Hidden Cotswold Tour 5th July 2023
Today, I met John, Amy, Thomas and Ryan outside the Chester House Hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Before setting off, we chatted about the tour and places I had planned to visit and picking up on ideas and places they want to visit.
Sudeley Castle
The first stop was Sudeley Castle. We were there at at around 10.30. I had completely forgotten that the house did not open untl 11am. Fortunately the weather was good and they could wander around the gardens before a quick visit to the house.
I had given them a time to be back, 11.15, as we had a train to catch.
A must-see on any visit to The Cotswolds, the castle has played an important role in England’s history, boasting royal connections that stretch back over 1,000 years.
Winchcombe
The train was scheduled to leave Winchcombe station at 11.38. Fortunately, we were there in good time to get tickets. They had a chat with one of the volunteer guards who recommended they sit in one of the First Class carriages at the back of the train.
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a volunteer operated heritage railway in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire offering a round trip of 28 miles. It uses part of the route of the former Great Western Railway’s main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham which used to run via Stratford-upon-Avon.
Cotswold Lavender
I was at Broadway station to meet them and take them on to our next planned stop of Cotswold Lavender.
On the way we passed through the pretty village of Snowshill, a location for Bridget Jones’ Diary.
After the Lavender, Ryan needed a plaster for her finger. I was, very happily, able to bring out my First-Aid kit and provide the necessary medical care!
Lavender has been grown here for the last 20 years as it loves the freedraining limestone soils giving the highest quality essential oils. They now have 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.
Broadway
When we arrived in Broadway, it was time for some lunch. I thought that fish and chips would be good and a trip to Russell’s would fit the bill. I sent them ahead and after a little confusion we found a table outside in the wind for an enjoyable meal. Thank you very much for treating me.
Amy, will the Lygon Arms be the hotel for your next visit? But, even they won’t have a hair-dryer in the bathroom!!!
The Cotswold village of Broadway is often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ and the ‘Show Village of England’ because of it’s sheer beauty and magnificence. The ‘broad way’ leads from the foot of the western Cotswolds escarpment with a wide grass-fringed street lined with ancient honey coloured limestone buildings dating back to the 16th century and earlier.
Chipping Campden
In Chipping Campden I let them have a short stroll up the high street before meeting everyone up by the Church.
We had a look around the impressive “Wool” Church of St James.
As we were leaving we were missing Ryan. Thomas found her and herded her back to her flock. 😊
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.
Stow-on-the-Wold
From Chipping Campden we drove through the very pretty village of Broad Campden before going to Stow-on-the-Wold.
In Stow we parked up and went straight to the Chocolate shop where a few purchases were made.
A quick look at the Porch House, the oldest Inn in the country, 947 AD.
Stow-on the-Wold is the highest of the Cotswold towns standing exposed on 800 feet high Stow Hill at a junction of seven major roads, including the Roman Fosse Way. The vast Market Square testifies to the towns former importance. Around the square the visitor is faced with an elegant array of Cotswold town houses and shops.
Upper and Lower Slaughter
We drove slowly through Upper Slaughter, a “Double-Thankful” Village. Stopping to take a photo of Upper \Slaughter Manor through the gates.
Then again a slow drive through Lower Slaughter, the ‘tourist-light’ version of Bourton-on-the-Water.
The name of the village of Lower Slaughter stems from the Old English name for a wet land ‘slough’ or ‘slothre’ (Old English for muddy place) upon which it lies. This quaint village sits besidea the little Eye stream and is known for its unspoilt limestone cottages in the traditional Cotswold style.
Route
By now it was time to get back to Bourton, only 5 minutes from Lower Slaughter.
I had a lovely day with you all and hope you enjoy the rest of your travels in the UK.
This is the route we took. The Steam-train journey is highlighted in green.
If you do reviews, I would really appreciate a few words on TripAdvisor 😊