The Cotswolds region in England lies on the border of Wales, where I came from in my previous posts. Although close to the southwest Welsh border and the capital city of Cardiff, the Cotswolds still are attainable in a day trip from the bigger cities of Bath or London. Cotswolds market-towns like Chipping Campden settled, grew, and prospered from the 14th Century through the 17th Century. This region of England no longer depends on the wool industry or an arts and crafts economy for survival. It is a safe, picturesque, and tranquil place that still thrives today.
Tranquility is around every turn in the country roads. Rivers and forests murmur soft salutations. Over the hills, (“wolds,”) tiny villages pop out of the landscape to welcome you. These places greet you with an historic building or two, and a pint or two in a friendly pub. Bedding down for the night as I did in a former abbey, the thick stone walls, timbered and chimneyed, breathe tranquility into your very body and soul.
Yes, I found tranquility in the Cotswolds, and some of its spirituality. A visit and unhurried stay are recommended. The former churches, abbies, monasteries, priories, nunneries and friaries are worthy of your camera’s attention.