The picture-perfect English village where time stands still

Step into a place where time seems to have paused, where the golden tones of Cotswold stone shine just as they did more than a century ago.

This charming village in Gloucestershire has held onto its traditional English character for over 100 years, standing as a timeless gem of the Cotswolds.

Sitting peacefully in the heart of the region, it looks like it belongs on an old postcard, with its limestone cottages lining the River Eye.

The honey-coloured houses are beautifully kept, with a country pub and small shops completing the picture-perfect scene against the gentle river backdrop.

Photo © Philip Halling (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Quieter and more intimate than its nearby neighbours Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, Lower Slaughter is the perfect place for a short but magical stroll. Its calm and unspoiled charm is what draws visitors back time and again.

Many have commented on how unchanged it feels, almost “frozen in time.” One traveller wrote on their blog: “Once here, I discovered that Oxford sits on the edge of the Cotswolds, an area of extraordinary natural beauty and stunning villages built from honey-coloured stone that look frozen in time.”

A nostalgic voice on the All About Great Britain Facebook page said: “That’s what I love about the Cotswolds. You can’t improve on perfect.”

Photo © Philip Halling (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Another shared their memories fondly: “Lovely little Cotswold village – I remember cycling through it as a boy, with my club. Quite a few years back now! I always thought the Cotswolds, Mendips and the Quantocks showed the best of the English countryside, and they still do.”

The village’s most famous landmark is The Slaughters Manor House, a grand country estate that has stood proudly since 1004.

Once a convent and later a nunnery, it was handed back to the crown in 1603 before becoming the home of the Whitemore family for more than 300 years.

Today, The Slaughters Manor House is a four AA star hotel, loved by visitors who want a peaceful yet luxurious countryside escape.

Another highlight for many is the Slaughters Country Inn. Right in the centre of the village, it serves indulgent afternoon teas as well as hearty lunches and dinners, making it a favourite stop for hungry travellers.

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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