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In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan and Jackie continue sharing their recent UK trip, focusing on their days in the Cotswolds. After the busy London portion covered in part one, they slow down to enjoy quintessential English countryside experiences. The hosts describe their perfect Sunday with a traditional roast at the Highwaymen Pub and visit to Basildon Park, their stay at Thornberry Castle, unexpected discoveries like Edward Jenner’s house, and their literary pilgrimage to Slad. Throughout, they offer practical travel tips about visiting during half-term, making reservations, and navigating limited autumn daylight hours.
Links
- Friends of Anglotopia Club
- Churchill Conference Articles
- The New Book
- The Sunday Roast Pub – The Highwayman Inn
- Basildon Park National Trust
- Basildon Park Gallery
- Basildon Park Long-Read Article
- Thornbury Castle
- Castle Tour Episode (Video)
- Motorway Services Show
- Gloucester Services
- Gloucester Services Long-Read Article
- Gloucester Cathedral Long-Read Article
- Berkeley Castle Pictures
- Berkeley Castle Article
- Edward Jenner’s House Website
- Edward Jenner’s House Article
- Newark Park National Trust
- Cider With Rosie
- Slad Article
Takeaways
- Book Sunday roast at country pubs in advance as they fill up quickly
- Visit National Trust properties when they first open to avoid crowds
- Consider avoiding half-term holidays if you prefer quieter experiences at attractions
- October visits require careful planning due to limited daylight hours (10am-4pm)
- Gloucester Services offers an unexpectedly excellent stop for local food and products
- Edward Jenner’s house in Berkeley is a hidden gem of scientific history
- Newark Park has a fascinating American connection worth exploring
- Heathrow now charges a £5 drop-off fee that must be paid promptly to avoid larger charges
- Fortnum & Mason offers travel hampers that make excellent alternatives to airline food
Sound Bites
- “When we parked the car, you get out of the car and you can smell the wood burning from the fireplaces.”
- “The bath was gigantic… claw foot slipper tub could just take a bath or take a swim in this thing.”
- “Standing in this house in a village in the middle of the British countryside where one of the biggest revolutions in science took place… it was very moving.”
- “She apologized to us. It’s the most British thing. She apologized to us. She’s like, I’m sorry, it’s still decorated for Halloween.”
- “What better way to end our wonderful trip than to have a nice, wonderful gourmet meal in a great hall in a castle. Just as you do.”
- “I wanted a nice Sunday roast in a country pub and to go to a National Trust stately home.”
- “The colors in the countryside were absolutely spectacular.”
- “Pro tip if you are wanting to make a car picnic… you could make the best picnic out of their gourmet gift shop.”
- “These are the most extra motorway services.”
- “If you have heritage and history in mind, avoid when there’s a big holiday that can be decorated for.”
- “I’m not saying I hate people. It’s just nice to explore a place at your own pace when it’s quiet.”
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Updates
- 03:22 The Perfect English Sunday: Highwaymen Pub and Basildon Park
- 14:37 Thornberry Castle: Our Base in the Cotswolds
- 17:51 Exploring Gloucester Services and Gloucester Cathedral
- 25:42 Berkeley Castle and Edward Jenner’s House
- 38:02 Newark Park and Its American Connection
- 44:58 Literary Pilgrimage to Slad and Laurie Lee
- 48:46 Travel Tips and Heathrow Experiences
- 52:14 Fortnum & Mason Travel Hampers
- 54:31 Meeting the Pets and Conclusion