Explore the prettiest villages in the heart of the Cotswolds. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter, plus tips on where to stay.
The idyllic twin villages of Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter are a must-see when visiting the Cotswolds. Hugging the banks of the River Eye, also known as Slaughter Brook or Eye Brook what makes The Slaughters so special is they’ve remained completely unchanged for over a century. Located just a stone’s throw away from Stow-on the-Wold, paying a visit to these twin villages voted some of prettiest villages is the Cotswolds is a must!ai
The name of these two postcard perfect villages might sound alarming at first, but it actually comes from Anglo-Saxon word ‘Slohtre’, meaning ‘Marshy place’ or ‘Muddy place’ (a cognate with ‘slough’). It’s no longer a muddy mess, but one of the best places in the Cotswolds to enjoy romantic village scenery.
From where to stay to where to eat, here are the best things to do in The Slaughters in the Cotswolds.
Things to see in Lower Slaughter
Lower Slaughter was built around a green alongside the Slaughter with each bank connected via several low stone arch footbridges.
1. Walk along the River Eye
Lower Slaughter is the real gem of the two villages. It’s here that the River Eye flows just below road level as it snakes through the village of honey-coloured stone Cotswold cottages. Take a leisurely stroll along the flowery footpaths as you take in these stunning surroundings and enjoy the slower country life.
Fun fact: Lower Slaughter has been inhabited for over 1000 years. In fact, The Domesday Book entry has the village name as “Sclostre”.
2. Step back in time at the Lower Slaughter Museum
Located at the west end of Lower Slaughter village is a restored nineteenth century flour mill which closed its doors in 1958. Attached to the mill is a still-working waterwheel and a tall chimney which created additional steam power. The red brick chimney creates a bold contrast to the rest of the village’s honey-coloured buildings made from the traditional Cotswold stone.
The mill was originally part of Lower Slaughter Manor, which was built in 1658 for the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. The Manor is now a grand country house hotel where you can enjoy a luxurious stay.
Today the Old Mill is home to the Lower Slaughter Museum where you learn about the history of bread making and the internal workings of the mill. Don’t miss the award winning gift and craft shop selling an unusual and eclectic mix of quality items.
End your visit in the handmade organic ice cream from their parlour or relax in the riverside tea room and terrace with homemade scones with your cream tea or a ploughman’s lunch to die for.
- Opening times: Open 7 days a week; 1st March to 31st October 10:00am – 6:00pm*; 1st November – 28th February 10:00am – ’til dark! ; *Tea Room & Café Terrace close at 5:00pm
- Admission: Adults: £2·50, Children: £1·00
- Address: 14 Mill Ln, Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham GL54 2HX
For more details, visit the official Lower Slaughter Museum website here
3. Visit The Parish Church of St. Mary
The pretty village church of St Mary is made from stone and its roof from Cotswold stone. The western tower with its impressive spire was rebuilt in 1867 by the lord of the manor, Charles Shapland Whitmore, in the Early English and Decorated styles. Some parts of the church date from as early as the 13th-century, including the arcade of four bays and a piscina.
The Church contains monuments from the late 17th century dedicated to members of the Whitmore family who are buried in the north aisle.
Address: Copsehill Rd, Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham GL54 2HR
For more details, visit the official Church of Saint Mary website here
4. See the old Town Well
This small historical landmark is worth seeking out if only to imagine what village life was once like.
Address: Located on the green at the south end of Malthouse Lane, Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham GL54 2HU
5. Seek out The Slaughters Village Hall
Located on the opposite side of the river is The Slaughters Village Hall, a Grade II Listed Building worth a quick photo-stop during your visit to Lower Slaughter.
Address: Located on the green at the south end of Malthouse Lane, Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham GL54 2HU
6. Visit The Slaughters Manor House
The Lower Slaughter Manor is a wonderful Grade-II listed 17th-century house. A manor house has stood on this before the Conquest, as early as 1004 A.D.
By 1443, the Manor became a convent housing nuns and the two storey Dovecote that still stands in the grounds is believed to have supplied the nuns with meat through the winter.
The Manor was returned to the crown in 1603 and in 1611 was granted to Sir George Whitmore, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. It remained in his family until 1964 when it became a hotel.
Today, this luxurious hotel offers 19 luxurious guest rooms and suites and is surrounded by five acres of stunning landscaped gardens.
Address: Copsehill Road, Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham GL54 2HP
Things to see in Upper Slaughter
A 20-minute walk north-west will take you to the quieter village of Upper Slaughter. Upper Slaughter is one of just 14 villages in the entire country not to have lost anyone in either World War I or World War II, known as the ‘doubly thankful villages’.
