Stanton in the Costwolds, Gloucestershire, UK

Walking Holidays & Outdoor Adventures in Stanton

Honey-stone cottages, escarpment views and quiet lanes between Broadway and Winchcombe

Where whip-thin lanes climb to wide horizons — and every stroll ends in a timeless village.

Stanton is a beautifully preserved Cotswold village and a peaceful base for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. The Cotswold Way passes right by, linking Stanton with Broadway, Stanway, and Winchcombe over airy escarpment paths and field tracks. From the village you can wander to Stanway House, climb toward Shenberrow Hill for big Vale views, or loop through neighbouring hamlets like Laverton and Buckland. For a slightly longer day, stitch in Snowshill or continue the Way toward Dover’s Hill.

Between walks, Stanton’s thatched cottages, church, and hill-top pub make it an unhurried, slow-travel base with classic Cotswold charm.

Why Walk Here

  • On/near the Cotswold Way with ridge-top day sections in both directions.
  • Classic links to Broadway, Stanway, Winchcombe, and Snowshill.
  • Quiet village feel but close to headline viewpoints (Dover’s Hill, Shenberrow).
  • Short door-step circuits plus longer escarpment traverses.
  • Ideal for car-light and car-free stays using nearby bus/rail hubs.

Nearby Trails

  • Cotswold Way: Stanton → Broadway – Undulating escarpment with far-reaching views and an easy village finish.
  • Cotswold Way: Stanton → Stanway → Winchcombe – Field paths, estate tracks, and classic limestone villages.
  • Stanton–Stanway House Circuit – Gentle loop via parkland and water features (house/grounds seasonal).
  • Stanton–Laverton–Buckland Loop – Quiet lanes and footpaths between picture-book hamlets.
  • Stanton → Snowshill Hill – Longer outing to hilltop views and village tea stops.

Outdoor Adventures and Activities

  • Ridge and valley walking straight from the village green.
  • Photography of honey-stone cottages, dry-stone walls, and big sky escarpments.
  • Trail running on Cotswold Way sections and farm tracks.
  • Heritage add-ons: Stanway House, nearby Broadway Tower, and church/estate architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a self-guided walking holiday from Stanton?

Yes — Stanton sits right on the Cotswold Way corridor, with easy day-stage options to Broadway or Winchcombe, plus short local loops for warm-ups and rest days.

Where should walkers stay in Stanton?

Expect walker-friendly inns, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages in the village and nearby hamlets. Many are a short stroll from trailheads and offer early breakfasts and space for wet kit.

Is Stanton good for a car-free walking break?

Definitely — use Moreton-in-Marsh (rail) or Evesham as gateways, then local buses/taxis to the village. Many routes are linear with simple bus or taxi returns.

Where can I eat or grab a post-walk drink near Stanton?

Stanton’s hill-top pub is a favourite for views and hearty fare, while nearby Broadway and Winchcombe offer plenty of cafés, bakeries, and inns right on or near the Cotswold Way. If you’re walking via Stanway or Snowshill, look out for village tearooms and farm cafés (some with seasonal hours).

When’s the best time to visit Stanton for walking?

Year-round works: spring flowers in the lanes, long summer evenings for ridge walks, golden beech woods in autumn, and quiet, crisp winter paths with big views.