The Cotswolds are gorgeous all year round, but it's at this time of year that its towns and villages come into their own, finds Andrea Landesbert.

Imagine a chilly wintry day, bright blue sky and sunshine with a nip in the air.What better way to spend it than a brisk walk through some of the country's most beautiful countryside, followed by tea and scones or a warming hot chocolate in a pretty tea shop?

In other words, what better than a day out in the Cotswolds? The beautiful hills and picturesque villages, unchanged for hundreds of years if you exclude the influx of tourists, are on our doorstep.

During the approaching festive season, there are few places so nostalgic to visit. Many of the Cotswold towns date back to the 15th or 16th Century when they were bustling not with tourists, but with the medieval wool trade around which they were built.

At Christmas the mellow honeycoloured stone gives them a unique warm glow on a dark winter evening. While the plethora of art galleries, antiques and gift shops might not be to everyone's taste for most of the year, at Christmas it is just this abundance of small and unusual shops which makes the Cotswolds a treat for festive shoppers.

Broadway, known as the gateway to the Cotswolds, has its main street and an arcade lined with gift shops, exclusive clothes shops, a delicatessen and shops selling other treats and indulgences.

Along the A44 is Moreton, where you can find art galleries and gift shops but also some more functional but no less attractive shops. The best day to visit Moreton for a Christmas shopping treat is a Tuesday, market day. The town retains its roots with a weekly market boasting up to 200 stalls, but get there early - it is very popular and parking is difficult after about 10.30am.

Stow can be found along the Fosseway from Moreton. Most of its shops and cafes are around its large market square or along pretty winding side streets leading off the main square. So go on - have yourself a merry Cotswold Christmas.

FESTIVE DIARY

BROADWAY

Friday, December 1: Late-night shopping with carol singing on the green, street entertainment and food.

Festival of Christmas Trees in the United Reformed Church, between noon and 8pm. The festival runs until December 3.

Friday, December 15: Charity carol singing in the town's pubs and hotels.

Saturday, December 23: Torchlit procession and carols.

BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER

Friday, December 1: Late-night Christmas shopping evening with a Victorian theme.