Cheltenham to the Cotswolds with Dennis

How wonderful to see Dennis’s smiling face again. 
Cheltenham is not a super exciting place ( it was a break for me before heading to the Cotswolds by bus, but then at the last minute, Dennis decided to join me). Marvellous. Great company and the flexibility of a car.  So we headed out of the very hot town to the hills, and Broadway tower, which dates back to the very end of the 18th century.  It was closed, but we had a fabulous view over the beautiful Cotswolds escarpment. It was a very pleasant temperature there too!
We decided to eat in the tourist trap village of Broadway, at the Swan. It seemed a good idea as we sat at our table with outlook over the village green, and also when our plates of roast pork and beef arrived, but actually it was a dreadful meal, with very hard, dry potatoes and vegetables and virtually no meat. Foolishly we didn’t send the plates back, but it was so poor, and pricey, that when I got home I wrote. Amazingly, we were offered the chance to go back the next day for a complimentary meal. Very different!
Broadway was quite picturesque, with its pretty honey- coloured buildings, lovely gardens and, as throughout the Cotswolds, a large dog population of all shapes and sizes!
After a rather hot evening and not perfect sleep, we set off towards Bourton on the Water, our lodgings for the next two days. There are so many gorgeous villages to see, but I think the guides I looked at gave some good suggestions. I was keen to avoid the biggest tourist towns and our first stop, Stanton, was absolutely perfect. It is totally unspoilt, untouristy with gorgeous 16/17th century brick or stone buildings, many thatched.
Lovely, well kept gardens, pretty little chapel, and friendly locals.
Moreton in Marsh was our next stop. All the towns and villages are quaint and the gardens and creeper up the stone walls are stunning.
The highlight for me was without a shadow of a doubt the Cotswolds lavender farm. Dennis nearly didn’t come with me,  but soon realised that this would have been a terrible decision. 
Wow! I’ve been to lots of lavender farms, incredible ones like Wānaka and Provence, but this was absolutely amazing, a breathtaking experience.
The vibrant colours of the wildflower fields, tucked in amongst rows upon rows of lavender, were just sensational.
Lavender of all colours 
And virtually nobody there to ruin our uninterrupted views over the acres of fields. 
I really didn’t want to leave. The dark skies above added to the mystique of this beautiful place.
Unfortunately, we had to tear ourselves away eventually and head to our accommodation. I was at the New Old Inn right by one of the pretty little stone bridges across the River Windrush. It was a tiny room but with everything I could possibly want.
Only a few steps from my hotel was this gorgeous walk along the stream/river. Of course, by the time we arrived, the bus loads of tourists had left and we were left with just those staying in the village and locals, mostly dog walkers!
It truly deserves its reputation of being one of the prettiest places to visit in the Cotswolds.
As we were meandering along the path, we were asked in to watch a youth theatre group performing the Strange case of Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde. It was taking place in the very historic Town Hall, built to commemorate Queen Victoria 50th jubilee ( plaque to the left). The Plaque on the right of the door was commemorating the 50th jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
The short play was extremely well done by the dozen super energetic and well rehearsed young actors.
As we had weren’t so hungry, we decided to just get a snack and drink and picnic by the river. 
We ended up a bit tipsy, and certainly very merry. Drinking on near empty stomachs is never the best! But fun!
What a marvellous first day in the Cotswolds.




 

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