Although Chipping Campden has ancient Stone Age and Roman origins, it was really founded in the Medieval era. The wealth of the wool trade saw the building of St James Church, one of the finest in the Cotswolds, and many impressive buildings you can still see today. As one of the best preserved and most historically important towns, it is frequently described as the ‘jewel in the crown of the Cotswolds’.

This quaint and Romantic village sits on either side of the river Eye and is known for its unspoilt stone cottages and picture perfect watermill. There are stone footbridges and flower filled gardens. Very little building has taken place here for over 100 years so it really is like stepping back in time.

Burford was once a rich wool town, with many buildings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The steep high street is lined with ancient cottages, independent shops, pubs and tea rooms. The iconic view down the hill, complete with the church spire and green fields behind is little changed since the medieval period.

Known as “Venice of the Cotswolds” picturesque Bourton on the Water is one of the most famous locations in the Cotswolds. Here 18th century stone bridges cross the river Windrush as it flows through the centre of the honey coloured village. There are a great number of pubs, cafes, bakeries, and souvenir shops.

The village centres around its long, wide high street or ‘broad-way’ and remains as it has done for centuries. It was once a prominent stage coach stop on the route between Worcester and London. More recently it attracted famous artists, designers and writers such as JM Barrie, John Singer Sargent and Edward Elgar. Today it has many wonderful cafes, restaurants and pubs, a fine delicatessen and some rather special shops and boutiques.

Stow on the Wold has an impressively large square where once sheep markets took place. The narrow alleys and roads leading from the square were to enable the counting and control huge flocks. These streets were said to run with blood during the last battle of the English Civil war. Here you will find The Porch House, the oldest inn in England dating from 947 AD, and the Yew tree door said to be the inspiration for Tolkien’s entrance to Moria.