Classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Oxfordshire Cotswolds are a beautiful representation of quintessential England. Every which way you turn you will find sweeping landscapes and picture postcard villages that both captivate and charm, making it the popular tourist haven that it is today.
When in the Cotswolds it is essential that you sample the villages and towns that help make the destination so memorable. Chipping Norton is one such town which can be found at the regions highest point. Deriving its name from the old English word for market, a focal point of the town is its market place but there are also many interesting buildings of note including its Parish Church, St Mary. You could also try exploring Witney, known for its production of Woollen blankets or Woodstock ‘the place in the woods’ which is conveniently located for trips to the beautiful Blenheim Palace. Perhaps one of the most charming of the towns is Burford, a destination full of intriguing alleyways and courtyards and beautiful 17th and 18th century buildings.
The area’s countryside is perfect for walks and you can make the most of your exploration by taking one of the guided tours that are available. Varying in difficulty (easy, moderate and strenuous), the walks take on different focuses and are lead by such organisations as the National Trust.