Badsey

Its main appeal comes from being positioned directly on the Cotswold Way, the 102-mile National Trail that became official in 2007 and has grown steadily in popularity with walkers over the past two decades.

The village itself is modest but genuinely pleasant, built around traditional stone buildings and functioning as a real working community rather than existing solely for visitors. The church is worth a brief visit if you're passing through, and you'll find a few local amenities including a pub for refreshments.

What makes Badsey genuinely useful is its location right on the long-distance path, making it an obvious stopping point if you're tackling the Cotswold Way in sections. This stretch of trail runs along the Cotswold Edge escarpment and offers good views across the vale. Many people treat it as a base for a day walk rather than staying overnight, which makes sense given how close it is to Evesham, where you'll find more substantial accommodation and facilities.

If you're not particularly interested in walking, Badsey probably isn't a destination in itself. But if you're exploring the wider Cotswolds on foot, you'll likely pass through here at some point, and you'll find it a pleasant, genuine place to stretch your legs and grab a drink.