Hidden Cotswold Tour 24th April 2023
Sadly the forecast was not brilliant for today. Nonetheless, I was at Oxford Parkway at 10.07 to pick up Lisa, Joe and Patty.
Once settled in the car we set off towards Burford, fighting our way through the traffic of Kidlington and Witney.
Burford
In Burford we managed to find a parking space in the high street and wandered down to the amazing wool church.
We were not put off by the gentle rain that became heavier as we got back to the car. Thankfully my guests were dressed for the rain and their enthusiasm was not dulled.
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
On the journey to here, I had gathered that a favourite tipple was Tanqueray Gin. Well, I decided on the next best thing and went directly to The Cotswold’s Distillery in Bourton-on-the-Water. Whisky and Gin were both tasted and bottles bought to take home or possibly drink before!
The rain dampened the desire to spend any more time in Bourton.
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
The Slaughters
We drove very slowly through Lower Slaughter stopping to take a few photos through the windows.
Then on to Upper Slaughter, stopping to have a look, again, from the car as we drove slowly past Upper Slaughter Manor.
Parking in the square we went into the ancient Norman Church, and buy some cards, and then on to enjoy the view down to the ford across the river Eye.
The name of the villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter stem from the Old English name for a wet land ‘slough’ or ‘slothre’ (Old English for muddy place) upon which it lies. This village sit beside the little Eye stream and are known for their unspoilt limestone cottages in the traditional Cotswold style.
Broadway
It was definitely time for lunch when we arrived in Broadwell. With nowhere close to park I dropped them off at Russell’s for some traditional English Fish and Chips.
I was generously invited to join in and it was a delicious lunch, thank you.
Lunch was followed by a drive up to the Broadway Tower Folly.
Built in 1799, Broadway Towere is a perfect example of an eighteenth century Gothic folly from which it is possible to survey an area which includes as many as thirteen counties.
It was built for Lady Coventry to see if she could see it from her home some distance away. She could, but never visited it!
Chipping Campden and Blockley
We wandered around the huge Wool Church. At this time it was too wet and cold to walk up the hih street. So again, it was a slow drive through as I pointed out a few things.
Then on to Blockley, where we got out to look at the church. Patty was delighted to see this as she watches Father Brown and was able to recognise the locations.
Blockley – During the eighteenth century when the wool industry was in decline Blockley turned to silk production. By 1884 six silk mills powered by the fast-flowing Blockley brook provided work for about 600 people preparing silk for ribbon-making factories in Coventry.
Stow-on-the-Wold
In Stow our first stop was the Church and the ‘Doors or Durin’
In the square, a loo break was requested. It made sense to use the loo in our shop. It was also an opportunity to show off what Jenny and I have been doing for the last 30 odd years.
Back via a look at the Porch House, the oldest inn in the country, dating back to 947.
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
It was now time for a cup of tea and I had the perfect place in mind. Moving on from Stow, we drove to the farm shop at Daylesford. I was pleased that my guests were suitably wowed by the place. We had a delicious cup of tea. Unfortunately, in the relaxed atmosphere I lost track of time, a bit.
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.
I had to drive quickly trough the country lanes trying to get to the station on time. We were hampered by traffic as we got closer.
Fortunately, the train was a bit late and we said rushed goodbyes as I waved them off hoping they were in time.
Thank you, Lisa, Joe and Patty for your enthusiasm and appreciatipon it was my pleasure to show you the Cotswolds.
If you enjoyed my tour and would be happy to share any thoughts or photos please click on the TripAdvisor link below. Thank you
