Fairford

The River Coln runs through here, and you'll find the town has retained much of its medieval character without feeling overly preserved or frozen in time.

The real reason to come is St Mary the Virgin Church, which houses some of the finest medieval stained glass in England. The windows date from the 1490s and survived the Reformation largely intact, which is genuinely remarkable. Even if religious art doesn't usually grab you, the craftsmanship is extraordinary and absolutely worth seeing.

Beyond the church, Fairford functions as a proper working town rather than a tourist attraction, which means you'll find genuine local shops, proper pubs, and a real sense of community. The High Street features handsome stone buildings that tell the story of centuries of prosperity from the wool trade. You can pick up supplies here that you won't find in every village.

The Cotswold Water Park is just down the road if you want something more active, offering fishing, boating, and walking opportunities. RAF Fairford is also nearby and sometimes hosts air shows that draw huge crowds, so it's worth checking ahead if you're planning a summer visit.

While it's close enough to Cirencester for a day trip, the town really rewards an overnight stay so you can get a proper sense of the place.