Walking between the villages
7. Explore the village along the Upper Slaughter riverbanks
The village of Upper Slaughter straddles the River Eye, flowing between lush green banks crossed by quaint old bridges. Opposite one of these is a tiny Methodist chapel dating from 1865 which is now used as a pottery.
8. See the cottages around The Square
The heart of this tiny village is The Square, marked by a large grassy green located at its centre. In 1906, the cottages here were reconstructed by the famous architect Sir Edward Lutyens.
9. Visit St Peter’s Church
There has been a church in this location since the 12th century. The building you see today is mainly 12th-century, with extensive restoration in 1877. Don’t miss the 12th-century carvings on the tower arch, the mix of the Easter Sepulchre, Tudor brasses, and 17th-century memorials.
St Peter’s church is set in an incredibly beautiful location so take your time to wander the grounds and spot this idyllic vantage point from the churchyard.
Opening times: Open daily
Address: The Square, Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, GL54 2JE
10. See The Old School House
Dating from 1846, this distinctive Grade II Listed stone house was once The Old School House, today it is a private residence. I definitely wouldn’t mind living here, would you? Just look at those windows!
11. Have afternoon tea at Lords of the Manor
The largest business in Upper Slaughter is the Lords of the Manor Hotel. The building dates from 1649 and has been a hotel since the 1960s.
The Slaughter family purchased the Manor from Henry VIII and was later occupied by Ferdinando Tracy Travell. Travel’s portrait still hangs on the first floor landing, and a coat-of-arms is incorporated into the decoration of the Drawing Room fireplace.
Spoil yourself with their popular afternoon tea either in the lounge or out on the lawn or dine in one of the two restaurants. On weekdays lunch is available in the bar only. Book is essential
Address: Upper Slaughter, Cheltenham GL54 2JD
For table reservations, visit the official Lords of the Manor website.
Want to see more of the Cotswolds? Join one of these top-rated tours.
- Cotswolds & Downton Abbey Locations
- Small-Group Tour of Cotswold Villages
- Private Cotswold Village Tour (for your group only)
- Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London
- Lunch in the Cotswolds Tour from London
- Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London
- Small-Group Day Trip to Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon from London
- Stonehenge, Windsor and Bath Full Day Trip from London
Don’t miss my Cotswolds travel guide for more tips
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Lower Slaughter
The Slaughters are a great place to base yourself if you want a quieter stay when visiting the Cotswolds. There are loads of charming villages close by that all be reached in as little as 15 minutes. These include Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water. Below are my top recommendations for accommodation in The Slaughters.
Mid-range – The Slaughters Country Inn
The Slaughters Country Inn offers 31 individually designed bedrooms and is surrounded by 4 acres of grounds. With beamed ceilings and log fires, they offer a cosy dining atmosphere as they serve local, seasonal produce in the restaurant.
Each room is equipped with a TV, free internet access, hairdryer and toiletries, a modern private bathroom complete with fluffy white towels, a bath, and a shower. Bathrobes are available on request.
Check availability and prices at The Slaughters Country Inn here
Luxury – The Slaughters Manor House
This 17th-century manor house is beautifully furnished with individually designed rooms. Some rooms have a four-poster bed or a luxurious freestanding bath. Each room has free internet access, private bathroom, toiletries, hairdryer, slippers and last but not least, a view!
The Slaughters Manor House retains its original period features and has an award-winning restaurant serving creative dishes made from high-quality local produce. Breakfast is provided each morning, and special dietary requirements can be catered for.
Check availability and prices at The Slaughters Manor House here
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Upper Slaughter
Luxury – Lords of the Manor
Live like a Lord or Lady at Lords of the Manor. Formerly a 17th-century rectory, Lords of the Manor is set in 8 acres of secluded gardens and parkland. With 4 AA Red Stars, it is one of the top 200 hotels in the country and offers award-winning food.
Each bedroom is individually designed, with elegant furnishings. Some rooms have views of the parkland and pond, or the walled gardens and Upper Slaughter Hill. Every room has a flat-screen TV and a DVD player.
Staying at Lords of the Manor an experience you’re unlikely to forget. It’s a true gem.
Check availability and prices at Lords of the Manor here
For more places to stay in The Slaughters, you can check the latest prices here.
Airbnb
For an alternative accommodation option, I would recommend renting out an apartment or room through Airbnb. Cute Airbnb options are popping up all over the area so you’ll find some really beautiful places at very affordable prices. Airbnb has numerous convenient options to choose from. If it’s your first time get US$65 OFF here or get £50 OFF your first stay here, when you sign up using my unique reader referral link. If not, compare prices and book your stay here. For more inspiration, visit my guide to the most unique cottages on Airbnb.
Here’s a handy map to see all available stays.
Planning a trip and need travel insurance? Get a free quote from World Nomads here.
Visiting the UK? Check out my other posts
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