The Cotswolds is renowned for its iconic chocolate box villages featuring meandering lanes, charming pubs and eateries and its unbeatable access to spectacular scenery right in the lap of nature. Whilst it’s hard to choose which is the most beautiful Cotswolds village of all — there seems to be considerable agreement amongst travellers.
The scenic villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter in Gloucestershire have maintained their distinctly English charm through the decades, staying a cornerstone of English heritage and breathtaking scenes in the Cotswolds.
Cementing their place at the top, in 2021, The Times declared both Upper and Lower Slaughter — referred to as The Slaughters — as the most beautiful village in the UK.
The twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter lie just over a mile from Bourton-on-the-Water. Their somewhat grim names derive from the old English term ‘Slohtre’ which translates to ‘muddy place’. These quaint sister villages are connected by the small River Eye, a tributary to the River Windrush.
The Slaughters represent the essence of perfect, refined Cotswold appeal. Spanning the banks of the River Eye, also called Slaughter Brook, the two villages have stayed completely untouched and unaltered for over a century — with no construction work occurring whatsoever since 1906.
Without any tourist facilities, the primary attraction to The Slaughters is its English rural sophistication which, few can argue, is the epitome of the English countryside. With that in mind, it’s not hard to understand why The Slaughters are frequently chosen as “the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds.”
Lower Slaughter
The picturesque village of Lower Slaughter looks as if it is straight out of an English postcard – adorned with charming limestone cottages dotting the banks of the River Eye. Strolling alongside the stream in Lower Slaughter feels like a privilege.
The golden Cotswold stone houses, with their immaculate exteriors, are interspersed with quaint village shops and a country pub, all set against the backdrop of the storybook views and gentle hum of the flowing river. The River Eye, which runs parallel to the main street and can be crossed via small stone footbridges, is at the heart of Lower Slaughter.
Many of these cottages, built from local limestone with steeply pitched roofs and mullioned windows, date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Lower Slaughter, smaller and quieter than its fairy-tale-like named neighbours Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, offers unmatched strolls through its idyllic streets. In fact, it’s this tranquil and charming character of the renowned village that captivates visitors the most.
The only listed visitor attraction in The Slaughters is the Old Mill. This restored nineteenth-century flour mill is situated where the River Eye flows by the north-west corner of the village.
Perhaps the most iconic landmark in the famous village is The Slaughters Manor House. The grand country retreat has been a popular fixture in the village since 1004 and boasts a rich history as nunnery and covenant.
In 1603, the Manor was returned to the Crown and remained the home of the Whitemore family for over 300 years. Today, The Slaughters serves as a magnificent four-star hotel, favoured by those in search of a serene yet opulent rural retreat.
Another crowd-favourite spot with travellers is the Slaughters Country Inn. Tucked away in the village centre, it offers lavish 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
The less frequented Upper Slaughter, as its name implies, is situated just under a mile upstream from its more famous counterpart, but it’s equally charming and visit-worthy. 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 cottages around the village square were redesigned by the renowned architect Sir Edward Lutyens in 1906. The River Eye meanders between the neatly trimmed grassy banks and is crossed multiple times along its length and breadth by enchanting old bridges and a ford.
There are delightful stone steps leading into the river, presumably built to help villagers fetch water more easily, and a small Methodist chapel that dates back to 1865 which is nestled along the brook and is now used as a pottery.
Another visitor attraction in the village of Upper Slaughter is St Peter’s Church — a historic Norman church with sections dating back to the 12th century. Inside, visitors can marvel at a striking 14th-century chancel arch, intricate stone carvings, and stained-glass windows.
Upper Slaughter Manor, a grand manor house with sections dating back to the 15th century, is another site worth visiting. The house, which has been meticulously preserved, showcases the architectural style typical of the Cotswolds, featuring honey-coloured limestone and mullioned windows.
How to get there
The closest train or tube 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 charming walk from Bourton-on-the-Water.
Visitors can also choose to embark on a circular walk from Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter or a meander along the path from Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter and beyond.