Towns and Villages E - H

Eastcombe

A hill-top village, 4 miles from Stroud, Eastcombe was once part of Bisley parish, but is now an attractive residential centre.

Eastington

An extensive parish occupying over 3 square miles between Stonehouse, the Severn and the Frome. The Church of St Michael, mostly built in the 13th century, is the oldest building. Not to be confused with Eastington near Northleach.

The Eastleaches

Turville and Martin - face one another across the little River Leach, their Norman churches merely a couple of stone throws apart. Two bridges connect the villages - a road bridge and a long footbridge of large flat stones, known as Keble's Bridge.

Ebrington

Stone and thatched cottages and old farmhouses give this long village its character in the gently folding hills east of Chipping Campden. Three oak trees on a tiny village green are the heart of the village.

Eckington

Set on the banks of the River Avon in picturesque Worcestershire countryside, this small village is in the heart of the Vale of Evesham famous for its blossom trails in the spring. Eckington is an excellent base for exploring Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire.

Edge

A small village with fabulous views over the Painswick Valley.

Elkstone

This hill-top village boasts some fine views across the broad Valley of the Churn. The jewel in the crown is the Norman church, one of the best examples anywhere in the country, and attractively set in its wooded churchyard.

Ewen

See Kemble on Towns and Villages I - N page

Fairford

The town sits on a lovely stretch of the River Coln and owes its fortune to its location - an important coaching town on the old London to Gloucester route. Some of the inns and hotels are reminders of this. As with so many villages, its great glory is the parish church, St Mary's, which is a fine 'wool church,' with a complete set of 28 medieval stained glass windows, recently loaned to the V&A for an exhibition and now safely back in place. The Coln is a slow and lazy river, offering delightful walks in quiet countryside.

Farmhill

A suburb of Stroud within easy striking distance of the wonderful landscape of the five valleys.

Farmington

'Farmington Stone' is quarried nearby and is a famous product locally, emerging soft and workable before reacting with the air to become durable and highly prized. The village near Northleach has a wonderful sycamore on its green and an attractive octagonal pumphouse matched by a curious octagonal bus-shelter - Farmington's contribution to the 1951 Festival of Britain!

Fiddington

Tiny little hamlet close to Tewkesbury with great views of the surrounding Cotswold & Severn Vale countryside. The Gloucestershire Way runs through the village.

Fifield

Together with Idbury, close to the Westcotes and enjoying the same extensive views across the Evenlode Valley from just off the high road between Stow and Burford. Small and quiet villages offering an escape from the rush. Idbury Church has some ancient woodwork.

Ford

A hamlet on the slopes of the upper Windrush, less than 2 miles below its source. Good walking country - up the valley to Cutsdean and Taddington, or down to Temple Guiting.

Forthampton

A quiet estate village near to Tewkesbury with Forthampton Court being the former home of the Abbots of Tewkesbury Abbey. The church here has a whipping post at its entrance!

Fossebridge

Where the Fosse Way drops into the valley of the River Coln. Delightful walks from here up to Yanworth and Chedworth Roman Villa.

Frampton-on-Severn

Captivating filmakers from across the country, Frampton's village green is reputedly the largest in England. Facing the green is Frampton Court, a Georgian stately home. An octagonal tower together with dovecote, completes a superb building which is open to the public by appointment. Legend says that Henry II's mistress, Rosamund Clifford, 'the Fair Rosamund', was born here.

Frampton Mansell

This small village is attractively sited above the steep 'Golden Valley' of the Frome between Chalford and Sapperton, its church a prominent feature. Good walking area, including the old canal towpath in the valley below.

Gloucester

Historic waterfront city of Gloucester is where you will find Roman foundations, Victorian docklands and magnificent Norman cathedral, rubbing shoulders with a bustling city centre of shops, markets, restaurants, pubs and visitor attractions.

Gotherington

A village at the foot of the Cotswold scarp which is a mix of thatched cottages, Cotswold stone and black & white timber-framed buildings. It has a good local pub.

Great Rissington

See The Rissingtons

Great Wolford

Site of a small Iron Age settlement, this village is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Greet

1 mile from Winchcombe, this large hamlet has a pleasant manor farmhouse with a lovely 17th century dovecote. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway and Winchcombe Pottery are nearby.

Gretton

This small village, 1.5 miles from Winchcombe has several attractive half-timbered cottages prettily situated around the 15th century tower of its otherwise demolished medieval church.
The nearby Prescott Hillclimb has links to the Bugatti Inn in the village.

Guiting Power

In the heart of the north Cotswold country in the upper reaches of the Windrush Valley. There is a small village green, with a pub at either end and excellent walking into Guiting Wood and over the hills. The Cotswold Farm Park is nearby.

Hailes

2 miles from Winchcombe, Hailes is well known for the remains of the great Cistercian Abbey (English Heritage). The Abbey once drew royalty and pilgrims to this lovely spot in the Cotswolds. After the Dissolution, the remains became romantic and remote. The village is on the Cotswold Way and is, incidentally, an extremely good place for conkers.

Haresfield

Haresfield Beacon is an ancient hillfort and a famous local beauty spot (713 feet) with spectacular views over the Estuary and Wales.

Hatherop

See Coln St Aldwyns on Towns and Villages C - D page

Highnam

A mainly modern village, but has a stunning church with frescoes by Thomas Gambier Parry, so well worth a visit.