Chipping Campden

⚑ Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire

One of the most beautiful market towns in the Cotswolds, Chipping Campden played an important role in the Arts and Crafts movement. Today, the town’s artist studios, independent shops and cafés continue its creative legacy. They occupy elegant limestone buildings on High Street — built with the wealth of the medieval wool trade — along with the towering Church of St. James. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon, when the streets are quieter and the soft light brings out the stone’s color.

Hidcote Garden

⚑ Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden

Just 7km from Chipping Campden is Hidcote, a sequence of beautifully designed outdoor “rooms.” Cultivated by American horticulturist Lawrence Johnston in the early 1900s, the space has inspired generations of landscape designers. Each separate area has its own planting, style and carefully framed views. Take your time following the winding paths, as the garden was designed to be discovered room by room.

Sezincote House

⚑ Moreton-in-Marsh

Sezincote is unlike any other country house in Britain, bringing Indian-inspired architecture into the heart of the Cotswold countryside. Built in the early 19th century, it has a copper dome and curving orangery inspired by the Mughal palaces of Rajasthan. Here, English romantic country garden planting is paired with stone elephant sculptures, a bronze serpent and steps inscribed with Persian Sufi poetry — making it one of the most distinctive destinations in the Cotswolds.

• TIP The house is only open to the public a few days a week between May and September, while the gardens are open between March and November.

Church of St.Peter and St.Paul, Northleach

⚑ Mill End, Northleach, Cheltenham

Today, Northleach is a quiet market town, but it was once an important center of the wool trade. The church’s soaring perpendicular Gothic architecture was funded by wealthy 15th-century merchants, who grew rich by trading the fleeces of Cotswold Lion sheep. The peaceful interiors include beautifully carved misericords, vaulted ceilings and medieval stonework, with sunlight filtering through stained glass windows. Below your feet, memorial brasses commemorate prominent merchants of the era.

Cotswold Motoring Museum

⚑ The Old Mill, Sherborne St, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham

Tucked away in the Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, this museum has been welcoming visitors since 1978. Its seven galleries trace the golden age of motoring through classic cars, motorcycles, caravans and vintage advertising signs, paired with a nostalgic collection of toys from pedal cars to model vehicles. The real draw, though, is Brum — the little yellow car from the beloved 1991 BBC children’s show — whose actual on-screen vehicle lives here, still drawing families in droves.

Domestic Science, Tetbury

⚑ 53 Long St, Tetbury

Tetbury is one of the Cotswolds’ creative centers, known for its antique shops, art galleries and homeware boutiques. One not to miss is Domestic Science, which brings together furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles and home accessories from established and emerging British and Scandinavian designers. Its eclectic products are spread across three floors, all chosen with an emphasis on quality and timeless design.

Arlington Row, Bibury

⚑ Awkward Hill, Cirencester

Arlington Row in Bibury is one of the most photographed streets in England, with roses climbing up the stone walls of its cottages and the River Coln trickling past. The cottages were built in the 14th century as a wool store before later being used by weavers who spun local wool into cloth. Afterwards, follow the stone bridges and waterside paths along the Rack Isle water meadows into the village for lunch.

• TIP If you want to get a closer look, two of the cottages are available to rent through the National Trust.