Saturday 8 September and Sunday 9 September

After our week on the Narrowboat we caught up with Mick and Angela who live in Staffordshire for a couple of days.

So firstly we visited Shugbough, a huge estate, previously the home of Lord Litchfield. Now owned by the National Trust, they are working on restoring the mansion. There is a working farm, old servants quarters and a walled garden.

On Sunday we headed for Lichfield to visit Litchfield Cathedral, the only 3 spired medieval cathedral in the UK.

While there, we also explored the town.

Monday 10 September

We explored The Cotswolds calling in Stow on the Wold, Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter, Burton on the Water an Chipping Norton. Lower Slaughter was our favourite. (The slaughters are not named after any mayhem – the name is derived from slough which means ‘miry place’.)

We then headed to Dorchester on Thames for an overnight at the Fleur De Lys – featured in a couple of the Misdomer Murders episodes. Quaint and gorgeous accommodation complete with claw-foot bath!  Dinner was at The White Hart Hotel, also a star of the shows, and a great dining room.

Tuesday 11 September

We explored some of the villages featured in Midsomer Murders.  The place names are different but fans may recognise some of these photos from Dorchester on Thames, Wallingford (the original Causton) Henley on Thames, Warborough and Thame (the newer Causton). The lady at the info centre was very helpful, even hanging the Causton sign for a photo op.

We then headed back to London ready to catch the Eurostar next morning.