March 9, 2015

HOW TO SPEND TWO ROMANTIC DAYS IN THE COTSWOLDS

FILED IN: Romantic Getaway, Travel Guides, Wedding in London & UK

For a romantic getaway with your other half, you don’t always have to fly miles away. Although, you know, I’m guilty of being a huge Greece fan and take every opportunity I have to fly to the most romantic island in Europe: Santorini.

If you are looking to unwind for a weekend and love the idea of taking a road trip, there is no better place to do that than visiting the Cotswolds, located just 2 hours from London. I completely fell in love with the Cotswolds villages. You will feel to be wondering around in a fairy tale. It’s the perfect place to visit over a Bank Holiday weekend.

The ambience are wonderfully preserved. The houses are built-in a typical Cotswolds styles with honey coloured limestone walls and their gardens are immaculate. It feels to be carried away to a different century.

The villages are just a short drive to each others, allowing you to make the most of your time there. And how about a romantic picnic basking in the sunshine (if you are lucky) near the river? Unbeatable.

If you’re planning in getting married in the Cotswolds or having a romantic couple shoot, than check out my portfolio or get in touch here. I would love to photograph your special wedding in such a magical place.

For all of you ready to road trip, these are my recommendation on how to spend 2 romantic days in the Cotswolds and my 5 unmissable villages in this area.

DAY 1

1) On your way to the Cotswolds, your first must stop has to be at the Daylesford Farmshop & Cafe in Kingham, Gloucestershire. It’s an award-winning farm shop and cafe, where you can relax, get a quick bite in the outdoor dining area and stretch your leg.

2) Start your Cotswolds itinerary at Bourton-On-The-Water, one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds.

It’s also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ because of the river which runs through the centre. It’s the first charming village with several low bridges you come across.It has a relaxing atmosphere, definitely hard to resist. It’s the perfect place to have your picnic under the shadows of the trees and by the crystal clear water of the river. Alternatively you can pop in to one of the many cafes alongside the river. You will most certainly see the locals basking in the sunshine and the children playing in the freezing cold water.

3) My next recommended villages have to be Upper & Lower Slaughter.

Lower Slaughter is one of the most attractive villages of the entire Cotswolds. It’s also my personal favourite. You can park your car along the main street and easily walk through this magical ambience. This village and its houses are ridiculously pretty. You will smell lavender flowers in every corner. There are also aromatic bag of local lavender available to purchase.

You can then either drove by, as we did, or stop again in the nearby Upper Slaughter.

4) Next is Snowshill Lavender field. So pretty! The entry is just £ 2.

5) Drive through Broadway and head to another pretty and idyllic villages in the Cotswolds: Stanton. There is a long main street with several lovely corners to stop at. This street ends at the top of a hill, from where you can enjoy spectacular views over the valley and the Stanton’s rooftops.

Grab a drink or a bite admiring the amazing view at The Mount Inn pub, the only place on the hill.

6) Culminate your first day at Chippin Campden. This village is much bigger than the previous ones, and you can properly take a walk in the historic town centre, pop in to shops and restaurants or walk to the main church.

The must place to eat is Huxleys Cafe & Bar, an Italian outstanding cafe / restaurant with its own secluded garden area where you can taste delicious Italian meals. Being Italians, we loved it!

DAY 2

1) After spending the night at Stratford-upon-Avon, enjoy your second day exploring William Shakespeare’s birthplace and simply relax, walk in the historic centre and by the river (you can also treat yourselves to a romantic boat trip) before heading back home.