One of the best kept secrets in the Cotswolds, Northleach is right in the heart of the Cotswolds but tucked quietly away from the busy A40. 

At the town's centre is the ancient Market Place with some wonderful half-timbered buildings and houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Here you'll find all the necessities of village life including a butcher and baker - though sadly no candle stick maker!

The small town has a friendly, unhurried atmosphere with two pubs, including The Wheatsheaf with 14 rooms, plus a wine bar and cafe.

The medieval wool trade brought great wealth to the Cotswolds and Northleach boasts one of the Cotswolds' most impressive 'wool' churches: the church of St Peter and St Paul is considered the 'Cathedral of the Cotswolds'. 

A short walk from the town centre is the Old Prison, an 18C 'House of Correction' with both prison and court house. It now houses a cafe, the offices for the Cotswolds Conservation Board with a collection of old farm carts behind.

Northleach was also the setting for the hit mockumentary sitcom 'This Country' about the boredom of life for young people in small rural towns!

48 hours in and around Northleach

Northleach Browser