Fairytale England

For the quintessential British countryside, where would you look first? A prominent region that springs to mind is the Cotswolds, which is located in southwest England.

The place is characterized by thatched medieval villages surrounded by gently rolling hills and farmland. The distinctive honey-colored limestone used to build the dwellings gives the region its color. Its name is believed to originate from Old English, combining “cots” (sheep enclosures) and “wolds” (gently rolling hills), reflecting its historical significance in the wool trade.

One notable spot in the region is the village of Broadway. The historic folly known as the Broadway Tower offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It is also a waypoint on the 100-mile Cotswold Way hiking trail, which stretches along the Cotswolds escarpment from the market town of Chipping Campden to the Roman city of Bath. On a hill above Broadway sits the village of Snowshill, a uniquely picturesque collection of honey-colored cottages.

Since the 19th century, the Cotswolds have been a popular spot for wealthy businesspeople and nobility looking for a retirement home or weekend retreat. Its proximity to London, just a two-hour drive away, certainly plays a part. Among today’s better-known residents is TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who runs a farm in the area. Other notable residents are David and Victoria Beckham. Even members of the royal family are often seen there too, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who own Highgrove House.

The Cotswolds’ popularity comes at a price, however. Popular spots are inundated with busloads of tourists. Today, Castle Combe’s street bridge and Bibury’s famous Arlington Row are no longer the peaceful places they were a generation ago. Traffic jams are commonplace, and parking spaces are often blocked by tourists.