The Cotswolds
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Cirencester
Cirencester, known as the "Capital of the Cotswolds", is a historic market town with Roman roots, stunning architecture, quaint streets and a vibrant atmosphere. Explore the Corinium Museum to delve into the town's rich history, wander through the picturesque streets lined with independent shops and weekly indoor and outdoor markets, or relax in one of the many cosy cafes and pubs. Cirencester offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal location to explore the Cotswolds. More info at www.cirencester.co.uk
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Broadway
Broadway is a quintessential Cotswold village that offers an idyllic lifestyle. Its picturesque stone cottages, winding lanes, and stunning countryside views create a perfect setting. The village features a variety of properties, many with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, while others are located in the heart of the village. With excellent local amenities, a strong community spirit, and easy access to nearby towns and cities, Broadway is desirable for those seeking a peaceful and beautiful place to live. More info at www.broadway-cotswolds.co.uk
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Burford
Burford, a picturesque town in the Cotswolds, offers a charming and idyllic lifestyle. Its stunning architecture, cobbled streets, and beautiful countryside make it an appealing place to live. Residents can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, excellent local amenities, and convenient access to nearby towns and cities. With its strong sense of community, historic buildings, and lovely natural surroundings, Burford is an ideal place to call home. More info at www.cotswolds.com
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Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold, a charming market town in the heart of the Cotswolds, offers a delightful blend of history and modern amenities. Its distinctive stone buildings and winding streets create a picturesque setting. The town boasts a variety of independent shops, as well as superb cafes and pubs, offering everything from antiques to artisanal goods. Schooling options include the renowned King Edward VI School, about 30 minutes' drive away. Stow-on-the-Wold is an ideal place to call home with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant community, and convenient location. More info at www.stowonthewold.info
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Ebrington
The charming North Cotswolds village of Ebrington offers a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle. Its picturesque stone cottages, winding lanes, and stunning countryside views create a picture-perfect setting. While Ebrington has a limited range of shops, its proximity to larger towns like Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh provides easy access to various amenities. For families, the village offers a strong sense of community and access to nearby schools, including those in Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marshm and the highly regarded Ebrington Arms Cotswold Pub. More info at discovercotswolds.co.uk/ebrington
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Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden, a quintessential Cotswold gem, offers a captivating blend of history and charm. Its well-preserved architecture, terraced High Street, and iconic Market Hall transport visitors back in time. The town's picturesque High Street, lined with quaint shops and historic buildings, creates a delightful atmosphere. Whether exploring the Court Barn Museum, admiring the beautiful St. James' Church, or simply wandering the charming streets, Chipping Campden offers a truly memorable experience. More info at www.chippingcampdenonline.org
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Moreton-in-Marsh
Moreton-in-Marsh is a charming market town in the heart of the Cotswolds. Its picturesque high street is lined with independent shops, antique stores, and cosy cafes. The town is packed with stunning architecture, including the historic Market Hall and the elegant Georgian houses. For families, Moreton-in-Marsh offers excellent schooling options within an easy driving range, including the renowned Dean Close School. The town also has a railway station, offering routes to Oxford in just over 30 mins and London, Paddington in about 1 hour 30 mins. More info at www.cotswolds.com
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Evenlode
Evenlode, a picturesque Cotswold village, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its charming stone cottages, winding lanes, and lush countryside create a serene atmosphere. The village offers walking, cycling, and horse riding opportunities, with some lovely routes, including one to the National Trust-owned Chastleton House.
