Cotswolds Seeking rec for 4 nights in Cotswolds

[mismirr]

Hi, this coming May, my cousins and I will be staying 5 nights in Bath. I will then be on my own for an additional 4 nights. My daughter and I walked part of the Cotswolds a couple years ago (Bourton on the Water, the Slaughters, Stow-on-Wolde, Winchcombe, ending in Chipping Campden). This time, since I'll only have 4 nights, I'd like to stay in one town and do circular walks from there; I will not have a car. Any suggestions for a base that has good circular walks and a pleasant town or village with pub or two, of course, for the evenings? I don't at all mind staying somewhere I've already been but I'm also thinking of Sapperton or Cirincester. (Pauline, your Cotswold discussions have been super helpful).

Thank you!

 

[Pauline]

Sapperton is too small. No shops, only a pub.

Cirencester is a good sized town but not the best as a base for walks just because it is surrounded by a busy road on 2 sides. There is a nice walk to Sapperton, and nice parks in town. It is a beautiful town.

Since you’ve seen the west Cotswolds, how about Burford on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds? There are several nice walks from there. Also good shops in town. We spent 2 weeks there once and liked it.

If you choose this, I can give you a few good walks to do.

Or in the centre, Northleach.

 

[mismirr]

Burford is a great idea; it's been on my bucket list. I'd love to get your walk suggestions.

 

[Pauline]

This site has some town info and two walks.

Burford Walks

Burford is one of the most picturesque towns in England with its famous High Street rising up from the church and river. There are a number of downloadable walks: Burford Town Guide As well as a brief history of the town, the guide includes a map marking some of the most interesting buildings...

www.cotswolds.com

The first walk to Fulbrook and then down to the river is best done by just walking out and back along the river from Burford instead of following their route. I remember a very muddy field from Fulbrook and a long boring bit. From town you walk along the river, going east to Swinbrook and Astall. The Mitford Sisters lived in Swinbrook or nearby. They are buried in the churchyard. Nancy Mitford’s Love in a Cold Climate would be good to read before the trip. The footpath is clearly marked. You could continue on to Minister Lovell and bus back. Eleanor has a page about this.

Cotswolds Thread 'Minster Lovell Hall, Oxfordshire'

May 22, 2020

Minster Lovell Hall, near Witney, Oxfordshire - Are there ghosts?

Husband had grown up in Oxford and knew all the stories connected with Minster Lovell Hall. It was a place you didn’t visit and you crossed yourself if you went past on the road... He wasn’t too keen on visiting.

The first time we visited was several years ago on a glorious sunny day. We were the only visitors and I wandered round the ruins. In places I could feel a sense of deep melancholy descend on me. Move a few steps and this lifted. It was most peculiar. It wasn’t just me, daughter also felt the same. Husband’s...

• Eleanor
• cotswolds ghosts medieval minster lovell minster lovell hall oxfordshire
• Replies: 0
• Forum: United Kingdom & Ireland Travel Articles

The second walk is good, to the Barringtons. Continue on to Windrush which is a village with a magnificent church that has a Norman doorway. Eleanor has this church on her list.

Cotswolds Thread 'Cotswold Churches'

Jun 6, 2020

Cotswold churches

Visiting churches is very much an English tradition. There is always a sense of excitement as you push open a church door as you never know what you may find. Even the most uninspiring exterior may hold unsuspected delights. We spent several weekends exploring the churches of the Cotswolds and surrounding area in 2014. I've included post code and a grid reference for each church.

The Cotswolds is renowned for its parish churches. Many have been there for a thousand years and contain some of the earliest Saxon work to survive in the country. Others are wonderful...

• Eleanor
• churches cotswolds villages
• Replies: 48
• Forum: United Kingdom & Ireland Travel Articles

I have this same information on a walking page I wrote.

Cotswolds Thread 'My Favorite Walks in the Cotswolds'

Jan 22, 2019

The Cotswolds is one of the best areas in England for walking and hiking. The public footpaths are plentiful, well signed and well maintained. They range from short, easy walks to longer, vigorous hikes.

Note that in most cases Brits don’t use the term hikes or hiking but instead use walks and walking, or rambling.

There are many resources for finding walking routes, but these guidebooks are my favorite and are dependable. The hikes are described in good detail, the maps are good, and they pick hikes that are particularly beautiful and have good points of interest along the way...

• Pauline
• cotswolds hiking walking
• Replies: 3
• Forum: United Kingdom & Ireland Travel Articles

Some photos here:

The Cotswolds - Burford

• Pauline
• Dec 24, 2018
• cotswolds

The High Street runs downhill from the A40 to the River Windrush (about ten blocks long) and is...

Photo of Windrush Church:

Windrush Church

• Pauline
• Jan 6, 2015

Norman doorway with double row of beaked heads. Small village in the north Cotswolds.

 

[mismirr]

Thank you!!!