Fairytale England

If you want to see the British countryside at its most fairytale-like, there’s probably no better place than the Cotswolds.

Located in south-west England, the region 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. The region’s 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.

Thanks in no small part to their proximity to central London, just a two-hour drive away, the Cotswolds are one of the UK’s most sought-after locations for a country home. Recently, the area has grown in popularity among celebrities and the wealthy. Notable residents include David and Victoria Beckham, as well as TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who runs a farm shop and pub in the area. Even royalty, such as King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who own Highgrove House, can often be seen there.

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 once were. Traffic jams are commonplace, and parking spaces are often blocked by tourists.