CotswoldXL Magazine Issue 10

A warm welcome to the JulyAugust issue of CostwoldXL magazine from myself and all of the CotswoldXL team.

OUR TEAM

Founder Chris Brown

Magazine Coordinator

Kim Raxter

GET IN TOUCH

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Office - 01386 700117

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Editor Mide Carter

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Joshua Higham Focus

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How

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR.

Here we are in the thick of a very British summer. We’ve had the heat and now the days are a deluge of showers punctuated with the occasional burst of hot sunshine. But as dangerous heatwaves rage across Europe, I know where I’d rather be. And of course, in true British style everyone just gets on with the summer and does their best to ignore the rain. After all there’s no bad weather just bad clothing!

We’re enjoying our staycation and have been hopping on the train to London for music and theatre. Obviously one of the many great benefits to living in the Cotswolds is it’s so well placed to get to other places. You really can have a bit of everything.

If you’re looking for things to do this summer holidays turn to page 32 to find out all about fruit picking in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. With farms offering a range of activities it makes for an unusual and fun summer holiday dayout for all ages. On page 6 I talk about how I fell in love with Wild Swimming plus there’s a guide to help you get started on your own Wild Swimming journey.

For our new regular feature ‘Focusing on Farming’ with Gorsehill Abbey Farm near Broadway turn to page 12. This was a really fascinating visit and I felt so privileged to find out more about life as an organic dairy farmer in the Cotswolds.

Lastly, if you’re like me and sometimes in the wee hours sleep eludes you, turn to page 27 to read ‘Morning Light… and why it matters’, which gives some important clues on how to improve your sleep, feel more rested, and healthier in general.

Enjoy these summer months and take care.

Mide x

WILD SWIMMING AND ME

Long before the cold-water guru Wim Hof came along and the deluge of inflatable ice-baths popped up in middle class gardens across the country, I knew I loved cold water.

It was February half-term and I was 11 years old. My two siblings and I were staying with family friends and their three children; a playmate and best friend for each of us.

I don’t recall what inspired our behaviour. But, one very early damp and frosty morning, my friend and I decided to go swimming in her neighbour’s pool. We were an impulsive pair and thoughts of seeking adult permission were not forth coming. Undoubtedly all rather dangerous and illegal, but I can’t help feeling wistful for that unencumbered 11-year-old boldness. Anyway, we had no prior knowledge as to the neighbour’s movements that morning but were undeterred. We were convinced we would slip in under their noses, two rather loud young girls that we were. It later transpired they were away, thank goodness.

So, at 7.30am, we made our way up the drive to the neighbour’s house. We wore our cossies under our pyjamas and wrapped two inadequate towels over our shoulders for warmth. Without hesitation we rolled back the tarpaulin covering the pool and slowly eased ourselves into the icy water.

I soon realised cold water was more rousing and magical when it was experienced in the bosom of nature. Consequently, I sought out all available opportunities to immerse myself in the sea, rivers, streams and lakes. My Dad was happy to accommodate and encourage my new found love, my Mum less so. Now I sympathise of course. Suffice to say we had some pretty robust swimming lessons and I am a very competent in the water. And, my love has endured.

Nothing awakens my soul quite like taking a dip in amongst the wild things. The cold gives an energy boost that seems to zing wildly through every cell in my body and stays there all-day-long. My mood becomes buoyant and bubbly. Then afterwards I’m also filled with calm and joy.

The world has caught on and calls it ‘wild swimming’. We know cold water can be good for us and enveloping ourselves in nature regularly is important, so it makes sense to combine the two. I really can’t recommend it enough. But water is dangerous, particularly cold water and safety is paramount.

What followed was exhilarating, and the thrill and energy from our illicit swim made an indelible impression on me. I am convinced it’s from here that my love of ice-cold water was born (and not breaking and entering, that’s never been my thing.)

Follow our tips on how to safely begin your wild swimming journey with a comprehensive list of the best places to go in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.

