit any of them or discover others you’d like to share.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy this very special trail.

Happy hiking!

Stephie x