The Cotswold

I woke up the next day early, checked out and subsequently headed out to rent a car to Cotswold. Initially the first car rental outlet rejected my application since I had not had an international driving license with me. Dejected, I had to rent from Avis which was around 5 pounds extra. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers I supposed.

So, happily, I paid for the Black Renault and headed off to my first destination, Burford. Since I only have one afternoon and one morning for the entire Cotswold, sadly, I had to plan my journey carefully so as not to miss anything. I had to skip Minster Lovell and the lovely ruins of Minster Lovell Hall and stop in Burford for a quick lunch. 

Everything in the Cotswold is just so cute; the honey glazen cottages and the lovely flowers hanging from the cottages, with the cobbled-stone paths and the oak trees lining along the paths, these sights are just too amazing to be described with mere words! And not to forget the hordes of tourists of all sorts, invading these little towns in their coaches or rented out cars! 

I wanted to stop in Stow-on-the-World, but it was swarming with tourists and I had no where to park! So I just made a few rounds in this little town, before heading off for Chipping Campden and the nearby Hidcote Manor Garden. This lovely little landscaped garden is one of the finest gardens in Britain, with its well manicured gardens, decorated with all sorts of lovely little flowers. I had to linger almost an hour here amidst the blooming flowers after the long drive.

After that, I sped towards Winchcombe for the Sudley Castle but I was 10 minutes late for the last entry into the castle. Thus, I continued my journey towards Cheltenham where I would be staying for a night at a BnB. 

Cheltenham, also known as poor man's Bath, used to be a spa resort for the less affluent in the 18th century (the rich and famous would go to Bath of course!). Hence, since then, it has flourished and made its name as the main city in Cotswold. After checking in my room and had a small chat with the host, I made my way into the city for a dinner with an old friend who was working there and some touring, before headed back to bed as I had to journey back to Oxford early the next day!