Winter warmers

Winter holidays are often an unexpected bonus and a wonderful time to slow down and engage with special places away from the crowd. With our knowledge of the grand array of historic and cultural gems in Britain, we have created a small selection of breaks that we feel are perfect for the winter season. They blend short, fascinating walks with our favourite inspirational places.

With cosy pubs, delicious afternoon teas and stays in warm, friendly boutique hotels and inns, these short winter walking holidays will warm the cockles of your heart. The footpaths we have chosen are largely hard surfaced and sheltered for most of their length. All trips include substantial time indoors be it in a castle, a workshop, a palace or a glasshouse. And we have included transfers in many cases, should the weather not be to your liking! They are available from November to 31 March. We are sure you will have a brilliant time.

Winter warmers in England

Potter and paint in the Cotswolds Cotswolds

History and 'her' story Thames

Culture,countryside and couture Oxford

The Cotswolds tour

This combines countryside walks with a little history and the chance to develop your creative talents at a painting, craft or cookery workshop at Daylesford Organic Farm. We have planned this break with some lovely winter walks but also optional transfers and indoor activities - just in case the weather decides to be unkind! This tour includes some of our favourite places such as Sudeley Castle and Bourton on the Water, with a chance to embrace the views and fresh air with shorter walks that end in cosy hostelries. You will also have the opportunity to explore some of the history that abounds in case the weather is not so kind. The routes follow a few well worn Cotswold walks as well as lesser known tracks - our speciality. We have also included a workshop - choose from painting, calligraphy, floristry, or cookery and spend a few hours indulging your passion or trying something completely new! Tell us what you would like to do or the dates that suit and we will do our best to find the perfect match.

The Thames tour

This a remarkable short walk along this famous river exploring some of the fantastic history of England from a female perspective - from present day with the fairytale marriage in Windsor of our present Queen's grandson to a beautiful American Actress back in time to all 6 of Henry VIII's wives at Hampton Court, and on to Kew Gardens the site of Kew Palace. Here is a celebration of royal history. Monarchs built their palaces and planted their gardens along the banks of the River Thames. They hunted on the vast tracts of land surrounding these palaces which remain today as unspoilt royal parks. We have arranged a series of shorter walks so you can experience the sights and smells of quintessential England, as this great river threads its way through sleepy rural villages, pretty landscapes and through the heart of bustling historic towns such as Windsor, Richmond and London, but also with plenty of opportunity for indoor exploring if the weather is unco-operative! Royalty and history beckon, whilst water meadows, old inns, wildlife and weirs lead you serenely on.

The Oxford tour

A feast for all the senses whether you are a connoisseur of history, culture, wildlife or the more material pleasures of luxury shopping. This winter walking holiday covers it all! Start off in Oxford where there is so much to explore from the world renowned university - the oldest in the English speaking world; the one thousand year old Oxford Castle; and Museums and galleries galore with plenty of cafes and hostelries for refreshment. We have included a city tour to help you get the most from your visit. The next day get away from from the bustle with a surprisingly rural walk along the canal and river with lunch at one of our favourite pubs. After a second night in Oxford we will take you to Woodstock for the next two nights and a day exploring Blenheim Palace with a choice of outdoor walks in the grounds and indoor discovery in the Palace. On your last day it's time for a little retail therapy. Our driver will take you to Bicester Village - Britain's leading designer shopping outlet and return you to your hotel for a last night in Woodstock.