Cotswolds in the Autumn

We all are going through a very different year. All we can do is, keep calm and carry on with the hope that this will be over soon and normal days will be back in our lives.

This year since the lockdown, I have used most of my time to reminisce on my past travels and plan some of my future travels. Once we all are able to travel the world freely and safely, I plan to prioritise the places I have wanted most to explore. As one of my friends recently told me, next time we should not keep anything pending rather do the things we all want to do. I totally agree to this sentiment and philosophy.

Most of the time as soon as I get a chance to travel somewhere I tend to travel abroad. This pandemic has made me visit some places in the UK quite closer to home. One fine weekend this autumn, I decided to make a trip to the Cotswolds, which was surprisingly my first visit to this area.

Cotswolds is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty in the United Kingdom. The charming little villages with rivers flowing through them and quaint little cottages are breathtakingly beautiful.

The day I chose to visit the Cotswolds was in fact a glorious sunny day. A slight chill in the air, the leaves with the colours of autumn just before they fall, blue sky and what more can you ask for.

I visited some of the beautiful villages and I am sharing some brief information and photos from my day out to the Cotswolds.

NORTHLEACH

Northleach is a market town in the valley of the River Leach in the Cotswolds. This small town has the beautiful Church of St Peter and St Paul.

BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER

Bourton-on-the-Water is also called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. River Windrush flows through the centre of the village and has the 18th century bridges over the river. It is lovely to wander along the banks of the River Windrush, walk over the stone bridges and perhaps enjoy a coffee or lunch in one of the cafes next to the river.

BIBURY

Bibury is called the prettiest village in England. This village is famous for Arlington Row which has a set of weavers cottages with the River Coln flowing nearby. Arlington Row is one of the symbols of the Cotswolds and one of the most photographed locations in the Cotswolds.

STOW-ON-THE-WOLD

Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds is a market town since the 12th century. Stow is known for its inns, antique shops and art galleries located around the market square, and also ‘England’s oldest pub’ – The Porch House. There is a Water Fountain at the Triangle installed in 1896.

UPPER AND LOWER SLAUGHTER

The name Slaughter is derived from the old english name for a wet land ‘slough’. Lower Slaughter is a picturesque village in the Cotswolds with cottages on both sides of the River Eye, which can be crossed by two footbridges.

River Eye also flows through the village of Upper Slaughter which is around 4 miles from the village of Stow-on-the-Wold.

Cotswolds is a lovely area to enjoy a day out, exploring the quintessentially British countryside, enjoying the drive through the rolling hills, walking on the narrow country lanes and enjoying the beautiful green landscape of English countryside.

It is also a good idea to visit some of the quieter villages and enjoy the farms, country estates, historic pubs and lodges. You can also spot vintage cars (well, sports cars too) in the area.

Do enjoy the Cotswolds’ famous tea rooms for an afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream. I tried Huffkins at Stow-in-the-Wold village which is located in a beautiful 17th Century listed building. You can even buy tea, biscuits and cakes from the cafe shop.

HELPFUL HINTS:

• It is good to plan a stay over in one of the villages and enjoy a relaxed break.
• You can base yourself in one of the villages and explore the nearby villages
• Best to have comfortable walking shoes and rain wear.
• The weather definitely makes a difference, so its a good idea to check the weather before you visit.

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