To the Cotswolds for a Bit of Old England
English Villages, Cream Teas, Roses, Gardens and Historic Sites
Aug 18, 2009
Towns and villages in the Cotswolds spill out of the hills in west-central England. There are many towns and villages in England that exude the charm of twisted lanes lined with stone or thatched-roofed cottages and rose-covered arbors. But the Cotswolds have long been favored as the most charming part of England.
Historical Cotswolds
In this part of England, visitors will find evidence of Roman occupation and Saxon architecture and artifacts. And there is no shortage of visual evidence of medieval life in the Cotswolds. Architecture from the 13th to 15th centuries can be seen everywhere. Walk through any Cotswold village and be amazed at the treasures hidden beyond every bend in the road.
Village Charm of Bourton-on-the-Water
The list of beautiful Cotswold towns and villages is endless, but visit Bourton-on-the-Water to see the famous miniature replica of the same village. Bourton-on-the-Water is a town of bridges that cross the River Windrush. Like most Cotswold towns the architecture is traditional stone with mullioned windows and gabled roof lines. This is Cotswold village charm at it's best.
Bourton-on-the-Water has everything a visitor could want, including cream tea in a village shop.
Stay at Barton House for a truly magical visit. It's a Tudor manor house built by Inigo Jones, now a Bed and Breakfast guest house. Barton House is especially delightful for garden lovers.
Stow-in-the-Wold
Stow-in-the-Wold is lovely town, and a huge center for the antiques trade. The majority of shops in and around Stow-in-the-Wold sell antiques. Over the years, it's become a haven for buyers and sellers.
Stow-in-the-Wold is a busy town. And an old one. There are still buildings in England being used for their original purpose in the 10th century. And Stow-in-the-Wold has one of the oldest.
The Royalist Hotel, on Digbeth Street is believed to be one of the oldest inns in England, dating to the 10th century. Parts of it are 1000 years old and patrons are still leaning against the ancient timbers and sleeping under the eaves. For a night in this ancient Inn, phone 01451 830 670. It's a little pricey, but the rooms are luxurious.
The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold way isn't just about enjoying the history, charm and cream tea in pretty tea rooms. The Cotswold Way is foot path running 100 miles along the Cotswold escarpment. From this viewpoint, the traveler will enjoy stunning views of the Vale of Evesham and the Severn Valley.
Hikers will see numerous points of interest including the site of the Battle of Lansdowne, the famous Civil War battle between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians. And they may come across 10th century Sudeley Castle, near Winchcombe.
The Cotswold Way is is designated a National Trail which offers some of the best hiking trails in England. The Cotswold area of Britain is affectionately known as "The Heart of England." It's a destination or side trip for most visitors to England.
References
- Shell Guide to England, Edited by John Hadfield, Shell-Mex, 1970
- Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay, Globe Pequot Press, 2000
- Visit Britain
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