Coates

What draws people here is its proximity to Thames Head, where the River Thames starts its journey toward the sea. It's a calm place to walk and reflect on the significance of England's most important river right at its source.

The village centres around St Matthew's Church, a 13th-century parish church that embodies centuries of local life. A walk through Coates gives you genuine insight into how these Cotswold settlements took shape, with period properties and the quieter pace of rural Gloucestershire.

Roman history adds another dimension if that interests you. You're close to the Fosse Way, one of Britain's most significant Roman roads, which connected Exeter to Lincoln. This means you're exploring a landscape shaped by both ancient and medieval influences.

Coates works well as a peaceful base or a brief visit. Cirencester is nearby with its museums, shops and restaurants, while Kemble railway station is within reach if you're travelling without a car. The surrounding countryside offers good walking, whether you're heading toward Thames Head or exploring the wider estate lands in the area.