Bourton-on-the-Water
We travel through unspoiled villages, river valleys and rolling hills; some speckled with red poppies and fields of wheat and golden barley. Passing through other unique honey-colored villages, we stop over for breakfast and a photo here and there.
Our first stop is Bourton-on-the-Water. Fondly known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, it is a village that sits on either side of the River Windrush and is known for its low bridges and traditional stone houses. We enjoy a tasty breakfast and wonderful coffee. My husband got a gluten-free full English breakfast specially made for him at The Croft restaurant right next to the River Windrush. On the opposite side of the river we see an assortment of yellow rubber duckies on a table and rush over to see what all the fuss is about… there is going to be a duck race!
Each duck has a number and for 1 pound you can ‘buy’ one. All the sold ducks then go into a black crate and at precisely 10 o’clock the referee throws the whole lot into the river and off they go… and the winning number was… 100!
Broadway
After all that excitement we drive off to our next village. This village is often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ and the ‘Show Village of England’ because of its pure beauty and splendor. Broadway’s magnificence is its wide street, lined with a mix of Tudor, Stuart and Georgian buildings. The village also has one of the longest High Streets in England.
Maybe because of all this splendor, they decided to hold a showcase of very expensive cars in Broadway–A weekend of beautiful cars in beautiful Broadway. We saw super-cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and Aston Martins.
My husband really enjoyed looking at all these expensive red and black cars and I have to agree that you get a creative mix of contrasting elements when blending the old with the new like this.
The Broadway Deli is a lovely delicatessen full of excitement and is just beautifully colourful. It is a must-visit destination if you go to Broadway. This deli/cafe is a mecca for gourmet food–you could spend hours browsing the shop before you dine. I had walnut coffee cake that was delicious, while my husband could enjoy a moist gluten-free chocolate brownie with some of the best coffee in the Cotswolds.
Broadway Tower
Broadway also has another hidden gem: the Broadway Tower, which they like to call the ‘Highest little castle’ in the Cotswolds. This is really another tower Folly but set in a beautiful location. It is an ideal place to while away any day of the week. At the Morris & Brown cafe you can have breakfast or lunch or–for a treat–just teas, coffee and cake.
The “Saxon” tower was built for Lady Coventry in the late 18th century. She wondered whether a beacon on this hill could be seen from her house in Worcester (35 km) away–and sponsored the construction of the folly.
Indeed, the beacon could be seen clearly!
Impressive from the ground, and it offers an absolutely picturesque view from the top. You can see up to 16 counties from up there!
After a long day of beautiful roads, golden villages and wide scenic views we returned home. Look at this magnificent green country road, doesn’t it just conjure the promise of adventure and the possibility of magic?
Travel Snaps and (Gluten Free) Snacks 