During this week, we stayed in Birmingham with my entire family from my mom’s side, all gathered for Reena Mausi’s 25th anniversary celebration on Friday and Saturday (July 26th and 27th, 2024). Rishi and I decided not to take any time off work but planned to log out a bit early each day. Since we were already an hour behind due to the time difference, leaving slightly earlier gave us plenty of time in the afternoons to explore nearby places. I had meticulously planned my itinerary, but when the rest of the family discovered my plans, they were eager to join. What began as a personal plan turned into an extended family trip, with Amita Mausi’s family, Nana, Nani, and Sachin Mama’s family tagging along.

Day 1 – 23 July 2024

I had created a list of six must-visit towns in the Cotswolds and planned to explore at least three of them on the first day. However, Rishi couldn’t log out of work as early as we had hoped, so we had to narrow down our options. Since we had our car with us and space in the back seat for only three additional passengers, I brought Mummy, Papa, and Vibhi along. Mama & Anku Didi had intended to rent a car to fit the rest of the family, but the arrangements weren’t finalised in time for them to join us that day. Thankfully, they managed to sort it out for the next two days.

Chipping Campden was the first of the two towns we visited in the Cotswolds that day, and it instantly charmed us with its picturesque streets and golden limestone buildings. Known as one of the prettiest towns in the region, it felt like stepping into a postcard. The high street was lined with quaint shops, tearooms, and art galleries, all housed in historic buildings that exuded timeless beauty. We strolled along the main street, admiring the beautifully preserved architecture and stopping to take pictures of the iconic Market Hall, a 17th-century structure that was once a hub for local trade. The atmosphere was peaceful yet lively, with locals and tourists wandering about, soaking in the serene charm of the town. Chipping Campden felt like the perfect introduction to the Cotswolds, with its blend of history, beauty, and warm, welcoming vibes. It set the tone wonderfully for the rest of our journey through this enchanting region.

Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” was the second town we visited that day, and we reached just as the sun was setting. The golden light reflecting off the gentle waters of the River Windrush made the whole village look magical. The quaint stone bridges arching over the river added to the charm, and the soft gurgle of the water created a peaceful ambience. The streets were dotted with cosy cafes, shops, and inviting restaurants, all housed in the Cotswolds’ signature honey-coloured stone buildings. After a leisurely stroll, we settled at a restaurant for dinner, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and delicious food as the day wound down. It was the perfect way to end our visit to this picturesque town before heading back, carrying the serenity of Bourton-on-the-Water with us.

Day 2 – 24 July 2024

I had planned an ambitious itinerary for the Peak District, hoping to make the most of our time there. The original idea was to drive to the Peak District in the morning, find a co-working space, work from there, and explore nearby spots during breaks. After logging out early, we’d tackle the rest of my list. However, finding a good co-working space proved challenging—the ones I did find were too far from the attractions we wanted to visit.

With that plan scrapped, we had to narrow it down to just one place to visit after work. Since the Peak District was farther than the Cotswolds, we decided to pick the closest spot that caught our interest. Rishi was still tired from the late-night drive the day before and didn’t want a repeat, so we aimed for something manageable. After some Googling, I found the perfect destination!

Our visit to Thor’s Cave in the Peak District was both the most challenging and one of the most memorable destinations of our entire UK trip. Initially, Nana and Nani weren’t planning to hike and had come along just to enjoy the family time, intending to wait in the car when we reached the trailhead. However, upon arrival, Nanaji decided he wanted to give the hike a try and encouraged Nani to join as well. Despite her diabetes and difficulty walking on flat terrain, let alone a rocky trail, Nani bravely agreed. The trek to Thor’s Cave was stunning but also quite demanding. The path was steep and uneven, with loose stones and slippery sections that required careful navigation. Nani struggled a lot, and at least two people had to assist her throughout. Mummy and Anku Didi stayed back with her, providing support and making sure she moved safely, while the rest of us forged ahead. Once we reached the cave, the effort was absolutely worth it. Thor’s Cave is a magnificent natural limestone formation, with its towering entrance offering incredible views of the lush Manifold Valley below. Rishi, Vibhi, and I climbed into the cave itself, exploring its interior and enjoying the breathtaking views from all sides. Standing inside, it felt like a portal to another world, with the expansive valley framed by the dramatic arch of the cave. On the return journey, Mama and Rishi took over helping Nani back down the trail, ensuring she reached the car safely. Despite the physical challenges, everyone’s teamwork and determination made the experience even more special. Thor’s Cave tested our stamina and patience but rewarded us with unforgettable views and a deep sense of accomplishment. It was a perfect blend of adventure, family bonding, and natural beauty.

Day 3 – 25 July 2024

Since we had many places left on our list to visit, we opted to dedicate the entire day to exploring the Cotswold region. Everyone planned to join us, so Rishi and Mummy prepared sandwiches for the journey. Getting everyone ready promptly with only two bathrooms proved challenging. Despite aiming for an early start, we didn’t leave our accommodation until around noon.

The first stop on my list was Lacock Village — a must-visit for me because of its connection to Harry Potter, with several scenes from the movies filmed there. Since we were travelling in three separate cars, I had shared the location with everyone in advance. Our car reached first, but by then it was already quite late, and people were hungry. My original plan was to spend no more than 30 minutes here—just enough time to walk around, click a few photos and then head to the next stop. In fact, I had even suggested that others could skip this village and go directly to the next place, especially since Lacock might not interest everyone as much as it did me. But everyone decided they wanted to join me in exploring the village, too. What was meant to be a quick photo stop turned into nearly two hours, mostly spent waiting for everyone to arrive and coordinating plans. It got a bit overwhelming for me, but Mummy noticed and reassured me, encouraging me to focus on the village and enjoy the place I had been so excited to see. In the end, even though it took much longer than planned, I was glad I got to walk around and see this beautiful village with its Harry Potter charm.

