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Cold Aston

Attractions and Places To See around Cold Aston - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Cold Aston include a variety of historical gems and natural landscapes within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by rolling hills, stone-built villages, and ancient woodlands, offering a tranquil escape. Cold Aston serves as a base for exploring the wider picturesque area, with notable landmarks and scenic routes like the Gloucestershire Way.

Best attractions and places to see around Cold Aston

  • The most popular attractions is Lower Slaughter, a settlement known for its unique charm. It is considered one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, situated on the River Eye.
  • Another must-see spot is The Old Mill, Lower Slaughter, a man-made monument with a museum, shop, and riverside cafe. This historic site dates back to at least 1086 and sits on the River Eye.
  • Visitors also love Bourton-on-the-Water village, an archetypal Cotswold village known for its charming cottages and the River Windrush. Delightful arched bridges span the river, giving it the nickname 'Venice of the Cotswolds'.
  • Cold Aston is known for its historic villages, natural reserves, and cultural sites. The area offers a variety of experiences, from exploring ancient landmarks to enjoying scenic walks.
  • The attractions around Cold Aston are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 600 upvotes and over 260 photos shared.

Last updated: October 5, 2026

Lower Slaughter

Highlight • Settlement

Lower Slaughter is a small village on the River Eye, which runs through the middle of the village. There is a former watermill from the 19th century, which nowadays has a cozy café but also a "tourist trap" with clothing and fishing rods.

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Bourton-on-the-Water village

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An archetypal Cotswold village, Bourton-on-the-Water's mix of pretty cottages and honey-coloured brick houses give it an undeniable charm. Delightful arched bridges span the River Windrush, the small river responsible for giving Bourton its 'Venice of the Cotswolds' tag.

The ancient Roman road, the Fosse Way, travels through the village and it is also that start point for the Oxfordshire Way long-distance trail to Henley-on-Thames.

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The Old Mill, Lower Slaughter

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This gorgeous mill sits on a site dating back to at least 1086, when the Domesday Book was written. Sitting on the River Eye, just before it flows into Bourton-on-the-Water, the mill itself has its history in the 14 century.

Like the village it lies in, Lower Slaughter, the mill is absolutely stunning and is now home to a museum. You'll also find a shop and lovely riverside cafe here.

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Stow-on-the-Wold Market Cross

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The market cross stands in the heart of Stow on the Wold's market square. It was constructed in medieval times as a reminder to traders to deal honestly and fairly.

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River Eye in The Cotswolds

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One of the many nice little rivers in the Cotswolds where you can walk along through quiet villages.

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Tips from the Community

erwinsikkens_com
September 6, 2026, Bourton-on-the-Water Village

Beautiful village but extremely busy with tourists. There are many more beautiful villages in the region without all the people.

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One of the many nice little rivers in the Cotswolds where you can walk along through quiet villages.

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Beautiful old water mill that you should definitely visit, especially on days when it is less crowded with tourists.

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Beautiful Cotswold village with, among other things, a local art gallery, pub and manor. Most visitors, however, will come for the magnificent old watermill. Worthwhile and, despite the tourists, considerably quieter than the nearby Bourton-on-the-Water.

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Very lovely

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In the case of a "market cross," as we encounter here again, one would have to ask the fundamental question of whether it is actually primarily a small sacred monument—as its cross shape suggests—or whether it is more of a secular object. In times long past, such a cross—unlike classic wayside crosses or field crosses—was only allowed to be erected if the corresponding locality also possessed so-called "market rights"—that is, if it had been granted them by the local ruler.

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In the middle of a small green area within the village, a cross rises atop a tall stone shaft. However, as hikers notice upon approach, this is by no means a small sacred monument in the sense of the wayside crosses common in some regions. Rather, this monument, like those found in many villages, is dedicated to the memory of the victims of war and tyranny.

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Plenty of time to look around

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Cold Aston?

Cold Aston is nestled within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering rolling hills, stone-built villages, and ancient woodlands. The village itself features a centuries-old, enormous oak tree on its green. Nearby, you can explore the Greystones Farm Nature Reserve, which boasts rare tree species, ancient hedgerows, wildflower meadows, and the River Eye.

