Hidden Cotswold Tour 22nd May 2024
I was at the stunning Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe at 10am to meet Mike, Nannette and Kiera.
It was a little bit rainy as we set off. Sadly, the forecast was not brilliant for the rest of the day.
Lacock
Our first stop was Lacock Abbey.
I let everyone out to wander around the Abbey on their own and we agreed to meet back an hour or so later.
The weather really didn’t encourage a walk around the village so I drove through it slowly.
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.
Malmesbury
Driving North we arrived at Malmesbury, and the impressive Abbey and ruins.
We had a wander around the inside of the Abbey and then around the back to look at the ruins of the Abbey that was destroyed by Henry VIII.
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. Malmesbury is also home to England’s oldest hotel, the Old Bell, which has been offering bed and board since 1220.
The New Inn Coln St. Aldwyns
It was now time to find somewhere to eat and after a discussion on a number of choices we opted for the New Inn in Coln St. Aldwyns.
Fortunately, it was not busy and we all had a burger. Thank you very much for treating me. It is always lovely to talk face-to-face rather than through the rear view mirror!
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. A perfect spot for reflection.
Not far from here is the New Inn – a great place for a delicious lunchtime burger.
Bibury
We stopped in Bibury to have a look at Arlington row and to walk back to the car via Arlington Mill.
The main attraction of Bibury is Arlington Row. A group of ancient cottages with steeply pitched roofs. Originally built in the 14th Century as a wool store, they were converted to cottages in the 16th Century.
This image appears in some UK Passports.
Burford
Burford was our last stop before heading south back towards Castle Combe.
Burford is a beautiful old Cotswold town. Its High Street slopes down from the high Wolds, providing 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.
Tetbury
We stopped briefly in Tetbury with a visit to the Chipping Steps.
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 and numerous antique shops.
Route
It was time to head back to Castle Combe.
It was really lovely to spend the day with you.
Nannette, please let me know when your book is available to read. Ideally, on Kindle, as I would love to read it. 😊