Chipping Campden, created through commerce of the wool trade, boasts a high street of 14th to 17th century buildings, the oldest being Grevel House. The Market Hall was built in 1627 for the purpose of housing the sale of poultry, butter and cheese. There are many small shops connected with local crafts, souvenirs, food and books. To one end of Campden is St James' Church with its twelve pinnacles representing the twelve apostles.
Situated on the Fosse Way, Stow-on-the-Wold is a busy town, though as with many Cotswold towns just walking off the high street leads to quieter hidden treasures. Visit Stow for its many fine antique shops.
Moreton-in-Marsh with its 17th and 18th century buildings was an important weaving and coaching town. Previously a manor house, the White Hart Hotel sheltered King Charles I during the English Civil Wars. The town now hosts a market every Tuesday.
Market Hall, Chipping Campden
With prehistoric and Roman origins Bibury has continued to make its mark in history. The existence of a 10th Century Saxon church and the fact that the local population was decimated by the Black Death go to prove this point. A claim to fame is the picture postcard Arlington Row of cottages, pictures of which are reproduced worldwide but belie the underlying poverty that existed when the wool and weaving industry declined.
Broadway lies approximately 5 miles north west of Blockley. It is suggested that the village was established in 557AD by South Saxons advancing towards Worcester after the battle of Dyrham. It eventually became an important staging post around 1600.
Today Broadway retains its Cotswold charm and character whilst catering to the visitor with its art and antique shops, restaurants and tea rooms.
