Coleford – Puzzlewood
Puzzlewood was high on our list last time we visited the Cotswolds but it was closed over the winter. We were excited to find that Puzzlewood was still open on weekends only. Why did Rob want to visit this extraordinary woods? That would be because it was used as one of the film sets for Stars Wars amongst many other movies.
What was once used by the Romans to mine iron ore for armour is now a landscape that was the inspiration for movies like The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
Once inside this green mossy wonderland we were surrounded by deep green velvet covered ravines, fantastic rock formations, hidden caves, tangled vines and ancient oak and beech trees.
Muddy maze like pathways lead you in a myriad of directions through a fantasy landscape that made us believe we were really in a magical elven world.
We travelled along dinosaur feet, sunken mud swollen paths, along timber branch bridges covered in green moss and we rested to admire our surroundings in character branch chairs.
It was a forest walk where we wondered in awe at the sheer beauty of our surroundings.
There was also some friendly furry and feathery animals.
Painswick
A beautiful example of a quaint pretty Cotswolds village. This one is not touristy!! Our favourite feature here was the tall church spire set amongst ancient Yew trees. They had been carefully manicured to create a wonderland of tunnels and doorways to walk through.
Jolly Nice Farm Shop near Ashton Down
That is exactly what a farm shop should be. We are in love with these kind of shops.
I tried chocolate ginger and chilli ice cream and Rob indulged in Christmas cake ice cream.
Many people were out picking up their annual festive tree. The smell of fresh pine filled the chilly December air.
Cirencester
Cirencester is a larger Cotswolds town. It was the largest Roman town outside of London. We did a great walk that started at Cirencester Church which is one of the prettiest in England. It was decorated with festive trees which enhanced its warm soothing atmosphere.
Then we headed through the back of the church to a pretty park walk filled with over hanging trees where we spotted squirrels and swans grazing happily.
We walked further along to the site which was once a Roman Amphitheater built in the 2nd century AD. Now just overgrown with green fields of lush velvet grass but still resembling a stadium which held 8000 spectators.
We strolled back along a pretty pastel shopping street.
