The Windsor
69 Great Pulteney Street
Bath
BA2 4DL
www.bathwindsorhotel.com
Telephone 44 (0)1225 422100
The Cotswolds
Today we take a drive through the Cotswolds, returning to Bath in the
early evening. Alternatively you may take a leisurely drive to your next
destination at the north end of the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds have been described as "Lush, green and in most places utterly
unspoilt countryside, rolls with poetic ease from wooded hills and valleys
through rich and peaceful pastures across the length and breadth of Gloucestershire."
Ed O'Brien.
Our trip begins today by driving north out of Bath along the A46 through
the countryside. After about 25 miles the road starts to wind down into
Nailsworth The meeting place of
three valleys with valleys branching off towards Avening, Horsley and Stroud.
In times of old, way before the motor car was invented to get in and out
of Nailsworth was a dangerous scramble up pack-horse tracks, many of which
are still used today. While there is not a lot to do in the town some of
the scenery into and through the valleys is spectacular. Evidence of an
old Roman villa exists at
Woodchester where the spectacular Orpheus Pavement Mosaic is uncovered
at (very) irregular intervals. If you are interested it is recommended that
you confirm whether or not the mosaic is available for viewing.
After Nailsworth we proceed through Stroud up to Painswick.
Every other Cotswold town has been compared with Painswick. It is not necessarily
the prettiest, the most unspoiled or the most characteristic small Cotswold
town, but it has been used as the standard by which others are judged. The
town has even been titled "The Queen of the Cotswolds. Time for a wander
round and some coffee and then on to Rococo
Garden. Originally laid out in the 18th century, the garden is set in
a hidden Cotswold valley with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
From Painswick we travel on towards Cheltenham
England's Regency Spa town. Renowned for its stylish shopping, colourful
parks, floral displays, horseracing, festivals and special events. You now
have the choice of spending a couple of hours in Cheltenham or continuing
on through the Cotswolds. We now take the A40 out of Cheltenham heading
towards Oxford. After about 10 miles look for signposts to Casey Compton
for the Roman Villa at Chedworth.
The Roman Villa is the finest and most completely excavated example
of its kind, dating from around 180 - 350AD. Chedworth, set in a beautiful
wooded valley, was probably the home of a wealthy landowner. It may have
been abandoned in the 5th century when the Roman government in Britain collapsed.
From Chedworth we retrace our steps back to the A40, head for Oxford and
then take the A429 to Bourton-on-the-Water.
The village is known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds' and is in an
area of outstanding natural beauty. The village is also famous for its model
village. It was opened on the Coronation day of King George VI and Queen
Elizabeth in 1937. Through the heart of the Model Village runs a miniature
River Windrush - about a metre wide, it flows from the working water mill,
beneath replicas of five of Bourton's famous stone bridges, on its way to
the Thames. The village is built in the grounds of the old-new Inn. If you
have not already had lunch this may be a good time to stop for a quick break
before driving on to Stow
on the Wold
Stow on the Wold is the highest town in the Cotswolds and was built mainly
in the 17th and 18th century. The Battle of Stow - the last battle in the
English Civil War, took place in March 1646. The Medieval market cross is
a fine example of 17th century stonework. Stroll around and soak up the
atmosphere before preparing to return via the A429 passing through Cirencester
or Corinium
an old Roman centre. For those interested just after Tetbury you will pass
Highgrove
the residence of Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales on your right hand
side. Prior to joining the A46 you will pass, on your left hand side, one
of the outer gates of the Badminton Estate, residence of the Duke of Beaufort
and also location of the world famous horse trials.
Continue on the A46 towards bath and after passing junction 18 of the M4
we reach our final attraction. Hopefully we still have some time left and
can afford a visit to Dyrham
Park, home of the Blathwayt's. Today it is a superbly restored property
containing many of the fine textiles, paintings, and Dutch ceramics. The
park is well worth the visit as well as the house.
Before proceeding on your trip please check with reception as many of these
attractions have seasonal opening times.
