The Cotswolds, England

The Cotswolds - England

If someone told me I could have a few days anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, my first choice would be the Cotswolds. It is an area called Gloucestershire, 80 miles north west of London, It is full of fascinating antique shops, small cafes, lovely inns, and great areas to take walks. This area is supposed to have the best collection of antique shops outside of London.

I usually fly into London, and meet my sister who comes in on the train. We like to stay at the Rubens Hotel, close to Buckingham Palace (www.Rubenshotel. com ) I am drooling at the thought of the afternoon tea which they have there . They have lovely rooms, all different, and also have apartments if you want a long stay in London. We do some shopping, go to the theater, then take off for idyllic villages of honey colored stone, glorious landscapes and a thriving local food scene. Easily accessible from London, and I think is more fun than Bath, or Cirencester. You can go for the day on a bus with Evans and Evans from London, but it is more fun to spend a few days there. Doreen does the driving. We rent a small car. Narrow county roads everywhere.

Here is our favorite route. Day One. Chipping Campden. This is an old wool town, and is now the center for the Arts and Crafts movement. The Ebrington Arms is a farm to fork pub. If you stay in one of the five comfortable bedrooms, ask for room five, for a handmade modern four poster and views over the garden. Check out Teke’s for wine and cheese, Sarah’s deli for a on the go sandwich, and the Fillet and Bone for local artisan products.

Day Two. Kingham to Burford. Driving south via Stow-on-the-Wold, head for the market square, I always visit the Organic Shop and the Cotswold Chocolate Company then weave along the quiet lanes to Kingham. The village is a picturesque jumping off point for the eastern Cotswolds. Two miles west of Daylesford Organic, all good things in life was here, deli, bakery, cheese larder and café – great place for lunch . You can also follow marked trails around Daylesford’s 2000 acre farmland, past fields of sheep and Friesian cattle.

Next stop is the pretty town of Burford, 12 miles south. I pause at the top of the high street to admire the line of fabled properties that form one of the Cotswold’s most compelling views. I then head south to the Wildlife park and Gardens. Set on a historic estate, it is popular for both its charm and its eccentricity. Who expects to see rhinos grazing on the lawn in front of the stately manor house.

Back in Kingham, the Wild Rabbit is a treat of a boutique inn. Sister enterprise to Daylesford, its elegant style is nice, several rooms with four poster beds and drystone walls around the bathtubs. Book in for dinner if you can. Fantastic menu. I had venison wellington last time.

Day Three. Tetbury. We took in the 17th century market house, climbed the Chipping Steps, a cobbled lane of cottages, called in at the Highgrove Royal Estate to check out the gift shop. If its open, stop for lunch at the Tetbury Royal Oak, a 1780 inn with much community spirit and a funky vibe. Excellent pub classics, and of course, I have my favorite, a shandy (half beer and half lemonade). We usually take a hike after lunch. Four miles south is Westonbirt Arboretum, home to one of the nation’s finest collection of trees. 15,000, including redwoods and rare acers. There is a 42ft high treetop walkway plus 17 miles of footpaths. Smashing place to wander and enjoy the British countryside.

Pick up a copy of the Heritage Trail from the Tourist Information Center and follow it through all the nooks and crannies you might not otherwise come across. Email …. tourism@tetbury.org

Suggestions on where to stay. Spend a night at Calcot Manor – www.calcotmanor.co.uk Great restaurant. The Close House , www.theclose-hotel.com, The Ormond at Tetbury, www.theormond.co.uk, and the Priory Inn, www.the prioryinn.co.uk

Gastrononic delights: The Blue Zucchini Brasserie, great for breakfast, Café 53, check out the water garden at the back, Hobbs House Bakery, the Chefs Table – all smashing.

Shops. Top Banana Antiques Malls, The Ark Angel, Sharland & Lewis Antiques, Long Street, Antiques, (over 45 shops in one place) Brown and White Antiques Center. These should keep you busy for quite a while.

I could easily spend a week here. I collect china milk jugs and always find a treasure. I am always in awe of the selection of furniture, crystal, silver, china and jewelry.

I am already dreaming of my next visit- please let it be next year.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

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