FAO DT re Birdlip

[Ann]

As you know we had a few days away staying in Royal George Hotel, Birdlip, Gloucs. It was an area we had not been to before so really enjoyed it. Went to Batsford arboretum on the way to Birdlip, can really recommend that place - beautiful!

Went to Gloucester, the docks regeneration area was great, saw the little mariners chapel which had lovely stained glass windows ans a ships wheel set into the pulpit, and old pictures on the walls. Went to the Antiques Centre on the dockside, a old 3 storey converted warehouse full of fantastic memorabilia, we re-lived our childhood looking at old toys and fascinating old books. There was china and ceramics too which I remembered from my Grandma's home in the 50s. Had a nice soup lunch there. The Shopping outlet centre in Gloucester was great, my friend and I found some good bargains, wish there was one within easy reach of us here.

Also visited Birdlip Hill to see for miles across right to Gloucester (could see Gloucester Cathedral in the distance - good on a photo zoomed up) Avoided the infamous "dogging" area near the hill which we heard about (good grief!)

Came back via Stratford Upon Avon but it was raining so didn't do much sightseeing by the river .......... a nice 3 days away. We intend to go back in the Spring, are there other places worth seeing on a 3 day trip around there (not too far from Birdlip) We have already been been to Bath and Bristol.

[DTCwordfan]

There's so much in and around the Cotswolds, Ann...never mind the main centres like Stowe or the Chippings. Did you hear of the Americans over who said. "We saw Chipping Campden, Chipping Norton, and Chipping Sodbury but we went through Chippings on the Road and saw no buildings. Is that one of your lost villages?"

[DTCwordfan]

(time to open the wine bottle, I think).

[JonnyBoy12]

The "dogging" area in Birdlip? Where is this then? I have been to Birdlip many times and not seen it.

Be very careful on the very steep hill there. My father blew up a truck's engine there by putting it in the wrong gear so make sure you use the brakes properly.

[Ann]

We were told about it before our holiday and thought the person was having us on but apparently no - it is correct, we were talking to a local resident, they hate it being on their doorstep (quite rightly so) and giving their lovely place a bad reputation.
http://news.bbc.co.uk...stershire/8660449.stm

[Ann]

LOL @ Chippings on the road ................ will remember that one!

[DTCwordfan]

I like Chipping Camden and Burford, Ann, but then there are so many places to go and stay, the Dormy Hotel above Broadway, Lower Slaughter Manor being two (but now pricey). The Feathers in Woodstock used to be great (but has gone down hill), however the Kings Arms across the road offers pretty good value and reasonable grub and a friendly bar.

[Ann]

Thanks DT for tips. We usually stay at the Old English Inns (Greene King) as they are very old and historical with lots of character and most do good cheap food. We get vouchers from the newspapers for promotional prices - our hol last week was an unbelievable £14.50 pp per night including a massive breakfast!! Can't be bad! Once a year we use our Tesco vouchers which can be converted into accommodation at various chains of hotel (inc Old English Inns) at three times their face value which is an excellent deal.
We have visited Burford, fascinating antiques shops, and the river and we love The Slaughters - Upper and Lower, can't remember which was the one with the water mill. Also love Bourton on the Water and Broadway.

[Kiki-frog]

Ann, that's right on my doorstep. I'm so glad you had a good time - it really is a lovely part of the world.

As for the dogging spot, the BBC article left out the fact that Barrow Wake is on Shab Hill, which has a rather unfortunate nickname.

[Ann]

<giggle> we didn't see any shenanigans kiki - we kept our eyes on the distant horizon!

[DTCwordfan]

and Ann and her OH bypassed Glastonbury on the way back. They saw it from afar, the distant horizon, and thought it was rather phallic, so they gave it a wide girth

[Kiki-frog]

Ann, I've never spotted any al fresco rumpy-pumpy either. But I've only ever walked along there in broad daylight. It does annoy people who live close by, though

[DTCwordfan]

I'm not surprised, kiki, it sounds like what is now happening on the Hog's Back, between Guildford and Farnham, and near to where I used to live, the locals objecting to some of the night "entertainment" available on their doorsteps.