How to begin wild swimming safely:

Research where you will swim, check if the water is safe, that you aren’t trespassing, and that wild swimming is permitted. If in doubt, join a managed wild swimming group.

If you’re new to wild swimming, don’t jump in, wade in with purpose whilst giving your body time to adjust. Don’t sit on the edge, dangling your legs hesitating though, you’ll never do it.

Never go wild swimming alone, in threes is best safety wise.

Before you jump in, check the depth and flow of the water. Check for rocks or submerged trees or branches. Avoid rivers where there is a fast-flowing current.

Before you enter the water, work out how you will exit the water. Don’t rush in without having a clear plan.

Make sure you finish your swim before you begin shivering as you could let yourself become dangerously cold.

Consider a wet suit and swimming shoes . If you encounter weeds it’s important not to panic, let yourself float through them, using your arms to move not your legs.

Avoid city rivers and canals as the water is more likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria.

Avoid swimming where there’s algae, it can make you ill with potent bacteria.

Where to go Wild Swimming in the Cotswolds.

Wallingford Beach

Wallingford Beach is on the east side (Crowmarsh) bank of the Thames immediately downstream. Shallow enough to paddle but also deep enough in places to swim for those who are more confident. It’s a popular spot and you’ll see paddle boards and canoes galore. Conveniently there’s also parking a few minutes away so you can easily bring a picnic and lounge around for a few hours after taking a dip.

Buscot Weir Lechlade

The river has carved a natural weir pool which is deep enough for confident swimmers to really enjoy the water. The surrounding trees also make great diving platforms. The grass is good for picnics and watching the world go by after swimming.

Cheese Wharf Lechlade

Upstream from Buscot Weir is the old river loading dock which once saw 20 tonnes of cheese a day pass over its banks. Buscot Weir offers a deep pool on the river bend, with a beautiful roadside

glade for welcome shade on hot days. There’s a rope swing over the river for those who are feeling particularly adventurous.

River Windrush nr Widford

Just off the footpath to St Oswold’s Church in Widford, towards Burford, along the river Windrush is a delightfully shallow spot to take a dip. Lots of places to swim and too shallow for boats making it feel like a safer option for beginners and families.

Radcot Bridge

Radcot Bridge is famous for being the oldest bridge on the Thames. It’s also ideal for wild swimming and any other water pursuits you might fancy such as paddleboarding and canoeing. With a campsite and a pub, Ye Olde Swan, conveniently nearby you can make a weekend of it with all the family.

Words by Mide Carter.

Dates for your diary in 2023

Badsey Flower Show

29 Jul

BadseyFlowerShow.co.uk

Battle of Evesham Festival

500+ Knights, soldiers and living history, 30 horses. Medieval and modern artisan crafts stalls.

5-6 Aug

BattleofEvesham.co.uk

Evesham Sheepdog Trails

See farmers and their loyal dogs in the ultimate test of their working relationship.

5-6 Aug

ValeandSpa.co.uk

Evesham Angling Festival

One of the country’s most prestigious coarse shing competitions.

26-28 Aug

EveshamFestival.com

Augusts Event in Focus

Evesham Angling Festival

One of the country’s most prestigious coarse shing competitions.

26-28 Aug

EveshamFestival.com

FOCUS ON FARMING

Gorsehill Abbey Farm

Join us each month as we follow life down on the dairy farm with Nick & Jenny Taylor.

Nestling into the landscape of the beautiful north Cotswolds, between the villages of Broadway and Willersey, sits Gorsehill Abbey Farm. Gorsehill Abbey is an organic dairy farm with a side-line of a milk vending machine, milkshakes and really delicious ice cream. The farm is set on 160 acres and owned and run by Nick and Jenny Shaylor and their three children.

