What do you do in Lower Slaughter? 10 places to see!

Going for a trip to Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire? Lower Slaughter village is one of the most charming villages in the Cotswolds!

As one of the most visited places in the Cotswolds, Lower Slaughter is famous for its honey-coloured stone cottages.

Situated in the Cotswold countryside, the village has been a perfect example of a picturesque British village for hundreds of years.

A beautiful gem in the Cotswolds, Lower Slaughter is a popular village for tourists to visit and one of the most magical places in England!

Whether you visit this beautiful village near London for a day trip by car or spend a weekend away, you can be sure that there are plenty of things to do in Lower Slaughter and the whole Cotswolds AONB.

What is Lower Slaughter?

Lower Slaughter is a village in the Cotswolds with a somewhat unusual name. The origin of the name is not as dark as it might appear. In old English, the name for a wet and muddy place was ‘slough’ or ‘slothre’. Over time and as the language changed, it became Slaughter.

Consequently, the name of the village has nothing to do with murder and actually means lower wetland. It’s just a mile walk to find yourself in Upper Slaughter which is where you find the slightly higher wetland in the area.

What is Lower Slaughter?

Where is Lower Slaughter?

Lower Slaughter is in the Cotswolds. It is roughly four miles south of Stow on the Wold. It lies between Oxford and Cheltenham. The village is set in the most beautiful surroundings. It is positioned deep in the heart of one of the nation’s Areas of Outstanding National Beauty.

Lower Slaughter sits on the River Eye. It’s one of the many tributaries of the River Thames in the area and makes for a very picturesque setting.

How do I get to Lower Slaughter?

Lower Slaughter is a small village in the Cotswolds region of England. Here are some ways to get to Lower Slaughter:

  • By Car: Lower Slaughter is located off the A429 road, which runs from Coventry to Chippenham. Visitors can take the A429 and turn off onto the B4068, which leads to Lower Slaughter. There is limited parking in the village, so visitors may need to park in nearby Bourton-on-the-Water and walk to Lower Slaughter.
  • By Bus: There are several bus services that run to Lower Slaughter, including the Pulhams Coaches 801 service from Cheltenham to Bourton-on-the-Water. The village is also served by the Stagecoach 853 service from Stratford-upon-Avon to Cheltenham. Visitors can check the bus timetables and plan their journey using the Traveline website.
  • By Train: The nearest train station to Lower Slaughter is Moreton-in-Marsh, which is located about 10 miles away. From Moreton-in-Marsh, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Lower Slaughter. The village is also accessible from other train stations in the area, including Cheltenham Spa and Oxford.
  • By Bicycle: Lower Slaughter is located in a picturesque area of the Cotswolds, and cycling is a popular way to explore the village and surrounding countryside. There are several cycling routes in the area, including the Cotswold Line Cycle Route, which runs from Oxford to Worcester.

These are some ways to get to Lower Slaughter, and visitors can choose the option that works best for their travel plans and preferences.

Where is Lower Slaughter?

Lower Slaughter postcode

The postcode for Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds region of England is GL54 2HY.

Lower Slaughter parking

Because Lower Slaughter is such a small village, there are no car parks, and the streets are too narrow to park on. There is some parking for those staying in the hotels or eating there. If you wish to visit the village the best option is to walk. It’s about a mile from Bourton on the Water or 3 miles from Stow on the Wold.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a lovely option is to park in Stow on the Wold, where the parking is cheap. Then walk to Lower Slaughter and on to Bourton on the Water to catch the bus back.

What is Lower Slaughter known for?

Lower Slaughter is probably best known for its unusual name. It certainly attracts a lot of interest. It is also famous for being among the most stunning and picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. Many walkers know it as a good place to stop for a drink, as many walking routes pass through the village. Some people may also know the village from its movie appearances.

Google Street View held a poll in 2011 to find the most romantic street in Britain. The Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter was the winner.

What is Lower Slaughter known for

Lower Slaughter facts:

Population:236
District:Cotswold
County:Gloucestershire
Region:South East
Famous for:Cottages

Where to stay in Lower Slaughter?

If you want to explore both Lower and Upper Slaughter, then you might decide to stay in the village. It’s also a lovely spot to stay if you’re looking for some peace and tranquillity. As you might expect from a small village, there aren’t too many choices, but the options available are lovely.

If you’re looking for some luxury, you could stay at The Slaughters Manor House. If you’re looking for something a little more simple and no fuss, you can find rooms at The Slaughters Country Inn.

Best places to visit in Lower Slaughter

Things to see Lower Slaughter:

1. River Eye

What to do in Lower Slaughter in Cotswolds? The River Eye is a fairly short but lovely river. It flows through both Upper and Lower Slaughter. Though, you’ll get the best views of it in Lower Slaughter. The water runs from a spring in the Cotswold Hills, and the water is crisp and clear most of the year.

