Continuing our UK road trip, we left Bath for Nottingham. When planning the trip out, I decided that I wanted to take a more scenic route and hit some smaller stops on the drive, which put us on a path through the Cotswolds. As we embarked on our drive through the Cotswolds, we couldn’t contain our excitement to explore one of England’s most enchanting regions. The Cotswolds, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is renowned for its idyllic villages, rolling hills, and quintessential English charm. Steeped in history dating back to Roman times, this region boasts a rich cultural heritage that beckons travelers from all over the world.

As Americans navigating the narrow lanes and winding roads of the Cotswolds, we found ourselves enchanted by the picturesque scenery at every turn. Driving through the Cotswold countryside felt like stepping into a postcard, with honey-colored stone cottages nestled amidst lush green fields and meandering streams. While the roads may be narrower than what we’re used to back home, the scenic beauty more than makes up for any trepidation.

Midway through our journey, we made a delightful stop for lunch in the charming market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Nestled at the highest point in the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold exudes old-world charm with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t pick this stop purely because of the name while scanning our route. It sounded straight out of Harry Potter and that is completely my vibe.

We enjoyed a delicious meal at The Porch House, one of England’s oldest inns. Nestled in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, The Porch House exudes timeless charm with its rustic rooms adorned with beautiful dried hops. As we indulged in a sumptuous lunch featuring pavé of venison accompanied by dauphinoise potatoes and a succulent 8oz dry aged rump steak paired perfectly with kkin-on seasoned fries, all washed down with two refreshing Shakespeare ales, we couldn’t help but feel transported through the centuries. With a history dating back to the 10th century, The Porch House stands as a testament to England’s rich heritage, offering not just a meal, but an immersive experience steeped in tradition and flavor.

After lunch, we desperately needed a walk to digest before hitting the road again. As luck would have it, The Parrinos came across a bottle shop. Seeing the signage, we couldn’t resist popping into Off The Square for a poke around. The bartender was great and we had a wonderful chat about the beer scene in the England outside of London. He recommended a few beers to try and we took a few with us on the road, as well. If you ever find yourself in the Cotswolds, I highly recommended popping into Off The Square for refreshing drink and lively conversation.

After lunch and drinks, it was time to continue our adventure! We made our way to the North Cotswolds Brewery, where we were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of this artisanal brewery. Surrounded by rolling hills and bucolic scenery, the brewery offers a taste of authentic Cotswold craftsmanship. We sampled a selection of their handcrafted ales, each one brimming with character and brewed with locally sourced ingredients. There is no tasting room here, as the locals come by and pick up their beer, but they were gracious enough to let us try anything that piqued our interest before buying bottles for takeaway.

After our brewery stop, we were eager to immerse ourselves further in English culture, we decided to make the trek to the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Renowned as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, this charming town is steeped in literary history and architectural splendor. We visited Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where we marveled at the preserved timber-framed house and explored the life and times of the world’s greatest playwright.

Before concluding our journey, we couldn’t resist stopping for a pint at The Garrick, a traditional English pub frequented by locals and tourists alike. Nestled in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, on what they call “Statford’s Historic Spine,” the Elizabethan half-timbered building is quite charming. Parts of the building date back to the 14th century but the current façade can be dated to 1718. This iconic pub not only offers a glimpse into the past but also serves a variety of locally brewed beers, providing a taste of authentic English ale amid its historic ambiance. I can’t think of a better way to end an afternoon in Stratford than a pint in The Garrick.

As we bid farewell to the Cotswolds and made our way to our next destination in Nottingham, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the timeless beauty and rich history of this enchanting region. Our road trip through the Cotswolds was a memorable adventure, filled with scenic vistas, culinary delights, and cultural discoveries that will linger in our hearts for years to come. I say this about nearly every place that we visit but I truly believe we’ll find our way back to this magical place, hopefully with more time to spare.