| The Cotswolds is a beautiful region which falls into | | | | of the River Avon and sweeping steep slopes |
| the counties of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and | | | | which together act as a natural defence. The |
| Oxfordshire among others. It was designated as | | | | great stone walls which were once used to fortify |
| an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966 | | | | for the town can still be seen to this day, along |
| and contains idyllic honey-coloured towns and | | | | with the weavers’ cottages which are dotted |
| villages, rolling Cotswolds hills and true picturesque | | | | along the High Street, as like most Cotswolds |
| English countryside. | | | | towns, Malmesbury was a wealthy wool town. |
| There are a range of things to explore in the | | | | Today the town is still bustling and vibrant |
| region, from the bustling market towns to the | | | | presenting a good selection of small, independent |
| endless walking routes across the Cotswolds | | | | shops where the major chain stores are very |
| countryside. There are also many historic houses | | | | rare among the town. |
| and beautiful English gardens to visit. | | | | Moreton-in-Marsh |
| Local Towns | | | | Moreton-in-Marsh is situated at the head of the |
| The Cotswolds is the hub of rural England, where | | | | Evenlode Valley on the Fosse Way which was a |
| the small Cotswolds towns and villages have | | | | major Roman road which runs from the South |
| retained and preserved English character and | | | | coast to Lincoln. The town was granted market |
| charm. Cirencester is the largest of the towns | | | | charter in 1227 and the weekly markets still takes |
| and is known as the ‘capital’ town of the | | | | place each Tuesday. Like Malmesbury, |
| Cotswolds. A couple of other towns to visit | | | | Moreton-in-Marsh was also heavily involved in wool |
| include: | | | | and cloth making which was the source of income |
| Malmesbury | | | | during the medieval years. At present, the town is |
| Malmesbury is reputed to be the oldest borough in | | | | lined with specialist stores, tea-rooms, galleries and |
| England and its hilltop presence means that it is | | | | the Wellington Aviation and Art Museum is a |
| described as the ‘Queen of the hilltop | | | | haven for World War II enthusiasts. |
| towns’. The town is surrounded by two forks | | | | |