The Cotswolds

This October half term, we set out for a little break (two nights) in the Cotswolds. My main goal was to see some autumn leaves and relax. I rented us a lovely, cozy, little cottage in Cheltenham (about a 2 1/2 hour drive from our house). Charles and I have learned over the years that when traveling with children, always book a flat or some kind of cottage that has a kitchen and more than one bedroom. That way, the kids can have breakfast first thing in the morning and you don't have to go to bed the same time they do. Recently, we have gotten even more lax and just picked a place, rented a cottage and then figured out what we felt like doing upon arrival. There is no need to pack too much in and feel like you need a vacation after your vacation, especially when traveling with children.

So we got up Wednesday morning, took time for a nice breakfast and then packed our things. It was raining, so we decided to watch a movie and then leave afterward. We left mid-afternoon and arrived in the early evening (due to some traffic). The girls are always excited to see the place that we rent and eager to pick out which bed or room will be theirs during our stay. We then left to find somewhere to eat, after which we picked up all kinds of special groceries (splurging on things we don't normally buy) for breakfast in the morning. We then return back to the cottage and settle in for a cozy movie together.

The next morning after sleeping in and a leisurely breakfast, we figure out where to go. In this case, we wanted to see some autumn leaves, so we decided to drive further east and a bit north to Ludlow in Shropshire. It was a nice drive and a lovely little village with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside from an impressive castle in the middle. There was a street market going on that day so we each found something different for lunch that was appealing.    

I love the Tudor architecture.

After lunch, we went and explored the castle.

The castle was founded in the 11th century. It was a major base in the War of the Roses (Sammy knew all about this war and proceeded to tell us all about the fight between the Lancasters and the Yorks. She learned about it last year during her Tudor studies). In 1501, Prince Arthur, (son of Henry VII and brother to Henry VIII) with his bride Catherine of Aragon, lived here for a short time. Mary Tudor, daughter of Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII, heir to the throne of England, spent three winters at Ludlow between 1525 and 1528, along with her entourage of servants, advisors, and guardians. (I found this interesting since I read Phillipa Gregory's book, The Constant Princess which talked a great deal about Ludlow castle and Mary's winters there.)

The River Teme

This is the circular chapel which is very unusual, perhaps unique in Britain. It is an example of Romanesque architecture and dedicated to St Mary Magdalene. The chapel has been dated to the 12th century based on its style.

The sweeping views of the countryside from one of the highest towers. We drove back to Cheltenham that evening and enjoyed dinner out and a relaxing evening in.

After our jaunt around the castle, we drove through more of the gorgeous English countryside and enjoyed the view at times too much (almost swerving off the road). It was the perfect, relaxing holiday. We got to spend some much quality time together and everyone was happy. It made the one week half term feel so much longer.