Tour of English Cotswolds

 This evening, I am reprising a one-day tour of the English Cotswolds, about 100 miles NW of London.

Cotswold Falconry Centre, Batsford

Tour Group arriving at Cotswold Falconry Centre, Batsford

This morning, we departed our lodgings in Moreton-in-the-Marsh and drove to nearby Broadway Tower with aim of  viewing the landscape from the high elevation viewpoint. Unfortunately low cloud and mist obscured the view so we decided to return later and in meantime went to the quaint old wool town of Chipping Campden which is populated with thatched houses, old buildings dating from the 17th century and historic buildings such as the 17th century Market Hall.

Thatched House, Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden

Market Hall, Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden

Next, we moved to the Cotswold Falconry Centre at Batsford. Here we enjoyed a one hour display of experts flying birds of prey which  included Eagle Owl, Tawny Eagle, Bateleur Eagle, Barn Owl and Peregrine Falcon.

 

Flying Birds of Prey


Flying Birds of Prey


Flying Birds of Prey


Flying Birds of Prey

Next, we moved on to a drive past visit of Lower Slaughter and Bourton on the Water, both being popular sites and then to Chedworth Roman Villa. This is one of the best examples of a luxury, high status Roman dwelling in Britain. It was constructed between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD and includes well-preserved and very high quality mosaic flooring.

Roman mosaic at Chedworth

Hypocaust heating system at Chedworth Roman Villa

Chedworth Roman Villa

Roman Bath House at Chedworth Roman Villa.

Next ,we drove to the Rollright Stones, a prehistoric site comprising (a) a large stone circle dating from 2500-2000 BC, (b) a Portal Dolmen burial chamber from 3800-3000 BC and (c) a large, single standing stone from 1800-1500 BC which marks the site of a Bronze Age cemetery. Position of the latter affords excellent views of the village of Long Compton in the valley below.

Stone Circle, Rollright

Whispering Knights Dolmen at Rollright

View of Long Compton

Next, we returned to Broadway Tower. By this time the visibility and greatly improved offering superb views west which included the counties of Hereford, Worcester and further to the Black Mountains of Wales.


Video clip of view from Broadway Tower

Broadway Tower, Cotswolds

Finally, we returned to Moreton-in-Marsh and availed of an early dinner at the Redesdale Arms.

Redesdale Arms, Moreton-in-Marsh

Tomorrow, we visit Stratford-upon-Avon and York.

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