Wyck Rissington

It's the kind of place where you get a real feel for how village life actually works rather than just passing through a postcard version of it.

The main reason to visit is St Laurence Church, a working 12th century building that's been in continuous use for worship for over 900 years. It's Grade I listed, meaning it's considered nationally important, and the interior is worth spending time with. You'll spot Norman features and medieval additions that show how the structure evolved across the centuries. There's something quite moving about standing in a space where generations of local people have genuinely gathered over nearly a millennium.

The village itself is genuinely modest—there are no shops or restaurants here—but that's part of its appeal. It's a working community rather than something built for tourism. The countryside surrounding it is excellent for walking, with footpaths that connect through to neighbouring villages. When you need a proper coffee or somewhere to eat, Bourton-on-the-Water is only a few miles away with everything you could want. Wyck Rissington works best as part of a wider exploration of the Cotswolds, giving you a sense of what these villages are actually like when you step away from the busier high streets.