On a splendidly sunny late spring day I turned up to chat to Jenny and have a tour of the farm. Gorsehill Abbey is at the end of a long bumpy drive and as you enter the driveway, you’re greeted by a simple, hard to miss sign saying, ‘Milk For Sale’. As the farm comes into view, you’re flanked by apple trees and lush green fields, it’s unquestionably idyllic. But I already know that farming is no easy gig and am really interested to find out more about the family’s life in this delightful place.

Jenny grew up in the Cotswolds, but the couple had been living with their children in Hampshire for a number of years. Jenny worked as a physiotherapist and Nick managed a mixed organic farm.

Over the years Nick and Jenny had begun to feel very strongly that farming with less chemicals and minimal disruption to the land and wildlife made more and more sense. They felt driven to put their vision into practice on their own farm. So, threeand-a-half years ago – and after a tenyear search for a suitable property and land – Jenny and Nick made the move to Gorsehill Abbey Farm. Historically it had been a cheese farm, making it ideal for them to turn into an organic dairy farm. The side-line of milk vending, milkshakes and delicious ice cream came later.

Jenny is softly spoken and easy to chat to; we talk all things family, and this leads to their kids and how they help out on the farm. Obviously, Jenny tells me, big machinery and dangerous dirty jobs

are out of the question, but they all do something within their capabilities like feeding calves or labelling ice cream pots. But, as she points out, this isn’t a novel way to keep the kids involved – this is farm life. As Jenny says, it’s a family business and that means everyone pitches in. This is the story of farmers across the country and I find it comforting. It feels healthy and wholesome for kids to be out and about helping on the farm. But it also brings the conversation around to another important truism about modern farm life – it’s getting harder. Jenny describes how farming is rewarding but tougher than ever. Whilst the government encourages farmers to diversify to bring in more money, they still have to do all the normal farming jobs that consume the day –making it absolutely necessary that if you diversify, everyone has to pitch in.

Diversifying for dairy farmers is particularly important because of the fluctuating monthly milk prices. They never know what the price will be from month to month, making it impossible to budget realistically year on year. Especially worrying when prices hit an all-time low. When Jenny and I spoke, milk prices had been steadily falling for six months. This means the same amount of work for less money and high levels of anxiety. As Jenny quite rightly points out, this is particularly ironic when there’s a

cost of living crisis and the food prices are rising. Yet the price the farmers are receiving is going down – they play no role in what’s happening. This means that many farmers will no longer be able to survive and their farms will have to close. The off-shot of this is that further down the line there may be a milk shortage. I’m stunned and wonder how such a vital industry is expected to manage in such precarious circumstances?

We inevitably talk about how farmers can realistically diversify and add value to their milk. Jenny and Nick didn’t know they’d vend milk, sell milkshakes and make ice cream when they purchased Gorsehill Abbey Farm. But lockdown and a series of unexpected events meant they found a way to add value to their milk and safeguard themselves against milk price misery. It is a lot more work, of course, but they count themselves as some of the lucky ones and have a small buffer. Also, the Milk Shed, from which they sell their wares, brings them into contact with their lovely customers and this is really rewarding for them. It’s unusual for dairy farmers who, so often, don’t meet the end consumer.

We stroll around the farm and I chat to Jenny’s husband, Nick, who is toiling away around us. It’s easy to see that Jenny and Nick are two people with incredible integrity and commitment to their work. They aren’t in this to get rich or for an easy life – farming really is vocational as well as vital. Of course, in an ideal world they feel it would be best for everyone to farm organically but they know it’s just not that simple. They know different farms suit different ways of farming and lots of farmers are just doing the best that they can.

I’ve visited the Gorsehill Abbey Milk Shed many times over the past few years for milk and treats and I adore it. It’s clean, professional and welcoming plus it’s on a real working farm which is charming. When we have friends and family staying, we quite often bring them down to Gorsehill Abbey, we’re very proud to have them on our door step. It feels good to fill your bottle with nonhomogenised milk from cows you can actually see – and these are beautiful well cared for cows.

