A Local’s Guide to Slow Travel in the Cotswolds & Cornwall

Gaby is one of B&amp;R’s Lead Guides in England. She spends her time exploring the Cotswolds — her current home, and Cornwall — her childhood home. Below Gaby shares why England makes for the perfect springtime destination, and what travellers can experience with B&amp;R while being immersed in the magic of the Cotswolds and Cornwall.

Springtime is upon us in England. The air is growing warmer and the cheerful decoration of daffodils is beginning to light up hidden walkways and cycling paths in the Cotswolds, making the golden hue of the villages shine even brighter.When you’re journeying through the different regions in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/england-bespoke">England</a>, ‘just passing through‘ is not an option with B&amp;R. The rich tapestry of history and heritage, coupled with the beautiful and romantic landscapes, need to be appreciated and experienced on foot or by bike. You need to linger for longer, to take in the smells of our roses in bloom and the salty Cornish air; the sights of our green rolling hills and dramatic, coastal vistas; the sounds of birds chattering at sunrise in the Cotswolds and the echoing of the windswept moors in Devon; and the tastes of our fresh seafood, local wine and cream teas.

I cycle past honey-coloured cottages every day on my commute to work and spend my weekends immersing myself in the magic of the Cotswolds and Cornwall — two regions that have my heart; the former is my current home, the latter is my childhood home, where my parents live.I love discovering new coffee roasters, visiting historic gardens, taking my friends forest bathing in our ancient woodlands, swimming in rivers, exploring art exhibitions, cycling through celebrated sites and rambling along well-trodden coastal paths before ending the day in England’s best pubs. It’s a hard job!

I grew up in Cornwall (a.k.a Kernow), the well-known Caribbean of England. My Cornish roots run deep, and I understand exactly what it means to tread carefully across this beautiful, mystical landscape.Cornwall is located on the peninsula in the far Southwest of England and has a diverse history where many of Britain’s famous legends and stories originate. Visitors have long been drawn to this region to explore its historic tin mine heritage, rugged cliffs on the North coast and hidden, golden coves on the South coast. It’s a different golden glow to the Cotswolds – with more subtle earthy tones but still extraordinarily beautiful.I am biased, but if you end up joining me this summer, I will show you some of my favourite slices of our 300-mile-long, unbroken coastal pathway, and you will understand what I mean. We’ll meander our way from a historic fishing village on the North coast of Cornwall, trialling some of the best seafood this country offers, before exploring the gentle micro-climate of the Roseland peninsula on the South Coast.

We’ll then head to Devon, Cornwall’s neighbour, to experience the ancient moorland, woodland and medieval history. You will leave feeling inspired, energized and connected to yourself, to each other and most importantly, to nature.&nbsp;Feeling inspired to experience the magic of the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/england-bespoke">Cotswolds and Cornwall</a> for yourself? Get in touch with Experience Designer, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/lucy-clark">Lucy Clark</a>, and start crafting your perfect trip across the pond.

Discover the art of slow travel in the Cotswolds and Cornwall—from countryside walks and historic villages to coastal landscapes, local food, and timeless English charm.

Slow Travel in the Cotswolds & Cornwall | A Relaxed England Journey

United Kingdom

Walking through the patchwork of rolling green hills dotted with sheep and strolling country lanes lined with the stone cottages, you’ll swear you’ve stepped back in time. It’s the UK's charming countryside which beckons all, with a touch of modern luxury (think sumptuous high tea ceremonies, gastropubs and Michelin-starred restaurants).

Discover iconic landmarks and timeless traditions

Cycle the Cotswolds and walk Scotland's Highlands on small group or private bespoke trips through Britain, with country house stays and local access.

UK Bike & Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Take in the magic of England’s treasured national parks—starting in the Lake District and then venturing south to the Yorkshire Dales. We'll lead you to our favourite hidden spots in the verdant countryside as you retrace the footsteps of England’s greatest poets and novelists. You'll get acquainted with the locals, from humble farmers who invite you into their homes for lunch to amicable herds of sheep acting as your constant companions. Along your journey, rest your legs at cozy, fire-lit pubs and refuel with farm-to-table delicacies and world-class Michelin-starred chefs.

