As we planned this trip of a lifetime one of the things we decided to do was make at least one trip outside of London to get a better look at the country.  We decided a visit to the Cotswolds area would be just the right destination.  The area is north of London and has rolling hills, lots of sheep and other farming, and many small, picturesque towns, filled with limestone houses dating back over 500 years.

This trip is more complicated than getting on the tube and getting off at the right station.  It includes train travel and a chartered bus.  Beyond that, one needs to know where to go to get a nice overview of the area in just a day.  We decided to take a “London Walks” tour.  Happily, we concluded our day sure we made good decisions on this tour all around.

Our morning started at Paddington train station where we met the tour group and handed our train/bus/tour fees to the tour guide.  He took wonderful care of us and 50 other travelers for the day.  After an hour and a half on the train we were met by the tour bus for another 30 minute ride to outside the town of Chipping Campden.  The area is filled with hiking trails and we hiked down a pathway about 10 minutes into the town.  We enjoyed looking at thatched roof houses and homes that have been in existence for over 500 years.  Later on, we walked from Upper Slaughter to Lower Slaughter and a bit beyond.  Just gorgeous. It was a lot of fun and we really enjoyed the beautiful area and all it’s history.  We highly recommend the London Walks and our tour guide, Richard, who did a fantastic job.

I loved our train ride up.  The car we were in was a “quiet car” – no cell phone conversations allowed!  It was quiet, fast, and comfortable.  Our return train wasn’t quite as nice, but the seat was still comfortable.  In fact, I took a bit of a snooze as we journeyed back to London.

It was getting rather late when we arrived back at Paddington so we decided to grab a quick supper there.  Jackie and I have both remarked on how many McDonalds we’ve seen so we tried the one at the station.  When I tasted the French Fries I was taken back many years.  These fries were made the way McD used to make them – not with the more healthy peanut oil they use these days.  They were go-od (not for you, but in taste)!