Words by Mide Carter

the card shop

Greetings Cards, Balloons, Banners, Gifts and Cotswold Souvenirs

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL THIS SUMMER

It’s summertime again and with the unpredictability of the British climate we’re likely to experience all types of weather, including blazing sunshine and heat. Dogs don’t sweat and wear fur coats all year round, making warm weather potentially lethal for them with the risk of heat stroke. Find our tips below on how to keep your dog(s) safe and comfortable this sunny season.

1. Inside your house

British homes generally don’t have aircon and they’re not built to keep the heat out. This means that dogs can overheat at home and we should take precautions.

Have several bowls of water dotted around the house on warm and hot days. Clean the bowls each evening and ensure they’re topped up regularly with fresh water.

Find a cool space and set up a fan with a cooling mat or damp towel for your dog to sit on. Place their bowl next to the mat and encourage them to lie there with a few treats.

Use a dog cool coat or bandana – we like the vest by SharkPaws:

bit.ly/3OjhOpp

2. When to walk

It doesn’t have to be extreme heat for dogs to run into trouble. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day when temperatures are above 21 degrees – 9.30am until 7pm. However, if the humidity is high your dog may struggle even after 7pm. If in doubt don’t walk them, it’s simply not worth it and your dog will survive. If you do head out, aim for wooded areas where there is more shade and pop on a cool coat and some protective footwear as the ground can burn their paws badly in hot weather. We like Grip Trex available from Ruffwear at £52.96:

https://ruffwear.co.uk/products/griptrex-dog-boot-pairs

3. Grooming

Keeping our dog’s coat cut to a minimum in the summer months is an excellent way to help them manage the heat. Groomers costs can add up so invest in a pair of dog clippers with low sound, cutting scissors and a brush to help you keep on top of it.

4. Your dog’s weight

Overweight and unfit dogs will struggle more in the heat. If you’re concerned, talk to your vet and develop a plan to get them down to a healthy size.

5. Car

Never leave a dog in a locked car on a warm day – even for five minutes. The temperature rises quickly, and rapidly becomes a lethal situation for dogs.

6. Swimming

Surprisingly for dogs, swimming and playing in water on a hot day isn’t advised as they can over exert themselves and this can still contribute to heatstroke. Also, water algae in rivers and lakes can grow in hot weather and this can be poisonous to dogs. A small paddling pool in a very shaded place in the garden would be fine though.

7. Recognise and treat heat stroke

What does heatstroke look like?

• heavy panting

• extreme lethargy

• confusion, disorientation and loss of coordination

• foaming at the mouth

• shaking or seizures

• vomiting and diarrhoea

What to do if your dog has heatstroke

• call the vets immediately and ask for advice

• talk calmly and don’t panic them

• offer them water

• make sure they are in the shade

• place them in front of a fan on top of a wet towel, blanket or cooling mat

• pour tepid water over their feet, then their ears and head. Avoid very cold water as it may send them into shock

• in the car on the way to the vets place them on a wet towel and keep the windows down or put the air-con on full blast

Words by Mide Carter.

MORNING LIGHT…

And why it matters

It’s common knowledge that eating well, exercising and minimising stress are positive steps we can take to look after our bodies and our minds. But, crucially, if we don’t get enough light – in particular morning light – our efforts may all be in vain.

Our internal biological clock or circadian rhythm is our bodies internal mechanism that dictates all of our physiology and all of our behaviours.

This internal mechanism works on a 24hour cycle releasing hormones to match what we need at specific moments. All of the active processes of our bodies are compartmentalised to happen in the day

and the restorative processes happen at night. There are cells in our eyes not related to vision, that tell the body via light what time of day it is. The different levels of light are vital signals to our circadian rhythm as to what is to happen next. In short, every aspect of how we function is controlled by the rising and falling of the sun and the light it produces.

Our bodies and all living things have developed to respond in this way over millions of years via evolution. Mess with your exposure to light and, in turn, your circadian rhythm and our whole physiology is thrown into disarray.

