THE COTSWOLDS REGION, TRAVELLING ENGLAND’S ROOTS
A region west of London with green fields, bales of hay, honey-colored cottages, lots of flowers, and villages with a unique aesthetic uniformity can be found in the Cotswolds. From Bath (home to the Roman Baths) to Stratford-upon-Avon (home of Shakespeare), the rural essence of England stretches over 100 miles. In a delightfully bucolic setting, the days still pass slowly. Hours do not move quickly; they move with the wind, birds singing, sheep bleating. There is no rush.
AROUND THE VILLAGES
Due to its proximity to London, the Cotswolds region flourished during the Middle Ages when sheep wool was the strongest commodity in the English industry. The years have passed, but there seems to be very little change. As a result, villages with monochromatic houses built in limestone were developing. The cities remain very well preserved, retaining the atmosphere of the past.
The village of Stow-on-the-Wold is a picturesque “market town” with stone floors, which is known for its good antique shops. For many years, the village was the main trading center for sheep and wool. In addition to serving as a shelter for refugees during World War II, the Church of St. Edward is also located in the heart of the Cotswolds, making it an ideal place to explore the area.
Approximately 16 miles from Stow is Chipping Campden, where she was born in the 7th century.
The village was a thriving wool trading center in medieval times. It is said that the oldest house in the city was built in 1380 by William Grevel, an influential merchant, and had a chimney for the first time in the region. The city is very well preserved to this day.
Windrush River
In the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is four miles from Stow. Because of its location on the banks of the Windrush River and the bridges connecting its streets, it is called the “Little Venice” of the Cotswolds. There are several highlights to this city, such as Birdland (bird zoo) and Vila Modelo (miniature of the city, created in 1937). It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
On the banks of a river, Bibury was also chosen as a picturesque village by the Victorian designer William Moris. St. Mary, a church, and the characteristic honey-colored cottages are the center of the city. There are two main attractions in the town: the Trout Farm, where you can catch your own food, and Arlington Row, which has been turned into a museum since the 16th century.
Cheltenham Spa
There are many interconnected paths between the cities, but you need a car with GPS or Waze to reach the main points of interest without missing any roads. Stow is 15 miles from Cheltenham Spa. It represents the Cotswolds border area to the west with a public promenade on top of a hill. Evesham is even closer. Almonry Abbey, which dates from the 14th century, is accessible in less than 20 minutes by walking 20 kilometers.
A traditional pub, “The Lamb,” still retains a medieval atmosphere 16 kilometers away in Buford. In the Cotswolds, Broadway is one of the most popular towns due to its charming architecture on the High Street. The famous Hotel Lygon Arms is located in this region and has been welcoming guests since 1532. Some people claim that it is haunted. In the Cotswolds, Broadway Tower stands as the highest point and can be viewed from many angles.
Stroud
As the capital of the Southern Cotswolds, Stroud is located at the convergence point of five “Golden Valleys”. Due to its location, it is one of the largest towns in the region, but not the most picturesque. It is only useful for a coffee break, but is close to Bath.
It is about five kilometers from Stroud that you will find a charming citadel. Painswick, the “Queen of the Cotswolds,” enjoyed a prosperous woolen clothing industry for over 300 years. Despite being cut in half by the road, the village still boasts elegant houses in light gray shades. The church is one of the many points of interest in the village.
As well as the Cotswolds, Tetbury in Gloucestershire has some medieval treasures, including a monastery and wool market. There are so many things to see in this part of England that it is even hard to keep track.
October is the Hottest Month to Explore Cotswolds Beauty
During the hottest months in England, May to October, it’s best to explore this charming region. Getting there The Cotswolds is a 160-kilometer region connected by roads passing through small farms, sheep fields, and unique villages. If you are planning to take this route, you need a car with GPS, as London to Bath is 185 kilometers and London to Stratford-upon-Avon is 145 kilometers.
From Stow-in-the-Wold, the center of the Cotswolds, the following distances can be calculated:
- Cheltenham Spa is 18 miles away
- Evesham is 16 miles away
- Approximately 19 miles from Cirencister
- There are 21 miles between Stratford-upon-Avon and
- 19 miles from Oxford
- The Blenheim Palace is 19 miles away
- Tewkesbury is 21 miles away
- Warwick Castle 27 miles
- Bourton-on-the-Water 4 miles
- Upper Slaughter 4 miles
- Guiting Power 8 miles
- A 10-mile drive to Snowhill
- Ten miles from Chipping Campden
- Approximately 10 miles from Broadway
- Winchcombe 14 miles
- Bibury 14 miles
- Chedworth 12 miles
- Rollright Stones 10 miles
INDICATION OF HOTELS
Slaughter Manor, Lower Slaughter. Relais & Chateaux owns and operates it. A convenient location makes it a smart choice. A 300-year-old house close to Stow-in-the-Wold houses the accommodation. The decor is classical and extremely elegant. Gloucestershire, Lower Slaughter. The phone number is +44 (0) 1451 820456. The website is www.lowerslaughter.co.uk
Hotel Stow Lodge. In a wooded area with delightful gardens, it is situated on the corner of the market square in Stow. Stow-on-the-Wold, The Square. The phone number is +44 (0)1451 830485.
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