Oxfordshire Cotswolds Walking Break – Blenheim & Burford
Explore Blenheim Palace's parkland, historic Burford and the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside on a sociable two-night walking break.
Join us for a relaxed walking weekend in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, combining countryside trails with some of the area's best-known historic places.
We'll explore the parkland and countryside surrounding Blenheim Palace, discovering the remains of North Leigh Roman Villa along the way. On our second walking day, we'll head into the Cotswolds to explore the countryside around Burford, one of the area's most attractive market towns.
With a maximum of just eight guests, a Leisurely walking pace and transport to our walks included, it's an easy way to enjoy a weekend away. Most people join us solo, and with a complimentary collection from Hanborough railway station on Friday evening, you can leave the car at home.
Holiday at a Glance
Duration
2 nights · walking days
Walking grade
Leisurely
Distance
Approx. 8-10 miles per day
Price
From £265pp
Group size
Maximum 8
Accommodation
Hotel
Transport
Car-free · Transport included
Meals
Breakfasts included
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Upcoming departure dates:
Friday 30 October - Sunday 1 November 2026
Choose your preferred date and room type in the booking form to check availability and reserve your place.
Deposits – Pay a 20% deposit when booking more than 12 weeks before departure. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
Exploring the Oxfordshire Cotswolds
From the grand parkland of Blenheim Palace to the honey-coloured streets of Burford, this weekend combines beautiful countryside, fascinating history and relaxed walking.
On Saturday, we'll explore the parkland and countryside surrounding Blenheim Palace, with a visit to the remains of North Leigh Roman Villa along the way. It's a lovely mix of open landscapes, woodland paths and history, without the need to spend the day inside a visitor attraction.
Sunday takes us into the Cotswolds, where we'll enjoy a countryside walk from Burford, one of the area's best-known market towns. With its traditional stone buildings, historic High Street and riverside setting, it's a lovely place to finish our walk and enjoy a relaxed pub lunch.
With just eight guests and a leisurely pace, there's plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings, stop for photographs and get to know your fellow walkers.
Highlights
Explore the parkland and countryside surrounding Blenheim Palace.
Discover the remains of North Leigh Roman Villa.
Enjoy two days of relaxed walking through the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.
Walk through the countryside around historic Burford, with time for a pub lunch.
Travel car-free, with Hanborough station collection and transport to our walks included.
Suggested Itinerary
Our itinerary is designed to give you a good idea of what we have planned. Exact walking routes and timings may change depending on weather, local conditions and the needs of the group.
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You can check into the hotel from 15:00 and settle into your room.
If you're arriving by train, we'll offer a free collection from Hanborough railway station at around 18:00, taking you directly to the hotel.
We'll meet as a group in the hotel bar from 18:00. It's a relaxed first evening and a chance to meet your guide and the other people you'll be spending the weekend with.
We'll go through the plans for tomorrow and then you can settle in for the evening.
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After breakfast, we'll head out for our first guided walk of the weekend.
Our route of approximately nine miles explores the countryside and parkland surrounding the Blenheim Estate. Walking at a leisurely pace, we'll have time to enjoy the landscape and views across the estate as we make our way through this historic part of Oxfordshire.
We'll also visit North Leigh Roman Villa, where the remains offer a glimpse into the area's much earlier history.
This is a full but relaxed day of walking, with plenty of time built in to stop along the way.
In the evening, we'll head to a local village pub for dinner together. Dinner isn't included, so you'll be free to choose and pay for whatever you'd like from the menu.
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After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we'll travel to Burford for our second walk.
Often described as the gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford grew as an important market town and retains much of its historic character. We'll have the chance to see the town before heading into the surrounding Cotswolds countryside.
Today's walk will be approximately five to seven miles, again at a leisurely pace.
After the walk, we'll return to Burford and stop for a pub lunch, giving us time to relax and round off the weekend together.
We'll then take you back to the hotel to collect your car or luggage, or provide a transfer to Hanborough railway station. We expect to finish by mid-afternoon.
Essential Information
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Meeting Locations & Times
Our accommodation and meeting point for the weekend is:
Premier Inn Oxford Kidlington (Airport)
Units 1–4, Oxford Technology Park
Oxford
OX5 1GNHotel check-in is available from 15:00 on Friday.
Your Large Outdoors host will be there to welcome you, and the group will meet in the hotel bar at 18:00 before heading out for dinner.
If you're arriving later, you're welcome to join us when you get in.
Travelling by Train
Hanborough is the railway station we use for our organised transfers to the hotel.
Station Pickups
We offer a complimentary collection from Hanborough railway station at 18:00 on Friday, with transport to our hotel.
Station collection must be requested in advance when booking.
Transport During the Trip
If you're travelling by car, please make your way directly to Premier Inn Oxford Kidlington (Airport).
Free parking is available at the hotel.
Transport During the Trip
All transport required for our planned walking itinerary is included throughout the weekend.
You won't need to use your own vehicle for the guided walks.
Ferries & Boat Transfers
No ferry or boat transfers are required for this break.
Departure & Return Travel
On Sunday, we aim to finish our final walk between 13:00 and 15:00, depending on the group's pace.
For guests who have arranged a return transfer, we'll provide transport to Hanborough railway station in the late afternoon.
We recommend booking a flexible or open return train ticket, as the exact arrival time at the station may vary.
Important Travel Information
No additional travel arrangements apply to this trip.
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Accommodation Location
We'll be staying for two nights at:
Premier Inn Oxford Kidlington (Airport)
Units 1–4, Oxford Technology Park
Oxford
OX5 1GNThe hotel provides a convenient base for exploring Blenheim Palace, Burford and the surrounding Oxfordshire Cotswolds.
