Balls Green

It's one of those places you might drive through without a second glance, which is exactly what gives it its appeal—a genuine working village where life carries on without fuss.

The main reason to base yourself here is the brilliant access to everything around you. The Cotswold Way footpath runs less than a mile away, making this an ideal spot if you want to tackle the region's walking routes while staying in somewhere quiet and unpretentious. You can easily manage day hikes through the surrounding countryside, and you're equally well positioned to reach Gloucester to the north or Bristol to the south whenever you fancy a larger town.

Cam itself deserves proper exploration. It may sound smaller than Dursley, but it actually has a bigger population and has been growing steadily, especially around the railway station area. This growth has brought decent facilities and amenities without overdeveloping the place. You'll find independent shops and real community activity rather than the usual chains.

Practically speaking, the railway connection means you don't need a car to get here, and being right at the Cotswolds edge means genuine countryside is right there waiting for you.