Defford

It's especially popular with people walking the Cotswold Way, the 102-mile National Trail that runs along the dramatic Cotswold Edge escarpment. The trail officially opened in 2007 and has become one of England's most rewarding long-distance walks, though you can easily tackle sections of it from here without committing to the full route.

Defford itself is understated rather than showy. The village centers around a small green and has a medieval church worth a brief look if you're passing through. What really brings visitors here is the walking potential in every direction. From the village you can head north toward the escarpment's highest points with sweeping valley views, or explore the quieter Vale farmland and woodland paths that connect to the main trail.

There's a proper local pub where you can refuel after a walk, and larger towns like Evesham and Pershore are close by if you need supplies or evening entertainment. Defford works best as part of a walking trip rather than as a destination in itself, but that's really the appeal. It's a genuine working village rather than a tourist attraction, which is precisely why walkers value it. You'll find it feels like a real place where people actually live and work, not somewhere built for visitors.