Twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter in Gloucestershire
Address: Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham GL54 2HP
September is probably our favourite time to visit the Cotswolds, when autumn just starts painting the area with warm red, yellow, and orange colours. The amber evening light highlights the charm of honey-coloured cottages in the traditional Cotswold style. This is a great time to slow down the pace and enjoy some time away with your four-legged friend from the hustle and bustle of big towns.
Lower Slaughter and its twin village Upper Slaughterare extremely pretty villages in the Cotswolds, 3.5 miles southwest of Stow-on-the-Wold and two miles north of Bourton-on-the-Water. Villages are built on the banks of the River Eye, which is more like a slow-moving stream rather than a river. Although the villages look quite similar, they are actually quite different, like all twins. Lower Slaughter is a very picturesque and very photographed place, while the beauty of Upper Slaughter is not so bright and slightly hidden. The name of the villages derives from the Old English term ‘slough’ or ‘slothre’ meaning ‘wet land’ or ‘muddy place’, and it has nothing to do with death.
Interesting fact that the villages have remained almost unchanged for over 100 years, with no building work taking place since 1906.
What to see in the villages? You definitely won’t miss the main attraction, the Old Mill in Lower Slaughter with its restored water wheel, and a chimney made of red brick. Lower Slaughter is home to the pretty 13th-century church of St Mary, with a tall spire. The church was almost completely re-built in 1867, but still keeps some architectural elements dating back to the 13th-century. If you feel a bit peckish, you can enjoy lunch with your dog on the terrace of the Slaughters Manor House, a 5-star luxury hotel. In 1611, the Slaughters Manor House was granted to Sir George Whitmore and remained in his family until 1964 when it became a hotel.
Dogs and their owners will definitely like the fact that Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter are linked with a one-mile path (25 minutes approx), which starts next to the Old Mill and passes through fields with nice views (just follow the sign ‘Wardens Way’).
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Parking
Only on-street parking