We left Shrewsbury this morning and headed finally for the motorways with first destination Stratford (pictures above). I think I have only once been in Stratford when I was a child so decided it really was time to check it out again. Stratford could be a beautiful place and it has loads of fabulous mediebval timber framed buildings but somehow it has been spoiled. The ambiance is really one of a tourist theme park. there are too many new developments and glitzy shops to see the town as it should have remained. On the way to Stratford however we passed through Henley on Arden which struck me as being a great little town unspoiled and peaceful. Of course it is worth a detour to visit Stratford and there are some fabulous buildings but somehow you couldn’t imagine actually living there. The river is not actually in the town but lower down and here is where the RSC theatre. This is a modern building which obviously has some problems as it is currently under scafolding.

From Stafford we headed towards the Cotswolds stopping for lunch in yet another Pub on the way. We went first to Chipping Camden (pictures above) which is really a knock out place. It is just wonderful, completey unspoiled and 100% in beautiful golden Cotswold stone. Of course as a result it has become somewhat expensive and posh. despite this the place is a delight. One of the best old houses in Chipping was up for sale at 1.4 million and a 3/4 bedroom cottage on the high street would still be about 600K. Still  doubt whether you could really live in the village when probably many properties are bought as weekend retreats for wealthy Londoners.

 

Stow on the Wold

Stow on the Wold

From Cipping Camden we headed for Stowe on the Wold. There are also beautiful villages Bourton on the Water and Upper/Lower Slaughter which we missed out because we had never been to Stowe. Stowe is not as beautiful as Chipping Camden but still exceptional. The stone is slightly greyer and must come from a different quary. Lots of nice hotels, pubs and shops. From Stowe onwards to Chipping Norton where we decided to stay the night. WE are staying in the Crown and Pillow which is a nice hotel with old fashioned restaurant, bar etc. Tourns out that the hotel used to be owned by Keith Moon - the crazy drummer for the Who ! Chipping Camden is not a twee as the other Cotswold towns but it is on our way across now to Huntigdon where we are aiming today.