Travels on the M3 toll road from the Lake District to the
Cotswolds for views
of its breathtaking countryside, sleepy villages, thatched roof cottages and
bustling market towns made us aware how much population density impacts ones life.
Our self-drive road trip through the charming scenery of one of England's most
beautiful regions brought us several days more worth of enjoyment. 
We did
leisurely exploring the Cotswolds pastoral farmland and scenic country villages
before visiting Bourton-on-the-water and Stow-on-the Wold, two of the most
picturesque parts of the northern Cotswolds. 
Warm evenings indulging over delicious
dinners on the patio of a 17th century former coaching inn situated
in the center of Bibury was romantic as the sunset beneath a full moon. Morning
walks with camera in hand photographing charming thatched roof cottages and
English gardens made for some delightful discoveries in various villages kicking
off each day.
A market town with a
difference, Stratford-upon-Avon is the famous home of arguably the world's
greatest writer, William Shakespeare. One morning we visited the historic Tudor
style, half-timbered house where the legendary Bard was born and gained
fascinating insights into his childhood. 
Sightseeing as independent travelers has its pros and cons. There is freedom and spontaneity for more leisure time and flexibility available traveling on one’s own without a tour group. However, occasionally it is nice to have a local guide who is enthusiastic and knowledgeable with historical and trivia information to enhance one’s experience
