We have booked a delightful sounding B&B in Painswick from which to explore some of the Cotswold area. Any comments, suggestions, advice? This is our first trip to England.

How long have you got and what are you interested in?

How long have you got and what are you interested in?

Hi Michelle. We love the Cotswolds, been going there for 20 years, in fact spending this Xmas/New Year's there. Some things I'd suggest: If you have a week or more consider buying a British Heritage Card before you leave, let's you see lots of wonderful places and pays for itself after 2/3 times. Top of my list are: Sudeley Castle, Snowshill, Hidcote Manor Gardens, Blenheim (immense, but you have to see it once), Baddesley Clinton (tiny, moated manor house) and Warwick (there will be tons of people there but it's so big you can always find a private spot). I'd see a play in Stratford, have a pint and meal at The Falkland Arms in Great Tew and/or The Fleece at Bretforton, wander around Bourton-on-the-Water, visit Hook Norton Pottery, see William Morris' home (Kelmscott Manor), walk a way on the Cotswold Way leaving from and returning to Chipping Campden, wander around Cropredy (have a pint at the Red Lion), and spend a day in Oxford - punt, pint at The White Horse (Inspector Morse's favourite), Bridge of Sighs, tour Christ Church College, rest in Royal Botanic Gardens, Ashmolean Museum. Have fun. <BR>

We've been to Painswick twice in the last few years. It's delightful! If you like walking there are paths to Slad. It's easy & a great walk! Slad is where Cider With Rosie was filmed (featured recently on PBS). There's a delightful store called HaPenny in Painswick. Sheepscombe is nearby and is pretty, too. Also, check out Owlpen Manor. We haven't seen it but it's supposed to be one of the best spots in England. Lucky you! Enjoy!

We've been to Painswick twice in the last few years. It's delightful! If you like walking there are paths to Slad. It's easy & a great walk! Slad is where Cider With Rosie was filmed (featured recently on PBS). There's a delightful store called HaPenny in Painswick. Sheepscombe is nearby and is pretty, too. Also, check out Owlpen Manor. We haven't seen it but it's supposed to be one of the best spots in England. Lucky you! Enjoy!

We've been to Painswick twice in the last few years. It's delightful! If you like walking there are paths to Slad. It's easy & a great walk! Slad is where Cider With Rosie was filmed (featured recently on PBS). There's a delightful store called HaPenny in Painswick. Sheepscombe is nearby and is pretty, too. Also, check out Owlpen Manor. We haven't seen it but it's supposed to be one of the best spots in England. Lucky you! Enjoy!

We've been to Painswick twice in the last few years. It's delightful! If you like walking there are paths to Slad. It's easy & a great walk! Slad is where Cider With Rosie was filmed (featured recently on PBS). There's a delightful store called HaPenny in Painswick. Sheepscombe is nearby and is pretty, too. Also, check out Owlpen Manor. We haven't seen it but it's supposed to be one of the best spots in England. Lucky you! Enjoy!

You might invest in Bill Bryson's Notes From a Small Island book. It's been 29 years since I've been to Chipping Campden, but I imagine it is the same as when I was thre, which means its the same as it was in WW II, and WW I, sand a century before that. My best advice is to relax and not try to go too many places. Maps are misleading, and it takes longer than you think, so enjoy where you are. Plan your next day over dinner, with some maps ont he table, and i expect othr diners will offer excellent advice, too. <BR>BAK