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There is a quiet boundary line where the gentle, manicured valleys of the southern Cotswolds begin to rise into something altogether wilder.
If you follow the country lanes south from the Gloucestershire border into Wiltshire, you leave behind the busy tourist hotspots and enter a landscape of deep history, ancient woodlands, and market towns that have kept their fiercely independent spirit.
A Tale of Three Historic High Streets
For the discerning traveller, staying in this spectacular borderland offers the absolute best of both worlds. You get all the classic stone charm of the region, paired with a slower, more authentic pace of life. Nowhere is this unique character more alive than on the shopping streets of our three favourite historic locations: Tetbury, Malmesbury and Bath.
Here is how to spend a perfect day exploring these historic gems.
Tetbury: The Capital of Antiques and Royal Gardens
Our journey begins in Tetbury, a town that wears its rich wool-heritage proudly. Elegant merchant houses climb up the hillsides, dominated by the spectacular 17th-century pillared Market House at its heart.
Tetbury is a paradise for those who love the thrill of the find. The town is globally renowned for its incredible concentration of antique shops, vintage emporia and independent boutiques. You can easily spend a full morning wandering in and out of hidden courtyards, discovering everything from mid-century French furniture to locally crafted homewares.
The Local Highlight
After browsing the shops, head just outside of town to Westonbirt Arboretum. This 600 acre is home to thousands of different species of trees and the perfect place to unwind and find shade beneath the leafy canopies.
Insider Tip: To enjoy the trees in perfect peace, we recommend pre-booking online and visiting either early at 9am or after 2pm. On busier weekends, head straight to Silk Wood rather than the Old Arboretum as it’s much quieter there.
The Lunch Spot
Pop into the Highgrove Shop on the high street for some organic treats, or grab a table at The Royal Oak, a dog-friendly pub with a Summer Pop-Up on Fridays and Saturdays serving world street food from an Airstream.
Stay nearby?
Surround yourselves with tranquillity in the Cotswolds at this pet friendly retreat.-
Escape everyday life at this delightful barn conversion in the Cotswolds, surrounded by farmland and close to Tetbury and Malmesbury. -
Tetbury Hillside Cottage
4.5/5A cosy period town house with a contemporary interior, a minutes walk from antique shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
Malmesbury: Hilltop Views and Flying Monks
Just a short, scenic drive south across the Wiltshire border sits Malmesbury, England’s oldest borough. Perched spectacularly on a flat-topped hill and almost entirely encircled by the flowing waters of the River Avon, this medieval market town feels like something out of a storybook.
The high street here is delightfully steep and packed with brilliant independent bookshops, artisan bakeries, and cosy cafes. But the undisputed crown jewel of Malmesbury is the breathtaking 12th-century Abbey that towers over the rooftops. Even in its partly ruined state, the architecture is awe-inspiring. It is also the site where, legend has it, Eilmer, a 11th-century monk, famously attached wings to his hands and feet and launched himself from the abbey tower, gliding over 200 metres before landing.
The Local Highlight
Take a peaceful stroll through the Abbey House gardens, where the river loops quietly below the ancient stone walls.
The Coffee Stop
Grab a flat white and a freshly baked cardamom bun from one of the independent bakeries along the high street and find a bench overlooking the dramatic Avon valley views.
Stay nearby?
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Admire the riverside views from your rooftop balcony at this 19th-century water mill in the charming town of Malmesbury. -
A cosy and stylish Cotswold cottage with exposed beams and wood-burning stove set in a quiet location just off the centre of the village. -
Eastcourt Barns Lee
4.9/5This beautiful barn conversion has character in abundance, sociable living spaces with wood burning stoves plus a heated swimming pool.
Bath: Georgian Elegance and Independent Lanes
Continuing south, our final stop is the breathtaking city of Bath. Famous for its Roman heritage and striking Georgian architecture, Bath offers a shopping experience quite unlike anywhere else in the UK.
While the grand, sweeping thoroughfares of Milsom Street showcase major fashion labels, the real magic of Bath lies in its maze of narrow passageways and independent quarters. Head to the artisanal haven of Walcot Street (the city’s vibrant artisan quarter) or explore the charming Margaret’s Buildings nestled between the Circus and the Royal Crescent. Here, you will find independent galleries, antique book dealers, and bespoke perfumers tucked behind beautifully preserved shopfronts.
Local Highlight:
Walk across the iconic Pulteney Bridge, one of only four bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides.
The Dining Spot:
Seek out a quiet courtyard bistro or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in one of the city’s elegant, independent tea rooms.
Stay nearby?
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Serene, contemporary Wiltshire getaway with spectacular open plan living spaces and glorious garden. -
Unique getaway overlooking the Avon Valley near Bath with use of a tennis court. -
Cold Ashton Old Stables
4.9/5A single-storey, contemporary barn conversion in a rural location with easy access to Bath, Bristol and the Cotswolds.
The Perfect Base for Your Escape
Exploring these three historic spots is about embracing a slower, richer travel experience. By combining the quiet, village-like pace of Tetbury and Malmesbury with the grand elegance of Bath, you get a wonderfully varied experience.
Our hand-picked and exclusive holiday cottages are perfectly positioned in this quiet border country, offering you a private, beautifully appointed sanctuary to return to. Whether you are looking for a cosy, stone-walled cottage for two or a sprawling country home to gather the whole family, we have the perfect base for your next ‘South West’ adventure.