Stepping into this artistic location delights the senses, with its beautiful fresh rolling hills, picturesque villages and country charm, there is so much to see that it can be hard know where to start in the Cotswolds.
Here are a few inspiring ideas I managed to come across while touring this absolutely beautiful part of the world – one area that is picturesque no matter what the season, one of my most inspiring art trips I have been lucky to visit…
Share The View –
Beginning with a stay in the most picture perfect village of ‘Bampton’, around 1 1/2 hour from Bristol Airport, you are immersed in English Chocolate box perfection. The village, where many Downton Abbey scenes were filmed, is a perfect way to settle into the gorgeous tranquil way of life, picture postcard perfection in the fantastic heart of the cotswolds.
Down the Valleys –
A short drive away & into a medieval hill town of ‘Burford’, set along the river Windrush, a place to take stunning walks into the plentiful forests. It is often referred to as the ‘Gateway’ to the cotswolds. Heaved with country bars, art galleries and quaint little shops, its beauty marvelled by its historical atmosphere.
Live the Fairytale –
A visit to the cotswolds wouldn’t be complete without living the fairytale and taking a trip to ‘Bibury’ where ‘William Morris’ called Bibury the most beautiful village in England. wonderful tiny cottages are strung together along the banks of the river Coln. Arlington Row, owned by the national trust, old weavers cottages, is one of England’s most iconic ‘picture perfect’ sites, and it truly is, breathtakingly pretty. It even appears on the cover of UK passports, personally my favorite delight to be found!.
Tea For Two –
Explore the magical sweet shop charming village of ‘Stow on the Wold’ – the highest town in the cotswolds, full of history, charm and delicious coffee and tea houses. Personally my little dream art village, where magical art vibes are alive.
Fields Of Green –
Dotted along the roads, some of the prettiest views and drives can be found in the tiny villages of ‘Swinbrook’ and ‘Minster Lovell’ – where you will find magical views of rolling hills and stumble across houses that are so pretty, no doubt of total chocolate box perfection.
A little Boat Spotting –
Known for being named as ‘ The Venice of the cotswolds’; the village of ‘Bourton on the water’, featuring a replica minature toy village in the village itself. Bourton on the water is known for its low bridges which run through its centre, with narrow pathways and stone houses, holding a beautiful charm of its own.
So no matter where you go into the heart of the Cotswolds, you will be emersed and wrapped in its elegance and total perfection, ambiance and love.
Happy touring and dreaming! XX SR