Cotswolds

Two hours northwest of London, the Cotswolds is a compact region of natural beauty and exquisite rural architecture. Once a center of wool production, the area now contains a wealth of enchanting medieval villages set amid gentle rolling hills. Diminutive cottages built of honey-colored stone surround squares lined with appealing shops and atmospheric vintage pubs. The “capital” of the Cotswolds is the fine Roman city of Cirencester. During summer, the major towns become excessively crowded, but the backroads and villages are still a delight.