Tourism
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Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury is an ancient settlement at the meeting of the Rivers Severn and Avon. Here you will see one of the best medieval townscapes in England with its fine half-timbered buildings, overhanging upper storeys and narrow alleyways.
The beautiful Norman Abbey, built in the early 12th century, dominates the town and in 1471 at the Battle of Tewkesbury the fields to the south saw the penultimate and decisive battle in the Wars of the Roses leading the house of York to power. Today, the battle is re-enacted at the internationally renowned Tewkesbury Medieval Festival in July.
In the past, mustard making, brewing and malting, pin making and the framework knitting of stockings were at one time major industries.
Visitors today can enjoy medieval streets and a picturesque riverside setting. A stroll down charming Church Street can take you back to a bygone age when half-timbered houses were crammed into any available space and Tewkesbury’s famous alleyways came into existence. Around 30 delightful alleys still remain open today and take you on a journey of discovery by linking the main streets to the river and beyond.
Tewkesbury has something to offer everyone from great local food dining in many of the cafes, bistros or pubs, excellent shopping at a range of independent shops, to accommodation at a variety of places to suit your needs. The rivers can be enjoyed by all, be it a leisurely stroll along the banks, a fish and chip lunch watching the wildlife, or a relaxing cruise watching the world go by.
For more information, visit the Tewkesbury tourist information centre website.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds offer a year-round diary of events, ranging from international standard to the more quirky sporting, festival, cultural and social events. To convey the excitement of what happens in the Cotswolds, we encourage you to stay longer and take in one or two of them while you’re here.
As you would expect in a rural corner of Britain, walking and cycling opportunities abound. Activities such as horse-riding, fishing and golf are well catered for and you’ll find more adventurous options too, such as zorbing, paragliding, water sports, skiing or climbing. As an antidote, chill out in a spa or put your feet up in a country pub.
You will be spoilt for choice in our towns and villages to search out a bargain or pick out something special. Tetbury’s antique shops and Stroud’s vintage shops are a good starting point. Gloucester and Cheltenham are the main places for high street shopping and fashion labels with a delightful cafe culture to match.
For more information visit the Cotswold tourism website.
Winchcombe
Winchcombe is an unspoilt golden-coloured market town set above the River Isbourne on the Cotswold edge. Cottages, small shops and some good pubs and tea-rooms give the town a warmth all of its own.
The town was an important centre in Saxon times and later became the site of one of the largest Benedictine monasteries in England. Although the abbey has now gone, the town thrives. The stone Church of St Peter displays an altar cloth worked by Catherine of Aragon.
Winchcombe borders Sudeley Castle which is renowned for its 1000 year Royal history and beautiful gardens. Nearby Belas Knap is a Neolithic barrow in a spectacular location above Humblebee Woods (beloved of Tolkien).
Known as the walking capital of the Cotswolds and with “Walkers are Welcome” status Winchcombe sits at the intersection of the Cotswold Way, the Gloucestershire Way, the Wardens Way, the Windrush Way and the Winchcombe Way. The Winchcombe welcomes walkers website has a wealth of information designed to tempt you to take anything from a gentle stroll to a vigorous long-distance trek.
So as you can see there’s a great deal to experience in this lovely hidden jewel in the Cotswold crown. For more information please visit the Experience Winchcombe website.