Hidden Cotswold Tour 29th June 2023
I met Janet and Arthur at Kingham Station.
Janet had been concerned about meeting me. But, as it is such a small small station, meeting each other was easy!
After our introductions we discussed the route I had planned for the day and off we set.
Burford via Swinbrook
We took the back lanes from the station to Swinbrook, whare I pointed out the Churchyard where some of the Mitford sisters were burried.
And then on to Burford where we parked up and walked around to the Church.
We were warmly greeted by a guide who described several points of interest.
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.
Bibury
Bibury was packed, as usual, but we were very fortunate and found a parking spot straight away.
We walked along Arlington Row chatting and taking photos.
The main attraction of Bibury is Arlington Row. A group of ancient cottages with steeply pitched roofs dating back to the 16th Century.
This image appears on UK Passports.
Castle Combe
The most important place on Janet’s ‘must-visit’ list was Castle Combe. I am so glad that you were not disappointed.
Once in Castle Combe I parked up and we had lunch in the White Hart Pub. The landlord was short-staffed and was rather grumpy!
But we had a good lunch outside and thank you for treating me.
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.
The Slaughters
Bourton-on-the-Water was so busy that we drove slowly through and went straight to Lower Slaughter.
I became the official photographer and got out to take a few photos of the mill. I did the same when we stopped to take photos of Upper Slaughter Manor.
A Mill is recorded in the Doomsday Book of 1086 on the site of the The Old Mill. In the 14th Century it had begun to be known as Slaughter Mill and by the 18th Century had become independent of the manorial estate. The Old Mill is the most distinctive building in Lower Slaughter, with its red brick standing out from the Cotswold stone of the rest of the village and the water wheel reflected in the river below. Although the original mill was mentioned in the Domesday Book, the current mill was built in the 18th century – which makes it one of Lower Slaughter’s newest buildings.
Stow-on-the-Wold
On our journey to Stow we stopped at one of my favourite views across the valley and fields. The countryside is looking really stunning at this time of the year.
We paused briefly in Stow-on-the-Wold to take some photos before heading on to the Station
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.
Route
I had a really lovely day with both of you. It was such a pleasure to show you the Cotswolds and spend some time getting to know you. I am sure you will have an amazing time on your round Britain Cruise.
Janet, I was going to add a link to something but, I can’t remember!
Do remind me…
If you enjoyed my tour and would be happy to share any thoughts or photos please click on the TripAdvisor link below. Thank you
