High Green

The appeal here isn't a list of specific attractions, but rather the genuine rural atmosphere and the honey-coloured stone cottages that seem to grow naturally from the landscape. It's the kind of place where you can spend a morning wandering the lanes without seeing many other visitors, which makes it ideal if you're after some proper peace and quiet.

High Green works well as a base for exploring the surrounding area. Ripple is very close by, with its historic church and a friendly local pub. Head a bit further and you'll reach Upton-upon-Severn on the river, where you can take boat trips and browse independent shops. Tewkesbury, the substantial market town with its remarkable Abbey, is also within easy reach and offers a livelier contrast if you want a day with more going on. The real strength of staying here is having that genuine tranquility on your doorstep while keeping the larger villages and towns within striking distance. It's a different approach to visiting the Cotswolds – less about ticking off highlights, more about actually experiencing how people live in this part of England.