Hidden Cotswold Tour 18th May 2023
I met Randy, Janice and Rory at the pick-up point at Blenheim Palace at 1pm. They have booked a half-day tour. The weather was looking good and our first stop was going to be Burford, via the back roads.
Swinbrook
On the way to Burford we stopped at the pretty village of Swinbrook. We all got out and went to look at the church and the graves of three of the Mitford sisters.
Then, back in the car we looped around the even smaller village of Asthall and drove slowly past Asthall Manor. The one-time home of The Mitford family.
A hidden gem in the heart of the Cotswolds. A tiny village with an historic church dating back to around 1200. Four of the six Mitford sisters are buried in the churchyard. Nancy, Unity and Diana are buried side by side while Pamela buried is close by.
Burford
We approached Burford from The A40 at the top of the hill. I wanted to show the view but sadly we were behind a school bus and the spectacular view was hidden. The picture shows the view I would like to have them to have seen!
We parked outside the church and wandered on to the high street.
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.
The Slaughters
We drove slowly through Bourton-on-the-Water it was, as usual, very busy.
As we did not have much time we did not stop but headed on to Lower Slaughter. They wandered around as I stayed in the car. I came back and picked them up and we drove on to Upper Slaughter.
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.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Up the hill to Stow-on-the-Wold and a circular walk around the town stopping off at the famous church doors – Inspiration for Tolkein’s Doors of Durin.
Randy wanted a cup of coffee. It was 4.15 and everywhere was closing and not a cup of coffee or tea to be had.
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.
Daylesford Farm Shop
We jumped in the car and headed of towards Daylesford in the search of cups of tea and coffee.
We said we were in a hurry as we had a train to catch. But they had run out of tea pots!!!
We eventually got tea and a coffee cake. But the delay in tea pots meant a rushed cup as we had to leave at 5pm.
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 in tea and to lap up the luxury of this place.
The train was leaving from Banbury at 6.04pm and they needed to buy tickets. We were there in plenty of time and we said our fond farewells. It was lovely to spend some time with this family. I am listening to Pop-Punk as I write and I am surprised that I am liking it more than I thought I would! Thank you Rory 
If you enjoyed my tour and would be happy to share any thoughts or photos please click on the TripAdvisor link below. Thank you
