The Cotswolds, UK

The Cotswolds, the beautiful English countryside. It conjures up thoughts of lush, green rolling hills, leisurely picnics, punting along a gentle river, big floppy hats, beautiful manor houses, sheep grazing contentedly on verdant hillsides, quaint, idyllic villages, pubs and so much more. The beauty of the countryside will take your breath away.

The Cotswolds is one of the largest areas in England covering 787 square miles and borders Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. Located in southwest and south central England, this area is known for its rolling hills, meadows, valleys and quaint villages. In 1966, it received an AONB award, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And it is easy to see why, it truly is a gorgeous place.

Burton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Woodstock and The Slaughters were on our itinerary when we visited the area. Walking through these towns is like taking a step back in time. The original buildings have been amazingly preserved and are very interesting to see.

Burton-on-the Water is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds with its canals and narrow bridges, and is often voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Stow-on-the-Wold is a market town. Located at the top of Stow Hill, it is the highest of the villages in the Cotswolds. Woodstock is the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The Slaughters is another charming, old village to wander through and enjoy the scenery.

Bath Spa is one of the largest towns in the Cotswolds and is another lovely place to visit. Check out my recent post about Bath.

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I suggest renting a car when visiting the Cotswolds since many of the small villages are not easily accessible by bus or train. You will find a wide variety of accommodations in the area including the quintessential bed and breakfast, which is my preferred place to stay in the UK. The full English breakfast offered at these establishments will keep you going until late afternoon, when it’s time to visit a local pub.

I have written other posts about the UK, including:

UK Castles

York, England

Lunch in London, Dinner in Paris

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Travel enriches our lives in so many ways. Your mind will be opened by exploring other countries and cultures, and you may gain an appreciation for different values and beliefs. Whatever your reason for traveling, always be a polite and considerate guest;. as my grandmother used to say, you get more flies with honey than with vinegar!

Tricia