Wandering through the village, you’ll come across a number of small footbridges crossing the river. They make for ideal photo locations. You’ll see many of them used as scenery in the 2020 film Emma.

What to do in Lower Slaughter in Cotswolds - River Eye
River Eye

2. Lower Slaughter Museum

Top places to see in Lower Slaughter? The owners of the old village mill converted it into a museum to share the history of breadmaking. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the fascinating inner workings of the mill’s mechanisms. The mill has a long history as it even appears in the Domesday Book.

As well as the museum, there is also a small craft shop, a cafe and a homemade organic ice cream parlour. So, there are a lot of reasons to visit. Nothing is better than eating quality ice cream by the gently flowing river.

Top places to see in Lower Slaughter - Lower Slaughter Museum
Lower Slaughter Museum

3. The Parish Church of St. Mary

What to see in Lower Slaughter, England? The church of St Mary is an interesting church to view. The original church dates back to the 13th century. However, it was remodelled and restored in the 19th century. Its walls and roof are all built out of local Cotswold stone, including the impressively steep tower.

You’ll find the church opposite the pub and just over the River Eye. There is a lovely little footbridge that will take you over. The bell tower contains six bells; these are rung on special occasions.

What to see in Lower Slaughter, England - The Parish Church of St. Mary
The Parish Church of St. Mary

4. Old Town Well

If you are the kind of person that likes to get a real feel for the history of a place, then you might want to head to the green at the south end of Malthouse Lane. There you will find the old town well.

There is something special about standing in front of the same structure as someone did hundreds of years ago. The well is now covered up and no longer in use but is preserved as a historical monument.

5. The Slaughters Village Hall

Where to visit in Lower Slaughter Cotswolds? Nearby the green with the old town well you can find another beautiful old construction. The village hall is a Grade II listed building. It is a lovely old construction. Combined with its position next to the river, it makes for an ideal location for taking some pictures.

The village hall has a lovely large window at the front, and a clock face above. It’s a view fans of the 2020 film Emma might recognise. The film features the village hall as a backdrop in the film.

Where to visit in Lower Slaughter Cotswolds - The Slaughters Village Hall
The Slaughters Village Hall

6. The Slaughters Manor House

The Slaughters Manor House is a converted 17th century family mansion. The owners lovingly renovated and modernised the building into a luxury hotel. This is a proper country-style hotel with all the luxury you could want.

As it is located just over the road from the pub, it’s the perfect place to end your night if you decide to stay in the village. It’s also home to one of the few car parks in the village. So if you wish to drive to Lower Slaughter, you may want to think about staying here.

7. Copse Hill Road

What to do in Lower Slaughter village? Copse Hill Road is the name of the main street that runs through the village. This is the street that won a vote for the most romantic street in Britain in 2011. Voters were able to view the street through Google Street View.

So just imagine how much better it would be to see it in person. As you wander down the road, you have the river on one side, trees all around, and lovely stone-built buildings to admire.

What to do in Lower Slaughter village - Copse Hill Road
Copse Hill Road

8. The Slaughters Country Inn

What to see in Lower Slaughter village? With Lower Slaughter being such a small place, there isn’t a great deal of choice in places to eat. So if you find yourself in need of a meal, then one of the few options is Slaughters Country Inn. They serve traditional pub food, as well as drinks and snacks.

The ambience in the place is lovely, and it’s a great place to rest after a long countryside walk. The inn also offers rooms if you wish to spend a night in this English village.

What to see in Lower Slaughter village - The Slaughters Country Inn
The Slaughters Country Inn

9. Lower Slaughter walks

Lower Slaughter what to do? There are many great walks that pass through Lower Slaughter. If you are interested in exploring the villages in the area, then you should take the time to walk 10 minutes up to the road to see Upper Slaughter.

A one-mile walk down the river and over a couple of fields will get you to Bourton on the Water. Heading in the opposite direction, you can walk a very picturesque three miles to reach Stow on the Wold. The whole area is beautiful and filled with walking trails.

Lower Slaughter what to do - Lower Slaughter walks
Lower Slaughter walks

10. Lower Slaughter horse riding

What to do in Lower Slaughter? Horse riding is a popular pastime in the Cotswolds. There are lots of stables in the area where you can arrange to go on a day hack. The best option if you want to ride through Lower Slaughter is to arrange a ride with Bourton Equestrian centre. They run either a range of hacks, depending on the ability level and time you have available.

Both these rides take you through Upper and Lower Slaughter. It’s a great way to take in the beauty of the area, and you don’t have to have any horse riding experience at all.

