We started off yesterday with a late breakfast in Stow-on-the-Wold at Lucy’s Tearoom and were not disappointed. The Girl had a proper English breakfast and I had avocado toast {I’ll do a full post about the tearoom soon}.
The food and atmosphere couldn’t have been more perfect. Old stone building, pine furniture, helpful staff and some seriously good looking cakes.
And then, as luck would have it, after we were done with breakfast we spotted a pastry shop just a few doors down and had to buy a few to take with us for later. One was some sort of vanilla bean custard tart with nutmeg and the other was an apricot bread pudding.
Did I mention I think I’ve gained 5 pounds already. š
I think Stow-on-the-Wold is my favorite town in the Cotswolds so far. With its historic buildings, easy walkability, quality eateries and shops, it’s no wonder why the village is on the top of most peoples must see list.
I found a small Mason Cash “In the Forest” bowl that I didn’t know was missing from my set for Ā£5!!
And the perfect tea kettle for my new stove at a cooking store in the village. I also scored a pea ladle {who knew there was such a thing?} and some egg cups to bring home.
We also popped our heads into a few of the antique stores, but didn’t leave with anything. Although this vintage copper jam pan would have been pretty cool to have.
After we were done in Stow-on-the-Wold we drove to the Village of Snowshill and did some more exploring. The population of the village is around 160 people and very idyllic. If it weren’t for all the tourists, I wouldn’t mind living there. š
Talk about the perfect place to go for a daily walk!
After Snowshill we visited Broadway Tower.
On our way back to the cottage where we’re staying we passed by oodles of thatched roof cottages.
The place was dreamy.
And so were all the woven fences and stone walls of the surrounding cottages.
A fence made up of large pieces of slate. Who wouldn’t love that for a garden wall?
We had dinner at The Swan Inn, because seriously, you can’t come to England and not go for a pub dinner {which was fantastic by the way} at least once.
It’s been a fruitful trip so far. Lots of tea and pastries, lots of historic sights and lots and lots of treasures to {somehow} bring home. I think #1 on our agenda for today is to find a charity shop {thrift store} and hope we can find a suitcase to haul it all home in.
We’ve got one more day to go… And still a lot of places on our list… I hope we can fit them all in.
Here’s to another eventful day,
~Mavis
Linda says
Love all the goodies you’ve found.good luck finding the suitcase.
Jeanine says
Whenever we go on a trip where I think Iāll be bringing lots of new finds home, I pack a soft extra bag inside each of our suitcases. That way I can use it as a carry on. One time one of my bags was over weight and I had to rearrange the packed suitcases. Thatās what happens when you bring home wallpaper and wool blankets. We even came home with a small antique wall cabinet wrapped with a wool blanket. Had to check that one! I was so worried that the small mirror would be broken, but it made it home safely and is now in the small bathroom. Have a great last day.
Lynda says
Ha! Yes! I put China in my carry on! Once the person at the Virgin desk at Heathrow said my carryon was too heavy but sheād let it go if I promised not to buy anything else. So I promised and then hit the bookstore and Cath Kidson after I got through security!
Liz S. says
Did you know that the grocery store chain, Wegman’s, in the US, has all those British snacks? We buy Aeros and Jammy Dodgers all the time. Would save space in your luggage for that copper jam pan.
Laura says
IKEA bag ftw
Nancy says
One of my favorite shows is Escape to the Country…so fun to see the villages and houses. What a fun trip! Loving your posts!
Karin says
Yes, my favourite show as well!
Diane says
So loving your trip. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Jennifer says
My husband and I are trying to plan our first trip abroad to England. I am curious how you found places to stay and picked which towns you were going to go to. Other than just going to London I donāt know where to start.
Lynda says
Get some good guide books. Donāt be too ambitious. After you see London, take a train to your first stop and get a rental car there( Iād suggest an automatic) and drive everywhereā¦you can stop at towns and villages and the wonderful National Trust houses and hit grocery stores and shops!
Linda Sand says
We like Rick Steves’ guides. At his suggestion we stayed in a 2 star hotel near Paddington station and ate many meals at the pub next door. We also used his guide as to what to see at which museums and wound up with people following me as I read entires to my husband. š
https://www.ricksteves.com
Mavis Butterfield says
We knew we wanted to stay in Port Isaac and the Costwolds and that was about it. We just researched the sourrounding villages/sites/shops online, made a daily schedule and went for it. š
Laura says
Such a cute place! Love the teapot and things you’ve bought!
By the way, it’s “lots” not :lot’s”. Sorry, am teaching right now so I couldn’t help it.
Kay says
Laura, Mavis is a busy gal ā¦enjoying a special vacation with her daughter ā¦and Iām sure that as busy as she isā¦:āshe isnāt worried about lots not lotāsā¦.. and you know her fingers are typing faster than a Lear jetā¦.because she wants to share her travels in England with her followersā¦.which I find wonderful ā¦itās good that she takes the time to post pictures and update us on her travel schedule for all of us to enjoy āŗļø ā¦.after all ā¦the gals are way too busy visiting all the lovely sites ā¦eating delicious pastries and taking their dinners in the local pubs and such ā¦ and still finding the time to post many lovely pictures of the beautiful country sideā¦ā¦..than for her to be worried about a trivial thingā¦. like ālots not lotāsāā¦ itās probably a silly autocorrect thing ā¦you know. Please.. enjoy her pretty pictures and her delightful detailsā¦ because autocorrect can make one Jamaican me crazy
Laura says
Loving your photos and your trip! We spent 3 months in Blockley in the fall of 2019 so your pictures bring back wonderful memories. The only time our suitcases were overweight was when we left England! Cookies, candies, antiques, and other things all made their way hime with us too.
Lynda says
Did you miss Snowshill Manor?? Itās wonderful!
Sue D says
That small Mason Cash bowl was the one that convinced me to buy the set several years ago. And I love my copper preserving pans.
Cecile says
You should actually look for a good sturdy card board box and mail the extras home! Likely cheaper than having an extra suitcase to get lost!
Janice says
I noticed you wearing boots at the beach the other day and wondered if you’d brought them from home… now I see them with all of your other purchases. Very clever and useful purchase!
Dee says
My mother-in-law was born in England and made numerous passages to and from USA to England via ocean liners (ships). I’ve enjoyed reading about your trip, since I’ve seen so many photos previously. I think you travel alot more like I do.
My husband’s parents were world travelers. They once spent six months, traveling all over Europe. They started out in a new car that they purchased in Paris. They drove all over Europe and then shipped the car home afterwards. Anything they bought, was always mailed or shipped home. Sounds sensible to me.
Making memories is so much fun! Enjoy every minute!