Accommodation Type
We'll stay at Premier Inn Oxford Kidlington for both nights, with comfortable hotel accommodation and no need to change rooms during the weekend.
After our walks, there'll be time to relax before heading out for dinner together.
Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements
Accommodation is in hotel bedrooms, with sleeping arrangements depending on the room option selected when booking.
Guests booking a shared room will share with another guest of the same sex. Private rooms are also available for those who prefer their own space or are booking together.
Room Options
Sole Occupancy Double – A private double room for one person.
Shared Female Room – Your own bed in a room shared with another female guest.
Shared Male Room – Your own bed in a room shared with another male guest.
Twin Room – A private room for two people, with separate beds.
Double Room – A private room for two people sharing one double bed.
All room options are subject to availability on your chosen departure.
Bathrooms
All bedrooms have private en-suite bathrooms.
Guests sharing a bedroom will also share its bathroom.
Bedding & Towels
Bedding and towels are provided by the hotel. Please bring your own toiletries.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Packed Lunches
Packed lunches are not included in the weekend price.
You'll need to purchase your own lunch for both walking days. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and a few snacks.
Evening Meals
Evening meals are not included in the weekend price.
We'll arrange opportunities for the group to eat together at local pubs or restaurants, including a village pub on Saturday evening.
Everyone pays for their own meals and drinks.
Please let us know about any dietary requirements when booking so we can take these into account when choosing places to eat.
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Accommodation & Meals
Included
Two nights' accommodation at Premier Inn Oxford Kidlington (Airport).
Your chosen room type, subject to availability.
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.
Not Included
Packed lunches and walking snacks.
Evening meals.
Drinks and refreshments purchased during the weekend.
Guiding & Support
Included
Two days of guided walking with an experienced Large Outdoors guide.
A small, sociable group of up to eight guests.
Pre-trip information and support.
Not Included
Personal walking clothing and equipment.
Admission to Blenheim Palace or its formal gardens.
Transport & Transfers
Included
Transport required for our planned walking itinerary.
Complimentary collection from Hanborough railway station at 18:00 on Friday, by prior arrangement.
Return transfer to Hanborough railway station on Sunday afternoon, by prior arrangement.
Not Included
Travel to and from Oxfordshire or Hanborough railway station.
Additional Costs & Exclusions
Not Included
Personal travel insurance.
Personal purchases and additional spending during the weekend.
Any optional activities or expenses not specifically listed as included.
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Walking Grade
Leisurely
This weekend is graded Leisurely, with two days of relaxed, sociable walking through the Oxfordshire countryside and Cotswolds.
We're not in a rush! We'll enjoy a comfortable pace, with plenty of time to chat, take photographs, admire the scenery and stop for a breather whenever needed.
The emphasis is on enjoying the walking and the company, rather than covering miles as quickly as possible.
Terrain & Conditions
Our walks follow a mixture of countryside footpaths, parkland trails, woodland tracks and village paths.
Expect some gentle hills and occasional uneven or muddy sections, particularly after wet weather.
Fitness & Experience
You don't need to be an experienced walker to join us.
A reasonable level of everyday walking fitness is helpful, and you should be comfortable spending several hours on your feet.
Our friendly, small-group approach means we'll take our time and enjoy the walks together.
Seasonal Conditions
Conditions can vary throughout the year, with muddy paths and wet weather possible, particularly during autumn and winter.
Please bring suitable waterproof clothing and comfortable walking footwear with good grip.
Our guide may adjust the routes if weather or ground conditions make this necessary.
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Walking Clothing & Footwear
You won't need any specialist equipment for this Leisurely walking break, but comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are important.
Walking boots or sturdy walking shoes with good grip.
Waterproof jacket and trousers.
Comfortable walking clothing and a warm layer.
Walking socks.
What to Carry on Walks
Bring a small day rucksack containing:
Packed lunch and snacks.
Reusable water bottle.
Waterproofs and an extra layer.
Any personal medication.
Clothing for Accommodation
Casual clothing and comfortable footwear for relaxing at the hotel and joining the group for evening meals.
Nothing smart is required.
Trip-Specific Extras
Walking poles are optional if you find them helpful on uneven or muddy paths.
Full Kit List
We've put together a useful walking kit list to help you prepare for your holiday.
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Booking Confirmation
Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.
Deposits & Balance Payments
If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.
Your Trip WhatsApp Group
Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.
It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.
Joining is entirely optional.
Final Details
A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.
Keeping Up to Date
Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.
We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.
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Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! Most people joining Large Outdoors trips book on their own, so you'll be in good company.
Our walking breaks are designed to be friendly and sociable, making it easy to meet others who enjoy walking.
Is this break suitable for first-time guests?
Definitely. We regularly welcome people joining Large Outdoors for the first time.
With a maximum of just eight guests, it's a lovely way to get to know everyone over a weekend of walking.
Do I have to join both walks?
Not at all. You're welcome to take a day off if you'd prefer some time to yourself. Just let your guide know.
Can I book with a friend or partner?
Of course. You can book together and choose a suitable room option, subject to availability.
Will we have time to explore Burford?
Yes. Our Sunday walk includes time in Burford, with the opportunity to explore the historic town and enjoy a relaxed pub lunch.
The amount of time available will depend on the day's walking route and conditions.
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Upcoming departure dates:
Friday 30 October - Sunday 1 November 2026
Choose your preferred date and room type in the booking form to check availability and reserve your place.
Deposits – Pay a 20% deposit when booking more than 12 weeks before departure. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
Questions Before You Book?
Not sure whether this walking holiday is right for you? We're always happy to help with questions about the walks, accommodation or joining us on your own.
Email hello@largeoutdoors.com or get in touch through WhatsApp.
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