The charming town of Chipping Campden is a wonderful place to explore and provides the perfect base for venturing further into the Cotswolds countryside. The historic stone buildings of this area give the old wool merchants' town its unique character, many dating back several centuries; visitors could be forgiven for thinking they had wandered on to a particularly authentic film set, such is the flawless quintessence of 'olde England'.

But Chipping Campden is a real and thriving place, with plenty to see and do - the town itself boasts some unusual shops where you can find antiques or decorative glass, while the buildings themselves are worthy of further investigation. The church, the almshouses and the Gateway to the old Campden House all have a story to tell, while the Eight Bells pub has stood on its site since the 14th century and still enjoys a busy trade.

More pubs as well as cosy tea rooms offer visitors a place to relax in between sightseeing, and in nearby Mickleton, the famous Pudding Club operates at the Three Ways House Hotel.

For more strenuous activity, Chipping Campden is ideally placed for walking tours, whether strolling through the surrounding streets or hiking in rougher terrain. Dover Hill offers superb views over the Vale of Evesham, the Avon and the Severn, all the way to the foothills of the Welsh mountains, and dedicated walkers will be aware that the Cotswold Way, which stretches over 100 miles to Bath, has its official starting point at the War Memorial in Chipping Campden.

Nearby towns such as Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh and Bourton-on-the-Water all have their own attractions, but if you happen to be in Chipping Campden itself on the Friday after Spring Bank Holiday, you'll be able to take in the Cotswolds Olimpick Games, which have been held here annually since 1612. Ancient competitions and a procession of torches are just some of the highlights. See www.chippingcampden.co.uk for details nearer the time.