The Cotswolds is the kind of place that feels like it was designed for circular walks.
The villages are close enough to link with easy footpaths, the rolling hills never get too intimidating, and there always seems to be a tea room or pub waiting at the end.
For families in particular, the circular walks should be especially appealing. You do not have to arrange transport back, the routes are manageable, and the scenery is also so pretty that even reluctant young walkers get distracted by things like sheep and streams, and storybook cottages. If you’re planning a wider hiking trip in England, these Cotswolds routes are a great place to start.
With all that said, here are five of the best circular walks in the Cotswolds that families will love.
1. Bibury Circular Walk
Bibury is one of the most photographed villages in England…and with good reason. Arlington Row, which is the row of old weavers’ cottages, looks like something that’s lifted straight from a period drama.
This gentle circular walk will take you along the River Coln, through water meadows, and then right back into the village, and it offers a perfect blend of countryside and heritage. The terrain is easy-going, which makes it very suitable for families with younger children.
- Average time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Altitude gain/loss: Around 90 m (295 ft)
- Highlights: Arlington Row and the River Coln.
- Don’t miss: Bibury Trout Farm, which is where kids can watch (and sometimes feed) the fish.
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2. Broadway and Broadway Tower Circular
Starting from the village of Broadway, this walk leads you up gentle hills to Broadway Tower, which is one of the Cotswolds’ most iconic landmarks. The trail is varied, and it stretches through meadows, woodlands, and open common land.
The route is a little hillier than Bibury’s, but still more than family-friendly and manageable. The views from the top are spectacular, and it stretches out across multiple counties on a clear day. Families with older children should especially enjoy this one, which is largely thanks to the sense of adventure and the reward at the summit.
- Average time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles)
- Altitude gain/loss: About 180 m (590 ft)
- Highlights: Broadway Tower, which is an 18th-century folly with panoramic views.
- Don’t miss: Deer that often graze in the surrounding parkland.
3. Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter Circular
Bourton-on-the-Water is famous for its low bridges and riverside charm. This circular walk begins in Bourton, and then it follows the River Windrush through fields and meadows before it loops through Lower Slaughter, which is definitely one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds.
The route is flat and gentle, and it;s perfect for pushchairs or little legs. Families will enjoy the riverside paths, along with the stone cottages and the chance to dip toes in the water on warm days!
- Average time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Altitude gain/loss: Less than 70 m (230 ft)
- Highlights: The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter, with its café and small museum.
- Don’t miss: The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water, which is basically a miniature version of the town itself.
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4. Painswick Beacon Circular
Known as the “Queen of the Cotswolds,” Painswick is a very charming town that makes an excellent base for walking. This circular route takes you up to Painswick Beacon, which is where you’ll find panoramic views over the Severn Vale and toward the Welsh mountains.
The climb is steady but not overwhelming, and kids will love exploring the Iron Age hill fort at the top. The route loops back through woodlands and open pastures, and it also offers variety that keeps things interesting for families.
- Average time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Altitude gain/loss: About 220 m (720 ft)
Highlights: The sweeping views from Painswick Beacon.
Don’t miss: The yew trees in Painswick churchyard, which is where 99 perfectly clipped trees add a very magical touch.
5. Chipping Campden to Dover’s Hill Circular
Chipping Campden is one of the jewels of the northern Cotswolds, with its golden-stone high street and market hall. This circular walk climbs gently out of town to Dover’s Hill, which is a natural amphitheater with sweeping views.
The trail is part of the Cotswold Way, so it’s well-marked and also very easy to follow. It’s an excellent choice for families, and it has just enough elevation for a sense of achievement…but not so much that it becomes a struggle.
Dover’s Hill is also famous for hosting the quirky Cotswold Olimpicks, which is a traditional festival with shin-kicking contests and rural games.
- Average time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles)
- Altitude gain/loss: Around 200 m (655 ft)
- Highlights: The views from Dover’s Hill, and particularly at sunset.
- Don’t miss: The historic Market Hall in Chipping Campden (built in the 17th century).
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Heading to the Cotswolds with Your Family
The Cotswolds is proof that you don’t need towering peaks or epic wilderness to create unforgettable walks. These circular routes combine gentle countryside along with timeless villages and just enough adventure to keep the whole family engaged.
For families, circular walks in the Cotswolds tick every box: they are scenic and practical, and they’re also never too demanding. For longer family days out, knowing how to pack a hiking backpack can also help keep essentials organised without carrying unnecessary weight.
And with tea rooms, pubs, and plenty of history along the way, they are as much about the journey as the destination. Since many of these routes pass through villages and shared countryside, it’s also worth brushing up on hiking etiquette before you go. Before setting out, it’s also worth checking what to bring on a day hike, especially when you’re walking with children.
So for those of you looking for the perfect family day out in the countryside, these five walks are a wonderful place to start. If you want to explore beyond the Cotswolds, take a look at these best hikes in England for more ideas.
Where Else Should You Check Out in the Cotswolds?
Be sure to check out these areas as well:
- Short Walks in the Cotswolds
- Stroller and Wheelchair Walks in Cotswolds
Where to Next?
- Ultimate Guides – your gateway to hiking across Europe
- Hikes & Trails – curated lists of the best hikes and local gems
- Walking Holidays – extended journeys for when a single day just isn’t enough
- General Blog – all the extras: gear reviews, planning tips, and personal stories