Our next stop was Bath, a place I was really looking forward to since I had a long list of spots I wanted to see there. After the chaos at Lacock, we all agreed it would be best to split into smaller groups so that everyone could explore at their own pace. Mummy, Papa, Vibhi, Rishi, and I stuck together to follow my list, while Amita Mausi, Mark Mausaji, and Anku Didi decided to wander around and explore the city their own way. Meanwhile, Mama took Nana and Nani to visit the Roman Baths from the inside, since it would be easier for Nani with her limited mobility. This way, everyone got to enjoy Bath in their own style.

One of the first stops in Bath was The Abbey Deli, which made it to the list thanks to its connection to Bridgerton. The deli’s exterior was used as the storefront for The Modiste, Madame Delacroix’s famous dress shop in the show. The building itself has a charming, old-world appeal, blending beautifully with Bath’s historic streets. Standing outside a filming location from such a beloved series felt quite special, so a photo outside the deli was a must. Even for those unfamiliar with Bridgerton, the picturesque facade and cosy atmosphere make it a delightful spot to pause and admire.

Our next stop was Bath Abbey, a magnificent building that immediately caught the eye with its grand facade, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful stained glass windows. Before exploring further, we stopped by the Abbey gift shop, which had a lovely collection of books, souvenirs, and postcards celebrating the Abbey’s rich history and stunning architecture. From inside the shop, a small window offered a glimpse into the Abbey’s interior — soaring arches, colourful stained glass, and delicate stonework. Though we didn’t officially go inside, even that brief peek gave a sense of the Abbey’s beauty and grandeur. Outside, the square surrounding the Abbey was buzzing with energy — street performers, tourists, and local artists filled the space, adding to the lively atmosphere. And of course, we took some pictures to capture the moment.

We only saw the Roman Baths from the outside, but even that gave a sense of how historic and important the place is. The building itself had a classic, grand look, with elegant stone columns, large windows, and a facade that hinted at the ancient history hidden within. Right at the entrance, there were signs and plaques explaining the significance of the site, and a steady stream of visitors going in and out. Coincidentally, all of us ended up outside the Roman Baths at the same time, so we took the opportunity to click a group picture before heading off in our smaller groups. Mama, along with Nana, Nani, and Murruku, went inside since Nani couldn’t walk too much and exploring the town wasn’t ideal for her. Mama chose this instead and later shared some beautiful pictures from inside the baths with us. Even though we didn’t go in ourselves, just standing there felt like being connected to the past — imagining how the Romans once gathered here, using the hot springs for bathing and socialising.

After the Roman Baths, we made our way to Pulteney Bridge, which was just a short walk away. This picturesque bridge, built in the 18th century, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bath. The bridge is unique in that it has shops lined along both sides, giving it a quaint, almost market-like atmosphere. As we stood there, we admired the view of the bridge’s beautiful architecture, with its arches and stonework, reflecting on the serene waters of the River Avon below. The bridge itself is quite striking, and we spent a bit of time taking photos and simply soaking in the surroundings.

As we were strolling through Bath, I couldn’t help but notice the Jane Austen Centre. The centre celebrates Jane Austen’s time in Bath, where she lived for several years, and it’s dedicated to her life and works. Being a huge fan of Pride & Prejudice and Jane Austen’s works, I had to stop. In front of the centre, there was a statue of Jane Austen, and I couldn’t resist taking a picture with it. Though we didn’t go inside, just being there was enough to make me feel connected to Austen’s legacy. It was such a special moment for me, and I couldn’t wait to capture the memory!

Next, we passed by The Circus, a stunning piece of architecture in Bath. This Georgian crescent of grand townhouses, designed by John Wood the Elder, is arranged in a circular shape, creating a perfect, harmonious curve. The buildings, with their impressive stone facades and columns, looked as though they had stepped right out of history. It’s an iconic landmark in Bath, and while we didn’t stop for a long visit, we made sure to take in its beauty and snapped a few photos to remember the moment. The tranquil atmosphere and the symmetry of the design made it one of those spots that felt timeless, like stepping into a different era.

Next, we walked to the Royal Crescent, another iconic landmark in Bath. The sweeping crescent of Georgian townhouses, with its elegant, curved design, was even more impressive in person. We took plenty of pictures from the large park-like area in front of the crescent, which offered a perfect view of the building’s grandeur. The lush greenery surrounding the crescent added to the charm, making it a lovely spot to relax and soak in the surroundings. Interestingly, this location is also said to have been one of the filming spots for Bridgerton, which made it even more exciting for me as a fan of the show. The combination of beautiful architecture, scenic views, and historical significance made this a memorable stop during our time in Bath.

Finally, we left Bath and headed to our next stop, Castle Combe, a picturesque village that looked like it was straight out of a storybook. Our group was joined by Amita Mausi and her family, and we all coordinated to park our cars. Once parked, we spent some time exploring and snapping pictures of the charming stone houses and the tranquil streets. As we were still wandering around, we noticed a group of people dressed in costumes walking toward the town square. Curiosity got the best of us, so we asked one of them what was going on. They told us there was going to be a performance with singing and dancing, and invited us to join. We made our way back to the square and were greeted by a lively atmosphere filled with music, dance, and lots of energy. It was a delightful and unexpected experience, and we stayed to enjoy the show, soaking in the fun and festive mood of the village.

Although there were many more places on my list to explore, the trip turned out to be so much more special when shared with everyone in the family. Exploring together made each stop memorable, and it was the quality time spent with loved ones that truly made the journey unforgettable.