Arlington row sunrise (Melvina Taylor)
There are few greater pleasures in life than watching the pink and golden hues of the morning sun creep over the low fog sitting on the hills of the English countryside. The autumn season is one of the best times to visit the Cotswolds - one of the most picturesque locations in England. Aptly designated as an AONB, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds makes for the perfect weekend getaway at an easy three-hour drive away from RAF Lakenheath. In these quintessentially English villages, step right into a painting as you stroll through the wildlife-studded countryside before enjoying a hot chocolate by the wooden hearth of a fire-lit pub. Although this location is perfect for slowing down, there are still plenty of activities to do and places to see.
Rolling landscape on a sunny day (Melvina Taylor)
The village of Bourton-on-the-Water straddles a charming stream-lined with weeping willows and many unique shops and cafes. Just before breakfast, join the locals who sit on the waterside benches feeding the many ducks. If feeding animals is up your alley, then drive down the road to Cotswold Farm Park. Stock up on a few bags of the animal feed they offer and have fun feeding goats, sheep, cows and pigs. Here, you can also bottle-feed lambs (depending on the time of year), hold tiny chicks and enjoy seasonal offerings like picking your own pumpkins. This farm was the highlight of my entire weekend.
All the villages in the Cotswolds are stunningly beautiful with their cream-colored stone walls and sage-green doorways. But two notable standouts, Castle Combe and Birbury, particularly the section called Arlington Row, are some of the most photographed areas in England. After taking magazine-worthy pictures, and perhaps going shopping, an afternoon tea is calling your name. Check out the streets of Burford, Chipping Campden, and Broadway. The latter of which is home to the iconic Broadway Tower which offers jaw-dropping views of the Cotswolds (be sure to check their hours).
Pub interior (Melvina Taylor)
One of the best things about the Cotswolds is supporting local farmers and local artisans. Just by driving around, walking through the villages and reading posters on signboards, you will find plenty of special places with unique offerings such as Cotswold Lavender, near Snowshill, and Feel Good Crystals near the Rollright Stones. Legend has it, if you can count the same number of stones in the stone circle at the Rollright Stones three times, you will be granted one wish (I tried and failed, much to my chagrin).
Walking is arguably the activity of the Cotswolds, with the iconic “Cotswold Way”: a 102-mile footpath whose highest point is Cleve Hill. If taking on 102 miles isn’t for you, then there are many partial walks you can take; for example, Chipping Campden to Broadway Tower or Bourton-on-the-Water to Stow-on-the-Wold. There is also pheasant hunting (the season begins October 1st), clay shooting with the Cotswold Clay Club, and fishing for those who enjoy outdoorsy activities. You can ride a steam train with the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway and hold birds of prey at the Cotswold Falconry Centre.
Foggy morning on a field (Melvina Taylor)
For those interested in history, must-dos include Chedworth Roman Villa, Sudeley Castle, and Blenheim Palace. Blenheim Palace, with its expansive grounds, is the birthplace of Winston Churchill. It features a large hedge maze, incredible butterfly garden, a spectacular fountain and flower-bespeckled gardens. Blenheim is also the location of many sets in Bridgerton, so it will feel like you’ve entered Regency-era England as you are entertained by a delightful organ player in the Great Court (on selected dates).
Motoring enthusiasts might enjoy a stop at the Farmer’s Dog, a new pub owned by Jeremy Clarkson which houses the tent from the “Grand Tour” series. And while you’re in the area, visit Diddly Squat Farm Shop at Clarkson’s Farm where everything for sale is sourced in the UK (so no ketchup or Coca-Cola). If you don’t want to wait in the long queue at the farm, the tent at the Farmer’s Dog has all the same items. There are many other local farms that are worth visiting in the area and are a great way to support British farming.
Sunrise over Bibury stream (Melvina Taylor)
The Cotswolds is the place for relaxers, adventurers and lovers, as well as animal experts, architecture admirers, history geeks and landscape painters. To put it quite plainly, it is a dream for any person with any interest. Any of the aforementioned villages are great for lodging, but there are plenty more, smaller (yet still as scenic) villages scattered around the Cotswolds that have B&Bs or hotels. Be sure to buy tickets to activities online in advance. And most importantly, please be cognizant of the fact that people live in these villages. Do not disrupt, ruin or vandal the area. The National Trust, English Heritage, local councils and residents take care to preserve these places so they can continue to be enjoyed. So, with orange leaves crunching underfoot, and a collection of acorns in your pocket, transport to a place of child-like joy and wonder that only the English countryside can evoke during your weekend in the Cotswolds.