Are there historical sites to visit in Cold Aston and nearby?

Yes, Cold Aston has its own historical gems, including the Church of St Andrew, which features Norman design and older Saxon stonework. A lovely Georgian rectory is also in the village center. Further afield, you can visit The Old Mill, Lower Slaughter, a historic site dating back to at least 1086. The Stow-on-the-Wold Market Cross is another medieval landmark, and the Chedworth Roman Villa offers a glimpse into Roman-British history with well-preserved bathhouses and mosaics.

What family-friendly attractions are available near Cold Aston?

Several attractions cater to families. Bourton-on-the-Water village, known as the 'Venice of England', offers attractions like the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, Birdland Park and Gardens, and The Model Village. Greystones Farm Nature Reserve also has waymarked trails suitable for families and a cafe. The Old Mill, Lower Slaughter includes a museum and shop that can be interesting for all ages.

Can I find good hiking trails around Cold Aston?

Absolutely. Cold Aston is an excellent base for hiking. The Gloucestershire Way, a long-distance path, runs between Notgrove and Cold Aston. For more structured routes, you can explore various options, including the 'Bourton-on-the-Water & Clapton-on-the-Hill loop' or the 'Lower Slaughter – River Eye in The Cotswolds loop'. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Cold Aston guide.

Are there options for cycling near Cold Aston?

Yes, the area around Cold Aston is popular for both mountain biking and road cycling. You can find routes like the 'Muddy Path in The Cotswolds – Sweeping Downs Near Cold Aston loop' for MTB, or 'Naunton Village – Windrush Ford loop' for road cycling. Explore more routes and details on the MTB Trails around Cold Aston and Road Cycling Routes around Cold Aston guides.

What are some picturesque villages to visit in the vicinity of Cold Aston?

Cold Aston is surrounded by some of the Cotswolds' most picturesque villages. Bourton-on-the-Water village is famous for its charming cottages and the River Windrush. Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter are also highly regarded for their beauty, with Lower Slaughter featuring The Old Mill.

Where can I experience the local pub culture in Cold Aston?

In Cold Aston itself, The Plough is a quintessential 17th-century Grade II listed pub. It's the only pub serving Cold Aston, Turkdean, and Notgrove, offering a true taste of local hospitality and is rumored to have a resident ghost named 'Old Harry'.

Are there any nature reserves for wildlife spotting?

Yes, the Greystones Farm Nature Reserve is a significant spot for nature lovers. It's home to rare tree species, ancient hedgerows, wildflower meadows, and a lake teeming with wildlife. It's also an important archaeological site, hosting one of Europe's earliest known towns.

What kind of views can I expect from the area?

The region around Cold Aston, being part of the Cotswolds AONB, offers stunning views of rolling hills and picturesque valleys. For panoramic vistas, Broadway Tower, an 18th-century folly situated on a hill, provides expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

Are there any accessible paths for visitors with mobility needs?

While specific accessibility details for all paths vary, some highlights like Bourton-on-the-Water village and Stow-on-the-Wold Market Cross are noted as having wheelchair-accessible categories, suggesting some ease of access in these village centers.

What is the best time of year to visit Cold Aston for outdoor activities?

The Cotswolds are beautiful year-round, but for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) generally offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and vibrant landscapes with blooming flowers or changing foliage.

What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/419917" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bourton-on-the-Water village</a> a popular destination?

Bourton-on-the-Water village is often called the 'Venice of England' due to the River Windrush flowing through its center, spanned by picturesque low arched stone bridges. Its charm comes from a mix of pretty cottages and honey-coloured brick houses, along with attractions like the Cotswold Motoring Museum and The Model Village.

What is unique about <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/416690" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lower Slaughter</a>?

Lower Slaughter is considered one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. It's characterized by the tranquil River Eye running through it and features a former 19th-century watermill, now The Old Mill, which houses a museum, shop, and riverside cafe.

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