If you could only choose three things to demonstrate why you love a place, what would they be? This is the tricky question that is being asked by The Guardian in conjunction with enjoyEngland, the English tourist authority ( http://www.guardian.co.uk/enjoy-england ). Well, here are mine:
The King’s Men stone circle forms part of the Rollright Stones and have been a meeting place since they were set here 4,500 years ago. In early morning light they appear mysterious and brooding but when the sun strikes them their colours and markings are awe inspiring. Rest here a while, at a time when you can be alone, for the feeling of peace is palpable.
And give back to the soil an offering, (when we have taken so much away), as others have done from the beginnings of time and continue to do so. Single flowers placed at the centre of the circle have a calm simplicity…
2. Nature. It is impossible not to be aware of nature in the Cotswolds, whether it is the magnificence of old trees, the deer crossing roads in front of you or the cloud formations of our large skyscapes. This ancient ash tree has watched centuries of agricultural change take place and, despite modern farming practice, still stands proud in a hedgerow dividing wheatfields.
So, come and visit the Cotswolds and decide for yourself. And, in the meantime, select three things that make your special place, special.
Life in the English Cotswolds 
Hear hear, I couldn't have put it better! (What IS it with alpaca round here???)
Glad another Cotswolder approves! Thanks for post. Johnson
Mountains, wild flowers and blue skies.And I did see that in the Costswolds too.
Ditto what Elephant's Eye said! Only put my special place here in the Rocky Mountains–real mountains.Beautifully written Johnson.
Thank you both for your contribution, I claim an awful lot on behalf of the Cotswolds but I can't claim mountains – but the hills are very nice! Johnson
Wonderful tour. I will look for those same three things here in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Johnson, I have an answer to your tea question.Sorry, for the hijack on your site.
Hi. I wandered into your blog from elsewhere and have really enjoyed reading it.The Cotswolds are very pretty, but I'm a Yorkshire girl now living in North Derbyshire -so the hills get my vote every time! 🙂
Welcome to my blog Nutty. I don't know Derbyshire well but it is a lovely county. Visited Eyam, the plague village years ago and always vowed to go back to explore more. Perhaps one day. Know Yorkshire a lot better! You are gradually moving south so perhaps we'll make you a Cotswolder yet!
What a wonderful post. Having just returned from a month on the road, I can attest that there is no place like home!!Though I saw many many beautiful places, I've decided that I really am in the best place for me. Peaceful rolling hills, changing seasons, and friendly folks are the three things that will always keep me here.
Johnson, Before we emigrated to Canada, a long time ago, I spent my early formative years on a farm near the hamlet of Cerney Wick (the farm now, sadly, backs onto a jet boat lake). Our dad taught art at the grammar school in Cirencester, the town where my sister was born. The Cotswolds were early imprinted on my psyche. It really is one of my favourite places in the world.