The
Cotswolds 
This
limestone escarpment, 18 miles north-east of Bristol, overlooking the Severn
Vale, is an upland region of stunningly pretty, gilded stone villages and
remarkable views. Unfortunately, the soft, mellow stone and the picturesque
Agatha Christie charm have resulted in some villages being overrun by coach
tourists and commercialism. Renowned villages include Bibury (claimed to
be the most beautiful village in England); the chocolate-box town of Bourton-on-the-Water;
and the breathtakingly pretty Chipping Camden. The best way to explore
the Cotswolds is to walk; the 100-mile Cotswold Way is a gem of a hike,
full of history and interesting terrain that make the abundance of quaintness
easier to swallow.
