Bibury, Lower Slaughter, Cotswolds and Gloucester

A holiday in Cotswolds has always been a dream of ours. Seemed like perfect timing to go in spring. My husband found the most picturesque village to stop by on the way. 

Behold, Bibury.

Haven't we all dreamt of living in a cottage just like this? So quaint and idyllic.

It was a pretty warm day with bright blue skies. Perfect weather for some local farm ice-cream.

Impeccable maintenance of greenery. The whole village seemed like it popped right out of an English novel.

Wise words and fun gift from my brother-in-law and his wife.

Stopped for a spot of tea and cake at a cosy tearoom which was near the village post office. We sent a birthday postcard back to my sister-in-law.

After that, we chased the sunset to Dovecote Cottage. There was a rich fruitcake waiting for us in the cottage made by the host. We brought our own food supplies so we cooked up a simple dinner and called it a night. The next morning, my husband and I decided to go jogging. The roads were so empty and the air was so fresh. We jogged in the cow's field which was oddly unlevel and then to the end of the road. It was fun!

Onwards with sightseeing for the day. We went to Symonds Yat to look out onto the Wye River as recommended by the guide and reviews in the cottage guestbook. The view was stunning.

*Click to enlarge*

Looking down, we could see some canoes and it looked so enticing. We decided to drive down there to check it out.

We ended up getting overly excited and decided to do some canoeing given that my husband and I had never done it before. My in-laws are experienced canoers. They made it look so easy. 

We bumped into the riverside a couple of times trying to avoid the mini cruise that would chug up and down the river. Another bunch of college boys were fooling around that their whole canoe capsized and they were all thrown into the water. The river was pretty choppy due to the winds. I couldn't make it to the full hour. I was starting to feel queasy into minute 45. So we headed back to shore a tad early. 

On our way back, we saw a lovely bed of bluebells. Half expected some forest imps, or fairies to poke their heads out and say hello.

The Liews always love a good barbecue. After stocking up on fresh meat and supplies, it was back to the cottage to fire her up.

The cottage was surrounded by a beautiful garden which is home to flowers, a small pond, a rope swing tucked into a cove of vines, rabbits, ducks and more.

The next day, we headed towards Gloucester. 

We visited Gloucester Cathedral, where Harry Potter was filmed.

After a stroll around the massive cathedral, we stopped by another beautiful village- Lower Slaughter.

Before you continue reading, click on the Old Mill website and turn on your speakers! 

The Old Mill was the most memorable part of the trip for me. The setting was the quintessential countryside dream. 

What sealed my love for this place was the wonderful music that floated all over this place. In the giftshop, out on the riverside terrace, we heard beautiful old jazz. It really set the mood for the place and the rest of the blogpost should be read with this lovely music in your ear.

We explored the giftshop which was full of such unique things. Walk right through the shop past the back and you come out onto a beautiful riverside cafe.

We sat under giant white parasols overlooking the tranquil river. The scone and cream is to date the best I've ever tasted. 

In the gift shop, this was my favourite feature. Tickled by the sayings.

Took a stroll around the village. So beautiful.

We ended the day with nothing other than Toby Carvery!
Tell me this does not make your mouth water.