Hidden Cotswold Tour April 30th 2025
I met Brian and Jennine at Kingham station for the start of their tour of the North Cotswolds.
We had a great day, in the most perfect weather, exploring the towns and villages.
We stopped to visit the pretty Norman Church of St Mary .
We looked at the gravestones of the three Mitford sisters.
SWINBROOK
Swinbrook is a quintessential English village, featuring stone walls, a picturesque church, a cricket pitch with a wooden pavilion, and a traditional stone pub beside the old bridge over the Windrush.
BURFORD
Time for a walk down the High Street to pick up an iced coffee and a look around the impressive wool church of St James.
Burford is a charming Cotswold town with a sloping High Street offering lovely views across the countryside. At the hill’s base, a fine medieval three-arched bridge spans the river below.
A sunny walk along the banks of the peaceful River Eye and up to the Water Mill
LOWER SLAUGHTER
Lower Slaughter’s name comes from the Old English ‘slough’ or ‘slothre’, meaning muddy place. This charming village is famed for its unspoilt limestone cottages in classic Cotswold style.
STANWAY HOUSE
We walked into the church yard to get a better view of this impressive Jacobean Mansion
Stanway House is a superb Jacobean manor, built from warm Cotswold limestone between 1580 and 1640, showcasing classic English architecture and timeless elegance in a peaceful rural setting.
Time for lunch at the famous Russell’s Fish and Chip Shop. There was still time for a little taste of Cotswold Whisky and Gin.
BROADWAY
Broadway, known as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, features a wide, grass-fringed street lined with stunning honey-coloured limestone buildings dating back to the 16th century and earlier.
CHIPPING CAMPDEN
I took Jennine to Hart’s Silversmith’s and there was a really lovely bracelet that she wanted to buy. Unfortunately, it was not to be, as they didn’t take cash☹️
Brian found a book to buy 🙂
Chipping Campden is a favourite Cotswold town, its gently curving main street lined with historic stone houses, each uniquely detailed yet seamlessly connected, creating a timeless and charming streetscape.
We a gentle stroll around Stow, stopping at the church and the Porch House.
It was now time to get back to Kingham in time to catch the return train to London.
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest Cotswold town at 800 feet, sits atop Stow Hill. Its large Market Square reflects the town’s former significance during the height of the historic wool trade.
It was such a lovely day with the two of you. It’s a great tour when we start as strangers and end the day as friends.
I hope you enjoy Penzance and then Edinburgh.
If you enjoyed my tour and would be happy to share your thoughts and any pictures on TripAdvisor, please click on this link.
Thank you very much – Peter
A SPECIAL TREAT AS WE STOPPED TO WATCH THE RED DEER CROSS THE LAKE!
