Some places don’t just whisper history — they wear it. Upper Slaughter, nestled deep in the Cotswolds, is one of those rare English villages that feels untouched by time. A place where the honeyed stone of centuries-old cottages glows in the golden hour, and the silence is only broken by birdsong and the gentle babble of the River Eye.
Unlike its slightly louder sibling, Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper Slaughter is the picture of unspoilt peace. Here, you wake to the sound of nothing, stroll through undisturbed meadows, and sleep under skies so clear you’d swear you were dreaming. It’s England at its most serene.
The village, which (true to form) survived both world wars without a single casualty, has a charm that creeps up on you slowly — the understated grandeur of its manor house, the perfect arch of a low bridge, the way the architecture simply belongs. Built in stone that seems made for long shadows and slow mornings, it’s no wonder the Slaughters are considered the Cotswolds’ crown jewels.
You won’t find crowds or tourist traps here — and that’s exactly the point. You come to Upper Slaughter to unwind, to breathe, and to remember what real stillness feels like. Think: slow walks, pub fires, maybe a book you’ve been meaning to start for a year. Think: properly switching off.
But, when you do feel like dipping back into the world — with a bit of a grin — head just 15 minutes down the road to Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, in nearby Chadlington. Yes, it’s buzzing. Yes, you’ll probably queue. But the vibe? Spot on. Unpretentious, proudly British, and built on a brilliant idea: celebrating local farmers, local food, and locally brewed brilliance.
Must Visit pointers:
🍴 The pork pie will change your life.
🍻 Try the Rhubastard Cider — sweet, sharp, and suspiciously drinkable.
🌾 Come for the banter, stay for the beef.
The Cotswolds has plenty of picture-perfect spots — but Upper Slaughter is something else entirely. Peaceful, poetic, and utterly unforgettable. Pair that with a pint of Rhubastard and a toast to British farming? That’s a Must Visit in our book.