Serene Spaces in The Cotswolds

Away from the constant hum and frenzy of the Cotswold villages lie serene spots a plenty for peace, reflection and rejuvenation. Amongst a packed itinerary, taking a few moments of stillness away from it all can be a much needed tonic.

Away from the constant hum and frenzy of the Cotswold villages lie serene spots a plenty for peace, reflection and rejuvenation. Amongst a packed itinerary, taking a few moments of stillness away from it all can be a much needed tonic.

Not too far from the beaten track, but far enough to have some time and space to yourself, Dr Christian Collins explores the little spots which will bring you closer to nature, and to the true Cotswolds.

Wychwood Wild Garden

Hidden in the midst of the Evenlode Valley lie the Wychwoods three villages all with a unique charm. At the foot of Shipton-Under-Wychwood Cricket Club lies an iron gate over run with ivy, which opens out immediately to a majestic avenue of lime trees. The Wychwood Wild Garden, a joyous community owned garden, lies at the foot of these trees, a local secret not to be missed. Somewhere where the ducks and moorhens make the most commotion and the soft afternoon light pours in across the dappled water. I love how the gentle tributaries run off the lake perpetually and with a steady flow. Spending precious moments here and watching the seasons hop from one to another are most rejuvenating.

Swinbrook and Widford

Walk up from The Swan pub, the focus of the pristine hamlet of Swinbrook, until you reach the church on your left, just 100 metres or so up the lane. At the far aspect of the graveyard lies a shy looking gate, walk through and follow the narrow path around going between some of the village's bigger houses. At the end lies one of the most peaceful hidden secrets of the Windrush Valley, an enchanting and gentle path at the heart of the Swinbrook estate. Following along for a few minutes will lead to the ancient chapel of St Oswalds, a centre of peace and serenity since 1086.

If you keep walking along the sheep trodden path, you will get to Widford where the fast flowing Windrush River abuts the houses with its teeming rhythm. The bridge is a magical place to be still for a few moments, listening to the birdsong and looking for a kingfisher amongst the tranquillity of it all.

Coln St Aldwyns

The Coln Valley in the south Cotswolds is resplendent in its beauty, and at the heart of it lies Coln St Aldwyn. Away from the crowds of Bibury, the local village shop is brimming with local produce and it's a great place to surround oneself in the diversity of wildlife in the Valley. Head down the small lane leading to St John the Baptist church, and continue until the road becomes a footpath, go down the hill and into the valley, cross the little stream and take a moment to yourself. Then follow the little track back to the main road, and go over the bridge of the river Coln and pass through the wooden farm gate and enter the broad based valley. Here you can sit at the foot of a majestic oak or walk along the footpath following the river as much as your legs will take you towards Bibury.

I can't help but mention the New Inn at Coln for an autumnal lunch.

Great Tew

Great Tew, perhaps one of the most well-known names in the Cotswolds, has a well trodden main square, with the infamous Quince and Clover being the main watering hole. However, turn left with the cafe facing you, and within minutes you are in the heart of the estate, with the track taking you through the heart of the estate. Take a right down a little lane off the track which will take you up through a field and back to the main square.

For a moment of stillness and silence, wander through the elaborate and classical stone arch along a plumb straight path to find the secluded secret of the village, St Michaels and All Angels Church. There are a couple of lovely benches outside to listen to the birdsong and inside the church on a sunny day the light beams in, providing warmth and solace against the medieval stone.