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Painswick
The Cotswolds
The reigning "queen of the Cotswolds" is a historic wool town built from trademark Cotswold stone. A gorgeous church comes with a side serving of superstition; 99 yew trees are planted in the graveyard as legend has it that the devil would destroy the hundredth (they have recently taken the plunge, so watch this space). The village also claims the country's oldest bowling green. Borrow a pair of wellies from The Painswick Hotel and set out on an afternoon ramble following the footpath through the cottages. Neighbouring Paddock Farm supplies The Village Pub so settle in front of the fire and tuck into some local grub.