Tour 8: Blenhiem Palace & Cotswold Villages

We drive to Woodstock and Blenheim Palace the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, where we stop for you to explore the Palace in your own time usually takes 1 to 2 hours We then drive leisurely through tree lined lanes through charming Oxfordshire villages some with thatched cottages, to the Cotswolds proudly claimed the most unspoilt of English Countryside, we visit a selection of towns and villages from the list below. You may wish to choose some yourself we hope that our suggestions help you to plan and enjoy your time in the Cotswolds..

Cotswold towns and villages such as Stow on the World, Buford, The Slaughters, and many more are famous all over the world for their beauty. As you drive through the countryside you will see the dry stonewalls separating the fields and Cotswold stone cottages, imposing manor houses and impressive churches.

Cirencester “The Capital of the Cotswolds “

The town’s origins lie in the Roman period; it was one of the regional capitals of Roman Britain. A lively market town its street market held in market place twice weekly, The parish church of St John Baptist dominates the town centre on the scale which supports its title of “ Cathedral of the Cotswolds “.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Probably the most popular village in the Cotswolds, and often referred to as the Venice of the Cotswolds because the River Wind rush runs right through the centre with its sparkling water and the attractive low bridges crossing it create a charming scene best enjoyed in the quieter months of the year.

The Slaughters

Upper and Lower Slaughter share a fascinating name, which derives from “miry place” which it, certainly isn’t now! The link (and the fascination) is the river Eye, tributary to the nearby Wind rush River, Lower Slaughter is just of the Fosse Way and very conservation minded: a wander alongside the steam seems like a privilege. Upper Slaughter is equally attractive, alongside its stream and amongst its old cottages and farmhouses.

Stow-on the-World

Stow has a long history and probably dates from a prehistoric fortified settlement on top of the hill Therefore also known as a hill top town, Stow is famous as a centre for antiques. The Market Square is large and still impressive surrounded by houses, shops and inns all built in the local stone it gives the feeling of being the focus of town life over many centuries. Indeed Stow has a special importance in the English Civil War and St Edwards Church in the town centre was used as a prison for the defeated Royalist troops in 1646.