North Cotswolds Tour
6th July 2022
At 10am I pulled up to the Lygon Arms in Broadway to find my guests ready and waiting. Following introductions we jumped into the car. A few teething problems with the middle saftey belt were soon sorted and we set off.
The first destination was Snowshill. We didn’t get out, but just admired the beauty of the small church and the tranquility of the village. It seemed like a book stall was being set up in front of the church – very English!
Snowshill village sits on the top of the escarpment above the villages of Broadway, Buckland, and Laverton. It is a secluded village where ancient pretty cottages and a 19th century church cluster around a small green. As its name implies – if there is any snow about then you will find it here first.
We continued to Cotswold Lavender and I left my guests to wander around on their own. Sadly, the sun was not shining but the the various varieties of lavender with different shades of purple still had the WOW factor. Lavender talcum powder was the purchase of the morning.
I was delighted with the score of 10 I was given for the trip so far!
A family farm in the Cotswolds growing and producing a wide range of lavender for gifts, toiletries, soaps and home fragrances.
From here we drove for some 20 minutes to Upper Slaughter, stopping to take in Upper Slaughter Manor from the top of the drive. In the village we wandered into the church just taking in the history of the place.
I think at this time notes were being taken for a quiz at the end of the day!
The building that dominates Upper Slaughter is the beautiful gabled Manor House which is one of the finest buildings in the area. The oldest part of the house dates from the 15th century but the front is Elizabethan. (I mentioend this hotel but we did not go and look at it – The one pictured is more impressive!)
Next on the list was Lower Slaughter. I parked the car and found my guests in the Mill shop, this time the purchase was a lovely pair of sheep skin gloves.
A little amble up and down the river bank with a stop to chat to a local.
I was on a high as I now had three 10’s but the pressure was on to maintain this.
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 besidea the little Eye stream and is known for its unspoilt limestone cottages in the traditional Cotswold style.
Into the metropolis of Bourton-on-the-Water. I dropped them off and went to find a place to leave the car. Eventually we re-grouped and decided to move on to the next destination.
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 tour started to unravel a bit here! A road blocked forced me on to the main road rather than the more beautiful country lanes. With lunch at the Swan in Swinbrook in my sights, disappointment was around the next corner as we found there was no room at the inn.
Worrying that my average score was taking a big hit I decided to try the Maytime in Asthall. Phew! There was room and we had a lovely lunch in the garden. Thank you for treating me. And I hoped my average score had not taken too big a hit.
The Maytime’s picturesque garden features an outdoor bar, boules pitch and stunning views over the rolling Oxfordshire countryside. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy al fresco dining.
A short drive to Burford. The ladies wanted time to look at the shops whilst I took the gentlemen down to the church and a look around this impressive Wool Church.
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.
Another 20 minute drive and we arrived at Daylesford. I had been building this up and worried that it may not live up to expectations. This was a needless concern as Daylesford hit the mark. Sadly one guest was not feeling well and we decided to head back to the hotel.
Daylesford farmshop is a truly special shopping experience, with an abundance of fresh organic produce to tempt you.
We had a brief visit to Stow-on-the-Wold and even did a drive by of our shop!
Then it was directly back to Broadway and the Lygon Arms to say our fond farwells.
It was a memorable day and I think my guests enjoyed it as much as I did.
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.
If you enjoyed my tour and would be happy to share any thoughts or photos please click on the TripAdvisor link below.
Thank you – Peter
