Cotswolds, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, and Chatsworth

We packed up and loaded into the van and said goodbye to our delightful digs and headed to the little village of Bibury in the Cotswolds.

Bibury was tiny and perfect.  I would LOVE to go and walk from village to village in the Cotswolds, as per Rick Steve's recommendation.

Next stop was Bourton on the Water, where the rain commenced POURING. 

We took cover in the church where we had a discussion about Brexit, English racism and American racism with the rector or vicar or whatever it is her title is. 

 Next stop was the childhood home of Shakepeare's wife, Anne Hathaway.  Supposedly they courted here.  But as with many historical tales, one can't quite know how true that is. 

We headed north to the Derbeyshire estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth.  I was excited having read a biography of Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire, who was a real character, and was the catalyst for the formation of the paparazzi.  Also this is the original inspiration for Jane Austen's Pemberley.  She visited here and decided it must be the perfect home for Mr. Darcy.  Recently it was featured in the Keira Knightly P&P.  And it's a lovely place.

Anders filled the rooms with Indiana Jones.

 Derbeyshire lads. 

Ha!

We loved exploring the grounds.  Spectacular.

 Too bad about the scaffolding.  I guess when you visit really old buildings its inevitable.

 The maze was hard.  Except not for Lucy.  she guided us through. 

 Tucker in the center of the maze.

Lu

Running down to the haha wall, a feature of Capability Brown landscaping.

We headed to York and checked into our next Airbnb.  And the garden!  The garden!  I have such garden envy.

We ate carry out from this place and it was YUCK!  Sad to have bad food on a trip.