Tuesday July 7, 2026
From Liverpool lads, today we are now in quintessential English countryside. I booked a small group tour with Go Tours UK. Cotswolds Tour: Explore Stunning English Countryside – Go Tours UK
We met for the tour at the Urban Baristas coffee shop, near South Kensington station. They had many vans going to various destinations and we were sorted and on our way. I think there were 16 in the small van, and our guide was Nigel and he was another gem. Between his informative stories of the area with a few touches of personal stories, he played a wide variety of music between our stops. He played everything from English folk music to the Beatles. (just about any English artist and a few from the States)
We traveled through the scenic Chiltern Hills, and our first stop was Burford, fondly known as 'The Gateway to The Cotswolds.' The town prospered during the Middle Ages as a wool and trading hub and today is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the region. We were given free time, and he gave us directions on the various things to see. He told us if we visited the church not to miss going behind the church to see the bench and the stream.
We wandered past cottages that are up to 600 years old and visited the magnificent 15th century church of St John the Baptist, regarded as one of England's finest parish churches.
We continued through the countryside, passing quaint villages until we reached Bibury, often described as the prettiest village in England. This is one of the most iconic places in the Cotswold’s. I can assure you that photos don’t do it justice. It was like stepping into a fairytale village and just oozed charm. We took the path along the river to see the iconic Arlington Row which is a set of ancient cottages that are now one of the most symbolic sights of the English countryside. They reminded me a bit of the Truli houses in Bari, Italy only not round, but the stone structures were similar. Lots of beautiful flowers in bloom and swans in the river. We would have liked time to visit the Trout Farm and Gardens. One lady on the tour got lost and was a bit late for the tour. Only 1 person cared as he had theater tickets and told the guide he hoped to be back to London earlier than the tour was scheduled. (he fretted loudly at each stop) He told me he wished there was only 10 minutes at each stop as that’s all he needs.
Next up was the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water, affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds, as it is crisscrossed by low arched bridges that span the gentle river Windrush. Nigel led us to town down a small alleyway and again gave us suggestions on things to do in our free time. First up was lunch and we chose the worst of the 2 places he recommended. They had 2 Cornish Pasties left and they were not fresh or tasty. We took Nigel’s advice and found the walk along the river and passed various areas of nature and instead of turning around we kept going which led us out to the main street and we walked back into town. We were short on time but stopped for gelato. It was time to go but we wanted a diet Coke for the van and Greg told me to go ahead and he’d run get the soda. I went along the little alleyway but missed the turn to the parking lot. I found the parking lot (the right one) but I didn’t see the van (it was hiding behind a large bus) so I turned around to retrace my steps. I’m texting Greg and he’s following me with his find my phone app and met me at the turn that I missed. I was stressing out as I didn’t want to be late for the group. Phew! Made it in time. (I’m sure the guy with the play tickets wanted to kill me)
Then we continued to the historic town of Stow-on-the-Wold; a jumble of ancient inns & antique shops located around the bustling market square. Stow has been an important center of local trade for centuries and is known for being the location of the last battle of the English Civil War in March 1646.
Another stop that just oozed charm! We had plenty of time to explore here. The ancient door to the St Edward's church provided inspiration to JRR Tolkien. Stow is also home to ‘England’s oldest pub’. We popped in but didn’t have a pint (though some did). They suggested since he drives right by it to leave, he should just pick people up there instead of having to walk back through town to meet. He said he’d consider that. (everyone was just joking)
Nigel played music for the ride back to London. We hit the usual traffic and of course the guy with play tickets was loudly exclaiming his displeasure. Not this company’s first rodeo and the traffic that time of day was factored into the day and we were back right on time.
We took the trains back to the hotel and had dinner at the hotel. The last train was very crowded, and Greg had an attempted pickpocket. On the train a guy used both hands to try to unzip the zipper on the leg of his pants. Greg made eye contact and the guy stopped.
Tomorrow, we have a hodgepodge day of the
touristy sites in London and a play that evening.
Web album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/P8egiJVD9DEMwrXFA
