The Cotswolds in England welcomes 35 million visitors each year who discover the area’s beautiful scenery full of rolling hills, stone villages and popular market towns.
The 800 square mile area stretches through five different counties incuding Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. All of which have their own unique identities.
With all that it has to offer, from its rural landscapes to the many festivals and events that take place, it makes sense why the area is a popular tourist destination for both short and longer holiday breaks.
But for those wanting to enjoy the Cotswolds without the swarming crowds of people, there is an option for you waiting for you.
Hidden just at the end of the region is a gorgeous little historic town that is yet to be discovered by many.
Wotton-under-Edge near the southern end of the Cotswolds, is a market town surrounded by hills and nature. The town has a tiny population of just over 5,000 people making it a perfect escape for a more tranquil break.
Though it may be small, the town boasts a variety of independent stores along its main street, which it refers to as a ‘department store’ because of all the options it has to offer.
It also has a great Heritage Centre which was established to preserve and study the history of Wotton-Under-Edge. The treasured centre contains archives, records, photographs and genealogical research material for the town.
Additionally, it offers up to nine lectures a year, which are free for members and only £5 for non-members.
There are plenty of beautiful trails for visitors to enjoy a peaceful walk, including one to North Nibley and the Tyndale Monument, built in honour of William Tyndale who was the first person to translate the Bible into English.
The 111-foot tower was built in 1866 and has a narrow winding staircase which leads to an enclosed viewing platform. The climb to the top of the tower isn’t easy but it offers an incredible view over the village of North Nibley which makes it very much worth it.