Over prolonged periods this could mean an increased risk of depression, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. So, to keep ourselves healthy we need to keep our circadian rhythm in check ensuring we receive optimal hormone release. To do this we need to follow the pattern of the sun as closely as possible and expose ourselves to enough light. We need to ensure we access the sun’s morning light in order to kickstart the cycle to release the correct hormones. But for many of us this just isn’t happening.

Professor Steve Jones senior research fellow of Human Genetics at University College London says; ‘The perils of living without sunlight are really quite real. In some ways modern life has driven us back to the stone age’.

Jones goes on to explain that inevitably in the winter we have less light and our bodies suffer as a result. Our immune systems don’t work as well, we’re tired and more prone to depression. But modern life is having the same affect all year round meaning we are in a permanent light deficit. We are surrounded by artificial light which sends false signals to the brain, making us alert when we should be tired for example. Jones continues to say that the bottom line is we just aren’t spending enough time outside. Unsurprisingly the NHS advises that we all take a vitamin D pill and this, compounded with the fact that our circadian rhythm is profoundly misaligned, means we are like people existing in caves relying on artificial light.

What we can do

Dawn light is the time for kick starting our circadian rhythm but, for many of us, heading out for a dawn walk isn’t realistic. The government recommends two hours a week outside, but ideally an hour a day is best with a good portion of this in the morning if possible. See the list below for steps all of us can take to optimise our circadian rhythm, our health and energy.

Take your morning cup of tea and sit in the garden or head outside, making sure you don’t wear sunglasses. If you can manage half an hour that’s great but anytime you can spend absorbing the morning light is positive.

If you work from home, try and work next to a sunny window or make sure you take breaks outside again without sunglasses. If this isn’t possible, invest in a sun lamp (not the tanning kind.) Particularly useful in the winter if you suffer from Seasonal

Affective Disorder but can be used all year round. There’s many on the market, we like the Beurer TL 50 SAD Therapy Light available at John Lewis for £79.99.

If you can’t head outside at dawn, invest in a dawn simulation clock, we like ARTINABS Sunrise Alarm clock available form Amazon at £34.99.

1-2 hours before bed limit overhead lighting, keep low light side-lamps on only. Also significantly limit your interaction with electronic devices such as phones, laptops and tablets.

Make a concerted effort to get outside more. Walking groups are a great way to motivate yourself.

Words by Mide carter.

PICK YOUR OWN

The Simple Joy of Picking Fruit

There is something particularly enthralling and delicious about fruit and vegetables picked by your own fair hand. Fruit picking is a simple way to immerse ourselves in nature and enjoy the beautiful bounty mother nature has on offer. A visit to a local fruit farm can give everyone an energetic but relaxing day out. When fruit farms often have a wide range of activities on offer and some with an opportunity to camp, a visit to a fruit farm is well worth working into your summer itinerary.

Over Farm

Over, Gloucester, GL2 8DB5HB

In addition to pick your own strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, Over Farm has lots going on. From quad trains to animal trails and mini golf plus lots more, it’s well worth a trip to fill up your fruit baskets and have an energetic and funfilled family day out.

For more information go to https://www. overfarm.co.uk/over-farms-farm-park/ or call 01452 341 510.

Hayles Fruit Farm Millets Farm Centre

Hayles Fruit Farm runs pick your own sessions from June through to October. In season they have an abundance of fruit with strawberries, plums, apples, pears and pumpkins available. In addition to fruit picking they have a popular campsite with good amenities that sits nestled into the glorious Cotswold countryside. With the Cotswold Way nearby, it’s a superb spot for walkers and tourists alike.

For more details head over to their website at https://www.haylesfruitfarm. co.uk/ or call them on 01242 602 123.

Primrose Vale Farm Shop

Shurdington Road, Bentham, Cheltenham GL51 4AU

Primrose Vale is open for pick your own from May to October with a wide range of berries, apples and pears and some veg’ as well. With a well-stocked farm shop selling excellent local produce, a café and kids play area, Primrose Vale has lots to offer.

