My weekend in the Cotwolds…

Thursday 8 December 2011

8 daysImage found here

I love to travel but I seldom go back to the same place more than once. There is just too many places and not enough time for me - there is also the danger that the 2nd time round won’t be nearly as good as the first. Well my 2nd trip to the Cotswolds just proved this theory wrong! It amazes me that in just 2 hours, I can replace car alarms, police sirens and high rise grotty apartment blocks with bleating sheep, church bells and rambling stone cottages. We stayed in the stable block of a converted 15th century Tudor manor house (with the warmest most hospitable hosts and the world’s most comfortable bed) in the tiny sleepy village of Painswick. During the day, we took Delilah exploring the winding country roads taking in the sights of the neighbouring farming towns, and in the evening we curled up by the fire of the village pubs, eating far too many pies and drinking far too much beer. *sigh* I miss it already.

IMG_5856The countryside passing through Oxford

IMG_5863

IMG_5875Our garden at Byfield House – too  bad it was freezing!

IMG_5880IMG_5879Our (original) front door!

IMG_5884The Golden Heart Hotel

IMG_5885IMG_5887IMG_5890IMG_5900IMG_5901IMG_6012IMG_5920IMG_5904IMG_5921IMG_5922IMG_5939IMG_5926IMG_5932Painswick – the streets are too narrow for big tourist buses :)

IMG_5971IMG_5975IMG_5981IMG_5979IMG_5993IMG_5987IMG_5980IMG_5985Views from the top of Painswick Beacon – that’s Wales in the background

Images via Wishful Thinking

21 comments

  1. It looks like a beautiful place to go for a weekend!

    Laura
    whitewinters.blogspot.com

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  2. this sounds amazing and so british. i'm jealous. you also look adorable in that picture of you!

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  3. Oh this just makes me want to curl up with the hot chocolate and the Jane Austen. Lovely!

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  4. How amazing! Both your photographs and your words are beautiful. I would so love to visit this place!

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  5. How quaint and beautiful! Looks like a little slice of heaven. And you look gorgeous :) xoxo

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  6. Too perfect for words...except I love all the old doors.

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  7. So beautiful!

    For someone who lives in England and sees older cities all the time (unlike Americans), do you ever get tired of it? Or begin to not notice how pretty it is?

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  8. Ahh, these photos are gorgeous!! I would love to visit a place like that!!

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  9. Oh these pictures are absolutely gorgeous!! What a fabulous trip you must have had. I agree, there is no time to waste and if it's possible try to travel to a different place each time. You lucky girl!! Do you have family there?

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  10. Oh wow! What spectacular pictures and how absolutely beautiful.

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  11. wow what wonderful photos! thanks for posting these the scenery is so beautiful

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  12. What a dream holiday - everything looks so picturesque and charming!

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  13. Oh my gosh...I so so want to go there! Love it!

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  14. So beautifully English. My parents lived in England for a while and when we visited we would hop in the car and tour the countryside too. I remember fondly the good pub food, and beer. xxx

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  15. Quitessential England! I haven't been to the Cotswolds but really want to go sometime soon...when I do I know who I'll ask for tips! :)

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  16. @ Hannah: I never get tired of visiting old cities but I do sometimes take the privilege for granted. I constantly have to remind myself of the beauty of London rather than the day-to-day irritations! Saying that, I do realise how incredibly lucky I am to be able to travel and that is often at the forefront of my mind, doing posts like these are a good reminder!

    @ Tracey: Nope, unfortunately no family in the Cotswolds. I would never leave if I did!

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  17. What a beautiful and charming place to visit! I love the gardens, it's gorgeous!

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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  18. gorgeous. I love that old door, wish I could replicate it on my own house

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  19. So charming! Thanks so much for sharing this. I really want to visit the English countryside. Looks beyond amazing!

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  20. I'm so glad you commented on my blog because it's been wonderful to discover yours! I lived in England for a while when I was in college studying at York. I've never been to the Cotswolds but these pictures make my heart positively ache for the English countryside. I'm so jealous that you're living in London. Your photos are absolutely beautiful!

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  21. this looks beautiful!
    Love that Golden Heart sign ;-)

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