Steeple Aston

The place has real character, partly because the local Morris dancing side – Steeple Aston Morris – is one of the country's most active groups, keeping the tradition alive with regular performances around the village, especially in spring and summer. If you're here at the right time, you'll see them in their whites with bells strapped to their legs, moving through the coordinated steps that have defined English folk dancing since at least the 15th century.

The village itself centres around a green and church, with honey-coloured stone cottages spreading out along quiet lanes. The parish church is genuinely worth visiting if you're interested in local history. From here you can wander out into pleasant countryside – farmland and woodland walks are readily available – or pop into one of the local pubs and cafes for a rest.

You could easily spend a few quiet days here as a base, or come for half a day while touring the region. The pace is genuinely restorative. Woodstock and Blenheim Palace are just a short drive north if you want slightly more to do, and the wider Cotswolds are easily within reach whenever you feel like exploring further.