This is addressed to The New York Times Editorial leaders: I believe that I speak for many of your readers especially in the Greater New York Metro area when I say that we have an appetite for more good articles like this one on traveling to England (also Great Britain and Ireland) - also from the perspective of retired or semi-retired folk - many of us are Anglophiles and/or come in part from British ancestry, and I think more travel and contact "across the pond," and anything that facilitates it, is very welcome.
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I was there 35 years ago - I couldn’t tell you the names of any of the places I visited with my soon to be one year old, my husband and a dear friend. I can remember that we had a delightful time and the best afternoon tea. The gardens were beautiful and the people friendly. Hmmm....I may have to return on my next visit to the UK.
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Don’t miss the Model Village in Burton-on-water - a replica of the village in small scale. You can walk along the lanes, with the buildings about thigh-high. And there’s even a Model Village to scale within the Model Village, and a yet smaller one as well.... Delightful.
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We rented a cottage in Chipping Campden and made that our home base. We took the train from Oxford to Moreton-in-Marsh and a bus from there to CC. Public transportation in the UK is excellent and it is entirely possible to get around on your own two feet and on the bus/train. We took a bus to Stratford upon Avon to see a production of Twelfth Night in Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare worshiped and is interred. Highly recommended. Another garden not mentioned and less crowded is Kiftsgate which boasts England's most extravagant rose which climbs a tree and continues to expand its territory. This garden has been developed by women within the same family for generations. Worth a visit. Don't miss the walk to Broadway tower through pastures with grazing sheep for its spectacular views. Lovely countryside.
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How could anyone write an article about the Cotswolds without mentioning gardens? The region is world famous for its endless and so beautiful gardens. Two of the places mentioned, Snowshill Manor and Sudeley Castle, are among those visited by garden enthusiasts from around the world. I have been to the Cotswolds twice and have barely scratched the surface of gardens to visit.
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Had a glorious hiking week in the Cotswolds two years ago -- can recommend the White Hart Inn in Winchcombe, and Zizzi's (pizza chain) in Cheltenham. Inspector Morse fans should check out the Turf Tavern in Oxford.
Sturdy shoes/boots are a must --my excellent Keen Voyager boots held up really well.
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Something to add to the list of things to take with you. I stayed in Bath for several days two summers ago. If you tend to get hay fever, bring allergy meds. If you forget, find a pharmacy (the pharmacist at Boots was very helpful).
Some odd omissions: Lacock Abbey has a rich history but one of the most important inventors of the 19th c., William Henry Fox Talbot who was a co-inventor of photography, called that Lacock his home and many of his early photographs were taken in and around the house.
Oxford is in the Cotswolds--much to see and do.
Happily, you don't include one of the most important gardens in that part of England; it remains an uncrowded gem.
Read "Cider with Rosie" before you go. Enchanting introduction!
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I am in the Cotswolds right now and recommend Buckland Manor for wonderful accommodations, surroundings, and a restaurant with outstanding cuisine/presentation. Do not miss Hidcote Gardens. We spent two hours there today and the great design and history of Hidcote involves English and American people whose names you will recognize.
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It does my English major heart good to know that places like this exist in the world, even if I can't visit them... Yet!
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We had a great time. This a great place for anybody looking to take a European vacation with small children.
I lived there 1979-1981. It is everything we love about England: beautiful rolling hills and picturesque villages. I never should have left.
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And while you're here, don't forget to visit the original modern Olympic Games, The Cotswold Olimpicks. Started in 1612, 2018 will be the 406th anniversary and you'll be party to the World Shinkicking Championships!
https://www.olimpickgames.co.uk/
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This piece fails to mention the smash-hit BBC comedy series This Country, which is practically required viewing before visiting the Cotswolds in 2018. The third season is currently in production. https://www.spectator.co.uk/2018/03/the-genius-of-this-country/
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My husband and I spent a few days in the Cotswolds last year and that time spent was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable treks we were took while visiting England.
We stopped at Mary's Rest Tearoom & Cafe
on Moore Road in Bourton-on-the-Water for a light lunch and were treated to the best homemade scones we ever had as well as a delightful take away lunch which we enjoyed while strolling along the banks of the River Windrush.
The residents of Bourton-on-the-Water were so charming, helpful and hospitable - we didn't want to return to London.
Whatever is written about the Cotswolds merely scratches the surface of this enchanting and relaxing area. It's one of those adventures that will truly captivate the hearts and souls of the explorer.
This was a warm and wonderful article. I wish I was departing for the Cotswolds today. Thanks NYT!
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Burton-on-the-Water is so charming, easily my favorite experience in England.
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yes lovely - memories of stone cottages and thatch rooves and tended streams as pictured - green swards delightful - just bring an umbrella !
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We went to a few villages in the Cotswalds last summer; it was a welcome reprieve from London. I caution potential travellers to check out Burton-on-the-Water in the spring or fall, though.
It was really crowded with tourists and felt inauthentic.
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I'm rather disappointed at no mention of the "Slaughters" and the "Lords of the Manor" Inn. Nevertheless, this area is one of life's civilized pleasures best experienced behind the wheel of a car. In this case any Jaguar model in, of course, British Racing Green with Biscuit interior. Hear, hear!
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They did mention Upper and Lower Slaughter as part of a recommended bike trip.
I remember visiting both Slaughters. Great little villages with even greater names!
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We LOVE the Bakery on the Water! Perfect for cakes and coffee after a cycle ride through the Cotswold countryside. Great article, we get happily lost in Wade's fascinations and collections at Snowshill every time we visit!
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Spent a lot of time in England many years ago; lovely, charming, indeed. Yet few countries in the world make class stratification and pretense as shrouded in hypocrisy as they...
Cheers!
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Oh lest we forget the caste system of India. An even more devastating division of class that makes no pretense as to your social status. A product of Hinduism and surely reinforced by the British masters.
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The US does, despite pretending that it doesn't exist there. Nowhere else in Europe, certainly.