Welcome back to Milliganstravels Blog!
So today we decided to do something different to break up our tour of London. We rented a car and headed to the beautiful Cotswolds.
We have always wanted to go and visit the beautiful Cotswolds, however London life is always 1million mph! so something always came up or we prioritised other things like going out with friends or going to see family. So Covid was the perfect time for us to go and see the Cotswolds.
We headed to Kingscross a 10 minute bus ride from us in Old Street, to pick up our car rental. From there it was 2 hour drive to the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is an area in south-central and southwest England that is 2,038 km2 (787 sq mi).
The Cotswolds are Famous for gentle rolling hills and quintessentially English market towns and honey-coloured stone-built villages which are like time warp. The Cotswolds is the largest area of outstanding natural Beauty in England and Wales. Hence its popularity for keen walkers and cyclists, or even for daily tourist like ourselves who want to just see some natural untouched historic beauty driving between town to town and wondering round.
First stop for us was the postcard town of Bidbury (photo above and below). The beauty and history speak for itself. The untouched row of stone buildings along the banks of the River Coln was dubbed by William Morris called Bibury ‘The most beautiful village in England’. You can see why with the crystal clear river with fish swimming in it and ducks/ swans set against the stunning back drop.Especially with it being such a beautiful day and blue skies
Below are some more pictures of Bidbury. So many quaint houses and rolling hills. Its nice just to take in the beauty and tranquillity it brings, with the sound of the slow flowing river and the birds singing. Originally built in the 14th century as a monastic wool store, it was converted in the 17th century into a row of weavers’ cottages.
This is the sort of place you can imagine yourself retiring in the UK. Waking up and looking out at all the nature has to offer. However, I can know during usual times it is not so quaint as it once was. I have heard stories and seen news of huge traffic jams on the country lanes around the Cotswolds as everyone flocks there on sunny days. Cars abandoned on verges trying to get parked, turning up the green pastures, parking on and blocking locals drives. So we were very lucky to have visited when we did. Annually these small villages get 38million visitors! These are mostly during the summer months, so it gives you some idea of how busy it becomes!
I think this post is more about the beauty of the Cotswolds than anything. Just to be able to look at the photos we have taken and take it in and enjoy.
We next headed across to bourton on the water for a spot of lunch. It is known for its low many bridges and shallow river. Along with its motor museum
This was by far the busiest place we visited in the Cotswolds.
Unfortunately, the motor museum was closed otherwise I would be been straight in there dragging my wife around! I especially liked the mini in the courtyard made out of flowers and foliage. I thought it was a great touch in keeping with the beauty and nature of the place.
After walking around for an hour and taking in the sights we headed off to one of my favourite spots in the Cotswolds, Lower Slaughter and upper Slaughter. The main feature being the old 14th century slaughter mill.However, the name is not all it seems…. The name Lower Slaughter comes from Old English. It is the name given for a wet land 'slough' or 'slothre' (Old English for muddy place) upon where it lies.
We headed along the meandering river and up the hill to upper slaughter which was a beautiful walk which even featured a red phonebox, which now has a defibrillator built in.
From here we headed off in the car in search for St Edwards church located in Stow-on-the-Wold. It was built in the 11th or 12 century and is famous for its door that some say inspired J R Tolkien for the lord of the rings. From below I think you can see why!
In the second photo you can more clearly see the trees that have become at one with the church/ door! Unfortunately, this was the last stop on our trip before heading home. However, on the way home we found the UKs oldest pharmacy in Burford called Robert Reavley chemist. It was first leased as a pharmacy in 1734.
That is it for today’s Blog, I hope that you like the pictures and the fun facts.
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See you all soon!!
Dave