The Cotswolds has an abundance of pretty picturesque villages, in fact it's what it's known for. Tourists flock from miles and miles to visit the likes of Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, with their quaint cobblestone roads and picture-perfect houses.
But there is an equally picturesque town much closer to Bristol where you can actually avoid all the tourists. According to My London, Painswick offers tranquillity even in high season. Not only does the little market town have plenty to explore, but it also lies in the heart of the Five Valleys which offers some of the best walking opportunities in the Cotswolds.
Located north of Stroud, there's no shortage of things to do in this little town, from exploring the famous churchyard and gardens to enjoying local restaurants and cafés. What's more TV fans may recognise Painswick because it featured heavily as a location for the BBC adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy.