Adventure Awaits In The English Countryside

Brits tend to stick close to home for the holidays and as you soak in the endless coastal views and dramatic National Parks, you'll understand why. Dine on gastronomic comforts where the locals frequent and meander through mystical moors contrasted by flawlessly manicured gardens.

Framed by emerald meadows, Roman ruins and wild rugged landscapes, Wales is a land that’s best discovered on two feet. Our journey starts in Pembrokeshire National Park, recognized as the UK's only coastal national park. We'll make the most of its heart-stirring beauty before following in the footprints of local legend to Cadair Idris—a rugged mountain steeped in Welsh folklore. In between, we'll savour farm-cooked meals, tour ancient forts and discover the very best of this proud Celtic nation.

Great Walks

Historic Sites

Diverse Landscapes

Wales is wild, windswept, and just the right amount of mysterious. Walk coastal cliffs in Pembrokeshire, climb legend-soaked Cadair Idris, and ramble through ruins older than most countries. With farm-fresh feasts, ancient forts, and folklore around every bend, this Celtic adventure proves that sometimes the best way to explore is one footstep—and fable—at a time.

Trails of Celtic Beauty

Walk ancient trails

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details. 

Preview the itinerary 

Featured stays

Experience Designers

Spend 5 nights hiking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in a small group. Iron Age clifftop forts, puffin colony viewpoints and wild Atlantic coastline at every

Wales Walking Tour: Pembrokeshire Coast, Iron Age Forts & Puffin Colonies

Breathtaking Landscapes

Local Connections

Hike through Scotland’s untamed north, where Viking whispers and ghostly gold ships linger on the wind. From Loch Ness to the Orkneys, ramble moody moors, Neolithic wonders, and coastal cliffs that dare you not to feel dramatic. Raise a glass of fine Highland malt in Rackwick—because a trip this legendary deserves a proper dram.

Preview the itinerary

Northern Scotland Walking | Butterfield Travel

British Humour

History & Literature

England charms without even trying—rolling hills, seaside villages and countryside straight out of a Jane Austen fever dream. Cycle coastal Cornwall, ramble through the Lakes or sip your way through the Cotswolds. With farm-fresh feasts, cosy manor stays and just the right amount of literary name-dropping, this is England with all the polish and none of the pretence.

England’s charm exudes through quaint, whimsical towns

Bike Cornwall, the Cotswolds and Georgian Bath on a custom England itinerary. Three of the country's most beautiful regions, privately guided with estate

England Private Tours: Cornwall, the Cotswolds & Georgian Bath

Off the Beaten Path

Insider Access

Art & History

Discover the quiet magic of southern England, from the honey-hued villages of the Cotswolds to the creative pulse of Somerset. Cycle scenic lanes, explore hidden gardens and vibrant galleries, sip cider in ancient orchards, and savour seasonal fare in spectacular settings. This is England at its most pastoral, poetic, and beautifully reimagined.&nbsp;

Spend 5 nights biking the Cotswolds and Somerset in a small group. Honey-stone villages, Georgian Bath and a stay at one of England's finest garden estates.

Cotswolds to Somerset Bike Tour: Villages, Bath & a Private Garden Estate

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Epic Landscapes

History & Culture

From Inverness to Torridon, journey through a Scotland shaped by sea, wind and stone. Walk ancient Highland paths, trace wild coastlines along the Moray Firth and cross some of the country’s most dramatic mountain passes as the landscape shifts from coast to glen. Along the way, discover Iron Age brochs, fairytale castles and storied whisky distilleries that bring the Highlands’ layered history vividly to life. This is Scotland at its most elemental—vast in scale, rich in history and quietly unforgettable.

Experience Designer

Hike Northern Scotland from Inverness to Torridon on a luxury guided journey through the Scottish Highlands. Walk coastal paths, mountain ridges, and ancient trails, with castle visits, whisky tastings, and stays in handpicked Highland hotels.

