Stanton is probably one of the prettiest and idyllic villages in the whole of the Cotswolds. Little changed in 300 years it nestles beneath the slopes of Shenbarrow Hill. It has a very pleasing long main street with several delightful corners where the ancient house are built in typical Cotswolds style with steeply pitched gables, mullioned windows and glowing honey coloured limestone walls.
The village contains a number of 16th and 17th century houses as well as a restored , medieval cross and a church in which some Norman work is still evident.
Stanton is a typical Cotswold sleepy village with no signs of commercialisation or shops, except for The Mount pub which stands on a mount at the end of the village with spectacular views across the Vale of Evesham towards the Malvern Hills and Welsh mountains beyond.
Stanton's church of St. Michael betrays a pagan past. It's safe to assume any church dedicated to St. Michael (the archangel who fought the devil) sits upon a sacred pagan site. Stanton is actually at the intersection of two leylines (geographic lines along which many prehistoric sights are found). You'll see St. Michael's well-worn figure (with a sundial) above the door as you enter. Inside, above the capitals in the nave, find the pagan symbols for the sun and the moon. While the church probably dates back to the ninth century, today's building is mostly 15th century, with 13th-century transepts. On the north transept, medieval frescoes show faintly through the 17th-century whitewash. (Once upon a time, medieval frescoes were considered too "papist"). Imagine the church interior colourfully decorated throughout. There is original medieval glass behind the altar. The list of rectors (left side wall) goes back to 1269. Finger the grooves in the back pews, worn away by sheepdog leashes. A man's sheepdog accompanied him everywhere.
The Mount Pub puts on basic meals and is popular with walkers. A must destination for having a drink at on a summer evening whilst sitting outside and enjoying the sunset.
Choose Broadway for eating, shopping, and accommodation.
You can select an alternative Place to Visit from here
ACTIVITES
Horse riding facilities exist on the immediate outskirts to the village where the first timer and experienced rider are catered for.
Spend time just ambling about this wonderful village taking in the atmosphere and admiring the cottages and beautiful garden flowers and climbing roses adorning most of the houses.
Stanton is a favourite destination walk from Broadway - the round walk picking up the villages of Laverton and Buckland on the return leg will take you about 5 hours including a stopover at The Mount pub.
Stanton Guild House - A centre inspired by the great Mahatmi
Gandhi and established by Mary Osborn. The aim is to provide Arts
and Crafts training, a meeting place of urban and rural, and a
relaxing environment for the use of all organisations. Supporters
of the distinctive enterprise have included John Betjeman, Flora
Robson, J B Priestley and Enid Blyton. For more information
about the Stanton Guild House.
Importantly, the Guildhouse offers self-catering accommodation for upto 15 people during the week and at weekends at very reasonable rates - ideal for family get togethers/reunions and for conference delegates.
