Welcome to England's most beautiful village

If there's a more perfect little place than Lower Slaughter and its equally grisly-sounding twin Upper Slaughter, Zeena Lemon would be surprised

How refreshing in this age of manufactured tourist attractions and theme parks to discover a place-indeed two places--that are famous for simply being beautiful and are recommended not because of what there is to "do" but what there is to see.

And what there is to see in the two stunning Cotswold villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter-which are almost magical in their preservation--is English country life at its most beguiling, beautiful and peaceful.

There is something truly bewitching about the two villages that reside a mile apart off the A429, not far from Bourton-on-the-Water. The pace of life seems slowed, as if the villages were built to keep time with the river that ambles slowly through them.

Lower Slaughter-which has been called the most beautiful village in England--takes its character from the molten-honey-coloured stone houses that define this part of the world, but it is also defined by the River Eye and an old mill that are among its proud features.

The mill boasts a restored water wheel, small museum, shop and tea rooms and the river-which is more like a rather grand stream--can be crossed by two narrow footbridges, which are just perfect for dangling tired feet from.

Lower Slaughter also has one of the finest village halls I have ever seen, a million miles away from the cold and dusty buildings that are the usual feature of modern village life.

Almost too perfect to describe, this village would be wonderful to walk around at any time of the year, but the many different hues sunlight bestows on the famous stone cottages are surely best captured in the warmer months when there is time to enjoy being outdoors.

A charming footpath connects Upper Slaughter with Lower and it is a joy to revel in the countryside as you make your way between the two. Lesser known but equally alluring, Upper Slaughter too has the quiet stretch of the River Eye running amiably through it.

Hints at a more robust past are visible where a motte and castle once stood, now more mounds than grand fortifications. However, a grand medieval house, Upper Slaughter Manor, is still very much standing and is now an exclusive hotel.

Well worth a stop on the way to other better-known Cotswold locations, the Slaughters--as they are collectively known (nothing to do with the killing of animals but the old English word Slohtre meaning a muddy place)--are the perfect place to relax.

On a family day out, a solitary walk with the dog or a romantic stroll for two, a visit to the villages will leave you with the sense of serenity and calm that comes from being surrounded by sheer beauty.

How to get there

By car: From junction 6 of the M5, take the A4538 and then the A44 towards Evesham. At Evesham, join the A46 ring road, (signposted M5 Southbound, Cheltenham, Oxford). Rejoin the A44 (signposted Oxford). Turn right on to the A424 (signposted Stow-on-the-Wold). In Stow, follow the A429 and turn right to the Slaughters. The journey takes about 35 minutes.

By train: The nearest train station is Moreton-in-Marsh, about seven miles away. The journey from Worcester takes about 40 minutes.