Hidden Cotswold Tour 1st July 2023

I arrived at The Bath Priory at 9.30am to meet Brendan and Candace.
Following introductions and a description of the planned day we set off, navigating through the Bath traffic.
I was optimistic that the overcast day would improve…

Brendan Candace and Me The Bath Priory

Lacock Abbey and Village

The advantage of an early start means that there were not that many people at Lacock Abbey. 
When they had finished wandering around the Abbey we had a short stroll down to the Church and back.

Lacock Village

The village of Lacock dates from the 13th century and has many lime-washed half-timbered and stone houses. The Abbey was founded in 1232 and converted into a country house around 1540.  The fine medieval cloisters, sacristy, chapter house and monastic rooms of the Abbey have survived largely intact.

Castle Combe

On to Castle Combe and as expected, there was nowhere to park.  I let them out to wander on their own.  When I picked them up, it was apparent that the crowds had spoiled their enjoyment of the town.  Something I relate to 😒

Castle Combe

Castle Combe has been described as the prettiest village in the Cotswolds. This magical and ancient village, mentioned to the Domesday Book of 1086, was once a weaving town at the heart of the Cotswolds wool trade. Now a popular tourist destination with good reason.

Malmesbury

In Malmesbury, I left them to wander around the Abbey and the Churchyard.
I met them outside the Market Cross and we wandered along the High Street.  This pub, The Smoking Dog, had caught Candace’s eye as we drove in!  

Malmesbury is rightly called the “Queen of Hilltop Towns” being England’s oldest borough with a rich history over 1000 years. Officially Malmesbury can be traced back to the fifth century, but modern excavations have revealed the remains of an Iron Age Fort, which casts the settlement possibly as far back as 500 BC. 

Coln St Aldwyns and Lunch

It was nearly time for lunch so we drove from Malmesbury to Coln St Aldwyns.  We stopped for a peaceful few minutes by the river before going to the pub, the New Inn, in the village. 

Sheep taking shade in Coln St Aldwyns

The village of Coln St Aldwyns is in the heart of the Cotswolds. situated in unspoilt countryside and nestling in the beautiful Coln River valley. A tranquil spot away from the main tourist route. Aperfect spot for reflection.

Bibury

I wasn’t hopeful for their enjoyment of BIbury as it was going to be very touristy.  I dropped them off and agreed to meet back where we started.
I was a little concerned as they were away quite a while.  When they did come back it transpired that they had discovered the trout farm.  It turns out that Candace had won a fishing competition years ago by catching an enormous brown trout. Now stuffed!

Arlington Row Bibury June Evening Sun

The main attraction of Bibury is Arlington Row.  A group of ancient cottages with steeply pitched roofs dating back to the 16th Century.
This image appears on UK Passports.

The second attraction is now the Trout Farm!

Tetbury

After some debate we decided that we would miss out a visit to Minchinhampton as it would cut into time in Tetbury.
Once in Tetbury they went on a little antique looking spree.  We arranged to meet back at the Snooty Fox.  
I decided that I should buy Brendan his first pint, well half, of English Bitter.  I joined him with a half and Candace chose a refreshing cocktail.
Suddenly it was time to head back to Bath.

Stow-on-the-Wold

The town of Tetbury is proud of its 1300 years of recorded history since 681 when Tetta’s Monastery was mentioned in a charter by King Ethelred of Mercia. Now famous for the annual Woolsack Race.

Route

It was a great day spent with both of you. It was such a pleasure to show you around the Cotswolds.
I love your enthusiasm for life and was so interested in hearing about your careers.  I am definitely going to cook some steaks on our open fire in the winter.
And finally, I hope Paddy didn’t miss you too much! 😊

Hidden Cotswold Tour 1st July 2023

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