The CotswoldsGloucestershire

The golden limestone villages (Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Moreton-in-Marsh), the Cotswold Way long-distance path, the sheep and wool heritage, and England's most visited rural landscape

The Cotswolds grew wealthy from the medieval wool trade — the golden limestone churches and manor houses were built with wool merchant fortunes. The Cotswold sheep (now rare) gave the area its fame. The landscape has changed little since the 18th century, making it one of England's best-preserved historic rural areas.

The Cotswold Way (102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath) is one of England's great walks. The less-visited northern Cotswolds — Chipping Campden, Broadway, Blockley — are better than the over-visited south. The farmshops for local produce.