Upper Slaughter Travel Guide
Welcome to our home village, Upper Slaughter. We love this peaceful spot, with its golden-stone buildings, meandering river and lush green spaces. There’s also plenty to do in the area. Here’s our locals’ guide to visiting Upper Slaughter.
Getting to Upper Slaughter
First things first: finding us. Upper Slaughter feels wonderfully out-of-the-way, but it’s actually a pretty straightforward drive. We’ve written detailed directions to Upper Slaughter on our website.
If you’re visiting the village for the day, there are a few parking spaces around the Square (GL54 2JE), and more spaces down the hill in Lower Slaughter.
FAQs
How far is Upper Slaughter from London?
Upper Slaughter is around 80 miles from London, and takes less than two hours by road (traffic permitting).
Are there any direct trains to Upper Slaughter?
Upper Slaughter doesn’t have a railway station. The London Paddington train stops at Kingham station (the journey takes about 1.5 hours), and it’s a 10-mile taxi ride from there to Upper Slaughter. It’s also a reasonably short transfer from Moreton-in-Marsh railway station, or you could catch a bus from Cheltenham.
Things to See and Do in Upper Slaughter
With its honey-coloured cottages and pretty River Eye, Upper Slaughter is a typically lovely Cotswold village. Its unusual name comes from a Saxon word meaning “boggy place” rather than anything darker! There’s plenty to see and do around Upper Slaughter. Start by taking a walk around the village (and remember to bring your camera).
A Walk Around Upper Slaughter Village
What is there to see in Upper Slaughter? The village is best-known for its picture-perfect Lutyens cottages. Once upon a time, a castle would have dominated the village, but all that remains now is the mound (motte) that it stood on. You can still see traces of medieval Upper Slaughter, in the church of St Peter’s, which dates back to Saxon times, and the village Manor was even mentioned in the Domesday book. Our own hotel, Lords of the Manor, dates back to the 17th century.
Visitor Attractions Near Upper Slaughter
Nearby Bourton on-the-Water is an excellent place to spend the day. It’s home to the famous model village and the fascinating Cotswold Motoring & Toy Museum (remember kids’ TV character Brum? He’s here!).
Birdland Park & Gardens is a must-visit for nature lovers, and with play areas, cafes and picnic spots, is a perfect day out with families. If you enjoy Birdland, we really recommend the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford.
Walks in the Area
The most popular walk from Upper Slaughter is the short (2-mile) path to Lower Slaughter. The “Slaughters Walk” follows the River Eye, and is part of the longer Warden’s Way, (a 14-mile route between Bourton-on-the-Water and Winchcombe. Extend the walk by continuing to Bourton (around another 1.5 miles).
If you fancy a longer walk, the 11-mile circular route from Bourton to Stow-on-the-Wold takes in parts of the Gloucestershire Way and Oxfordshire Way, passing through beautiful Cotswold scenery on its way.
For a relaxing stroll around a garden, try the Westonbirt National Arboretum or the lovely lakeside walks at the Cotswold Water Park.
Easy Day Trips from Upper Slaughter
The easiest trip out from Upper Slaughter is the riverside stroll to its lower sibling. Lower Slaughter has a pub, a picturesque riverside setting, a pub, and The Old Mill museum, shop and cafe.
Our other near neighbour, Bourton-on-the-Water, is full of appealing little independent shops, pubs and cafes, and has to be one of the Cotswolds’ most photogenic spots. We also love the medieval market town, Chipping Campden, which is less than half an hour’s drive from Upper Slaughter.
If you want to explore more of these lovely Cotswold villages, have a look at our guide. We’ve picked some real beauties.
FAQs
Are there any guided tours available in Upper Slaughter?
There are plenty of local guides offering individual and group tours of The Cotswolds. Please ask our Reception team, or find out more at the Information Centre in Bourton.
Can I bring my dog to visit Upper Slaughter?
Your dog will love the riverside walks around Upper Slaughter (and we love having dogs to stay at Lords of the Manor!).
Where to Eat and Drink in Upper Slaughter
You can eat with us at Lords of the Manor, of course! Our Chef Charles Smith runs two restaurants at the hotel, the fine dining Atrium and the more informal Dining Room.You can also treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea at Lords (in the garden, when the weather is kind to us).
There’s the riverside Slaughters Country Inn in Lower Slaughter for pub food and great beer, as well as the welcoming cafe at the Old Mill. There’s a wider choice of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms in larger Bourton-on-the-Water.
Staying in Upper Slaughter
Fine food, comfy beds, and a beautiful countryside setting: what could be better for your Cotswold holiday? Find out more about staying at Lords of the Manor in lovely Upper Slaughter.