Travelling south along the A34 (Stratford Road) from Stratford, the home of Shakespeare we took a pleasant turn onto the A429 heading into the Cotswolds. Gentle slopes lay snug within the folds of land and quaint villages dot the region known for it’s scenic beauty that has captured an image so typically British. During the medieval period of the 13th -15th centuries the Cotswolds became famous throughout Europe for the wool produced by the native Cotswold sheep. With the trade, elapsed wealth in the region and enabled wool producers to build quality homes and churches made from the local limestone, which has left a charming and timeless appeal.
Moreton-in-Marsh
The first village we passed though was Moreton-in-Marsh. Due to its easily accessible location and beauty, this is one of the more lively communities. The main road runs directly though the village and offers the passer-by a view of the 16th century Curfew tower as well as the 18th century inns and small homes blooming from each corner. Moreton-in-Marsh was one of the principal market towns and has continued to attract many visitors every Tuesday for the outdoor market (on Tuesday’s good luck with parking!)
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold was the next village along the A429. Slightly smaller than Morteon-in-Marsh this community may be the most famous. Well known during the old wool producing days for large sheep sales and annual fairs, now Stow-on-the-Wold is as popular as ever for shopping, browsing art galleries and antique shops. As a visitor you can expect to find lovely dwellings made of carmel colored limestone, country inns and B&B’s, tea houses and pubs to pass the time away.
If you would like to stay a little longer in Stow-on-the-Wold then why not rest for a night or two at the listed 16th century townhouse on the market square. This hostel has been comfortably refurbished and additionally it provides picnic tables in the garden.
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Bourton-on-the-Water
Just before you reach the main stretch of Bourton-on-the-Water there’s a big area to park on the right hand side. Usually there’s room to park, even with all the tourist coaches!
Once the parking had been paid and a quick stop at the restroom taken, it was off along the narrow pathways that lead you to the main street of Bourton. Upon turning the last corner you’re greeted with a view of the charming village, adorned like most Cotswold villages with sand colored cottages and vibrant gardens blooming with color.
It feels instantly as though you’ve stepped back in time, you can feel the urgency in your step fade away as the pace decreases and the meandering starts. The river Windrush gently cuts a shallow path along the length of Bourton with small, cobble stone pedestrian bridges allowing several crossing points.
Before exploring further, we stopped for a light refreshment in a tearoom where from its ceiling hangs teapot after teapot, each different in size, shape and design. If there’s one thing the British love, its tea, and they aren’t afraid to admit it.
There are numerous subtly signposted footpaths that can be walked, with one of my favorites being found if you walk to the far right end of Bourton past the tearooms and sweet shops. You will come to a magnificent house called the Mill House, just in front is the sign for the footpath. The walk takes you round the back of the house and then follows the path of the water as it runs alongside green meadows before popping you out again in the middle of Bourton. It’s not easy to find, but doesn’t take long and is worth it for those English countryside lovers.
Burford
From Bourton-on-the-Water we returned to the A429 and then turned onto the A40 east heading to Burford. Driving into the village of Burford we entered from the top of a hill which gives the visitor a brilliant view from the main street that slopes downhill to the river Windrush. The main street in Burford is lined with old cottages, shops and pubs. On arrival we ambled down the main street taking in the scenery that surrounded the medieval village. A patchwork of golden and green grass meadows surrendered to the horizon as we walked past inviting tea houses and bakeries. Upon reaching the bottom of the hill we made a left turn down a small side street just past the public toilets. Not far down the road we found the church of St. John the Baptist, surrounded by an overgrown graveyard scattered with tombstones from the past and present. The 15th century church is open to the public for viewing and donations are appreciated. Once inside the building each spoken word echoes across the high ceiling with a gentle soothing hum.
Getting there
The best way to visit the Cotswolds is by car, as we were fortunate enough to do. This allows the visitor complete freedom to choose when and where they would like to visit during the excursion. There are many more Cotswold villages and they cannot all be thoroughly visited in one day. Some visitors to the UK may not be able to hire a car during their stay and if the Cotswolds is on your list of sights to see do not panic as there are other options. From London there are regular rail services to Moreton-in-Marsh, allowing travellers the freedom to stay the night and tour at their own pace. Many scheduled coach tours depart from London daily as well, offering tourists a chance to taste what is so typically British!
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