Great Bourton

What distinguishes it is the river running directly through the centre, complete with shallow fords where you can wade across during warmer months. The main street comprises honey-coloured stone buildings spanning several centuries, creating an authentic sense of continuity with the past.

The water meadows alongside the river reward exploration, particularly in spring and summer when they're at their best. The river itself draws wildlife enthusiasts keen to spot ducks and herons. The village green hosts several cafes and shops, while a selection of pubs offers proper meals and local atmosphere. The church provides insight into the area's evolution if you're drawn to that sort of thing.

Settlement here stretches back to Anglo-Saxon times, and you can read that history in the layers of architecture visible throughout. The location works well as a base for exploring the broader Cotswolds, with Stow-on-the-Wold only a few miles away and numerous walking routes fanning out into the surrounding landscape. Summer weekends bring crowds, but weekdays remain considerably quieter, which matters if you're after a more relaxed experience. The Windrush valley itself offers pleasant walking terrain for those wanting to venture further afield.