Ashton Keynes

With around 1,400 residents, it genuinely feels peaceful without being isolated, and it works really well as a base for exploring this distinctive corner of the Cotswolds.

The Thames is still finding its way here, splitting into numerous waterways that create a landscape of small lakes, channels, and wetland areas. This makes Ashton Keynes particularly good if you're interested in water-based activities. You can hire a boat to explore the waterways at a leisurely pace, try fishing, or walk the paths that thread through the area, spotting water birds and discovering more variety in the scenery than you'd expect somewhere so flat. The village has a genuine community atmosphere with a proper pub, local shops, and a primary school that's been operating for centuries.

The village grew up along the river, and you can still see this in how the houses are arranged and in the bridge connecting the two parts. The name comes from the Norman Keynes family who owned land here.

Cirencester lies just five miles north if you want a larger market town with more amenities and Roman heritage to explore. Cricklade, another appealing small town, is about three and a half miles east. Both are straightforward to reach by car or bike.