Road Trip - Day 4 - Stratford and Chipping Campden

I feel horrible. I woke up with a sore throat on Monday, the first day of this trip, and it has become a nasty cold with a foggy brain and everything. This morning I woke up and I just wanted to stay in bed all day. But I didn't. I dragged myself out of my cozy bed and hit the road.

First stop was Stratford-Upon-Avon. I'm not a huge Shakespeare fan so I didn't want to spend a lot of time there, but I figured since I was in the area, I might as well hit one of the famous sites. I chose Anne Hathaway's cottage (Shakespeare's wife), mostly because there were lots of signs so I knew I could find it easily!



I was told by a woman born and raised in the Cotswolds that a classic village to visit is Chipping Campden because it's not as touristy as some of the other more popular sites, yet it still has the charm. I found my way there and spent about an hour wandering around.

This market was built in the middle of town in 1627.

A street in Chipping Campden.

St. James' Church.
The majority of the structure was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.

The church had a beautiful graveyard overlooking rolling hills with ruins of an old estate in a nearby field. I love the beautiful headstones and the peace and quiet found in a graveyard. I'm intrigued by the mystery of the lives represented.

I had been hoping to find a stereotypical view for photos – the thatched-roof cottage with a creek meandering nearby. I found lots of cute villages but not the view I was hoping to find. Oh well – I gave up on my expectation and just enjoyed what the Cotswolds do offer. Lots of beautiful homes, rolling fields and hills, and little surprises around each corner.

A butcher shop in a quaint town.
Those are pheasants and rabbits hanging in a row.
"Pheasant, Andy! Pheasant!"

One of the roads I took is the former route of a Roman road along the top of a ridge running down the middle of the Cotswolds. I was able to enjoy a sweeping view of the rolling hills below as I drove to my next destination, Salisbury.

As I drove through a valley area I could see what looked like a castle tower on the top of a nearby hill. I was curious about it and when I reached the top of the hill there was a sign to “Broadway Tower”. I decided to take a little detour, taking advantage of one of the perks of having a car. The tower was a perfect Rapunzel castle perched on the top of a hill overlooking an incredible valley view... well, from the little I could see in the mist, I could tell the view would be incredible on a clear day. There was a light dusting of snow on the ground and the wind was bitterly cold, but it was just one of those great out-of-the-way moments of discovering a treasure accidentally.

Broadway Tower was inspired by Capability Brown and was completed in 1799. The viewing platform is the highest point in the Cotswolds (1089 feet).

More photos from the day for those who are curious: Link Here

This morning when I was looking for a B&B in Salisbury, I tried calling one place but the owner didn't have any space available. She gave me the number for another B&B so I gave them a call. The guy who answered the phone asked me what kind of room rate I'm looking for so I gave him the amount I was hoping for, he gave me a price £5 higher (still £15 less than their regular price), and I agreed. I scored the sweetest deal! This place is gorgeous!

The view from my doorway.

My cozy room.

I feel so spoiled to get to stay here tonight. The bathroom is about three times the size of the bedroom where I stayed last night. Lots of little perks – including a hot water bottle in the bed when I arrived and candles in the bathroom for a relaxing bath... I may never leave.