Perfect English village that hasn’t changed in 100 years

A picture-perfect village in the Cotswolds has managed to hold on to its quintessentially English charm for more than a century.

Lower Slaughter in Gloucestershire is a must-see for visitors to the area, dotted with old limestone cottages that line the banks of the River Eye. The immaculate exteriors of the distinctive golden Cotswold stone houses are interspersed with the occasional village shop and an upscale country pub, neatly placed on either side of the meandering river.

Considerably smaller and less crowded than its famous neighbours of Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, a wander through the village won’t take long.  But it is exactly that peaceful, bijou nature of the village that visitors find most charming.

Almost untouched by the modern world, a picture showing the same spot in 1924 and 2024 was shared on the All About Great Britain Facebook page. With over 1,500 comments, it seems the enduring beauty has struck a chord with former residents and admirers of the area.

One commenter said: “That’s what I love about the Cotswolds. You can’t improve on perfect.” While a second rsaid: “Lovely little Cotswold Village – I remember riding through it as a young lad, with my cycling club. Quite a few years ago now! I always felt that the Cotswolds, Mendips and the Quantocks, epitomised the beauty of the English countryside and still do.”

Perhaps the most famous landmark in the village is The Slaughters Manor House, an imposing country idyll that has stood in the village since 1004. With a rich history as a covenant and nunnery, the Manor returned to the crown in 1603 where it was handed over to the Whitemore family who called home for more than 300 years. 

Today The Slaughters is a beautiful four AA star hotel frequented by folks looking for a quiet but luxurious stay in the country. 

Another big hit with blow-throughs is the Slaughters Country Inn.  Sitting at the heart of the village, it offers fancy afternoon teas and an extensive lunch and dinner menu.

Garnering a rating of 4.5 overall on TripAdvisor, visitors were impressed by the exceptional food and beautiful bedrooms.