The small towns of Burford and Stow on the Wold are excellent examples of Cotswold market towns, each with a distinctive identity. Burford was once an important coaching stop on the London to Bristol road. Today it is an attractive small town, rich in vernacular architecture ranging from the modest to the majestic, and famous for its antique shops. Here we see a splendid “wool” church with styles ranging from Norman to 16th century.

Burford and Stow on the Wold suffered during the Civil War in England and there are reminders in both towns of the ravages. Like Burford, Stow was geographically well placed to prosper. It is situated on a convergence of eight major roads, and names like “Sheep Street” remind us of the dependence on the local farming community for its economic survival. Unlike Burford, Stow is built around a square and today is proud of its picturesque looks. It, too, thrives on small unique shops that give the town its particular character.

Broadway Tower is a "folly" and was built in 1799. From the top of the tower it is possible to see 13 English counties.

Broadway is a picturesque Cotswold village renowned for its Elizabethan architecture and large open greens. Once part of the Worcester to London coaching route, the inns once resounded to the sound of merriment as wealthy travellers sampled the local fayre.

Snowshill, is a sleepy little hamlet in the middle of the Cotswolds. There is a ford across one of its roads and it has the most beautiful view of the surrounding Cotswold countryside. A visit to Snowshill Manor is exciting as it houses the famous collection of Charles Paget Wade. The collection is the best in the Cotswolds and includes clocks, toys, bicycles and even a collection of Japanese Samurai armour. Parts of the village were used in the film of the Bridget Jones's Diary movie.

Chipping Campden is a very popular destination for holiday makers. There is a wealth of history in what can only be described as one of the finest towns in the Cotswolds. The 14th century church of St. James is an amazing sight with its twelve pinnacles for the Twelve Apostles. There are silversmiths still at work in the town and seeing them is like taking a step back in history. Robert Welch's shop offers hand made cutlery and kitchen knives. There are many fine hotels and restaurants in Chipping Campden.

There are many undiscovered villages and hamlets especially in the North Cotswold area. These include places along the Windrush and Coln valleys. Beautiful.

A visit to Blenheim Palace is a must. Built by John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, and ancestor of Winston Churchill. The main street of Woodstock is the approach to Blenheim Palace and the visitor is often unprepared for the vista on entering Blenheim Park. Time will be allowed for a tour of the Palace by dedicated guides.
Woodstock was a Royal Manor before the Norman Conquest and formed part of the Wychwood Forest, used by the medieval kings for hunting. Today, Woodstock is a small, compact town with a variety of beautiful buildings, ranging from the elegant Georgian Town Hall, to the more quirky domestic private dwellings. Sir Winston Churchill is buried at nearby Bladon.

Alice Foster is a free lance lecturer in History of Art, and for several years has lectured in the Continuing Education Department of the University of Oxford. She also lectures for NADFAS, and leads study groups to Italy on week long tours. She runs the summer school at Magdalen College, Oxford and is responsible for guiding students to places of interest in Oxfordshire and London. She has lived in the Cotswolds for 18 years.
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