Find more details at https://primrosevale. com/ or call them on 01452 863 359.

Millets Farm Centre is a colossal patchwork of countryside activities including pick your own. Additionally, they have restaurants, a play barn, falconry, a garden centre, woodland walks, farmyard golf, a ferris wheel and so much more. It’s a guaranteed lively day trip and worth more than one visit to get the most out of it. When in season, the pick your own has strawberries, raspberries, cherries and plums.

Booking is advised for many activities including pick your own. To find out more head to https://www.milletsfarmcentre. com/ or call on 01865 392 200.

Clive’s Fruit Farm

Clive’s Fruit Farm has delicious pick your own strawberries and cherries on offer from June through to August. There’s also a butchery and well stocked farm shop on site, plus a coffee shop and juice shed – all making for a really lovely summer excursion. Large groups are advised to call ahead or keep an eye on their website for field closures.

https://clivesfruitfarm.co.uk/farmshop/ or call 01684 592 664.

Words by Mide Carter

Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5PB Kingston Road, Frilford, Oxfordshire OX13

Upper Hook Road, Upton Upon Severn,

VISIT US TODAY..

Camgraphic

Custom engraving and print in wood, acrylic for businesses.

Call us: 01386 849217

Website: woodensignskeyringsbadgestokens.co.uk

Cotswold

Automotive

Full range of services, ranging from Servicing to MOTs for all makes and Models.

Call us: 01386 841727

Cotswold Oak LTD

Bespoke construction, joinery & new house development services.

Call us: 01386 898086

Website: www.cotswoldoakltd.co.uk

Alan Yates Motor Engineering

Vehicle servicing & repairs.

Call us: 01386 841233

Broadmark IT LTD

Computer equipment and related services to homes

Butty Hut

Hot and cold sandwiches, breakfasts, snacks, hot and cold drinks.

Specialising in construction plant hire, power tools & material handling equipment sales.

Call us: 01386 849163

Website: dareplanthire.co.uk

George Wilcox LTD

Suppliers of granite memorials to the memorial

Call us: 01386 840855

Website: www.willcoxgranite.co.uk

Granite Planet

Dare Plant Hire Call

Beautiful, bespoke worktops. We create and install quartz, granite and ultra compact surfaces.

Call us: 01386 840868

Website: www.graniteplanet.co.uk

Grinnall Carpets

Carpet tiles, vinyls, flotex, karndean, naturals, woods, laminates.

Call us: 07834 486687

Website: grinnallcarpets.co.uk

A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS

Holden Garden Machinery

Garden machinery specialists.

Call us: 01386 841285

Website: www.holdengardenmachinery.co.uk

Interfab LTD

Interfab is one of the UK’s leading Corian® and solid surface fabricators.

Call us: 01386 858100

Website: www.interfab.co.uk

Joinery Classics

Bespoke furniture and joinery manufacture for high end domestic and corporate interiors.

Call us: 01386 841888

Website: www.jccreed.co.uk

KDE Partnership

Quality electricians offering bespoke services.

Call us: 01386 578404

Website: www.kdepartnership.co.uk

KL Evesham

Timber and associated product supplier.

Call us: 01299 252921

Website: www.klevesham.com

L and J Rider Training

Motorcycle and scooter tuition.

Call us: 01386 840588

Call us: ljridertraining.co.uk

NTL Fabrication & Welding

Fabrication and welding specialists.

Call us: 07795 847836

Website: https://ntlfabricationandwelding.com

Outdoor Adventurer

Outdoor goods from hiking and camping to snowboarding and climbing.

Call us: 01386 841899

Call us: outdooradventurer.co.uk

PHX Security

Professional security services for both commercial and domestic customers.

Call us: 01386 841982

Website: www.phxsecurity.co.uk

R Christie Picture Framer

Classic and contemporary picture framing, gilding, and frame restoration services.

