The best villages in Cotswolds: Bibury, Stow on the Wold and much more
Hi there! Visiting the Cotswolds in the UK can take several days or a day, it’s up to everyone! I chose to spend a 3-day weekend there, as explained in my previous article. Now is the time to go into detail, and tell you more about my selection of the best villages in the Cotswolds.
Tewkesbury: the Normans will love this town
I started the weekend in Tewkesbury, even though this town is actually outside the Cotswolds. It was one of my favorites because I had no idea what to expect! It was indeed not planned to visit it and yet I loved it for 3 reasons:
1. I spent at least an hour strolling the main street and in the superb Cornell Books store. This is the place to go if you’re passionate about second hand books, old road maps and lots of similar treasures.
2. Then I went for a walk along the Tewkesbury Canal and its abandoned factory. There is a real contrast with the rest of the town. I enjoy these changes of scenery and this mix of architecture in towns and cities. Many buildings in Tewkesbury are Tudors style and this area is quite industrial.
3. And I saved the best for the end with the abbey. Without much surprise, it’s a Norman abbey that was built after the conquest of William the Conqueror! Its Norman style tower is also considered to be the widest existing, even if the cathedral of Norwich is very close too.
Bibury in the Cotswolds: one of the best villages
After about 45 minutes drive, I arrived at Bibury in the Cotswolds this time! A village where all houses are built with the local stone! Small bridge, small stream and small stone houses! A very nice decor as you can imagine, which is very typical of England! This is one of the best villages in Cotwolds I’ve seen.
I had lunch at The William Morris Tea Room that I recommend you to try as well. Meals were simple but homemade and that’s what made them so delicious!
A quick stop in Northleach
This stop wasn’t planned either. I just found the town center really cute when I was on my way to Stow-on-the-Wold. So I decided to stop and have a walk around. The church and the narrow streets make the town really authentic.
Stow-on-the-Wold and its antique shops
The village of Stow-on-the-wold is also super cute as you might expect! The only disappointed thing is the car park in the center of town. It takes away a lot of charm, even if I loved seeing Mister Bean’s car!
Stow-on-the-wold is famous for its antique shops. I strongly recommend to go as it’s the best place to find some treasures (like the figurines of Laurel and Hardy)! Being a big fan of second hand shops, I only bring back travel’s souvenirs from this type of store.
After this long day I needed a sweet break at the Huffkins tea room. If you can make a reservation in advance, it’d be for the best as it’s quite busy.
Burford, one of the best villages in Cotswolds in my selection
As explained in the previous article, I stayed at the Cotswold Gateway Hotel during my weekend trip. It’s very good value for money and the town of Burford is nice and quiet. I’ll tell you more about it in the next article as after this first day I needed some rest!
The next article will blow your mind since I am taking you to Oxford! Click here to read it!
Have you ever visited one f these towns? If so, what do you think? Do you have any experiences to share? Please feel free to leave a comment!
Boujou (the Norman way to say XOXO)
Infos:
| Tewkesbury: 1:30 walk Bibury: 30 minutes walk Northleach: 30 minutes walk Stow-on-the-wold: 1:30 walk The William Morris : £ Address: 11 The Street, Bibury, Gloucestershire, GL7 5NP The Huffkins: £ Address: The Square, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire | Click here to localise on my map of England |