Hidden Cotswold Tour 21st August 20231
I was really looking forward to meeting Erica and her family.ย In her emails beforehand she said how stressed she was with work.ย So I wanted to give them all a relaxing tour of the Cotswolds.ย When we met off the train, she told me she had had her credit card hacked.ย The challenge to help them enjoy the day just got more important!ย
Burford
We began by winding our way to Burford via Swinbrook and several stops for photo opportunities.
In Burford I dropped them all ut at the top of the high street and told them where to meet when they had done.
With three daughters, I should have realised that this would not be a quick journey down the high street.ย
With stops for shopping and grabbing some food we eventually re grouped and climbed back into the car.ย
Burford, a beautiful old Cotswold town, its high street sloping from the high Wolds, where you have beautiful views over the open countryside, down to the willow fringed River Windrush in the pretty Windrush valley. A fine three arched medieval bridge crosses the river at the foot of the hill.
Bourton-on-the-Water
We took the Barrington road out and stopped off to look at the impressive and antlered, herd of fallow deer.
We fought our way through Bourton-on-the-Water and I was glad they did not wish to stop and were happy with a slow drive-through.
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
Lower Slaughter
I dropped them off in the middle of Lower Slaughter and went to find a parking space.ย
Normally, there is very littel happening here.ย But today there was an art and craft exhibition.ย This magnetically drew in the family and requests for money from Curtis!
I think everyone, but Curtis, found a souvenir from Lower Slaughter.ย ย
Erica found some jewellery from a local designer.
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 beside the little Eye stream and is known for its unspoilt limestone cottages in the traditional Cotswold style.
Chipping Campden
On the approach to Chipping Campden, I let Erica and Natalie out to take photos of the thatched cottages.ย It was after 3pm by the time I parked up in the town and some of the family were now very hungry.ย I pointed them in the direction of the Bantam tea room, seemingly the only place open for food.
When they had fed we met up in the market place and wandered up and down the rest of the high street chatting away.
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.
Donnington Brewery
Once we were all back in the car we pushed on to the picturesque and tranquil setting of Donnington Brewery.
It was a pleasure for me to treat Curtis and Lauren to a bottle of Donnington’s best Gold bitter.
Erica and Jade went in search of another photo opportunity.๐
Some of the brewery’s buildings date from 1291.ย
Like many mills in the Cotswolds, where the wool trade was so dominant, the one at Donnington probably started life as a cloth mill. However, in about 1580, it was rebuilt by the Lord of the Manor of Donnington and used for milling corn.
Today, the mill wheel is still used to drive pumps and machinery to brew our beer the same way 150 years on.
Stow-on-the-Wold
By the time we got to Stow-on-the-Wold I think all three girls were asleep!
So, Curtis, Erica and I wandered around to the back of the church to see Tolkein’s inspiration for the Doors of Durin.
By now it was time to get to the train station.
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.
Route
I loved spending the day with all of you.ย Your laughter and enthusiasm was catching.ย I hope you have a fantastic time in St Andrews, Edinburgh and Amsterdam and continue to enjoy your three reasons to celebrate!ย
Throughout the day, poor Jade was in the very back seats.ย Neither of her sisters volunteered to swap and she did not complain one time. Smiling every time I let her out.ย Jade definitely wins a prize๐