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The Cotswolds is known and loved for its charm but this lesser-known spot is one that may not have been on your radar but is well worth the visit as you explore the area.

Small and sweet, the market town known as Minchinhampton sits on the edge of Stroud and Nailsworth, just south of the Cotswolds. Similar to its neighbouring areas, this quaint town is made up of the most picturesque cottages and buildings, straight out of a fairytale.

Its architecture holds a lot of history with many of the buildings dating back as far as the 17th century to the mediaeval wool trade. Although so much of its history is steeped in beer, more specifically, West Country Ales.

A number of the towns' prolific pubs boast a plaque stating 'West Country Ales - Best in the West - 1760', which was given to the pubs at the time that related to the Stroud Brewery. These can be spotted outside of pubs such as The Crown and the Market Place, as well as other pubs that have since closed their doors.

What brings visitors from far and wide to Minchinhampton are the stunning views of the Stroud Valleys surrounding the Common. There are wide-ranging views; many have described them as 'breathtaking', with the west side looking over the Severn estuary into Wales and the east to the Golden Valley and the rest of the Cotswolds.

The area is considered to be an important archaeological landscape that is carefully managed as a part of the National Trust. When driving over the common, guests should always keep an eye out for cows, as they can expect to also see freely roaming horses, rare orchids and beautiful butterflies along the way.

Another selling point of Minchinhampton is its wholesome weekly country market, paired with its great selection of local cafes and farm shops. Their market hall is housed in a charming building dating back to the 17th century, loved by locals and serving the community from the town centre.

Minchinhampton Market takes place every Wednesday from 8.30am to 11.30am, according to a local events forum. There you'll find stalls dedicated to cakes, plants, preserves, and seasonal fruit and vegetables, along with a wide range of glassware, pottery and other crafts.

Due to its picturesque setting, the town was in fact the backdrop to a BBC TV adaptation of J. K. Rowling's Casual Vacancy. Plenty of filming took place in and around the town, much like its Cotswolds counterparts.

Other things to do in Minchinhampton include plenty of walking routes, horse-riding, golfing and even paragliding from the common for the adventurers of the group. Famously the town sees an annual circus known as Giffords Circus take place in the town throughout the summer, so for those after a quirky experience, it may be worth visiting during this time of year.