Call us: 01386 841177

Website: www.richardframemaker.uk

R Rodgers Motor Engineers

Motor engineer specialists.

Call us: 01386 840981

Realm Engineering

Produce replica cars and manufacture specialist car parts.

Call us: 01386 849116

Website: realmengineering.com

A traditional barber with professional service.

Call us: 07825 047677

Website: secretbarber.com

Secret Barber Spacemaster

Manufactures a whole range of products designed to protect doors and windows.

Call us: 01386 848852

RECIPE BERRY PAVLOVA

What better way to use up those berries from a day’s fruit picking than with a glorious summertime Pavlova? Find my well used and much-loved recipe below.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C. Then take a large dinner plate and draw around it on a piece of grease proof paper

2. Put the eggs whites in a bowl and whisk them until stiff and forming nice peaks

3. Gradually add the sugar a teaspoon at a time and whisky thoroughly after each addition

4. In a small cup, blend the vinegar and cornflour together and add to the meringue mixture, whisking thoroughly

5. If the meringue mixture feels grainy, whisk for a little longer but be careful not to overdo it

6. Spread out your mixture on the circle you drew on your greaseproof paper

Ingredients:

For the Pavlova

500g berries of your choice

300ml double cream

2 tablespoons caster sugar

For the Meringue

4 large egg whites

2 level teaspoons cornflour

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

300g caster sugar

1 tablespoon icing sugar

7. Place the meringue inside the oven and turn down to 150°C. Cook for an hour until they look nicely golden

8. After an hour, switch off the oven but leave the meringue in there for 2 hours so it’s got a nice marshmallow texture on the inside

9. Whip your double cream then mix in the berries and icing sugar and serve Enjoy!

The ultimate Cotswold wine tasting experience.

Please call to book a tour...

01386 840079

We’ll tell you our story...

Little Oak Vineyard is a beautiful vineyard located in the small Cotswold market town of Chipping Campden. Since planting their first vines in 2005 the vineyard has gone on to produce high quality white wine, award-winning sparkling wine and a superb brandy.

Owned by Steve and managed by Gemma, who also hosts the tours. Their most recent accolade is being awarded Gold in the 50 Greatest Sparkling Wines of the World competition. Why not book a tour and share our amazing stories!

The ultimate wine tasting experience…

Give your taste buds a treat with a vineyard tour and wine tasting at the award-winning Little Oak Vineyard, where you’ll sample their high-quality white wine, award-winning sparkling wine and superb brandy.

You’ll start your experience with a short introduction about the vineyard and its wine before heading out on a fascinating tour around the vineyard. Once back in the tasting room you’ll taste and learn about the white wines, sparkling wine and brandy made by Little Oak. Following your experience stay and enjoy a traditional Cotswold ploughmans lunch of local hams, cheeses, chutneys, crusty bread and salad, with your favourite white wine from your tasting. Before you leave make sure to visit the store and purchase some mementoes from your visit - whether a bottle of their award-winning sparkling wine or even a vine lease, so that you can own a little piece of Little Oak!

Tours run daily and can go ahead no matter the weather.

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Search for a local select business recommended by your neighbours

The Swan Inn

Serving great quality pub-grub classics, along with traditional local ales, craft ciders and spirits.. Dog friendly beer garden & function room hire.

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ACCOMMODATION BUILDERS & TRADE

Henson Surfacing

Henson Surfacing offer a high-quality tarmac, asphalt and Cotswold stone driveway surface laying service.

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Vale Stoves

Offering a stylish range of traditional and contemporary Multifuel & Woodburning stoves in beautiful cast iron finishes.

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GM Roofing

Supplying a comprehensive range of services for all your roofing requirements.

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ETC Windows & Doors

Supplying and installing a fantastic range of products to completely transform your home.

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Henson Plant Hire

Henson Plant has over 30 years experience providing plant machinery to a wide range of builders, landscapers & homeimprovers.

