Discovering the Medieval Churches of the Cotswolds

Discovering the Medieval Churches of the Cotswolds

Churches were not just places where we left our dead, but places where we can see what the deceased left behind, the messages they tried to leave for us, and what they were in life. Join us on this expert-led tour of the Cotswolds' Medieval churches to reveal the stories told through their magnificent art and decorations.

Through this tour of ecclesiastical buildings in the wonderful Cotswolds, you will learn how to read a Medieval church and recognise the different architectural styles, the functional parts, and understand the motivations behind the decorations you will see.

The expert leading your tour

Dr Samantha Harper specialises in late Medieval political British History and has a particular interest in lay religion pre and post Reformation. She has published a range of academic articles in prestigious journals and her book, ‘London and the Crown, 1461-1529’, will be published by the Oxford University Press. Samantha recently worked on the ‘Tudor Chamber Books’ project which transcribed and published these valuable documents online for both general and academic use.

Living on the edge of the Cotswolds, Samantha has a passion for sharing her knowledge of the medieval heritage of the area, especially the religious buildings through which the stories of lost generations of local inhabitants can be brought to life.

Locations you’ll visit

This packed programme includes visits to churches in:

• Northleach, for the fascinating wool church
• Burford, for post-reformation effigies and the mysterious freemasons tombs
• Fairford, arguably the finest little church in the West Country
• Cirencester, for a large parish church with lots to see
• Lydiard, a small but extraordinary church with an eye-catching interior
• Tewkesbury Abbey, to unpack 1,000 years of history
• Deerhurst, for one of England's most significant Saxon churches
• Stow-on-the-Wold

Reviews for this tour

"This was a great experience for anyone drawn to read the churches, and it's just lovely to share this experience with a knowledgeable expert and other people on the tour."
Roy G.

"A great break packed with lots of of historical information, but paced in a way that was relaxed and enjoyable."
Maria F.

"Very enjoyable. Sam is an excellent guide and gives information and pointers to allow the participants to understand and read the churches for themselves."
Carol C.

Book this tour

The next departure for this four-day tour is 8 April 2024, with prices from £1,449 per person, based on two sharing. Places can be confirmed with a non-refundable deposit of £149.90. There is no single supplement for individuals staying in single rooms, and a small extra charge for individuals in twin or double rooms. Click here to make your booking.

Please note, that we require a minimum of five guests for this tour to go ahead. If this number is not reached within four weeks of the departure date we reserve the right to cancel the tour and will offer you a full refund or the chance to move your booking to a later date.


Included in your holiday

• Expert guide
• Luxury hotel accommodation
• Executive minibus travel to all sites
• Entry to all attractions
• Breakfast and dinner each day

Register Your Interest

Want to let us know you're interested in this tour, but not yet ready to book. Click here to send an email to our team, and we will keep you updated with latest news from the tour.

Event organiser is Promenade Travel.