The Slaughters
encapsulating the magic of the Cotswolds
Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2HP
Visit WebsiteNestled in the heart of the Cotswolds and under two miles from Bourton-on-the-Water, these two villages, Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, are overflowing with classic Cotswolds charm.
- Children Welcome
- Good Food
- Multiple Dogs Allowed
- Parking
- Refreshments
- Rural Walks
Good to know
Overview
If ever we are asked to suggest a couple of villages that perfectly encapsulate the magic of the Cotswolds, they are Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter.
The combination of golden Cotswold stone cottages, and the babbling shallow waters of the River Eye with perfectly positioned bridges, make it feel like you’re stepping back in time. Although the names of the villages seem strange and rather morbid, they actually stem from the Old English name ‘slough’ or ‘slothre’ – Old English for muddy place!
It’s easy to while away a couple of hours here. Dogs will love splashing in and out of the shallow river in Lower Slaughter, before grabbing an ice cream at the Old Mill.
Walk between the two villages along a one-mile path, which starts next to the Old Mill and runs along the River Eye and across fields before arriving in Upper Slaughter. You’ll get great views of the Lords of the Manor Hotel across the river, on the final stretch into the Upper Slaughter.
Lords of the Manor prides itself on being dog friendly so is a great stop off for a drink or afternoon tea on the terrace. Otherwise pack a picnic and head down to the ford in Upper Slaughter. Paddle in the shallows whilst deciding which of the beautiful surrounding houses you’d like to live in most.
For a longer walk, you can opt to take on the full 14-mile Warden’s Way. A stunning linear walk between Winchcombe and Bourton-on-the-Water, it winds through the villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter, Naunton and Guiting Power.
For The Dogs
Lower Slaughter is a very popular place to visit, so we’d always recommend an early morning or evening trip to enjoy a more peaceful side of the village and allow your pup to pad along off their lead.
Parking
Parking is limited. GL54 2HP will take you to the village of Lower Slaughter and you can park for free on the roadside.
The Area
Carry on along the waymarked Warden’s Way to Bourton-on-the-Water, which is just 1.5 miles away. Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, the village is full of shops, restaurants, cafés and tea rooms. It’s an incredibly popular tourist hotspot. Swing by Smiths of Bourton for a warm doggy welcome and burgers that dreams are made of. Trust us, they’re amazing! Otherwise grab an ice cream and find a spot to sit on the edge of the River Windrush which runs through the village, spanned by five arched bridges.
