Cotswolds move with two children

[Foreverdancing]

Hi I am looking to relocate from Birmingham to the Cotswolds. Looking for a calmer, more rural way of live but still within close distance of amenities and a town if possible. We have two children aged 6 and 12 so community is important. Myself and partner work from home so we are not restricted in terms of location but close proximity to good schools is a must. Would be really grateful for any advice thank you :-)

How rural do you want to be? Small village? Edge of a town? Cheltenham is a lovely town with lots of facilities, so you could look at villages around there. Are you wanting private or state schools? Be aware that Gloucestershire has Grammar schools, which has an effect on some of the comprehensives.

Fairford and Lechlade are both nice towns. What's your budget as some areas are much more expensive than others!

Our budget is up to around 600k for 3/4 bedrooms.
We are looking at state schools for our children.
Thank you for the suggestions I will look into these areas :-)

The Cotswolds are vast, what sort of area are you thinking of?

Lots of lovely smaller towns and countless villages but for general area and access to larger centers:-
North for Birmingham, Coventry, Warwick, Worcester.
South for Bristol, Bath, Swindon.
East for Banbury, Oxford, London.
West for Gloucester, Cheltenham.

It's a bloody expensive area so you may have to make compromises, but it's perfectly doable.

thank you - do you know what villages would come under north cotswolds please?

I don't know the "official" definition of North Cotswolds but I guess that if you draw a line across from Banbury to Tewkesbury, that would pretty much encompass it.
Both of these larger towns are just outside the Cotswolds proper but are perfectly pleasant and give slightly better VFM.

Chipping Norton is nice but slightly more expensive.
Evesham is a bit cheaper.
Cirencester (slightly further south) is one of my favourite places.🙂

Another saying Cheltenham, maybe looking further afield like Bishops Cleeve/Woodmancote. Lots of local facilities within walking distance, easy access to the fields and Cleeve Hill which has a nice pub and golf course for coffee/cake/filled rolls, lots on offer to families, couples, elderly and a couple of miles drive to Cheltenham.