“There is nothing so beautiful, lovable and moving as the English countryside.” – Stendhal
I LOVE London, but I adore the Cotswolds with every fiber of my being. Wednesday was the day that I started to feel very at home in England. Being only a generation removed from living in the country has sparked a lifelong curiosity about the culture. I’ve listened to stories told by my Mom’s family, I’ve read about the Monarchy, culture, and the history, and I watch far more British television then I do American.
The thing that really surprised me was how much I could love a place that I had only been in for a few days. Things made sense to me and I felt understood? I don’t know if that’s the right way to explain it, but I felt normal to the people over there (until I opened my mouth and my American accent popped out…) and they felt normal to me. The first time someone meets me (generally when it’s for something not related to work) they generally comment on how quiet and reserved I am. And that seems to be pretty common on that side of the pond. It made me feel comfortable and accepted.
Okay, end of ramble! Let’s get back to pretty pictures! -Also if you’d like to enhance your reading experience, I highly recommend turning on the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack while you read! 🙂
We got to the Slaughters Country Inn late Tuesday night and weren’t able to get a good look at anything. But I woke up Wednesday morning to something straight out of a Jane Austen novel (minus the period clothes. And Mr Darcy.) I opened the curtains by my bed and there were people riding by on horseback, there was the most beautiful church steeple peeking through the trees, and there was even a stream right beneath my window. Pretty good motivation to get up and start the day- huh?
Breakfast was served in the main building of the Inn, so naturally that was the first stop before heading out for a day of exploring! I ordered the Full English breakfast, but as much as I love the British- I have to be honest about something… Their traditional food is disgusting. I’m sorry, but have you ever heard of black pudding? I hadn’t and come to find out it actually isn’t pudding. It’s pig’s blood.
Yea… let that sink in for a moment- I’ll wait.
Recovered? Good! Let’s move on.
Even the garden by the car park at the Inn was pretty! I took a couple of photos before we headed out.
Bourton on the Water
We spent the first part of our morning at Bourton on the Water- I made friends with the ducks, wandered the streets with my camera, and quite literally stopped to smell the roses. I love how everywhere you go in England there are flowers everywhere! Even in London!
I found out this week that Ashley’s husband matched at Fort Gordon and is going to be moving to Augusta this spring!!
Arlington Row
I love how calm Arlington Row was. The water was peaceful with swans swimming by, it had been raining on and off all morning, and the air was crisp and clear. I could have spent the whole day just sitting on the edge of the water reading a book. I think that will be on my to do list for my next visit!
Perks of traveling with models: They’re always photo ready 😉
Daylesford Farm
Daylesford was probably one of my favorite parts of the whole trip! We drove to the farm for lunch and when I realized where we were I thought I was gonna bounce out of my seat! I’ve followed Daylesford Farm for years and getting to finally visit was a dream come true!
All the food the serve in their restaurant is grown on the farm and is insanely delicious! I ordered the Cotswolds Chopped Salad, which was one of the best salads I’ve ever had and a Lemonade as well! If you ever visit the Cotswolds you can’t not visit Daylesford.
Burford
Last stop of the day! We were all pretty tired, but we walked around a bit and visited the shops on the high street. I got distracted while we were there… I found a Joules and all of a sudden the outside world ceased to exist. I forgot I had a camera or a phone to take pictures with and then it was just me and all those beautiful sweaters on the sale rack. 😉
We didn’t have a shoot on Wednesday so the next post won’t be of a shoot, but day 4! We went to Blenheim Palace and spent the day in the gardens, so you won’t want to miss that! Also- don’t those fuzzy things look like something out of a Dr. Seuss story?
xoxo,
Jacqueline
Follow along on the rest of my trip to the UK
Tower Bridge Bridal Session | Notting Hill Engagement Session
+ COMMENTS
add a comment