Well, I thought we had a bit too much luggage just for one night in Dublin but if the two hoomans want to pack the kitchen sink, that’s their affair. But it all became clear when we got a disturbing text from Stena Lines to tell us that our ferry into Holyhead was cancelled due to damage after Storm Darragh. Suddenly all that luggage made sense. Himself made one of his executive decisions, changed our route to Fishguard and off we went.
I snoozed away on the journey, stopping only for a Christmas sandwich and a Terry’s Orange Hot Chocolate at The Buttery in Limerick, one of my favourite eateries.
In Dublin, we stayed at my usual residence, Dylan Hotel. Joined by my Auntie Aileen, the two watched the Strictly semi-final while I dozed beside them.
After a restful night, and a spot of lunch at nearby Bath Pub, we took off for Rosslare, really criss-crossing the country. On the Holyhead boat, we had reserved a pet-friendly cabin but there was none available on this one so I had to stay in the car. I didn’t mind. The gentle rocking of the boat lulled me to sleep and I only woke when the boat docked in Wales.
Himself then had to drive through the night to reach The Cotswolds, but sure that’s what I pay him for. Oh wait, I don’t pay him. I’d better keep quiet.
We arrived in the small hours to our little cottage in Bourton-on-the-Water and fell into bed, getting up late to head down the road to Moreton-in-Marsh, a place I’ve stayed before and it was lovely to see it again. Another surprise as we parked at the station and who came off a train from London only my Auntie Aisling, who was going to join us for our holiday.
We left Moreton for a stroll around the shops of the pretty village of Chipping Campden and a visit to one of my favourite places, The Bantam Tearooms, where they serve the most delicious-smelling coffee cake. I’ve pleaded so many times, but I’ve yet to get a slice all to myself. Some day it’ll happen.
We had a little wander around our home village of Bourton-on-the-Water, where they have a huge Christmas tree right in the middle of the river. It’s gorgeous, particularly at night and no doubt I’d be posing there before the end of our stay.
Dinner that evening was at the Manor Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh, where we spent a relaxing Christmas a few years ago. I recognised one of the girls behind the bar from my last visit but my nice barman Shea left for pastures new a few months ago. At least himself got the recipe for a Breakfast Martini before he upped sticks.
On Tuesday we started the day off with a stroll around the nearby village of Stow-on-the-Wold, a very nice market town. Himself insisted we visit Off the Square, a kind of beer café, where he had a Christmas Ale and the two ladies had mulled wine. Not even a sniff of a dogguccino for me on this occasion but I’d make it up later. Before we left the village, we had a quick and tasty sandwich at Lucy’s Tearooms to keep us going until dinner.
Next, it was off to Broadway, where we were told the Christmas lights were exceptionally pretty and so they proved to be. It was quieter than I expected but maybe it’ll be busier nearer Christmas. I got a special blessing in the church here a few years ago on Christmas Day so it’s a place that will always be special to me.
It was getting late by the time we arrived in Burford, so there was no real reason to stop and we continued to the Milton Hare where they served the most beautiful Chicken and Ham Pie. My nostrils were only flaring, so beautiful were the aromas. They always have the tastiest food and they’re very welcoming to us dogs, even having a house-dog, Billie, a Jack Russell Terrier and a lovely fellow he is too.
After two fairly lazy days, Wednesday was our big day when we visited the nearby city of Bath. It’s full of Roman buildings, including the baths themselves and I wondered if I’d be able to have a paddle. I’m not a great one for swimming but I have no objection to getting my tootsies a little wet, although it might be a bit cold in December.
It’s a really nice city, with plenty of atmosphere, lovely shops and Christmas markets dotted all around the streets. We hiked up to the Royal Crescent, that circular terrace of houses that we’ve all seen in various films and took a few photos there, with lovely views down to the city itself.
