Hidden Cotswold Tour 28th June 2023
This was my first time to pick up guests from Stratford-upon-Avon. Gerald, April, Lucas and Leia were on the pavement and ready to go. Princess Buttercup was not on this overseas trip 😒
Following introductions we headed off towards Hidcote Gardens.

Hidcote Gardens
There was a small queue forming when we arrived and fortunately a pre-booked ticket was not necessary.
I left them to wander around the beautiful gardens. It was a shame the sun was not shining, but it was not raining!

Hidcote is one of the best-known and most influential Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain, with its linked “garden rooms” of hedges, rare trees, shrubs and herbaceous borders. Created by Lawrence Johnston, it is owned by the National Trust and is open to the public.
Chipping Campden
From Hidcote it was a short journey to Chipping Campden.
Here we all got out and wandered around the church and the church yard.
After a short stroll down the High Street we re-grouped and I took them to visit one of my favourite hidden places, the workshop of Harts Silversmiths.

Chipping Campden is one of the loveliest small towns in the Cotswolds and a gilded masterpiece of limestone and craftsmanship. The main street curves in a shallow arc lined with a succession of ancient houses each grafted to the next but each with its own distinctive embellishments.
Cotswold Lavender
The lavender is close to its peak flowering time. I left them to wander amongst the lavender and get some good photos.

Lavender has been grown at Cotswold Lavender for the over 20 years as it loves the freedraining limestone soils giving the highest quality essential oils. There are over 35 different varieties of lavender covering more than 70 acres of the farm. Every year at the height of summer the lavender gives a stunning display of colour.
Lunch at the Mount Inn in Stanton
Next, we had a brief stop in Snowshill for a few photos before thinking it was time to grab some lunch. So, it was to Stanton (One of the many villages claiming to be the ‘Prettiest Village’) and lunch at the Mount Inn. With spectacular views, we had ‘small’ Fish and Chips (mostly) and Gerald and I had a glass of Donnington Gold. It was lovely chatting over food and getting to know you. Thank you for treating me to lunch.

Stanton is probably one of the prettiest and idyllic villages in the whole of the Cotswolds. Little changed in 300 years it nestles beneath the slopes of Shenbarrow Hill. It has a very pleasing long main street with several delightful corners where the ancient house are built in typical Cotswolds style with steeply pitched gables, mullioned windows and glowing honey coloured limestone walls.
Bourton-on-the-Water
En route to Bourton we had a brief stop at Stanway and peeped through the open gates. A strange looking man was caught on camera glaring at us!
Once in Bourton, Gerald and Lucas went to the Motor Museum whilst April and Leia walked around the town.
We regrouped and headed up to Stow-on-the-Wold via Lower and Upper Slaughter.

Bourton-on-the-Water has been described as the ‘Little Venice’ of the Cotswolds and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the region being serviced by the many shops, cafe’s, and attractions
Stow-on-the-Wold & Daylesford
In Stow we had a quick look at the church and the famous doors between two ancient Yew trees and the inspiration for the Doors of Durin.
As I had promised tea at Daylesford we could not hang around.
I am glad to say that Daylesford did not disappoint and we all had tea and a cake – delicious, Thank you.

Daylesford farm shop is a truly special shopping experience, with an abundance of fresh organic produce to tempt you.
Your senses will drift from the cheeses to the fresh meat to the wines. Don’t be put off by some of the eye-watering prices as it’s the perfect stop for a relaxing cup of tea and to lap up the luxury of this place.
Route
It was now time to head back to Stratford.
It was a great day out with all of you. I loved your enthusiasm and happiness – it was infectious and it was a treat to spend the day with you.
I hope, Leia, you managed to stay awake for your all-night zoom induction day.
Lucas and Gerald as fans of ‘Top Gear’ do watch ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ on Amazon. It’s a great watch and all set in the Cotswolds.
Enjoy the rest of your trip
