When you think of the Cotswolds, it's usually the same towns that attract tourists from all over. Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Chipping Norton, Broadway, and Castle Combe are all well-known destinations for those seeking the quaint charm of an old-world village set against a picturesque backdrop. However, many forget that Warwickshire actually encompasses the northernmost tip of the Cotswolds, which is where the stunning town of Shipston-on-Stour is located.
Offering all the ancient allure of any Cotswolds location, you'd only need to spend just five minutes on its beautiful high street to quickly notice the lack of tourists. With no tour buses or groups of holidaymakers snapping photos, Shipston-on-Stour could officially be one of the Cotswolds' best keep secrets. READ MORE: Repel rats from your garden fast and 'forever' with this homemade solution 'they can't stand' When CoventryLive reporter Conor Knell visited the town he said "The atmosphere here feels wonderfully authentic and local.
It's simply an old town with everyday people going about their business, surrounded by gorgeous rolling hills reminiscent of the Windows XP start-up screen." Beautiful ancient buildings like The Horseshoe pub are all over the Cotswold town of Shipston-on-Stour (Image: Conor Knell) He continued "Though small, the high street is brimming with character. My first port of call, as it is in any country town, was to explore the antique and charity shops.
" Conor found himself in a shop called London House Past and Presents - a delightful antique shop suitable for all ages. Packed full of old toys, books, and glassware, Conor said: "It had an inclusive feel, where you didn't enter feeling like the proverbial bull in a china shop. "As you stroll around, you can hear the friendly chatter of locals who know each other well.
Outside the neighbourhood pet shop, a man is busy tinkering under the bonnet of his car. Another local passes by, checks in on him, and continues on his way." Speaking about the encounter, Conor added: "This might sound incredibly ordinary if you're from a small community.
But for those hailing from bustling cities where strangers are often met with suspicion, it's a refreshing change." Some of the more picturesque coloured houses in Shipston-on-Stour (Image: Conor Knell) Unlike other Cotswolds towns that demand hours of driving on single-lane roads behind slow-moving traffic, Shipston-on-Stour is conveniently located just 25 minutes from either Junction 12 or Junction 16 of the M40. Moreover, if you're keen to explore Stratford-upon-Avon or any of the other attractions the Cotswolds have to offer, it could be an ideal base to avoid the higher accommodation costs associated with more popular destinations.
Conor concluded: "After my visit to Shipston-on-Stour, I can wholeheartedly recommend this town - it's a hidden gem. If you're seeking a taste of authentic English country life for a weekend and crave some peace and quiet, it will suit you down to the ground.".
