One Cotswolds village is perfectly preserved and surrounded by stunning sites of unspoiled natural beauty.
Snowshill, nestled in the Cotswolds hills is framed by steeply rising hills around its tiny and picturesque village borders.
It is known for its breathtaking views over the Severn Vale to the west. Nearby is the stunning Snowshill Manor and Gardens, a National Trust site worth ticking off your list.
The beautiful gardens are also accompanied by the eclectic collection of Sir Charles Paget Wade inside the home. These include toys, musical instruments, clocks, bicycles, and even samurai armour.
Sir Charles bought the mansion in 1919 and handed it over to the National Trust. The majority of the manor is 16th century but elements of it have been restored to keep it standing.
The village itself is also steeped in history and dates back to the Bronze age, according to Explore the Cotswolds.
A number of artefacts were recovered from the village including an axe, spearhead, bronze pin head, and dagger, and are all now on display in the British Museum.
Snowshill even appeared in the 1086 Doomsday book as Snawesille, with a a population of just 20 households. However, the locale has remained small, with just 156 residents today.
The village, which houses a beautiful church and a green at the centre, was also the home of Bridget’s parents in Bridget Jones’ diary, before her infamous meeting with Mark Darcy.
Despite looking older, St Barnabus’ Church was actually built in Victorian times, costing just £1700 to build. It features an octagonal Tudor Rose at the front from the 15th century and Jacobean carved oak panels.
If you have whetted your appetite for the floral things of life – you can truly bathe your senses in one of the famous lavender fields of the Cotswolds. Hill Barn Farm grows scores of the fragrant purple flower as a crop, and you can roam the fields for yourself, according to Cotswolds.
The prime time to visit this spot would be anytime from mid June when the crop starts to show its colour, with the flowers in fully bloom by July but the exact dates differ from year to year and are dependent on the weather.
The Lavender is harvested when it is at its peak and this usually starts during the last week of July and continues until early August. It is distilled into oil so they can make their range products. Visitors can witness this process in the viewing gallery.
