Tewkesbury’s medieval history greets shoppers at new Cotswolds Designer Outlet
Posted on: 18 July 2025
Today, (Friday, 18 July) shoppers at the highly anticipated Cotswold Designer Outlet will be entertained by medieval characters who will roam, sharing stories of Tewkesbury’s fascinating past.
In a collaborative step with the outlet, Tewkesbury Borough Council is bringing a taste of the town’s rich history to the new retail destination from the art of mustard making to dramatic retellings of characters from the battle of Tewkesbury and other stories from the town’s history.
The troupe of four costumed performers provided by the Natural Theatre Company will be making special appearances between 10am and 11am, 12pm and 1pm, and again from 4pm to 5pm. During their lively performances, they will not only bring history to life but will also provide visitors with information about Tewkesbury town and the convenient shuttle bus service connecting the new outlet to the historic town centre.
Visitors who interact with the characters will also receive a secret code word from the performers to unlock an entry into a special prize draw. By repeating the code word at the Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre at 100 Church Street, they will be entered into a prize draw to win a luxurious overnight stay and dinner for two at the prestigious Tewkesbury Park Hotel.
This engaging event marks the beginning of a collaborative partnership between Tewkesbury Borough Council and the Cotswolds Designer Outlet. Alongside the Visitor Information Point – which aims to inspire visitors to extend their journey to the easily accessible town of Tewkesbury – the performances are a pilot for future promotional activities. These initiatives are designed to ensure the economic benefits of the new retail hub are felt throughout the entire borough, encouraging visitors to explore all that Tewkesbury has to offer.
Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “The opening of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet is a fantastic moment for the region, and we are thrilled to be working in partnership with them. This initiative is a perfect example of how we can work together to create a vibrant visitor experience that benefits both the new outlet and our historic town centre. By linking the two, we are showcasing the breadth of our local offering, from world-class shopping to our unique heritage. This is just the start of what we hope will be a long and fruitful collaboration, ensuring the whole of Tewkesbury Borough thrives.”
The new Cotswolds Designer Outlet, located in Ashchurch, features a wide range of premium brands and eateries. The shuttle bus service running each weekend will provide an easy link for shoppers wishing to also experience Tewkesbury’s magnificent Abbey, independent shops, and rich history.
Notes to editor:
The new Cotswolds Designer Outlet features the brand-new Visitor Information Point (VIP) in Guest Services designed by Aruba Creative. The VIP serves as a gateway for tourists to discover the treasures of Tewkesbury town, its historic sites and unique experiences that makes the town a must-visit destination in the Cotswolds. Tewkesbury Heritage and Visitor Centre is located at 100 Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5AB.
Council owned car parks can be found online: tewkesbury.gov.uk/parking.