What to do in Lower Slaughter - Lower Slaughter horse riding
Lower Slaughter horse riding

Lower Slaughter village history

Lower Slaughter is a small village in the Cotswolds region of England, with a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. The village is situated on the banks of the River Eye, and is known for its picturesque setting and historic architecture.

The name “Slaughter” is thought to derive from the Old English word “slohtre,” which means “muddy place.” This name may refer to the marshy ground around the River Eye, which flows through the village.

The first recorded mention of Lower Slaughter is in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed the village as part of the manor of Eyford. The village was a farming community in the Middle Ages, with many of its buildings and structures constructed using the locally quarried golden limestone.

One of the most significant historic buildings in Lower Slaughter is the 17th-century mill, which was used for centuries to grind corn and other grains. The mill has since been converted into a museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the mill and its importance to the village.

The village also has several other historic buildings, including the 19th-century Church of St. Mary, which features a striking spire and stained glass windows. There are also several old stone bridges that cross the River Eye, including the iconic “Rising Sun” bridge, which is one of the most photographed landmarks in the village.

Today, Lower Slaughter is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to admire its historic architecture, scenic setting, and charming atmosphere. The village has a number of cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as several walking trails and footpaths that provide access to the surrounding countryside.

Why is it called Lower Slaughter?

The name of the village isn’t due to any bloody past. Instead, it is just a reflection of the age of the town and how much the English language has changed over the years. The village has been around for so long that you can find it listed in the Domesday Book.

There its name is ‘Scolstre’. It’s the first written record of the village, but it has likely been around for much longer. Historians believe that the name comes from the old English word for wetlands as the area does have some beautiful wetlands filled with diverse wildlife.

Why is it called Lower Slaughter?

Can you walk from Bourton on the Water to Lower Slaughter?

You can indeed walk between Bourton on the Water and Lower Slaughter. The route is about a mile long and really quite scenic. You don’t have to be super fit and rugged to enjoy this walk.

You’ll cross a few fields, wander along the riverside and before you know it, you’ll have arrived. Walking is a good way to get to Lower Slaughter since there’s limited parking in the village, especially as there is plenty to be found in Bourton on the Water.

Can you walk from Bourton on the Water to Lower Slaughter?

Pubs in Lower Slaughter

Lower Slaughter has a few pubs and bars that offer a relaxed atmosphere and traditional English pub food. Here are some of the most popular pubs in Lower Slaughter:

  • The Slaughters Country Inn: This historic inn is located in the heart of Lower Slaughter and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The pub has a large selection of real ales, wines, and spirits, and serves traditional pub food made with locally-sourced ingredients.
  • The Feathered Nest Country Inn: This pub is located on the outskirts of Lower Slaughter and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The pub serves a range of real ales, wines, and spirits, and offers a seasonal menu featuring classic English dishes with a modern twist.
  • The Porch House: This historic pub is located in nearby Stow-on-the-Wold and is one of the oldest pubs in the country, dating back to the 10th century. The pub has a cozy atmosphere and offers a selection of real ales, wines, and spirits, as well as a menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
  • The Old New Inn: This pub is located in nearby Bourton-on-the-Water and is housed in a 17th-century building with a thatched roof. The pub has a cozy atmosphere and offers a range of real ales, wines, and spirits, as well as a menu featuring classic English pub food.

These are some of the most popular pubs in and around Lower Slaughter, and visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the charming atmosphere of this historic village.

Lower Slaughter tourist information

Lower Slaughter is a picturesque village located in the Cotswolds region of England. It is known for its historic architecture, scenic setting, and charming atmosphere, and is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the English countryside. Here is some tourist information about Lower Slaughter:

  • Attractions: Some of the top attractions in Lower Slaughter include the Old Mill Museum, St. Mary’s Church, and the “Rising Sun” bridge. Visitors can also take a walk along the River Eye, or explore the surrounding countryside on foot or by bike.
  • Accommodation: There are several places to stay in Lower Slaughter, including cozy bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and self-catering cottages. Some popular options include the Slaughters Country Inn, The Slaughters Manor House, and the Lower Slaughter Manor.
  • Restaurants and cafes: Lower Slaughter has several cafes and restaurants, serving a range of cuisine from traditional English fare to international dishes. The Old Mill Cafe, The Slaughters Country Inn, and The Feathered Nest Country Inn are some popular options.
  • Shopping: Lower Slaughter has several shops selling gifts, souvenirs, and locally-made products. Visitors can browse for unique items at the Cotswold Chocolate Company, the Cotswold Perfumery, or the Cotswold Cheese Company.
  • Events and activities: There are several events and activities that take place in Lower Slaughter throughout the year, including festivals, fairs, and guided tours. Visitors can check local listings and websites to find out what’s happening during their visit.
  • Getting there: Lower Slaughter is located off the A429 road in the Cotswolds region of England. Visitors can reach the village by car, bus, or train. The nearest train station is Moreton-in-Marsh, which is located about 10 miles away.

