Introduction to Moreton-in-Marsh

134km (83 miles) NW of London; 6.5km (4 miles) N of Stow-on-the-Wold; 11km (7 miles) S of Chipping Campden; 27km (17 miles) S of Stratford-upon-Avon

This is no swampland, as the name implies. Marsh derives from an old word meaning "border," so you won't be wading through wetlands to get here. Moreton is a real Cotswold market town that is at its most bustling on Tuesday morning, when farmers and craftspeople from the surrounding area flood the town to sell their wares and produce.

An important stopover along the old Roman road, Fosse Way, as well as an important layover for the night for stagecoach passengers, Moreton-in-Marsh has one of the widest High Streets in the Cotswolds. Roman legions trudged through here centuries ago, but today visitors and antiques shops have replaced them.

The town is still filled with records of its past, including a market hall on High Street built in Victorian Tudor style in 1887, and Curfew Tower on Oxford Street dating from the 17th century. Its bell was rung daily until the late 19th century.

For a fascinating lesson on birds of prey, stop by the Cotswold Falconry Centre, Batsford Park (tel. 01386/701043; www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk). It's open daily from mid-February to mid-November from 10:30am to 5:30pm. Flying displays are daily at 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm, and 4:30pm. Admission is £6 for adults, £5 seniors and students, and £2.50 for children 4 to 14 (free for kids 3 and younger); a family ticket is £15.