Bentham

During the Second World War, Bentham became home to the Gloster Aircraft Company's Works, where fighter planes were manufactured for the war effort. Walk around today and you'll still spot evidence of this industrial past, with several original buildings standing as reminders of that significant chapter.

The village itself makes a peaceful base for exploring the surrounding countryside. There are good walking routes through the rolling hills that define this part of the Cotswolds, and because Bentham stays relatively quiet, you'll get a real sense of the region without battling the crowds you might encounter elsewhere. Local pubs are scattered about and serve as natural stopping points on walks, and you'll see the characteristic stone architecture that defines the area throughout.

If you're after more facilities or cultural attractions, Cheltenham and Gloucester are both easily within reach. Bentham works particularly well as part of a wider exploration of the region, letting you experience both the natural landscape and the lesser-known historical elements that often get overlooked. It's genuinely the kind of place where you can slow down and appreciate how this particular landscape played its role in shaping British history.