England is rich in centuries of fascinating history, it still has many picturesque towns throughout the country, built from the local materials available at the time, giving each area its unique ambience. The honey coloured stone of the Cotswolds defines this beautiful part of England; situated only 50 miles north west of London, between Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon. Similar to North Yorkshire (which is often referred to as ‘The Cotswolds of the north’) it never fails to charm and beguile! The small market town of Chippen Campden being one of my favourite spots.

Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds, England
The old market square in Chipping Campden.
English Market in Chipping Campden, the Cotswolds, England
Gabled roof tops and windows along the High Street.
Chipping Campden High Street, in the Cotswolds, England
An old window above the shops,
Cotswold stone architecture in Chipping Campden, the Cotswolds, England
and a door way leading into the cheese shop,
Cotswolds Cheese shop in Chipping Campden, England
full of locally produced Cotswold cheeses!
Inside the Cotswolds Cheese shop in Chipping Campden, England
The courtyard of Layford Barn, just a few miles outside Chipping Campden
Laystone Barn shops in the Cotswolds. England
Lots to tempt you inside!
Inside Laystone Barn shop in the Cotswolds
The famous Broadway Tower, reminiscent of Rapunzels’ tower, aptly situated as it dominates the hillside just outside the ‘fairy tale’ town of Broadway! An icon of the region, the tower is an old folly, built in 1798 as a local look out tower. Designed by Capability Brown, it has seen many uses over the years, including being a place to track enemy planes during both World Wars and later as a nuclear bunker to report potential nuclear attacks during the ‘Cold War’.
The Broadway Tower in the Cotswolds
Just a few minutes down the hill is delightful Broadway, where we arrived just in time to catch the bus!
English double decker bus, Broadway in the Cotswolds
Fine English Oaks still dominate Broadway’s High Street.
English Oak in Broadway in the Cotswolds, England
The local ‘grocery store’, what a fun place to shop!
Fruit at the Deli in Broadway in the Cotswolds
Last minute purchases before…
In the Cotswolds,Chipping Campden deli
climbing the steps home!
Cotswolds stone steps in Chipping Campden
and yet still so many more unexplored areas of the Cotswolds to explore, perhaps next time……………….