Victorian designer William Morris is said to have 'discovered' Broadway, a village of corn-coloured stone whose 'broad way' is lined with red chestnut trees.
The views from the 18th-century Broadway Tower are magnificent, and Charles I and Cromwell even used the 17th-century Lygon Arms.
Nearby Snowshill is an isolated hill village dating back over 1,000 years. The manor house, a National Trust property, was built around 1500. It houses Charles Wade's collection of 'colour, craftsmanship and design': more than 22,000 objects from around the world.
For garden enthusiasts, head a couple of miles north to Chipping Camden, where Hidcote Manor (another National Trust gem) and Kiftsgate Court are not to be missed. Alternatively, travel the same distance south to Blockley, home of Mill Dene Garden.
Take in some culture in Cheltenham
A short drive south west takes you to the beautiful town of Cheltenham, with its famous racecourse. There's also an extensive local programme of National Hunt racing from October through to April.
While you're in the area, take the opportunity to visit the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, or the Holst Birthplace Museum. This is the Regency-period house where Gustav Holst, composer of The Planets, was born in 1874.
South of Cheltenham, Painswick's Rococo Garden is a step back in time to a flamboyant and sensual period of English garden design. Originally laid out in the early 18th century, the garden has fantastic views of the surrounding Cotswold countryside.
Preserving history and rare species
Continuing our journey south towards the historic city of Bristol, the Jenner Museum in Berkeley is based in The Chantry, the house that Edward Jenner - the 'Father of Immunology' - owned from 1785 until his death in 1823.
East of here, Westonbirt is the spectacular National Arboretum near Tetbury. Covering 600 acres, it has over 3,000 different trees and shrub species, many of which are rare or endangered. At the same time, visit Abbey House Gardens in nearby ancient Malmesbury.
If you've come this far, drop into beautiful Bath to see its splendidly preserved Roman Baths. After exploring this ancient thermal spa, visit the town's other museums, galleries and historic buildings.
From model villages to Baroque Palaces
Back to Broadway and take a short trip south east to quaint Bourton-on-the-Water. It's replicated in the fascinating Model Village, which was created in the 1930s and built from local Cotswold stone. Bourton's Picturesque gallery showcases the work, from paintings to jewellery, of a select group of local artists.
Nearby Stow-on-the-Wold is a lovely old Cotswold market town. Originally a major wool centre situated on the ancient Fosse Way Roman road, it has antique shops, art galleries and tea rooms. While you're there, nip down the road to Chipping Norton to take a look at the 19th-century Bliss Tweed Mill.
Continue on towards Oxford for Blenheim Palace at Woodstock. This World Heritage Site is a unique example of English Baroque architecture, with an exhibition that brings to life the palace's 300-year history.
Why not visit one of the longest steam railway lines in the country, for further information please visit www.gwsr.com.