Tuesday, April 24, 2007

THE COTSWOLDS

When looking out my picture of St. George & the dragon, which, by the way, was taken at Stanway, Gloucestershire, I realised I hadn’t posted other pictures I’d taken on that particular trip back ‘home’ as I still fondly call it.

We moved from the Cotswolds (Gloucestershire) to Wales 13 years ago and although I truly do love Wales, it doesn’t stop my heart being filled with nostalgia when I return ‘home’.

The Cotswolds, is the name of an area of outstanding natural beauty, where exquisite little villages are discovered along deep leafy lanes, cottages built of honey coloured stone, that glow warm even on the dullest of days, high vistas of undulating hills, ancient dry stone walls that separate rolling fields and its good farming country that is rich in wild life too.

Our last trip back there was in February and we took a break in our journey at Burford. Burford is such a charming little town, with a steep, wide main street. Each side of the street are elegant gabled houses, pretty cottages, interesting little shops, tea rooms and welcoming old inns. Take a look, I hope you enjoy a glimpse of this delightful Cotswold town. For me, well, I think most of all, I just love those quaint little cottages.

By clicking on the pictures you'll see more detail and be able to read the names of the cottages.















23 comments:

Sigrun said...

Burford! Yeah! There I was in 2005.
Wonderful little town.

Sigrun

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Beautiful Marion. Thanks once again for these great pictures. Also for explaining too to we Americans. Those of us we have never been there and probably will never get to go. I love the way you write so descriptive with so many great uses of adjectives. Wish I could write like that. I am just plain ole' Sandy I guess! Smile!! That is me!! I am so happy you are back. I think I have told you that before OH WELL I mean it. Sandy

Dawn said...

Thank you for the lovely tour...Beautiful photos, Marion!

MariaJ said...

Oh I'm so glad your back Marion and it "sounds" like you're feeling very well. Isnt it nice that although you live in Wales you still have a possibility to see your old good places. Charming pictures! I so much love all these old buildings and gardens. Keep smiling dear blogger!

Val said...

You've captured the essence of a Cotswold village. I would love to see Burford now with the wisteria blossoming. Ive only been to that area once, fairly recently and (apart from it being a bit too closely manicured) I found it charming and gentle.

Lis vom Lindenhof said...

These are lovely photographs, thanks for the wonderful tour.
Lis

JacquiG said...

On one of my trips back home, we drove from Milton Keynes to Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds. It was a lovey trip and I fell in love with the charm of Bourton. I'd love to visit the area again sometime.

Boxwood Cottage said...

Such beautiful pictures of the cotwolds Marion *sigh* I think I would be homesick sometimes if I were you. I can understand your nostlgia!

Btw I have just packed some photos and a card in an envelope and will send it off to Christopher right after work today. Hope it's not too late! Hugs Carol xox

Susie said...

Beautiful photo tour Marion. Thanks for sharing with us!!
xo

Kerri said...

Simply wonderful photos Marion. Thank you so much for sharing this quaint little village, so full of character.
Yes, the cottages are charming! Is that all the gardening space they have, or are there some back yards?
You've lived in 2 beautiful places. How lucky!

Alice said...

Just loved the photos of beautiful Burford, Marion, but tell me, what did you do with all the people? How could you possibly take photos in any English village without there being in people around, or does your computer magically erase anything you don't want...lol?

I love the little cottages too, although I can't imagine bringing up a family of four children in some of the smaller ones, especially when we're used to much more space here.

The photos and text reminded me of my first bus trip from Bristol to Bath in 1993. I came home that night and told my cousin, "Today I fell in love." She looked at me strangely, and I added, "Yes, I fell in love with England." Suddenly all of the things that I didn't like about England became the very things that were small and quaint and so very English, and I loved them all every minute for the next 10 months.

Anonymous said...

Hello Marion
I first discovered your blog in March when you were away for your surgery. I am pleased to hear that you are now recovering.

Your photos of the Cotswolds are a delight - how I miss the English villages!

I am so glad that I paid a return visit and will call again soon.

Marie

Betty said...

The people in UK take such pride in their villages. No litter, pretty flowers......Thank you for the very interesting tour...Betty

Ms. Kathleen said...

Wow! You live in and visit some of the most amazing country! I LOVE it! If you would like you can post some of your pictures at my Pride and Prejudice flickr group. Yes, I am another of many Jane Austen/Bronte/Dylan Thomas, etc... addicts. I have always been since I could first read. As a girl I remember my Dad recited Dylan Thomas and WB Yeats poetry among many others.

http://flickr.com/groups/prideandprejudice/

Have a great day! Hugs!

Alison said...

Oh memories of visiting the Cotswolds. I so loved the UK and will go back one day and do it all again.

richiesoft said...

Lovely pictures and little snippets of interesting information - particularly love the cottages and roses! Will come back again soon. Thanks

Joanne said...

Sigh... your pictures make me want to come back to your part of the world very badly...

Anita said...

Oh Marion, it looks so wonderful over there! I love that kind of architecture. And I am very very sorry that I did not take many photos during my visits to the UK at the beginning of the 90s.

Well, to be honest, I do not really feels this "nostalgia" when I visit my home village. It changes so much, lots of new buildings, shops, people... I almost feel like a stranger.

I hope you are doing fine, an e-mail will follow!

Take care my dear friend and warmest wishes from rainy Germany!

Anita

Diana61 said...

Fantastic pictures and I have always loved Wales and I loved it more after my husband who also love Wales took me there. I hope I will see more of Wales soon and probably next year.

MariaJ said...

Marion, thank you for remembering my birthday! If you have time visit my blog. Theres a question for you (I'm asking about the Eurovision song contest)

MariaJ said...

Dear Marion. I commented back. Please, visit by blog again.

Anonymous said...

So nice pictures, so English.

Unknown said...

I liked your mention of the cottages. Beautiful photos!