Aston

Stone cottages line quiet lanes here, and the surrounding countryside genuinely feels removed from modern development. It's a place where you can experience rural England at a slower pace.

Aston doesn't have major attractions in the traditional sense, but that's really the appeal. You can wander through the settlement to take in the local stone architecture, visit the church if it happens to be open, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere that characterises so many Cotswold communities. The real reason to come is to use the village as a base for walks across the surrounding countryside. Rolling hills and farmland offer excellent opportunities for hiking, or you can simply spend time wandering through the landscape without particular purpose.

Location-wise, Aston sits conveniently within reach of larger towns. Depending on which part of the village you're in, you're close to Cheltenham to the north or Oxford to the south, so it's straightforward to combine a visit with other Cotswolds exploration. Amenities tend to be in neighbouring villages, so it's worth checking what's available locally before arriving.

This is the place to come if you want to experience the slower rhythm of Cotswold village life without the crowds you might encounter elsewhere.