The Slaughters, The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
The Slaughters are two villages – Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, linked by the tiny River Eye, a tributary of the bigger Windrush. Both are typical of the idyllic Cotswold villages -mellow honey coloured stone, chocolate box cottages with roses scrambling up the walls, and a charming parish church. Upper Slaughter is what’s known as a ‘sainted village’ – it lost not a soul in the First World War; that must have been quite a celebration. Lower Slaughter has a very picturesque Mill with a working waterwheel and the attractive River Cafe, or you can get a bite to eat at the Slaughters Country Inn or The Slaughters Manor House Restaurant. There’s not much parking in the Slaughters though so driving there in the height of the tourist season probably isn’t a good idea; instead walk from Bourton-on-the-Water, it’s only about a mile or so and takes you through beautiful lush meadows and along the river. The name? Nothing sinister – it comes from the Old English 'Slohtre', meaning ‘muddy place’.
Visitor information: 01451 820211 All information correct at the time of writing