Lower Slaughter
This trip into the heart of the Cotswolds is best during summer extended hours of sunlight. In winter you may find you will not be able to fit in Bourton on the Water and, if you have time, visit it another day for the village is so pretty and well worth the visit.
This is one day trip that is filled with chocolate box gorgeous villages and, as with the previous post, will incorporate breakfast, morning tea and lunch so pack what goodies you want for breakfast, load up the car and head on out to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful island.
Head once more along the A40 to Burford. This is not just to take in that gorgeous view looking down from the top of the hill, it is so you have the most wonderful views as you drive along a ridge top on the other side of Burford.
After using all your will power not to stop and look around, drive through Burford, across the stone bridge at the bottom of the hill and turn left into the A424. Once on this road do not hurry for the views are stunning both sides of the road as you look across the landscape. Do not just see the garden, stop also and smell the roses. In other words stop where possible and get out and have a wonderful time taking in the beauty before you.
Continue along the A424 until you come to the left turn to Little Rissington. Turn left into this road and continue along until you come to a right turn with the sign to Little Rissington and Bourton on the Water. Take this right turn and continue all the way to Bourton on the Water turning into the High Street just after the Model Village on your right.
You should easily find a car park for you have arrived here early enough for breakfast. Before looking around grab your blanket and your breakfast goodies and head over to the park beside the River Windrush, set yourself up and enjoy breakfast in some of the most beautiful surrounds you could plonk yourselves down in.
Having finished breakfast wander around and take in the beauty of the buildings, bridges and the river itself as it meanders through the village. By now the shops should be opening so wander over and have a good look around at the huge range of things you could open your wallets to. There is also a model village of Boughton on the Water which you passed on your way in. Have a look at it for it is amazing to see such detail and also, when there, look for the model village in the model village
Finished looking around? Leave the way you came except turn left at the end of the High Street, that is the one you have just been in. This will take you out to the A429 where you need to turn right. Travel for a short distance along this road until you see a sign to the Slaughters. Turn left just after that and head to Lower Slaughter and prepare your self for a wander through a gorgeous little village and morning tea in beautiful surroundings.
As you come into Lower Slaughter find the first available car park and stop. Hopefully it will be just beside the River Eye. Leaving your car wander down to the stone bridge, taking in of course beautiful views of the The Parish Church of Saint Mary, Lower Slaughter Manor and across the river, Washbourne Court. Crossing the bridge take the path on the right hand side of the river which will afford you good views of the buildings in the village. In winter hope for snow for the sight is stunning. Making your way along the path to the Old Mill for a bit of a look around. Everyone in your party needs to stand on the stone bridge for a photograph. Once you see the the view you will know why. After looking around make your way back to Washbourne Court for morning tea. Simply go in through the entrance to the restaurant on your right.
Next to visit is Snowshill, sounds gorgeous does it not, and yes, it is. The easiest way to go is to head back the way you came to the A429 turning left toward Stow on the Wold. Stow is another town that is worthy of a visit although this time we drive right by.
Continue through until you come to a left turn into the A424. Continue alontg the A424 until you come to a sign to Snowshill, Take the left turn although, if you do miss it do not worry for there is another further along what will now be the A44. Anyway, the whole idea is to get to Snowshill and both ways afford wonderful drives through gorgeous countryside. At the right timwe of year you will see the brilliant display as you pass the Lavender Farm which is worthy of a visit.
You have arrived so either go straight ahead down through the village turning left at the bottom of the road or turn right and work your way down that way. If you turn right be aware that there is a very sharp left turn to head into the village. Park in the pub carpark and enjoy a delicious meal at the Snowshill Arms. This is a chocolate box village so have a wander around and enjoy the beauty.
Next head on to Broadway. Simply turn left out of the pub car park and stay on the road and it will take you right to Broadway. By the time you arrive there it would probably be very busy for it attracts many tourists. If no car parks are available go though the town to the left turn into Leamington Road. Travel along this road for a bit and there will be a left turn which takes you into a pay and display car park.
Broadway is stunning with beautiful period houses and honey coloured Cotswold stone cottages and the long wide High Street lined with Chestnut trees. There is so much to see here so take your time exploring the shops and stop and enjoy afternoon tea. There are art galleries, gift and clothes shops, three inns and various cafe and restaurants. Just left out of Leamington Road is a gorgeous Christmas Shop filled with a huge assortment of Christmas decorations and centre pieces. You will have no trouble using up all your parking time here so be careful.
Having explored Broadway it is time to head back to Oxford. From the car park turn right and head toward the A44 turning right into it at the roundabout. Continue along the A44 until you come to a signposted right turn to Broadway Tower. Do not take the turn before it to the quarry. Go through the stone gateway and continue along the road to the Tower. This is a narrow road so be careful and be prepared to stop and even reverse to a passing point.
Parking at the Tower can be either beside the road, if you are lucky, or take advantage of the free parking through the gates at the turn in the road. Leave you car and wander up to the Tower taking in the spectacular views across the counties. Explore the tower before returning to your car. Enjoy afternoon tea at the cafe before returning to Oxford.
The quickest way back to Oxford from here is to return to the A44 the way you came, turning right and continue along into the A424 to Stowe. Turn right into the A429 following this to the right turn into the A40 back to Oxford. In Oxford head to the Red Lion at Wolvercote for a delicious dinner and refreshing ale.
Snowshill
Broadway
Broadway Tower
View along the way
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