Witcombe

Stone cottages line the country lanes, and the surrounding countryside is threaded with good walking routes that make it easy to spend a day exploring on foot.

The main draw is Witcombe Roman Villa, an archaeological site that reveals the remains of a substantial Roman settlement from around the second century. Discovered during the 1800s, there's not much standing structure left, but what remains gives you a genuine feel for how wealthy Romans lived in this part of the country. The site sits in open fields with views that stretch across the landscape, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere.

The village works well as a base for exploring the wider Cotswolds. Walking routes from here connect to neighbouring villages and follow stream valleys and woodland, so you can easily spend several hours outdoors without much planning. Cheltenham is close enough for a half-day visit to its spas and galleries, and larger Cotswolds towns like Cirencester and Stroud are within easy reach if you want something busier.

Witcombe itself is small enough that you'll need to head to nearby villages for a proper meal or to stock up on supplies, but that quietness is precisely what makes it worth visiting.