Set in the heart of England's countryside, the Cotswolds occupies the area between Gloucester, Bath, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon. This area is a perfect blend of gentle rolling hills, plentiful archaeological sites and charming villages built from a local honey coloured limestone. In recognition of the beauty of this quintessentially English countryside, the area covering 790 square miles was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966. Despite its popularity with tourists, the Cotswolds remains tranquil and serene. The perfect, traditional Cotswolds villages offer historic places, friendly pubs and craft shops. Most of the villages and smaller towns have survived unspoilt. Traditional museums like Corinium Museum in Cirencester, Cotswolds Museum in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucester Cathedral, Roman Baths, Sudeley Castle or Blenheim Palace are complemented by fabulous gardens of Westonbirt, Painswick, Batsford and Hidcote. The countryside with its gentle hills and open spaces is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities such as horse-riding, cycling, ballooning and walking, making the Cotswolds a dream place to live and visit. Beata Moore's glorious photographs show the charm of the Cotswolds through the seasons.