Overview

Such a lovely unspoilt delightful village that’s is well worth going to see. It seems it gained its name from the records of 1086, Minster from what May be because of a late Anglo-Saxon Minster that stood at the present site of the church, and the suffix Lovell from the chief family line that lived here, Lovell, which was added in the 13th century. It was recorded also in 1086 that just 29 tenant households lived at Minster Lovell, but by the late 13th century, up to 50 households lived in the manor. The plague though in the mid 14th century took a lot of lives, only 86 adults over 14 recorded in 1377, in the whole area of Minster, and the population remained steady, even up to the 1670’s, with just around 100 adult population, in the whole area. All these inhabitants seem to have lived around the old church, which today houses the ruins of St Celilia. Most houses are of the 1600’s and later, built of local sandstone, with thatched roofs, the earliest more than likely the Old Swan inn, today holding a grade 11 listed building category. There are several other graded buildings in the village, just up from the Old Swan stands The Rosery, grade 11, opposite this is the old post office, grade 11. Tullochs cottage further up, and beyond this, the old house is also grade 11 listed, and over on the left just before carpark area is the old post house, also grade 11 listed. The church of St Kenelm though is a grade 1 listed building. The 15th century Old Swan inn belongs to the hotel chain which Mr and Mrs Andrew and Christina Brownsword have so proudly built up to now have 13 carefully chosen locations in their collection of hotels, and the Old Swan certainly shows the love and care they have devoted to offering visitors a sure and successful visit when you arrive here. The Inn and hotel has 15 charming guest rooms, as described in their brochures, which adds that each room is individual in design, and that we can see is true, and you will be delighted if you ever have the opportunity of staying overnight while exploring the Cotwolds. And we can tell you as well, that one of the best Pies we have ever had, was presented to us by two young chefs, Brandon and Jacob (photo 9) when we enjoyed their delightful Pies and mash, and we wish both these pleasant lads all the best in their endeavour to please the guests at the Old Swan inn, do try them yourselves when you get the chance. So now, take a look at our photos of Minster Lovell, and if you are ever in the area near to bath, or Bristol, then take the journey across and enjoy your time here at the Old Swan, and across the road at Minster Mill hotel, you will love them both.

Transport & Parking

Just drive along through the line of beautiful old cottages, a mix of thatch and brickwork, so no need to park up, just take photos. If you continue to drive to end of lane though, you will come to parking area for St Kenelms church, a very popular attraction, as it has a walk to the river as well, but the car park may already be full by the time you get there. A shame, but there is nowhere else you can park.

Access

As just driving through, you will not have to get out of car

Toilets

Only toilets are at either The Old Swan inn, or Minster Mill.

Staff

Photos