Upper Slaughter
A picture-perfect Cotswolds village with honey-colored stone cottages and a tranquil river, offering a glimpse into idyllic English countryside life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Upper Slaughter
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picture-perfect Cotswolds village with honey-colored stone cottages and a tranquil river, offering a glimpse into idyllic English countryside life.
"Upper Slaughter is a must visit when you’re in the Cotswolds. And much prettier than its name suggests!!"
🚶♀️ Stroll between villages
Walk the short, scenic path connecting Upper and Lower Slaughter for double the charm. :walking:
📸 Capture the magic
Bring your camera for stunning shots of cottages, bridges, and the river. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The River Eye
Flows through Upper and Lower Slaughter
A gentle stream with charming stone bridges, perfect for a peaceful stroll and picturesque photos.
Thatched Cottages
Throughout the village
Quintessential English countryside charm with honey-colored stone and thatched roofs.
Lords of the Manor Hotel
Upper Slaughter
A historic hotel offering a glimpse into elegant country living, with beautiful grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Village Charm & Connectivity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll between villages
Walk the short, scenic path connecting Upper and Lower Slaughter for double the charm. :walking:
📸 Capture the magic
Bring your camera for stunning shots of cottages, bridges, and the river. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Arrive early or be prepared to park a little further out, especially on weekends. :car:
🤫 Respect the peace
It's a residential village, so keep noise levels down and be mindful of residents. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll between villages
Walk the short, scenic path connecting Upper and Lower Slaughter for double the charm. :walking:
📸 Capture the magic
Bring your camera for stunning shots of cottages, bridges, and the river. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Arrive early or be prepared to park a little further out, especially on weekends. :car:
🤫 Respect the peace
It's a residential village, so keep noise levels down and be mindful of residents. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Upper Slaughter for its unparalleled beauty and tranquility, often describing it as a fairytale village. The charming cottages, stone bridges, and peaceful river create a postcard-perfect scene. Some note that parking can be challenging and dining options are limited within the village itself.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Upper Slaughter from London is by car, taking approximately 2-2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Moreton-in-Marsh and then a taxi or bus to Upper Slaughter.
While buses do serve the Cotswolds, direct public transport to Upper Slaughter can be infrequent. It's often best combined with nearby villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, which has better bus links.
Parking in Upper Slaughter is limited and can be challenging, especially during peak season. There's some street parking, but it fills up quickly. Consider parking in nearby Lower Slaughter or Bourton-on-the-Water and walking.
Yes, Upper Slaughter is a perfect stop for a Cotswolds day trip, often visited alongside Lower Slaughter and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Absolutely! Upper Slaughter is a small, charming village best explored on foot. The walk between Upper and Lower Slaughter is particularly delightful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Upper Slaughter is a public village, and there are no entrance fees to wander through its streets and admire the scenery.
Upper Slaughter is a village and is accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and photography.
The main attraction is the village itself. The Lords of the Manor Hotel is open to guests and for dining, but booking is advisable for meals.
No, the River Eye and its charming stone bridges are part of the public village and are free to enjoy.
While you can technically visit at night, the village's charm is best appreciated in daylight. Street lighting is minimal, and it's a residential area.
📸 📸 Photography
The stone bridges over the River Eye, the picturesque thatched cottages, and the village green are prime photo locations. Capture the reflections in the water for extra magic.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden glow on the honey-colored stone.
Drone usage may be restricted in residential areas and national parks. It's advisable to check local regulations and be respectful of residents' privacy.
Experiment with low angles to emphasize the charming cottages and bridges. Capturing the river flowing under the bridges is a classic shot.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the village's charm, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on cottages. A tripod can help with low-light shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Upper Slaughter itself has limited dining options, primarily the Lords of the Manor Hotel. Nearby Lower Slaughter and Bourton-on-the-Water offer more choices.
The Lords of the Manor Hotel offers fine dining with a focus on seasonal British cuisine. For more casual options, you'll need to venture to neighboring villages.
There are lovely spots along the riverbanks where you can enjoy a picnic. Remember to take all your litter with you.
Dining at the Lords of the Manor Hotel can be on the pricier side. For more budget-friendly options, explore the cafes and pubs in nearby villages.
Upper Slaughter does not have a traditional pub within the village itself. The nearest pubs are typically found in Lower Slaughter or Bourton-on-the-Water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river, making it a budget-friendly and enjoyable outing.While there aren't specific playgrounds, the charm of the cottages and the open spaces provide plenty of imaginative play opportunities. Visiting with younger children means embracing a slower pace, focusing on the simple beauty of the surroundings. Consider combining a visit with nearby Bourton-on-the-Water, which offers more attractions geared towards families, such as the Model Village or the Cotswold Motoring Museum.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
This is a place to disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures. Bring a good book to read by the river, or simply sit and people-watch from a quiet spot. The walk to Lower Slaughter is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, offering more charming views and photo opportunities.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the main village scenes, explore the details: the textures of the stone, the vibrant floral displays, and the reflections in the water. Sketching or painting the idyllic landscape can be a deeply rewarding experience here. Visiting on a weekday or early in the morning will offer a more peaceful environment for creative pursuits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Misleading Name: Upper Slaughter's History
This peaceful village has a fascinating history that adds to its beauty!
Upper and Lower Slaughter are linked by the tiny River Eye, a tributary to the River Windrush.
Exploring the Twin Villages: Upper and Lower Slaughter
Visitors often describe the walk between the villages as a highlight, with opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
The River Eye, though small, is a defining feature, with its charming stone bridges and clear waters adding to the idyllic atmosphere. The continuity of the honey-colored stone cottages and thatched roofs creates a harmonious visual experience across both settlements.While Upper Slaughter is known for its tranquility, Lower Slaughter offers a slightly more developed feel with a few more amenities, including a popular museum and a charming old mill. Together, they provide a comprehensive taste of traditional English village life, making them a must-see for anyone exploring the Cotswolds.
Photography Tips for Upper Slaughter
Don't just focus on the grand vistas; look for the smaller details that make Upper Slaughter so special. The intricate stonework, the vibrant flowers spilling from window boxes, and the gentle flow of the river all contribute to the village's charm. Experiment with different angles, perhaps getting low to emphasize the scale of the cottages or using a longer lens to isolate picturesque details.
Remember that Upper Slaughter is a living village, so be mindful of residents' privacy. While it's a popular spot for day-trippers, visiting on a weekday or arriving early can help you avoid the biggest crowds and secure those perfect, serene shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit