The twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds have been declared the most beautiful village in the UK
The Cotswolds, famed for its quintessential chocolate box villages, winding lanes, cosy pubs and eateries, and stunning natural scenery, is a favourite amongst travellers.
Choosing the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds is no easy task, but there seems to be a consensus.
The picturesque villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter in Gloucestershire have retained their uniquely English charm over the years, remaining a cornerstone of English heritage and offering breathtaking views in the Cotswolds.
In 2021, The Times crowned both Upper and Lower Slaughter – collectively known as The Slaughters – as the UK’s most beautiful village.
Just over a mile from Bourton-on-the-Water, you’ll find the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. Their somewhat ominous names originate from the old English term ‘Slohtre’, meaning ‘muddy place’, reports the Express.
These charming sister villages are linked by the small River Eye, a tributary of the River Windrush.
The Slaughters encapsulate the essence of the idyllic, refined Cotswold charm. Straddling the banks of the River Eye, also known as Slaughter Brook, these two villages have remained untouched and unchanged for over a century – with no construction work taking place since 1906.
Without any tourist facilities, the main draw to The Slaughters is its English rural elegance which, few would dispute, represents the pinnacle of the English countryside. With that in mind, it’s hardly surprising why The Slaughters are regularly selected as “the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds.”
Lower Slaughter
The stunning village of Lower Slaughter appears as though it’s been plucked straight from an English postcard – decorated with delightful limestone cottages lining the banks of the River Eye. Wandering beside the stream in Lower Slaughter feels like a rare treat.
The honey-coloured Cotswold stone homes, with their pristine facades, are scattered amongst charming village boutiques and a traditional pub, all positioned against the enchanting scenery and soft murmur of the meandering river. The River Eye, which flows alongside the main thoroughfare and can be traversed using small stone footbridges, forms the essence of Lower Slaughter.
Numerous of these dwellings, constructed from regional limestone featuring sharply angled roofs and stone-mullioned windows, originate from the 16th and 17th centuries. Lower Slaughter, more compact and peaceful than its whimsically-named neighbours Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, provides unrivalled walks through its picture-perfect lanes.
Indeed, it’s this serene and enchanting nature of the celebrated village that mesmerises visitors the most. The Slaughters’ only listed visitor attraction is the Old Mill, a beautifully restored 19th-century flour mill nestled by the River Eye at the north-west corner of the village.
Perhaps the most iconic landmark in this renowned village is The Slaughters Manor House. This grand country retreat has been a prominent feature in the village since 1004 and boasts a rich history as a nunnery and covenant.
In 1603, the Manor was returned to the Crown and remained the home of the Whitemore family for over three centuries. Today, The Slaughters serves as a magnificent four-star hotel, favoured by those seeking a tranquil yet luxurious rural getaway.
Another popular spot with visitors is the Slaughters Country Inn. Nestled in the heart of the village, it offers indulgent afternoon teas and an extensive menu for lunch and dinner.
The Lower Slaughter Mill & café is also a must-visit. A mill was documented here in the Doomsday Book of 1086.
Upper Slaughter
Less frequented but equally charming is Upper Slaughter, situated just under a mile upstream from its more famous counterpart. It’s one of only 14 ‘doubly sainted’ villages in England – villages that didn’t lose any men during either World War I or II.
The quaint cottages surrounding the village square were given a new lease of life by the esteemed architect Sir Edward Lutyens in 1906. The River Eye, with its neatly manicured banks, winds its way through the village, crossed at various points by charming old bridges and a ford.
Stone steps leading into the river, likely built to aid villagers in fetching water, add to the charm, as does a petite Methodist chapel dating back to 1865, now serving as a pottery, nestled beside the brook.
Another must-see in Upper Slaughter is St Peter’s Church – a historic Norman church with parts dating back to the 12th century. Inside, visitors can admire a stunning 14th-century chancel arch, intricate stone carvings, and colourful stained-glass windows.
Upper Slaughter Manor, a grand manor house with sections dating back to the 15th century, is another site worth visiting. The well-preserved house showcases the architectural style typical of the Cotswolds, featuring honey-coloured limestone and mullioned windows.
Getting there
The nearest train stations to The Slaughters are Moreton-in-Marsh and Cheltenham Spa.
Parking in the Slaughters is limited, but the twin villages can be easily accessed on foot via a picturesque walk from Bourton-on-the-Water.
Visitors can also opt for a circular stroll from Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter, or a leisurely wander along the path from Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter and beyond.