NORTH COTSWOLDS TOUR - 16TH JUNE 2022
BROADWAY
I collected my two guests from the Lygon Arms on a day that promised to be full of sunshine. Following introductions, we set off with Chipping Campden in our sights.
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden was as busy as ever, but we soon found somewhere to park. Unfortunately, the Church was locked and we could not see inside.
We wandered down the high Street chatting about the history and looking at the various styles of architecture
Broad Campden
We had a ‘drive-through’ of Broad Campden, stopping briefly outside the church.
Blockley
A brief stop in Blockley. the idea was to have a relaxing coffee stop sitting in the sun outside the Church. However, too many people had the same idea and after a brief look at the church, we moved on.
Rollright Stones
A relaxed drive through the beautiful countryside and on to the Rollright Stones.
Fortunately, very few people there and it felt like we had the stones to ourselves.
The weather was fantastic and there were fantastic views over the rolling Cotswold hills. The barley is just ripening and there’s a teasing touch of gold in the fields.
Chastleton House
We were at Chastleton before the house opened to the public. But we had a good look at the outside through the railings and suitably impressed. Also, some pictures of the folly. Every garden should have one!
Stow-on-the-Wold
Then on to Stow-on-the-Wold and a relaxed meander around the town. Stopping at the church doors which possibly inspired JR Tolkein’s “Doors of Durin”
After a visit to the Cotswold Chocolate Shop and the Cotswold Chese Shop we climed back into the car.
Sudeley Castle
We took the sceninc route to Sudeley Castle, up hills and down into the valleys on single track roads.
Arriving at Sudely, my guests bought tickets to look around the house and gardens.
It is an amazing place and a real slice of British History.
Winchcombe
As we had to be at Stanway House before it closed, there was no time to stop in the village. So we drove slowly up and down the high street. Noticing that the houses are very different from those of Chipping Campden.
Stanway House
Stanway House was one of the places that had to be seen. As we were driving up to the house we could see that the founatin was in action. We all went in and were in time to see the founatin still going. We then wandered around the house. A living, breathing, ancient home.
Broadway Tower
We arrived shortly after 5pm to find access to the tower closed. But, we managed to enjoy the views from where we were and again thought that having one’s own folly would be quite cool!
Then back to the Lygon Arms in Broadway.
For me, a really lovely, memorable day out with my delightful guests.
We recently spent a full day with Peter touring the northern Cotswolds. It was like time spent with an old friend visiting what has to be one of the most beautiful and bucolic areas in the UK. Peter was personable, welcoming, and happy to share his local knowledge about a place that he clearly loves to call home. We had never been to the Cotswolds before so we put our faith in Peter to design our itinerary. We specifically requested a route that was “the road less traveled” because we wanted to avoid the “touristy” spots and crowds, We were hoping to get that authentic feel for life in the Cotswolds then and now , and to learn about the the history of the land and the people. Peter, proving knowledgeable on all counts, did not disappoint. He gave us a great experience, taking us to some of the more popular spots early in the day before the crowds, as well as some out of the way places later on. It was magical–gardens, roses upon roses, stone circles, wool churches, pristine estates, sheep (lots of sheep), thatched roofs, and beautiful countryside –Peter showed it all to us at a comfortable pace. We hope to return some day, and if we do, we’ll be sure to give Peter a call. If your travel includes the Cotswolds, book a driving tour with Peter and be sure to ask him to stop by the chocolate shop and the cheese store for some snacks!
Date of experience: June 2022