Back in town, himself was passing the Theatre Royal when he spotted a poster for Jeeves Takes Charge, by PG Wodehouse, his favourite author. Now two words I always use to describe himself are Jammy and Sod. Not only was there a matineé, but he got the very last ticket from the box office. When we joined him outside, he was talking to two hoomans and two lovely Westies, Bella and Winston. While we doggies chatted, the hoomans exchanged cocktail recipes, including one for a Christmas Guinness Punch that I’d like to try myself.
After delicious toasties and scrambled eggs at Kingsmead Kitchen, we left himself to his Jeeves, which turned out to be a very enjoyable one-man show, while we continued around the town, all meeting up later for a tasty mulled wine.
Wanting to eat in Bath, we checked out dog-friendly dining and found Bath Pizza. It was outdoor seating only for us doggies but with heaters it was very pleasant and the Christmas and Chicken Pizzas were declared to be among the best the hoomans had ever tasted. It was a really quirky find as it used to be a railway station until it closed many years ago. It’s great to see buildings repurposed like that. It kept us going for our final walkies around Bath to soak up the last of the Christmas atmosphere.
Thursday was another special day as we were going for Afternoon Tea and I wondered if I’d get another chance to snaffle a delicious sandwich. If I bided my time, surely I’d get away with it?
But first we drove to Bibury, and on the way, himself spotted a garage at the side of the road with a whole load of vintage cars inside. Like I said – Jammy Sod. We spent an enjoyable hour wandering around the Classic Motor Hub, admiring the cars and taking advantage of their excellent café.
It used to be an airfield and they’ve even preserved one of the hangars. They have events there to celebrate all kinds of vintage cars and I suspect himself will be back for another visit and as long as I can join him I’m fine with that. I even had my picture taken beside a model electric Jaguar SS but they wouldn’t let me drive it. What a shame.
Bibury itself is a picturesque hamlet by a meandering river with some really quaint cottages. It’s just a lovely place to ramble. We visited the Trout Farm but I failed to see any trouts. Maybe they were out in the fields?
I was excited to return to The Lords of the Manor for Afternoon Tea as it’s a place I’ve stayed before and we were really made welcome. We couldn’t finish all the food, so took some away with us for a snack back at the cottage. Unfortunately, a close eye was kept on me all afternoon so there were no snaffling opportunities but I’ve no doubt my day will come again.
The following day was Aisling’s time to fly home but we had a final stroll around Bourton in the morning, where we met Ollie, a fellow Westie. He was only five months old and a very handsome fellow. He has two sisters who are owned by JK Rowling so nobody can say that I’m not moving in the right circles.
We dropped Aisling off at Bristol Airport for her flight home and while returning to Bourton, herself discovered that the local Cotswold Farm Park’s light show was dog-friendly. I’ve never been to a light show so I excitedly barked my approval and we spent an enjoyable hour or so walking around and admiring the lovely Christmas lights. There were even animals there, including rabbits, goats, sheep and calves but I wasn’t allowed near them so I had to say hello from afar. What a pity we never got to properly chat.
We returned to the Hare for dinner and the two had the special cod dish and were well happy. I was beginning to flag after a long week but I soon perked up when we returned to Bourton and I posed expertly in front of the tree by the river in my beautiful AG Dog Fashion dresses. I always give of my best when there’s a camera in front of me.
On Saturday, it was our turn to leave our rural hideaway and after a couple of delicious pasties at the Cornish Bakery, we hit for the ferry. Of course, Holyhead was still out of action so it was back to Fishguard, where again, there was no dog-friendly cabin for me. I really must send them a strongly-barked letter. I got over my disappointment quickly as I settled down to sleep, only waking when the two hoomans returned to the car.
I only truly woke up when we disembarked and drove to Frank’s Place in Wexford town. Usually, we just have coffee there but this time, a very nice man called Ian served us some amazing tapas plates that had me drooling. My usual food seemed very bland by comparison but I ate it all up anyway.
I had an amazing run up to Christmas in The Cotswolds and I only hope your Christmas is just as amazing.
Happy Christmas one and all.
Luv Daisy.
Read about Daisy’s first visit to The Cotswolds here.
