Things to do in Upper Slaughter

This self-drive route explores the Cotswolds over 183 miles (292 km), with a guide for 20 destinations. The route is split into 5 mini routes that include classic towns and villages, country homes, riverside market towns, & more. HOW IT WORKS This online guidebook is designed to take the guesswork out of planning your multi-destination trip. No need for endless internet searches—everything you need is in one place, carefully curated with recommendations and helpful links to dive deeper into each destination. Pick and choose from a variety of ideas, including top attractions, hidden gems, and unique experiences and customise your journey to suit your needs. Tailor the itinerary to fit your schedule, with flexible options ranging from 3 to 14 nights. Get started today with instant access (choose the nearest date as with 1 year’s access, there’s no need to wait until your travel date). Use on up to smartphone, tablet, or desktop. ........................................................................................................................................................ WHAT’S INCLUDED: Plan your road trip around the renowned Cotswolds. This flexible itinerary covers up to 183 miles (292 km) covering 20 destinations, split into 5 smaller themed sections to make the region easier to navigate. Choose your own itinerary and time frame. Use the guidebook to choose how to spend your time, example: • Bourton-on-the-Water: Often referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," this picturesque village is famous for its quaint stone cottages and low bridges. • Bibury: Described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England," and known for historic weavers' cottages. • Castle Combe: A small, untouched village with medieval stone cottages, often called the "prettiest village in England." • Stow-on-the-Wold: A historic market town with a large market square, Stow-on-the-Wold is famous for its antique shops and traditional inns. • Country estates: Choose Blenheim Palace, Highgrove House, Snowshill Manor and more. • Delve beyond by choosing: • Riverside towns such as Fairford and Lechlade. • Learn about how the prosperous wool trade shaped affluent towns and provided the creation of several ‘wool churches’ in the Middle Ages • Discover Roman to Royal, and Regency, Medieval and Steam • Enjoy scenic drives through the Western Valleys. • Discover history ranging from Neolithic settlements, Bronze and Iron Age forts. • Explore the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with references to walks in the area. • Wander around Regency Cheltenham or board a nostalgic Victorian steam train. • Go beyond the visitor hot spots and find stunning riverside towns, charming villages and bustling market towns. • Includes an overnight stays map for locating accommodation or campsites on the route. Plus so much more to discover! HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go

The day begins in Castle Combe, which is surely one of the most photographed villages in all of England. Little has changed here since the 15th century - no street lights or TV aerials. This mediaeval gem is famous for its picturesque cottages and babbling brook. Tetbury is the home town of The King and Queen Camilla and neighbours their Highgrove Estate. Photograph the famous Chipping Steps, lined with ancient weaver’s cottages and buy a souvenir from His Majesty's Highgrove Shop. Enjoy an atmospheric pub lunch at an historic inn. Your journey continues towards the ancient market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. This delightful town is famous for its picturesque and thriving centre with several independent shops. The tour continues through the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty towards the idyllic twin villages of Upper & Lower Slaughter. Lower Slaughter was named the prettiest village in England in 2021 and it’s easy to see why. A location trapped in time, where wonderful photo opportunities await you amongst flower-draped cottages and romantic footbridges. Enjoy a short stroll through the countryside to the neighbouring village of Upper Slaughter (weather dependent). Please note that children aged 12 years or under are not permitted on this tour due to UK child seat law restrictions. Your driver-guide is neither insured nor licensed below this threshold.

Starting with a pick up in Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal, 9.00AM), or Moreton-in-Marsh train station (9.30AM), set off into the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds National Landscape. This original tour is provided by Go Cotswolds, a fun, friendly local guided tour company, established in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds for 10 years.  Begin with a short, countryside walk to the iconic Broadway Tower (1 mile/1.6km). Soak up the panoramic views and see if you can spot the resident herd of red deer. Walk back to the minibus (1 mile/1.6km) and drive to Broadway village, or descend into the village on foot by walking a short section of the famous Cotswold Way (1.5 miles/2.5km). Enjoy free time in the stunning village of Broadway to explore at your own leisure and grab some lunch. Travel through the scenic countryside before embarking on a beautiful figure-of-eight walk (2.75 miles/4.5 km) to discover quiet, quaint villages along the Windrush Valley. Here, you'll truly be off the beaten track, discovering hidden churches, surprising history, and gorgeous Cotswold villages without the crowds of tourist hot spots. Unwind after in the historic market town of Burford, where you can admire the historic buildings, shop for gifts or relax in a local pub or café. Listen to your guide’s fascinating commentary throughout the day about local life and history.