Luxury Scotland Hiking Tour | Explore the Northern Highlands

Royal Connections

There is a version of England that has nothing to do with tourist trails or ticking boxes, and this is it. On foot through the Cotswolds and Somerset, the countryside unfolds at its own pace: honey-hued villages, ancient hilltops and windswept moorland shaped by centuries of history and tradition. From the Roman Baths and the prehistoric Stanton Drew Stone Circles to the galleries of Bruton, the finest experiences in southern England lie quietly in wait — not as stops on a checklist, but as chapters in the story of the land itself.

Hike honey-hued villages, royal gardens and ancient hilltops on this luxury guided hiking tour through the Cotswolds and Somerset. Discover England's finest countryside with B&R.

Luxury Cotswolds & Somerset Hiking Tour 

Discover the idyllic charm of Cornwall, the sparkling jewel of England's West Country. Lace up your walking shoes and venture along the unspoilt coastline, soaking up the sun-kissed views and indulging in the freshest seafood imaginable. Join a traditional gig racing team, enjoy local sea shanties, then relax with bubbly, oysters and the perfect beach club lounger.

Discover the idyllic charm of Cornwall, the sparkling jewel of England's West Country. Lace up your walking shoes and venture along the unspoilt coastline, soaking up the sun-kissed views and indulging in the freshest seafood imaginable. Join a traditional gig racing team, enjoy local sea shanties, then relax with bubbly, oysters and the perfect beach club lounger.

Coastal Charm & Maritime Magic

Cornwall Coastal Walking | Butterfield & Robinson

Take in the Cotswolds' charm on foot and explore the lavish gardens, ancient cities and honey-pot homes in one of Britain's quaintest corners. From Churchill's residence at Blenheim Palace to the Roman-influenced city of Bath, strolling the Cotswolds is a glorious step back in time.Please note the 2025 hotel lineup: The Wild Rabbit, The Painswick, The Royal Crescent Hotel &amp; Spa

Authentic Food

In the Cotswolds, quaint British charm reaches its peak, gardens go lavishly rogue, and you can't help but feel like you've just stepped out of a time machine. Wander storybook lanes from sleepy Snowshill to lofty lookouts, indulge in cozy pub meals and strolls through Roman-influenced Bath, every step feels delightfully out of sync with modern life.

Stroll through chocolate-box charm

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Take in the Cotswolds' charm on foot and explore the lavish gardens, ancient cities, and honey-pot homes in one of Britain's quaintest corners. From Churchill's residence at Blenheim Palace to the Roman influences infused in Bath, strolling the Cotswolds is a glorious step back in time.&nbsp;

Cotswolds Walking | Butterfield & Robinson

Discover a land of strong traditions, of captivating history, of warmth and welcome. Hike Highland trails past deep lochs and towering mountains and bike through woodlands, across misty moors and wind-swept isles. This is a land of kilt-wearing clansmen, of bagpipes and tartan, of proud traditions that weave history with folklore. In the comfort of welcoming inns and imposing castles, find locals willing to share a wee dram of whisky over tales tall and true. From all this magic, let us craft a bonnie bespoke adventure, tailored for your own clan.

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Scotland plays home to misty moors, ancient trails and enough legends to fill a loch. Hike Highlands, bike through woodlands and swap stories with locals over a dram (or two) of whisky. From castle stays to coastal rides, this is rugged beauty with a warm heart—and adventures tailored to fit clans of every kind. Kilts optional, wonder guaranteed.

in scotland’s wild landscapes, at once both bold and fair...

Hike Highland trails, tour working distilleries and explore castles most visitors never reach. A tailor-made Scotland journey, privately guided for you.

Scotland Private Tours: Highland Trails, Distilleries & Remote Castles

Ride quiet country roads between honey-coloured villages and busy market towns, explore the heritage of historic cities like Oxford and Roman-influenced Bath, enjoy world-class cuisine and sumptuous picnics, and wash it all down with a local ale at our favourite pub.