FAIRFORD and Lechlade are both small market towns situated at the foot of the Cotswolds, on the east side of the Cotswold Water Park.

“Their history is evident in the beautiful churches and fascinating architecture,” said district councillor Sue Coakley. “Especially when you look up at the skyline of the older buildings.”

Both towns are also renowned for their attractive walking routes, with each having access to a river – the Coln in Fairford and Thames in Lechlade.

What’s more, in recent years they have received much acclaim for their popular summer festivals, including the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) and Lechlade Music Festival.

In stark contrast to the quiet serenity of the churchyards or the Old Mill and pond, every July RAF Fairford hosts the biggest military air show in the world.

RIAT sees the most skilled display pilots on the planet, including the Red Arrows and aircraft from all over the globe, soaring over the quiet little town and attracting plane enthusiasts from far and wide.

Meanwhile, the Lechlade Music Festival, now in its seventh year, promotes a mixture of upcoming musical talent, alongside bigger names and tribute acts during the May Bank Holiday weekend.

“We try and feature young, local and up and coming bands,” said Jennie Rainsford, festival director.

“It’s very important to us to be able to provide a platform for live music and encourage young talent.”

But for Rev Caroline Symcox of St Mary’s, who moved to Fairford two years ago, the biggest feature is the church itself, drawing in more than 12,000 visitors each year.

St Mary’s boasts the most complete set of medieval stained glass windows anywhere in the world.

“It’s recently been restored and is in tip top condition,” said Rev Symcox.

“The church, with its famous windows, is one of the favourite sights for visitors,” agreed Syd Flatman, 68, who has lived in Fairford since 1951.

“It was built 500 years ago but has remained unchanged,” he said.

And not to be overlooked, Lechlade’s St Lawrence Church also has its own claim to fame.

It was in the churchyard that romantic poet Percy Shelly was inspired to write Summer Evening Churchyard in the early 19th Century.

“Here is one of the six finest parish churches in Gloucestershire,” wrote the late David Verey, author and architectural historian, and Simon Jenkins, in England’s Thousand Best Churches.

The Domesday Book mentions both towns, in particular the mills at Fairford, and the Old Mill, which was still used for grinding corn until the 1920s, often attracts keen photographers as well as painters – particularly due to the neighbouring pond and walking route.

Ramblers often go through here and along the River Coln, spotting the fat trout, water birds and swans.

In fact, next door in Lechlade marks the spot where the Rivers Coln and Leach join the Thames. For centuries the town was on one of the main trade arteries west from London, by both road and river.

But it’s leisure boats that have replaced the old trading vessels, with the town now a favoured mooring spot.

River Thames trips are available aboard the Inglesham from April to October, while the man-made Riverside Marina is also a central feature of the town.

Staying on the nautical theme, the Cotswold Water Park, the UK’s largest lake system, partly sits within the boundaries of both Fairford and Lechlade.

The park is a significant area for wildlife, in particular for wintering and breeding birds but also a visitor hub for water sports, walks and eating out.

Both towns have a tight-knit community spirit, promoting local traders to the rest of the Cotswolds and the world through the joint Fairford and Lechlade Business Club.

From the Bull Hotel in Fairford to the Trout Inn at Lechlade, both have an ample range of accommodation, pubs and eateries.

“Dogs are welcome in most hotels, pubs and cafes as are muddy-booted walkers,” said Cllr Coakley.

“The high streets offer a range of traditional shops including award-winning cafes too,” she added.

Syd Flatman moved to the area from London with his family 66 years ago, following the turmoil of the war. His parents felt trapped in London, and with food shortages rife in the capital into the 50s, his father decided to uproot the family.

Initially living in a caravan, eventually they bought their own piece of land at the Lechlade edge of Fairford so they could grow their own food.

“It’s changed a lot since the old days,” said Syd, but “it’s still a place where people will wish you good morning, even people you don’t know”.

“The yellow stone buildings and the daffodils in the springummer. It’s just lovely,” he said.

Other annual events to watch out for in Fairford and Lechlade include Fairford Festival, Lechlade Annual Vintage Rally and Passion For Life Festival.

Fairford Fact File:

Founded: Earliest record in which Fairford is named is dated 850AD, though there is evidence of settlements as far back as 400BC.

Population: 3, 236

Councils: Fairford Town Council/Cotswold District Council/Gloucestershire County Council

Local MP: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

Mayor: Jennie Sanford

Notable people: John Keble (Significant figure in 19th Century Anglican Church)

Lechlade Fact File:

Founded: There is evidence of a henge monument dating back to 2500BC

Population: 2,850

Councils: Lechlade Town Council/Cotswold District Council/Gloucestershire County Council

Local MP: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

Mayor: Steve Trotter

Notable people: Thomas Pence (17th Century English-born US colonist)