7 great stops in some of the most iconic villages of the Cotswolds. We will have lunch right in the middle of the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty where we will see the oldest pub in England and the hobbit door of the local church. Our tour of the Cotswolds includes Cirencester, the "capital" of the Cotswolds whose massive wool church of St. John the Baptist boasts the largest porch in England. Nearby Bibury, is famous for Arlington row, a series of fourteenth century weavers' cottages. Bourton on the Water, known as the "Venice of Cotwolds" is one of the most popular destinations in the bare, having a perfumery, vintage car museum and a model village amongst many other attractions. But moist of our guest like to venture a bit further away for the tranquil delights of Lower Slaughter and its Victorian watermill. A drive past Upper Slaughter and Lower Swell takes us to Stow on the Wold "where the wind blows cold". An excellent stop for lunch and where we can explore the local churchyard and maybe have a quick pint in the oldest pub in England. Our tour continues in the afternoon to Burford where we will here where the expression "Any old Tom, Dick or Harry" came from. When open the fifteenth century tollhouse has a charming museum where you can find out about the ancient building skills employed in the area. The church nearby still bares the marks of England's civil war in the 1640s and where wool merchants graves fill the churchyard. Our final stop is our grand finale. A ruined fifteenth century manor house awaits and with it a macabre tale. The splendid thatched cottages of Minster Lovell is where we leave the Cotswolds before returning to London.

On Day One, arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh train station and make your way to your B&B to receive your welcome pack and maps. On Day Two, start your exploration from the beautiful village of Chipping Campden, arguably the loveliest of the Cotswold towns. A taxi will collect you from Moreton in Marsh and take you to the start of your holiday. From there, you’ll embark on a 7.75-mile walk that takes you through Broad Campden, Blockley, and the arboretum and falconry center at Batsford House. Your trail will end at Moreton in Marsh, where you’ll spend a second night at your B&B. Cross the high wolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, via the fantastic Mogul manor house at Sezincote and a number of pretty hamlets. Overnight in Stow-on-the-Wold. Arrive before 4pm to enjoy a complimentary cream tea in a traditional village tearoom. On Day Four, walk from Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water, a leisurely downhill walk across meadows to picturesque Lower Slaughter and on to Bourton-on-the-Water, with its many attractions. Overnight in Bourton-on-the-Water. This walk would give you the afternoon to enjoy Bourton on the Water’s many restaurants, shops, and museums. On Day Five, enjoy a 10-mile circular walk from Bourton to Nuanton, Lower Slaughter, and Upper Slaughter. This is a challenging route that takes an average of 4 hours and 49 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll encounter other people while exploring this popular area for hiking and walking. The next morning, end off your journey with a delicious breakfast before your transfer to Moreton-in-Marsh Station.

Discover the picturesque beauty of the Cotswolds on this enchanting tour departing from London or Heathrow. Immerse yourself in the charm of quintessential English villages, including Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter, Chipping Campden, Stow on the Wolds and drive through Burford. Stroll through quaint streets lined with honey-colored cottages, explore historic landmarks, and enjoy the serene landscapes that make the Cotswolds a beloved destination. Cotswolds Day Trip Itinerary (10 Hours) Start: London or Heathrow Airport 1. Arlington Row, Bibury (45 minutes) Drive Time: 2 hours Begin your journey with a visit to Arlington Row, a stunning row of 14th-century cottages. Stroll through the village and take in its timeless beauty. 2. Bourton-on-the-Water (100 minutes, including lunch break) Drive Time: 20 minutes Explore the "Venice of the Cotswolds," with its scenic River Windrush and charming stone bridges. Visit the shops, cafes, and attractions, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. 3. Lower and Upper Slaughter (30 minutes) Drive Time: 10 minutes Take a peaceful walk through these quintessential English villages, renowned for their scenic beauty and historic stone cottages. 4. Chipping Campden (45 minutes) Drive Time: 15 minutes Wander through the historic high street, browse unique boutiques, and admire the architecture of the Market Hall. 5. Stow-on-the-Wold (45 minutes) Drive Time: 20 minutes Discover this market town's antique shops, historic sites, and medieval charm. Visit St. Edward’s Church with its iconic "tree door." 6. Burford (Drive-through en route back to London) Drive Time: 15 minutes to Burford; 1 hour 45 minutes to London. Pass through this beautiful town, known as the "Gateway to the Cotswolds," with its medieval bridge and scenic high street. End: London or Heathrow Airport Total Duration: 10 hours This itinerary accounts for the longer drive time to Arlington Row while keeping the trip balanced and enjoyable.

Your expert chauffeur will meet you at your hotel/residence in London and take you on a memorable journey through the Cotswolds. Uncover hidden gems, admire stunning landscapes, and experience true English charm. Marvel at idyllic villages, lush countryside, and ancient architecture with plenty of stops for pictures and walking. Your first stop will be to the gateway of the Cotswolds, ancient market town of Burford, where you will get the chance to walk through and stop off at the famous Huffkins Cafe. Following this you will be stopping at Bibury, where you will have the chance to visit the Arlington Row of weaver's cottages. One of the most photographed places in the Cotswolds. Just a short walk from the village center is the St. Mary's Church. The next beautiful villages on our tour will be the Slaughters, drive through these villages and enjoy the splendor of the villages and countryside. Although small villages, they are steeped with history. Your final destination will be Stroud. Brimming with independent shops, cafés and galleries and home to one of the best Farmers’ Markets in the country. Once you've finished in Stroud, you will head back to London with your guide.