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R Parker Landscaping

We have lots of lovely ideas and designs to enhance your beautiful gardens and driveways.

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Le Brun Building Contractors Ltd

Le Brun is a family run business which has been operating since 1960. The company has a well-earned reputation for Groundworks and civil projects large and small.

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Hunts Engineering Limited

Hunts Engineering’s Agricultural and Ground-care are a wellestablished family-owned company based near Shipston-on -stour, on the borders of the beautiful Cotswolds.

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FUNERAL SERVICES

Martin Grinnel Funeral Services

Serving the Cotswold & Vale community for over 35 years and are Evesham’s only independent funeral directors.

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COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

Worcester Powder Coating

Worcester Powder Coating is located in Pershore in the heart of Worcestershire and provide powder coating services to customers across the midlands and beyond including the Cotswolds.

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FOOD & EATING OUT

Vegetable Matters

The Vegetable Matters farm shop sells fresh, seasonal vegetables which are mostly grown on the Drinkwater familie’s farm.

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Little Oak Vineyard

Book your lunch with wine tasting Vineyard Tour today for the ultimate Cotswold day-out.

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R D Walker Butcher

Offering one of the widest selections of high quality fresh meat in your area from their High Street Butchers shop.

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Fresh Meat Matters

A traditional butchers shop serving farm fresh British meat with old fashioned service as standard.

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The Swan Inn

Serving great quality pub-grub classics, along with traditional local ales, craft ciders and spirits.. Dog friendly beer garden & function room hire.

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Search

for a local select business recommended by your neighbours

GARDENS & LANDSCAPING

Thomas Fox Landscaping

Supplying a first class grades maintenance service for over 25-years for both residential & commercial properties.

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Hunts Engineering Limited

Hunts Engineering’s Agricultural and Ground-care are a wellestablished family-owned company based near Shipston-on -stour, on the borders of the beautiful Cotswolds.

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Henson Surfacing

Henson Surfacing offer a high-quality tarmac, asphalt and Cotswold stone driveway surface laying service.

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R Parker Landscaping

We have lots of lovely ideas and designs to enhance your beautiful gardens and driveways.

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GARDENS ROOMS & OFFICES

Hippo Lodges

Hippo Lodges are manufacturers of stunning garden rooms, shepherd’s huts, glamping pods and home offices. Our Lodges are crafted from the highest quality materials meaning the finished result is both durable and beautiful.

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Tom Cook Carpets

Offering a huge selection of leading brand Carpets, Vinyl’s and Laminates for both Domestic and Commercial properties.

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Vale Stoves

Offering a stylish range of traditional and contemporary Multifuel & Woodburning stoves in beautiful cast iron finishes.

GM Roofing

Supplying a comprehensive range of services for all your roofing requirements.

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ETC Windows & Doors

Supplying and installing a fantastic range of products to completely transform your home.

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LOCAL SHOPPING

Table Manners of Broadway

Table Manners is a long-established cookware shop brimming with hundreds of cooking & baking products and handy kitchen utensils …along with a fantastic range of giftware for those looking for a thoughtful gift for someone special.

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MOTORING

Premier Wheels Midlands Ltd

Due to Premier Wheels high standards and professionalismm they are well known for their services and are therefore used by many of the car industries main dealerships, bodyshops, car clubs, insurance companies and vehicle leasing suppliers.

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Vale Tyre, Exhaust & Service

Vale Tyre, Exhaust and Service Centre pride themselves on honest, up front reliable advice and service, coupled with a combined experience of over 25 years in both the mechanical repairs and tyre industry.

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Evesham Motor Services

EMS (Evesham Motor Services) are the largest independant garage in Evesham and certified by the AA. Their friendly team are always happy to help and pride themselves on their excellent service.

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Jworx Automotive

The Cotswold’s trusted vehicle repair centre. As your local Cotswold garage we provide services for all vehicle makes and models.

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