These are some of the key tourist information and things to do in Lower Slaughter, and visitors can plan their trip based on their preferences and interests.

What was filmed in Lower Slaughter?

Lower Slaughter is such a beautiful place that it’s hardly surprising that directors want to use it as a backdrop for their films and TV series.

The most recent film to make use of Lower Slaughter’s good looks is the 2020 movie Emma. They used several locations in town. If you have keen eyes, you’ll be able to spot the village hall, the market square and the fabric shop. There are also several shots of the villages pretty bridges.

Lower Slaughter shops

Lower Slaughter is a small village in the Cotswolds that is known for its picturesque setting and historic architecture. While it is not a large shopping destination, there are a few unique and charming shops in Lower Slaughter that visitors can explore. Here are some of the most popular shops in Lower Slaughter:

  • Cotswold Chocolate Company: This shop offers a range of handmade chocolates and truffles made with locally-sourced ingredients. Visitors can watch the chocolate being made in the shop and can also purchase a range of gift boxes and hampers.
  • Old Mill Museum Shop: This shop is located within the Old Mill Museum and offers a range of local crafts, gifts, and souvenirs. Visitors can purchase handmade pottery, jewelry, and textiles, as well as books and maps about the local area.
  • The Cotswold Perfumery: This shop offers a range of handmade fragrances and perfumes, as well as soaps, lotions, and other beauty products. Visitors can learn about the process of making perfumes and can also create their own custom fragrance.
  • The Cotswold Cheese Company: This shop offers a range of artisanal cheeses from around the UK and Europe, as well as a selection of chutneys, crackers, and other accompaniments. Visitors can sample the cheeses and can also purchase gift boxes and hampers.
  • The Slaughters Country Market: This small market is held every Wednesday in the village hall and offers a range of locally-produced goods, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. Visitors can meet local farmers and producers and can purchase fresh and seasonal products.

These are some of the popular shops and markets in Lower Slaughter that visitors can explore to discover unique and locally-made products.

Lower Slaughter coffee shops

While Lower Slaughter is a small village, there are several coffee shops and tea rooms where visitors can enjoy a warm drink and a snack while taking in the charming surroundings. Here are some of the most popular coffee shops and tea rooms in Lower Slaughter:

  • The Old Mill Tea Room: This tea room is located within the Old Mill Museum and offers a range of teas, coffees, and homemade cakes and pastries. Visitors can sit in the outdoor courtyard and enjoy views of the River Eye and the historic mill.
  • The Slaughters Manor House: This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Lower Slaughter and offers a relaxed and elegant setting for a coffee or tea. The hotel has a cozy lounge area where visitors can enjoy a hot drink and a snack, as well as a range of other dining options.
  • The Coach House Coffee Shop: This coffee shop is located in nearby Bourton-on-the-Water, just a short walk from Lower Slaughter. The shop offers a range of specialty coffees, teas, and hot chocolates, as well as homemade cakes and sandwiches. Visitors can also sit outside in the courtyard on sunny days.
  • The Model Village Tea Rooms: This tea room is located within the Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water and offers a range of teas, coffees, and snacks. Visitors can sit outside on the terrace and enjoy views of the miniature village and the River Windrush.

These are some of the most popular coffee shops and tea rooms in and around Lower Slaughter, and visitors can enjoy a hot drink and a snack while exploring the village and the surrounding countryside.

Places to visit near Lower Slaughter:

  • Bourton-on-the-Water: 2 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Stow-on-the-Wold: 3 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Burford: 11 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Chipping Norton: 12 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Bibury: 14 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Winchcombe: 14 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Witney: 19 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: 24 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Faringdon: 25 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Stroud: 27 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Wantage: 33 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Dorchester-on-Thames: 38 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Wallingford: 43 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • Watlington: 47 miles away from Lower Slaughter
  • New Alresford: 86 miles away from Lower Slaughter
Is it worth visiting Lower Slaughter?

Is it worth visiting Lower Slaughter?

Lower Slaughter is a charming and delightful village. If you enjoy taking in the beauty of the countryside and getting a feel for life in the Cotswolds, it is most definitely worth a visit. Because it is a small village it is worth combining your trip with other places in the Cotswolds.

There are lots of lovely villages you can walk between in the area. If you just want a quiet place to stay away from the hustle and bustle, then Lower Slaughter is a great choice for that as well.

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