Corston

You'll find it easily enough if you're exploring the northern reaches, and the Gauze Brook flowing through adds a pleasant feature to the landscape. Walking routes branch out into the surrounding countryside if you fancy getting off the main road for a bit.

What makes Corston worth knowing about is its connection to the Fry chocolate family. Before they established their famous chocolate empire, the Frys had roots here, so there's a thread of industrial heritage running through what is otherwise a rural settlement. The village itself is small – just a scattered handful of properties along the road – but the countryside around it follows that familiar Cotswolds pattern of rolling fields and gentle hills.

This is really the kind of place that rewards a casual visit if you're already in the area rather than a reason to make a special trip on its own. If you're based in nearby Malmesbury, which has far more going on with its shops, pubs, and impressive abbey, Corston works nicely as a countryside walk or drive. It's better thought of as part of a broader day exploring the region, but it does give you a genuine feel for the quieter Cotswolds communities that exist away from the main tourist routes.