Wintry Cotswolds, a Photo Essay
Posted on 16. Jan, 2012 by Marie in Europe Travel, Photo Posts, United Kingdom
The Cotswolds are probably what represents the English countryside at its best. Green rolling hills. Stone-built houses. Historical villages. Warm, welcoming people. Stately homes. Luxuriant gardens. Got the picture alright? Yes, the Cotswolds are a little English paradise and I absolutely loved my visit there. If you can manage to make your car hire cheap, driving around is truly the best way to enjoy the many villages of the region.
Toy Museum in Stow-on-the-Wold
The Royalist Hotel
The Royalist Hotel, in Stow-on-the-Wold, is apparently the oldest inn in England, dating as far back as 1646, right after the last battle of the first English Civil War. It must feel so surreal to stay in such old rooms, with such history!
Sheep Street in Stow-on-the-Wold
Sheeps have a special history in the Cotswolds. Back in the days, sheeps were the main income of the residents, both for their wool and their meat. There are various signs of this tradition, mostly on the street signs.
Burton-on-the-Water
Burton-on-the-Water
Burton-on-the-Water was definitely my favorite village of the Cotswolds, and happens to be the most popular. The surroundings of the river are entirely pedestrian, as you can tell by the width of the bridges. There are many quirky little shops scattered around the village, and it truly felt like the ultimate, picturesque English village.
Cute little alley in Burford
Typical Cotswolds houses
I mean, how pretty are these houses? No wonder some of the A-list celebrities decided to retreat in the Cotswolds when they need a break! Who cares the houses aren’t exactly perpendicular to the ground…
One of the many little doors!
One thing I noticed while I was strolling through the villages is the abundance of tiny little doors. They come in all shapes and colors, but they all are smaller than 5 feet tall. Were people really that small in the 1800s?
The Cotswolds Arms in Burford
If however the idea of driving on the other side of the road does not tickle your fancy, you can always rely on Golden Tours’ many guided tours options through the region. I tried them in the past and really enjoyed my tour – the guide was really funny and kept us informed on the many sights, from the departure point at Victoria Station and throughout the villages.
Have you visited the Cotswolds? What’s your favorite Cotswolds photos? What’s your favorite village? Would you like to try the famous Cotswolds B&B experience?
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14 Responses to “Wintry Cotswolds, a Photo Essay”
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Christy @ Technosyncratic
17. Jan, 2012
I adore the Cotswolds. Seriously, ADORE. If I had a couple million dollars to afford the real estate and U.K. citizenship, I would move there.
Marie
25. Jan, 2012
Only two small problems to solve, then, haha.
Laurence
17. Jan, 2012
Wow – it’s so quintessentially English looking. It’s probably how folk expect all of England to look – which would be nice
Marie
25. Jan, 2012
Haha unfortunately (or not) England is a little more diverse, but the Cotswolds are definitely one of the prettiest place.
Katherina
17. Jan, 2012
this looks so pretty… perfect place to go on for a romantic weekend I’d say!
Marie
25. Jan, 2012
Oh yes! Or even a whole summer to explore Austen’s legacy and colleges in Oxford.
Andrew
17. Jan, 2012
I like the English twee. There is something very homey feeling about all of the thatch. I guess it is the idea that winters can be so cold, but the houses always look pretty warm. Who knows if that is actually the truth.
Marie
25. Jan, 2012
Yes, it does look inviting, doesn’t it? I could almost feel the fire burning in the living room and the roast in the oven!
Amanda
18. Jan, 2012
I love these photos! Definitely need to get to the Cotswolds this summer.
Marie
25. Jan, 2012
Yes you do! I strongly recommend Bourton-on-the-Water if you had to visit only one village.
Erik
23. Jan, 2012
Wow- This area is the definition of cute.
Marie
25. Jan, 2012
It is – quintessential English countryside.
Watermark
28. Jan, 2012
Nice of photos of our local towns.
Come back soon
Marie
31. Jan, 2012
Thank you! I hope I will go back to the Cotswolds eventually. Maybe in the summer/fall.