We have a sign like this at our house.
Very warm day in Toronto today. Going shortly for the walk with my sit, Stella. Unfortunately, I must tackle corporate taxes after that. Need to get them done. In a week I will be in CA on a sit by the ocean.
Am I that transparent? … yes ok it’s very true!
@avocadotoast Did you try The Chip Shed for fish & chips whilst you were in Bourton-on-the-Water?
They are so fresh and delicious and nowhere near the sea! (it’s our “go to” chippy in the Cotswolds).
Thanks for that tip about a great fish and chip dinner. Any other recommendations in Bourton on the Water? I’m going to be in Stow for two months and Oxford for a month so I’m looking for recommendations in The Cotswolds for places to see and pubs to go to and great dog walks in the area.
@Highfive I would definitely recommend a lunch or dinner at The Dial House Hotel & Restaurant in Bourton-on-the-Water, then afterwards you can sit in their cosy lounge area for a tea/coffee. Also a visit to the Model Village which is a one-ninth scale replica of the heart of the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Whilst you are in Stow-on-the-Wold be sure to pre book a table at The Old Butchers, a fabulous restaurant with a heavy leaning on seafood.
Also make sure you visit Burford Garden Centre that has lots more to offer than just plants, and a visit to their café is highly recommended, they have delicious seasonal menus.
Also in Stow-on-the-Wold or in Burford village there is a great bakery called Huffkins Bakery, a Cotswolds institution!
When will you be in Stow-on-the-Wold @Highfive? We live about 45 minutes away. In fact I used to work in Stow some years ago. Let me know if you would like to meet up, we can swap swimming teaching and house sitting stories!
I’m there 51 days! From August 11 th till October 1st I’d love to meet up! I’m making enquiries about swimming at Bourton on the Water Freedom Leisure Centre to do lap swimming for my two month stay. I’m hoping as I’m 67 there will be some discount. (In Spain I get a month for 20 euros!)
In UK I’d have to splash out a lot more I expect!
I’m staying in a bungalow on the Beechwood Park residential estate with ten acres of grounds to walk the dog in. All the residents are 65 plus so I’m hoping to make lots of interesting friends.
Thanks for reaching out Debs I’d love to meet up and swap stories! The place has a cafeteria and restaurant too that’s communal.
Thank you so much Sam! I’ve noted all your recommendations down. As a child I visited the model village and was enthralled by it so will definitely do that with grandchildren!
Great to have your tips on the other things too. I’m really looking forward to my time in The Cotswolds.Golden times with pets too!
Thanks again.
Oh yes @Sam_F I had the pleasure and would definitely recommend also. I actually took this snap of The Chip Shed sign to send to a friend. She had sent me this hilarious video of an adorable Scottish boy pronouncing them as « fesh and chips »
Debbie I’m looking for a good swimming pool near Stow for my two month stay. I’ve contacted Freedom Leisure at Bourton on the Water they have a concession for 67 + which I qualify for but not sure if they will let me do two months and not a full year.
Any local knowledge on this would be great! I still love swimming and was a life saver in the day.
@Highfive I think you will be able to turn up and pay as you go for swimming if they don’t have a 2 month membership. They seem to run a lot of the local Leisure centres in Gloucestershire and beyond.
Many thanks that’s great.
Hi @Highfive
A few more suggestions for the Cotswolds;
The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, reputedly England’s oldest inn dating back to 975 AD, it’s full of character and charm and the beams have been carbon dated to 1000 AD. It’s also dog friendly!
There is also Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog just outside Burford. Not only do you have the main building but in the grounds you have The Tent where you will find The Farmers Puppy Bar & Kitchen which is their small and mighty version of the pub in a tent, and Hops & Chops, a meat and beer outlet. The Farmer’s Dog pub takes bookings for weekday lunch, dinner and Sunday roast. Walk-in tables are available on a first come, first served basis. The food is fab btw and it’s also dog friendly.
If you enjoy traditional Afternoon Tea then Lords of The Manor in Upper Slaughter is lovely. They also serve lunch and dinner which is sublime.
For a great dog walk I recommend Blenheim Palace, dogs are welcome in the 2,000 acres of Parkland and the first area of the Walled Garden, and the Pantry Cafe but unfortunately there are also areas where they are not permitted. Dogs are not permitted in the Formal or Walled Gardens, the Palace, Adventure Playground, Stables Café or Orangery Restaurant. This is with the exception of assistance dogs.
However, the walk in the 2,000 acres of Parkland is lovely.
The Trout Inn is another cosy pub, bar, and restaurant with its own garden, located near the picturesque village of Wolvercote. There is a great dog walk along the Thames path there.
I hope this gives you a few ideas.
That’s so kind of you to take so much trouble. There must be a lot of sitters in The Cotswolds all year through so I am sure others will also be noting these great ideas! With all these food and drink options I will definitely be upping the dog walking!( Blenheim Palace grounds will sort me out for sure! )
Many thanks Sam. All duly noted.
So I spotted these unusual crisp flavours at Burford Garden Centre in the Cotswolds. Has anyone else ever come across (or tried) any unusual flavour crisps when you are out and about or on your travels?
I’m on an intercontinental sit and the jetlag has been real - waking up at 4.
Until today, when it suddenly hit me. It really is light in the bedroom. And now - midsit - found that I have - blackout-curtains also!
Tomorrow we’ll have a sleep in.