9 days in the Cotwolds

At this point most places that are interesting are found in some sort of website, or are shared on a forum like this with tons of people.... so when I want to find my own little 'off the beaten path' experiences, I simply get in the car and drive. It is fun to do that in the Cotswolds... I would just pack a little picnic lunch, grab my map and explore any little side road that looks interesting, or stop in a little pub that I have never heard of. Often I will ask locals where to go. It is how we found the little village of Greater Tew (which is more well known now) and spent some time in the pub there. Also took about a 2 hour walk just wandering around the tiny village and seeing some of the thatched cottages. Have stopped in lots of little churches and looked at graves as well.And, as always, photographing those sheep that are all over the countryside.

Certainly all the special things that I know and love are undoubtedly in one guidebook or another.

Off the top of my head, for fun,

Dovers Hill

Winchcombe

Cleeve Hill (tie your bonnet tightly under your chin)

Devil's Chimney

The Fleece Inn, Bretforton - National Trust and seriously old

You are too early for Evesham Vale asparagus

If you are a fan of Downton Abby check out Bampton which is a major filming site. We went there last summer and walked the area alone. For being a film site it seems most people don't know about it, or we hit it on a great day. It was fun to come back and watch the TV show and see that most street/church scenes are filmed there.

Also, check out the lavender fields. I forget where they are, maybe near Snowshill. Beautiful! Oh wait, I think you're are off season for lavender.....

Thank you for the tips! Very much appreciate everyone on these forums.