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Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds," is a picturesque village renowned for its charming stone bridges crossing the River Windrush. The village is always bustling with life, and its quaint shops, tea rooms, and picturesque cottages create a truly enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the riverbanks, explore the historic buildings, or use the many paths connecting the surrounding countryside. More info at www.bourtoninfo.com
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Painswick
Often known as "The Queen of the Cotswolds" for its attractive, pale-grey stone buildings, Painswick's picturesque, sleepy "wool market" town nestles quietly on the edge of the Cotswolds between Cheltenham and Stroud. Painswick has practical attractions as well as its traditional charms – a pretty church, bowling green (reputedly Britain's oldest), its celebrated Rococo Gardens and one of Britain's earliest post offices. There is a good local primary school in the town and two good grammar schools in nearby Stroud. The town's popular "Art Couture Fair" attracts thousands of visitors yearly, and there is now a permanent "Art Couture" gallery in the centre of town. Painswick, it seems, is definitely beginning to wake up. Cath Kidston has her home here; there is an award-winning delicatessen, a fantastic little cake shop, a community library and some great pubs. More info at www.cotswolds.com
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Tetbury
Tetbury, a historic town celebrated for its architectural heritage and voted one of the best places to live in Britain, thrived during the wool trade and is known for its annual woolsack race. With its beautiful floral displays and accolades as the "best small town" from 2008 to 2010, Tetbury attracts visitors, including "Poldark" and "Rivals" fans drawn to nearby Chavenage House. The town is evolving with over 850 new homes bringing younger families and a vibrant food scene, highlighted by Cafe 53 and local gems like Hobbs Bakery and Jesse Smiths Butcher. Nestled close to King Charles' Highgrove and well-connected by transport links, including rail access to London in about 80 minutes via Kemble, Tetbury combines rich history with contemporary charm. More info at www.visittetbury.co.uk
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Minchinhampton
Minchinhampton is a picturesque Cotswold village south of Stroud, renowned for its stunning views, historic charm and vast protected grassland area. Perched atop a hill, the village offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding countryside, with a historic church, charming stone properties and a range of excellent cafes and pubs. With its strong sense of community, excellent local amenities, sporting facilities and easy access to the Cotswolds' natural beauty, Minchinhampton is an ideal place to call home. More info at www.cotswolds.com
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Coln St. Aldwyns
Coln St. Aldwyns offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. Nestled in the picturesque Coln Valley, this idyllic village boasts stunning stone cottages, a historic church, an excellent traditional village pub and a fantastic convenience store. The excellent Hatherop Castle School, a happy and exceptionally high-achieving day and boarding school for 2 to 13-year-olds, is just down the road.
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Nailsworth
Nailsworth is a charming town in the Cotswolds that offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its picturesque stone buildings, winding streets, and vibrant community, it's no surprise that this town is so popular. It features a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants (including the exceptional and multi-award-winning William's Food Hall), catering to a wide range of tastes. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploration. More info at www.nailsworthonline.co.uk
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Wotton-under-Edge
Wotton-under-Edge is a charming market town in the heart of the Cotswolds, offering a delightful blend of history and modern living. Its picturesque high street features independent shops, stunning architecture, and cosy cafés. Wotton-under-Edge offers excellent schooling options for families, such as the renowned Katharine Lady Berkeley's School. Wotton-under-Edge is a fantastic place to call home with its strong sense of community, easy access to the beautiful Cotswold countryside, and convenient transportation links. www.wotton-under-edge.org
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Sherston
Sherston is a delightful Cotswold village that exudes charm and character, making it a wonderful place to live. With its honey-hued stone cottages and picturesque countryside, Sherston offers a serene and idyllic atmosphere. The village provides a range of day-to-day amenities, including a local coop, The Angel Cafe, and a welcoming pub, and just down the road is the exceptional Vinetree Restaurant and Country Pub. The strong sense of community is evident through various local events, such as the annual and popular Boules Festival. Sherston C of E Primary School is also highly regarded, with great secondary options nearby.
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Castle Combe
Castle Combe, often described as "the prettiest village in England," is a quintessential gem of the Cotswolds. With its honey-coloured stone cottages, winding cobbled streets, and picturesque river, it's easy to see why this village has captured the hearts of many. This charming destination has been featured in numerous films, adding to its allure. A stroll through its historic streets, past the ancient Market Cross and St. Andrew's Church, provides a glimpse into a bygone era. More info at www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
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Marshfield
Marshfield, a charming Cotswold village, offers a peaceful retreat that is conveniently located near the vibrant city of Bath and Chippenham. This picturesque village boasts stunning views across the undulating countryside with a good range of local amenities, including a fantastic general store, good pubs and the excellent Sweetapples Teashop on the High Street.
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Badminton
Badminton, a quintessential village in the Cotswolds, is famous for its elegance and rich history. It is home to the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials, providing a unique glimpse into the lives of the British aristocracy. With its grand estate, expansive parkland, and historic manor house, Badminton exudes a timeless charm.
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The Duntisbournes
The Duntisbournes is a series of four attractive villages along the valley of the tiny Dunt Stream, just north of Cirencester. Set amidst rolling hills and verdant meadows, these idyllic villages boast charming stone cottages, historic churches, and breathtaking views. Whether exploring the picturesque lanes, enjoying a leisurely picnic, or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere, the Duntisbournes offer a truly memorable experience. Easy access to Cirencester with its excellent range of shops and Kemble Station with trains to London.
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The Ampneys
The Ampneys is a trio of charming Cotswold villages near Cirencester that offer a peaceful escape into the heart of the English countryside. With their picturesque stone cottages, winding lanes, and stunning rural landscapes, these villages provide a tranquil setting for exploring and relaxing. The Ampneys are steeped in history, with ancient churches, manor houses, and remnants of Roman settlements. There is also the award-winning Wild Thyme & Honey village pub that sits on the banks of Ampney Brook.