Today you head north to the Cotswold's, which was, for centuries, the center of Britain's wool production. This fine wool was traded across Europe. Many of the towns and villages still have the covered market crosses where auctions and gatherings once took place. This is the region of the quintessential "English" village with mellow Cotswold stone cottages close by babbling brooks, tucked in the folds of steep green hills and surrounded by sheep grazing on land that has been theirs for a millennium. Royalty and nobility have chosen the Cotswold's for their country homes and since this region is only two hours from London, many families keep a pied-a-terre in London for weekdays then retire to the country estate for the weekend.

From Hunstrete drive east to the National Trust village of Lacock, used as the town setting in the recent production of "Pride and Prejudice". This village appears almost as it did in the 15th century, with half timbered houses leaning precariously over the narrow side streets while ancient pubs welcome travelers just as they have for centuries. Have lots of film in your camera for this stop. You can visit Lacock Abbey and enjoy morning coffee or tea in the village before heading north to Cirencester. . Directions from Hunstrete House to Lacock: Turn right out of Hunstrete's drive and proceed 100 yards to the A368. Turn left and follow this road, merging to the A39, for approximately 5 miles to the A4/A39 junction roundabout. Pick up the A4 heading east toward Box, Corsham and Chippenham. Just before Chippenham exit south on the A350 south toward Lacock and Melksham. You will see the signs for Lacock in just a few miles.

Directions from Lacock to Cirencester: Take the A350 north to the M4. Cross the M4 and the A350 becomes the A429. This goes straight to Cirencester.

Cirencester was the 2nd most important Roman town in Britain next only to London. Today it is a charming little city with an outstanding Roman museum, the Corinium Museum, in the town square. During the Middle Ages Cirencester was a wealthy wool town. Stately houses and the beautiful parish church are fine examples of this prosperity. Here is a perfect stop for lunch and some shopping.

Just eight miles north of Cirencester off the A429 is Chedworth Roman Villa. It is not as grand as Bath by any means, but you can see exquisite mosaics and baths in a very natural setting. In fact, enjoy a leisurely, post-lunch walk from the town of Chedworth to the villa. Opening times vary. Telephone (0)1242 890256 for days and hours.

Continue north on the A429 to your destination tonight, the Lords of the Manor Hotel. You will pass adorable villages with queer names such as Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, etc. If you have time, veer off the road for a peek at these rural villages where time has stood still. Housing developments are crowding the outskirts but these ancient hamlets and market towns are fighting to keep their historic authenticity in the old part of town.

Directions to Lords of the Manor from Cirencester: Exit A429 into the Slaughters. Go through Lower Slaughter over the stream following directional signs for Upper Slaughter. When in Upper Slaughter, pass large manor house on the right hand side and turn right into the village. The main entrance is 150 yards on the right.

Accommodation

Lords of the Manor Hotel Upper Slaughter Near Bourton-on-the-Water www.lordsofthemanor.com Int'l Tel: +44 1451 820243 U.K. Tel: (0)1451 820243

When one thinks of the Cotswolds and the mellow stone villages, the Slaughters should come to mind. "Slaughter" means "wet ground" in old English, not gory meat markets! Although there is no wild night life, this quiet countryside with walking lanes, local pubsand the River Eye wandering passively through Lower Slaughter make for a delightful respite for a few days. Once the home of the local rectors, the Lords of the Manor Hotel is a beautiful, Cotswold stone house surrounded by eight acres of walled gardens and parkland. Fishermen can try coarse fishing on the little lake. The house is exactly what a country house should be, comfortable yet elegant with roaring fires, lovely furnishings and modern facilities. The restaurant is excellent, so plan to enjoy a delicious dinner after your day of sightseeing.