Upper Slaughter is just a mile from Lower Slaughter, and is just as appealing. It is one of the country’s only ‘Double Thankful Villages’, meaning that it lost no souls during World War I or World War II.

Despite being one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, I suspect it is often overlooked in favour of its more popular neighbour, Bourton-on-the-Water. Even its twin village of Lower Slaughter is more well-known.

Upper Slaughter is as picturesque as any Cotswolds gem, sitting unassumingly on the River Eye which trickles through its centre. The village is actually listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, but its name doesn’t lend itself to a macabre history.

Rather, the name comes from the Old English ‘slothre’ which simply meant muddy place. It’s not muddy now that the village exists, unless of course you visit in winter and enjoy an Upper Slaughter walk, when mud is definitely to be expected!

What to see and things to do

A Norman castle once dominated the landscape, and the Slaughters Manor House is now a hotel.

Eyford House is also one of the village’s draws, as it once won the title of ‘England’s Favourite House’ as awarded by Country Life magazine.

The 1.5 acres site features a pretty garden abundant in ornamental trees and shrubs. While the Queen Anne style house is said to have inspired Milton’s Paradise Lost. 

If you want to stay the night, I’d really recommend booking a room at the Lords of the Manor Hotel.

Parking in Upper Slaughter

There is some street parking in the village square, but realistically it fills up quickly, particularly in summer. If you’re planning to park here then I’d advise arriving early.

A popular option is to park in the Lower Slaughter area (there are a couple of laybys) and walk 20 minutes to Upper Slaughter, which is a picturesque way of visiting both villages.