The Cotswalds region of England is simply sublime

Charming Cotswalds

Of all the scenic regions there are in the world, the Cotswolds of England have to rank at the top. After watching The Holiday 25 times, we were enamored with this area of Europe.

Here are a few important secrets about the Cotswalds:

1.  The Northern Cotswalds are the best to visit.
2.  The coziest towns, Chipping Camden, Stow-on-Wold, and Moreton-in-Marsh are great for a home base while you visit.
3.  The tourist traps, aka cruise ship ports, are the Three B’s, Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Bibury. But they are delightful if you can forge through the crowds.
4.  Snowhill has a beautiful poppy field. The town is tiny, but picturesque.
5.  Burford has a lot of antique stores so if antiques are your thing, go here.
6.  You can take a perfect stroll between Upper and Lower Slaughter by following the stream between the two.
7.  The “Cotswald Ring” is a lovely walk but it does take about 5 days.
8.  A quicker half day hike is Stow to Upper & Lower Slaughter to Burton-on-Water where you will take bus #801 or #802 in front of Edinburgh Woolen Mill back into Stow. Start at the top of Sheep Street and at Why 429, turn left to follow the highway briefly. At the well marked trail at Quarwood Cottage, leave the highway and follow the signs “Public Footpath/Gloucestershire Way/Monarchs Way”.

Who could resist these picture perfect villages?