FIELDWAYS

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COLD ASTON

Cold Aston is a small rural village situated between Cheltenham and Bourton-on-the-Water.  It retains its rural charm with typical Cotswold period properties surrounded by flower-filled meadows and fields grazing sheep.  The village boasts a Norman church, a village school and hall, and THE PLOUGH INN, an atmospheric hostelry with a busy bar and delicious eaterie.

The village of Cold Aston was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, when it was known as Enstone.  It is set on a hill bordering the Fosse Way, the famous Roman road that runs from Exeter to the North West of England. The village was renamed Cold Aston in the mid 13th century, but changed its name again in 1535 to Aston Blank.  This name never pleased the locals, but it took until 1972 for the name to be changed back to Cold Aston, although road signs still exist to Aston Blank!

All the delights of the Cotswolds are nearby, most within a 30 minute drive along leafy lanes.  Not to be missed are Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Norhtleach, and Broadway.  It is also convenient for visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace at Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, Blenheim Palace, the Roman town of Cirencester, and the Regency gem of Cheltenham.

This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has inspired many painters throughout the centuries, and today the landscape is dotted with both well-known and aspiring artists working away at their easels, capturing the magic of a breathtaking view or an ancient church, perhaps.

For the energetic there are numerous walks throughout the countryside - details are available to guests staying at FIELDWAYS.

*****

BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER

Just a 10 minute drive from FIELDWAYS the  Little Venice of the Cotswolds, Bouton-on-the-Water, is a visitor’s delight.  The River Windrush runs parallel with the main street, dividing the village in two.  Its six arched bridges and wide grassy banks are flanked by period properties of traditional Cotswold architecture dating back to the 17th century - honey-coloured limestone walls, mullion windows, stone-tiled roofs and a generous helping of gables can be enjoyed at close hand by taking a promenade up one side of the river and down the other.  

It’s no wonder Bourton-on-the-Water was voted the prettiest village in England, but it also has plenty to keep visitors occupied - good shopping, cafes, pubs and restaurants as well as unforgettable attractions including a perfumery, a maze, pottery, model railway and village, and Birdland with its large collection of exotic birds, including penguins, pelicans, toucans, and pink flamingoes.  Admission to Birdland also includes the Trout Farm where you can buy bread to feed the fish.

In early December the centre of the town is transformed into a Victorian Christmas shopping extravaganza to delight Christmas shoppers of all ages.

*****

STOW-ON-THE-WOLD

Just a 20 minute drive from FIELDWAYS, Stow is a small market town set on a rounded hilltop, with its origins dating back to the Iron Age.  Its marketing traditions continue today, with a weekly farmer’s market in the town square, which is surrounded by traditional Cotswold buildings of mellow stone housing an eclectic shopping experience, most notably some of the best antique shops in the area.

*****

BROADWAY

The village of Broadway,  35 minutes from FIELDWAYS, is often referred to as The Jewel of the Cotswolds and The Show Village of England because of its sheer beauty and magnificence.  The full extent of Broadway’s majesty is its wide high street lined with a delightful mix of Tudor, Stuart and Georgian buildings.  Discover why it was the inspiration for a number of writers and artists including Henry James, J.M. Barrie, Vaughan Williams, Elgar, John Singer Sargent, and William Morris of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Enjoy the chance to experience a slower pace of life here, perhaps taking in a famous art gallery, visiting the nearby world-famous gardens at Hidcote Manor and Kiftsgate, or just indulging in the English passion for tea and cream cakes whilst soaking up the ambience of the 16th and 17th centuries.

At 1024’ above sea level, from the top of Broadway Tower, one of England’s finest viewpoints, 13 English counties can be seen on a clear day.

*****

LOWER SLAUGHTER

Just a 15 minute drive from FIELDWAYS, Lower Slaughter is a visual delight.  Honey-coloured stone cottages hug the banks of the little Eye stream, where ducks duck for delicacies and horses cool their legs in the pool by the Old Mill, with its well-known gift shop, tea room and museum.  The pretty village church has a 12th century arcade.

*****

CHELTENHAM

Cheltenham Spa is England’s most complete Regency town.  Most of the town centre lies within a conservation area of outstanding national importance.  Regency town houses, characterised by intricate ironwork balconies and painted stucco facades, line the historic Promenade, the squares and terraces.  With its award-winning gardens, impressive range of stylish shops and restaurants, and its festivals of horse-racing, music and literature, Cheltenham has a cosmopolitan ambience to beguile the most jaded spirit.

Cheltenham town centre is a 25 minute drive from FIELDWAYS, and Cheltenham Racecourse is less than 40 minutes away.