Phase 1: Arrival & The Scenic Gateway
Sunday, Sept 6, 2026
Phase 2: The 5-Day Painting Retreat
Each day is designed to minimize travel and maximize "time at the easel."
Day
Focus
Description
Mon (Day 1)
The River Eye
Set up behind the Inn. Focus on the reflections in the slow-moving river and the weeping willows.
Tue (Day 2)
The Stone Bridges
Capture the iconic low stone footbridges that cross the water along Copsehill Road.
Wed (Day 3)
The Old Mill
Paint the 19th-century waterwheel and the textured stone walls of the historic mill race.
Thu (Day 4)
Bourton-on-the-Water
A leisurely 1.5-mile walk to the "Venice of the Cotswolds." Focus on the wide river perspectives and the vibrant village life.
Fri (Day 5)
Oxford
Some potential “urban sketching” in the Architecturally significant university town of Oxford on our stop en route back to London.
Phase 3: The Academic Return
Friday, Sept 11, 2026
Sunday, Sept 6, 2026
- 09:30 am: Depart Heathrow.
- 11:00 am: Stop in Bibury. Walk Arlington Row and spend time at the Bibury Antiques & Vintage Fair (Free entry, 10 am – 4 pm).
- 1:00 pm: Traditional Sunday Roast in Burford. Enjoy the views of the medieval bridge and the steep High Street.
- 3:00 pm: Check-in opens at The Slaughters Country Inn.
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Orientation & Sketching. A light stroll around the grounds to scout your painting spots.
- 7:00 pm: Welcome Dinner at the Inn.
Phase 2: The 5-Day Painting Retreat
Each day is designed to minimize travel and maximize "time at the easel."
Day
Focus
Description
Mon (Day 1)
The River Eye
Set up behind the Inn. Focus on the reflections in the slow-moving river and the weeping willows.
Tue (Day 2)
The Stone Bridges
Capture the iconic low stone footbridges that cross the water along Copsehill Road.
Wed (Day 3)
The Old Mill
Paint the 19th-century waterwheel and the textured stone walls of the historic mill race.
Thu (Day 4)
Bourton-on-the-Water
A leisurely 1.5-mile walk to the "Venice of the Cotswolds." Focus on the wide river perspectives and the vibrant village life.
Fri (Day 5)
Oxford
Some potential “urban sketching” in the Architecturally significant university town of Oxford on our stop en route back to London.
Phase 3: The Academic Return
Friday, Sept 11, 2026
- 09:00 am: Check out and depart Lower Slaughter.
- 10:00 am: Arrive in Oxford.
- The Architecture: Visit the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library for iconic "Dreaming Spires" silhouettes.
- The Colleges: Walk through Christ Church or Magdalen College to see the cloisters and formal gardens.
- 1:00 pm: Quick lunch at the Oxford Covered Market (established 1774).
- 2:30 pm: Final leg to Heathrow (approx. 1 hour drive).