Hidden Cotswold Tour 21st May 2023
Judee and Marnell were waiting for me outside their AirBnb Cottage at 9am when I turned up. I had planned a route for the day but this had to change as they mentioned they would like to visit to the Rollright Stones.
Rollright Stones
The benefit of an early start is that there are fewer people around. And for some of the time we were the only people within the circle of the Kings Men’s at the Rollright Stones.
It was a beautiful morning and we had fantastic views across both valleys.
There are many prehistoric remains in the Cotswolds but the most impressive is probably the Rollright stones. Situated high on an exposed ridge, this is England’s third most important stone circle after Stonehenge and Avebury and is thought to be about 4000 years old.
Chastleton House
On our way to Sudeley castle I thought we’d pop down to see Chastleton House.
The house is not open until 1pm and we were not going to hang around that long. However, it was a good opportunity for some photos and also a little walk around to see the gardens at the side of the house.
Owned by the same increasingly impoverished family for nearly 400 years, Chastleton has remained a time capsule and hidden treasure-trove for generations. Eventually, Chastleton was handed over to the National Trust, who chose to preserve the house and gardens rather than restore them.
Sudeley Castle
I was impressed by Judee’s ability to use her phone and book tickets whilst we were navigating the small lanes and trying to avoid the ubiquitous pot holes!
Judee and Marnell very kindly included me in the tour of the Castle and gardens. The house tour is a fascinating look back at the history of the castle.
Today Sudeley Castle remains the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds – Queen Katherine Parr, the last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII – who lived and died in the castle. Surrounded by stunning views of the Cotswold Hills, the setting of Sudeley Castle is breathtaking in itself.
Painswick
Our next stop was Painswick. We started with a walk through the church yard and then into the church. Here we got part of a piano recital rehearsal.
It was lunch time so we took our seats at St. Michael’s Cafe only to find that all they did was Sunday roasts! I had forgotten it was a Sunday. So, we decided to move on to Tetbury.
Painswick is quite often referred to as the Queen of the Cotswolds due to its fine buildings of pale grey limestone. These are a reflection of the town’s former prosperity during 300 years of activity in the cloth and wool industry.
Tetbury
Once in Tetbury, the priority was lunch so, after parking we went to the Snooty Fox. We all enjoyed green apple and parsnip soup. Aperol Spritz for Judee and a half pint of the local Butcombe Bitter for Marnell.
Following lunch we had a look at the Chipping Steps before getting back in the car.
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.
Malmesbury
Once parked in Malmesbury we walked over to the Abbey and had a look around. Being Sunday they were preparing for a 4pm family service.
Malmesbury Abbey stands proudly over the town of Malmesbury, the seventh-century abbey is one of England’s most historic sites and the town’s star attraction.
Castle Combe
As usual at this time of year there was nowhere to park on the lane to the village. So, I dropped them off pointing out the photo opportunity from the bridge and recommending a visit to the church. I waited at the car park before going down to pick them up.
Castle Combe has been described as the prettiest village in the Cotswolds. This magical and ancient village, mentioned to the Domesday Book of 1086, was once a weaving town at the heart of the Cotswolds wool trade. Now a popular tourist destination with good reason.
Time was ticking on and it was time to head for Bath and the Gainsborough Hotel.
It was a lovely day with both of you. Judee I hope the quick turnaround for your next trip went well. And Marnell, I hope you enjoy your forthcoming cruise (with good travel insurance!)
If you enjoyed my tour and would be happy to share any thoughts or photos please click on the TripAdvisor link below. Thank you
