Exploring the Cotswolds--day seven of the London Adventure 2018

Breakfast at The Close Inn

We had a terrific breakfast at The Close Inn. I found the poached eggs on avocado toast with salmon to be extra delicious. The fruit and pastry assortment buffet was artfully arranged. After breakfast, we were off to see the countryside.

The abbey in Malmsbury

Our first stop was at the abbey in Malmsbury. I am awed that a structure built in the 12th century as a place of prayer is not only still standing but still operating as it was intended!

St John the Baptist church in Cirencester

Our next stop was Cirencester which was the largest city in the Cotswolds. Again, we enjoyed walking about the town and walked in the park too. We did a little shopping and of course we checked out the church! I saw so many dogs enjoying the countryside with their owners. The literature for the area states the Cotswolds is a dog friendly area. At our hotel, we saw several dogs traveling with their owners. I was also impressed with how quickly owners pick up after their pets. There is signage posted that states there are 1000 pound fines for owners allowing their pets to "foul" the area.

Walk way at the Chedworth church

We drove to Chedworth to see the church as well as the Roman Villa. The sign on the church said to bundle up for services as the heating unit was not working; but, that a new unit was ordered. It was chilly in the church. On the piano, there was a scrapbook that contained the documentation of the ladies who replaced the cover on the piano. I enjoyed seeing their handiwork and reading about their process. The walkways around the church were unique.

Pheasant on the go

On the way to the Roman Villa, a huge Chinese rooster pheasant was standing in the middle of the one lane road. We stopped. He continued to stand still. He looked around and then slowly made his way to the side of the road. Once he was in the tall grass, he moved quickly out of sight. We saw a few more roosters and some females (hens) too in the field next to the Roman Villa entrance.

The village of Bibury

We decided the nature was more interesting than an up close view of the remains of the Roman wall so we set our course for Bibury instead. It was a quaint little town along the water. It was picturesque. All the small towns that we drove through were clean and neat. Lawns are trimmed; flower beds are worked, planted and blooming and homes are well maintained.

The mains at the Priory Inn with the roasted vegetables

I walked five miles. My knees have appreciated the rest during the driving time; but, they are still complaining loudly!

For dinner, we walked three minutes from the hotel. We ate an English dinner at the Priory Inn. The roasted seasonal vegetables were delicious.