Upper Inglesham

It's not really a destination on its own, but it works well as a base for exploring this corner of the Cotswolds where Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Oxfordshire meet.

The main reason to stop here is St John the Baptist Church in the village of Inglesham, a Grade I listed building that's genuinely worth the short walk. The church goes back centuries and contains remarkable medieval wall paintings that weren't discovered until Victorian restoration workers found them. You could easily spend an hour there tracing the layers of local history painted directly onto the walls.

The surrounding area is defined by the River Thames flowing nearby, which marks the county boundary at this point. If you enjoy riverside walks or simply want a proper countryside stroll away from busier villages, this spot offers plenty of that. The hamlet itself keeps things minimal—you won't find shops or restaurants here—but it's ideal if you're based in nearby Lechlade and fancy exploring the quieter edges of the region, or if you're just passing through between Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire and want to break the journey with something more peaceful than the main roads offer.