About Lower Slaughter
The River Eye runs down the centre of Lower Slaughter, crossed by low stone footbridges and lined with 17th- and 18th-century cottages built from the same honey-coloured limestone as the village green. The 19th-century corn mill at the village's eastern end still has its working waterwheel.
Despite its tiny size — barely 200 residents — Lower Slaughter is one of the most photographed places in the Cotswolds. Walk in from Bourton along the riverside footpath to see it as it deserves: from the water, in early light, before the day-trippers arrive.
The Cotswold Guide Top Tips
- The lanes around Lower Slaughter are very narrow and become easily clogged — it is worth walking in from Bourton (1.5 miles) to enjoy the calm and avoid the traffic.
- Lower Slaughter Manor Hotel does an outstanding afternoon tea, even for non-residents.
- If you drive, there aren't any car parks in Lower Slaughter. Parking is on the roads so grab any places you see as you drive in.
Attractions in Lower Slaughter
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Where to eat & drink
Slaughters Country Inn
Coaching inn at the centre — bar and restaurant, riverside garden in summer.
Lower Slaughter Manor
Gracious country-house hotel; afternoon tea or dinner in the dining room.
The Old Mill tea room
Sandwiches, scones and homemade cake by the millrace.
Getting there
By car
1 mile west of Bourton-on-the-Water along the A429. Limited roadside parking; the better arrival is on foot from Bourton via the riverside footpath.
By public transport
801 bus to Bourton, then walk.
Best time to visit
March for the snowdrop carpets and February for an empty village in low light. Avoid summer Sundays — the lane in is single-track and the village can feel overwhelmed.
Find accommodation near Lower Slaughter
Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering cottages within easy reach of Lower Slaughter — browse availability for your dates on Booking.com.
Find accommodation near Lower Slaughter →Attractions near Lower Slaughter
Within 10 miles, ordered by distance.
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Major footpaths that pass through
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Continue reading
Upper Slaughter
The quieter half of the pair
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