Oxfordshire Cotswolds Walking Break – Blenheim & Burford
Spend two nights exploring the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, combining relaxed countryside walking with some of the area's best-known historic places.
Based just outside Oxford, this small-group walking break takes us through the parkland and countryside surrounding Blenheim Palace, with a visit to the remains of North Leigh Roman Villa along the way. On our second day, we'll head into the Cotswolds to explore the countryside around Burford, one of the area's best-known historic market towns.
With a maximum group size of just eight, a leisurely walking pace and all transport during the break included, this is an easy way to enjoy a sociable weekend away. You can arrive by train, with a free collection from Hanborough station on Friday evening, and we'll take care of the transport from there.
Please note that this break does not include admission to Blenheim Palace or its formal gardens.
Trip Overview
Location: Cotswolds
Duration: 2 nights
Group Size: Max 8 (small group)
Style: Sociable walking break
Walking Grade: Leisurely
Steady-paced, sociable walking with manageable distances and varied terrain, with time to stop and enjoy the surroundings.
Typical Distance: Around 8–10 miles per day
With plenty of time for breaks and photos at a relaxed pace,
Accommodation: Hotel
Room Type: Single, twin and double rooms
Transport: Car-free friendly, with station collection and all transport during the break included
Meals: Breakfast included
Price: From £ per person
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Select a date to view availability, room options and prices, and book your place to join Large Outdoors.
Dates & Availability
We run this trip on selected dates throughout the year.
Upcoming dates:
Friday 30 October - Sunday 1 November 2026
Simply select your preferred date in the booking box to check availability and book.
Can I Book with a Deposit?
Book more than 12 weeks before departure with a 20% deposit. Within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at booking.
A Good Fit for You If…
This break could be a good choice if you enjoy relaxed, sociable walking and like having time to explore the places you visit rather than simply covering miles.
The walks are graded Leisurely and we'll keep a comfortable group pace, with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings and points of interest along the way.
It's also a good option if you prefer not to drive. We'll offer a free collection from Hanborough station on Friday evening, and transport for our walks throughout the weekend is included.
Most people who travel with Large Outdoors come on their own, so you won't need to arrive knowing anyone.
Probably not for you if…
This may not be the right break if you're looking for challenging terrain, mountain walking or long, fast-paced days.
It also isn't intended as a visit to Blenheim Palace itself.
You’d rather plan and walk independently
“A really enjoyable weekend. It was lovely being part of a small group, with everything organised so we could simply enjoy the walking and the company.”
Exploring the Oxfordshire Cotswolds
This corner of Oxfordshire makes a great base for a weekend that mixes countryside, history and some time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Blenheim Palace and its surrounding estate provide the focus for our Saturday. The area has centuries of history, and our route gives us the opportunity to experience the wider landscape surrounding the Palace without making the weekend a formal visitor-attraction trip.
We'll also visit North Leigh Roman Villa, adding a much older chapter to the weekend's history before returning through the Oxfordshire countryside.
On Sunday, we head further into the Cotswolds to Burford. Set on the River Windrush, this historic market town is known for its long High Street, traditional stone buildings and centuries of history connected with the Cotswolds wool trade.
Rather than simply visiting Burford for a quick look around, we'll use it as the starting point for a countryside walk before returning to town for time to relax over a pub lunch.
Highlights
Walk through the parkland and countryside surrounding the Blenheim Estate
Visit the remains of North Leigh Roman Villa
Explore the Oxfordshire Cotswolds at a leisurely pace
Enjoy a countryside walk from the historic Cotswolds town of Burford
Travel car-free with collection from Hanborough station and weekend transport included
What’s Included
Two nights' hotel accommodation
Your chosen single, twin or double room
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
Two guided walks with a Large Outdoors guide
Free Friday evening collection from Hanborough railway station
Transport required for the planned itinerary
Return transfer to Hanborough station on Sunday afternoon if required
What’s Not Included
Travel to and from Oxfordshire
Lunches
Evening meals
Drinks and personal expenses
Admission to Blenheim Palace or its formal gardens
Travel insurance
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.
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Select a date to view availability, room options and prices, and book your place to join Large Outdoors.
Dates & Availability
We run this trip on selected dates throughout the year.
Upcoming dates:
Friday 30 October - Sunday 1 November 2026
Simply select your preferred date in the booking box to check availability and book.
Can I Book with a Deposit?
Book more than 12 weeks before departure with a 20% deposit. Within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at booking.
Getting There & Accommodation
Here’s everything you need to know about getting there and where you’ll be staying.
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If you’re driving or not using the station collection, you can arrive from 15:00, where your Large Outdoors host will be there to welcome you.
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 when you get in.
Meeting Location:
Premier Inn Oxford Kidlington (Airport)
Unit 1 - 4,
Oxford Technology Park,
Oxford
OX5 1GNFree parking is available at the hotel.
Optional Station Pick-Up:
A free collection is available from Hanborough train station at 18:00 on Day 1.Return Travel:
Drop-off at Hanborough train station is in the late afternoon on Day 3. We recommend booking an open return ticket.Finish Time:
We aim to finish the final walk between 13:00 and 15:00, depending on the group’s pace. -
We'll be staying for two nights in a hotel just outside Oxford, giving us a convenient base for exploring Blenheim, Burford and the surrounding Oxfordshire Cotswolds.
Breakfast is included each morning.
Single rooms are available, alongside twin and double rooms. Simply select your preferred room type when booking, subject to availability.
On Saturday evening, we'll head out together to a local village pub for dinner. Evening meals are not included in the price of the break.
Meeting Location:
Premier Inn Oxford Kidlington (Airport)
Unit 1 - 4,
Oxford Technology Park,
Oxford
OX5 1GN