The paths of River Severn and River Avon join in union in the charming Cotswold market town of Tewkesbury. Conveniently located minutes away from the M5 motorway and with a train station accessing London and Birmingham daily, Tewkesbury sets the seven for a peaceful and romantic weekend away, dozens of adventure filled day-trips or the backdrop for a relaxing family holiday. Filled with culture, history and breathtaking landscapes as well as independent shops filled with locally made handicrafts and organic produce for you to procure, leave the cityscapes behind and lose yourself in Tewkesbury’s medieval streets.
1. Tewkesbury Abbey
Although founded in 1087, the Abbey as we know it did was not constructed until 1102 and was built to provide sanctuary for the Benedictine monks who resided at the monastery. Tewkesbury Abbey is widely regarded as one of the UK’s best examples of medieval architecture. The Norman tower strikes the skies above while the stain glass window at the Nave, created in the 19th-century, gives fierce competition to be the Abbey’s most impressive feature. Open to visitors the year round, Tewkesbury Abbey hosts concerts, recitals and festivals on a regular basis in addition to the regular Sunday services, to which all are warmly welcomed.
Tewkesbury Abbey
Address: Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ, UK
Website: Tewkesbury Abbey
2. Bredon Hill
Bredon Hill is one of the most popular walking and cycling trails in the Tewkesbury area. As the largest of the outlying hills of the Cotswolds, it is easy to see why Bredon Hill attracts local visitors as well as those from further a field. Offering picture perfect panoramic views of the Cotswold escarpment, the Malvern Hills and the Severn Valley, Bredon Hill offers a variety of circular walks as well as cycling routes that guide you through the Hill’s surrounding villages.
Cyclists are permitted to ride along public bridleways but not public footpaths; a section of the countryside code worth adhering for a peaceful and pleasant ride! This rural haven has plenty of walks and hiking routes to be explored, pack a flask and grab your map and start exploring this Cotswold jewel.
Bredon Hill
Address: Bredon Hill, Pershore, UK
Website: Bredon Hill
3. Tewkesbury Museum
Tewkesbury Museum can be found in the classic 17th-century town house on Barton Street. The small museum is family friendly and the locally born and bred guides are only too keen to share their knowledge and anecdotes with visitors. Take the opportunity to learn the story of antarctic explorer Raymond Priestley and get to grips with the logistics and timeline of the infamous Battle of Teweksbury, a key battle during the English Civil War. With relics, artefacts and exhibits from both and many, many more, the Tewkesbury Museum gives its visitors a rounded and informative view of the town’s vibrant history.
Tewkesbury Museum
Address: 64 Barton St, Tewkesbury GL20 5PX, UK
Website: Tewkesbury Museum
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4. Paddle Adventure
Paddle Adventure offers a water based, adrenaline fueled run along the River Severn. Their Tewkesbury base offers introduction sessions to kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding. Pack your swimsuit, some sunglasses and a cap and get on the water for a fun filled day on the river.
Paddle Adventure provides all the equipment you will need and all activities run by highly trained, experienced and insured instructors. Through Paddle Adventure you can organize full and half day itineraries that include both time on the water as well as clay pigeon shooting and archery sessions.
Paddle Adventure
Address: 3 Mythe Rd, Tewkesbury GL20 5BS, UK
Website: Paddle Adventure Itineraries
5. Roses Theatre
The cultural hub of Tewkesbury is surely the Roses Theatre. The play house on Sun Street hosts live performances of traveling theatre shows as well as the latest release movies. The Roses Theatre is most famous for its yearly Pantomime, attracting families and school groups from across the county.
Their 2017 show will be a rendition of Sleeping Beauty and tickets are available from May; proving just how popular their performances are. Fun and festive laugher fills the auditorium from December and into January every year. The theatre has also recently starting showing live screenings of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s play, notably in May 2017 Antony and Cleopatra.
Roses Theatre
Address: Sun St, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX, UK
Website: Roses Theatre - What’s On
6. Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
Tewkesbury’s nature reserve is a newly certified attraction and is fast gaining popularity amongst local residents and visitors alike. The 114-acre (46-hectare) floodplain is home to a wide variety of bird life, don your binoculars and list as many migratory visitors as you can; the last census conducted that over 68 species regularly inhabit the area.
The Nature Reserve is still a work in progress and is the subject of a three-fold plan to encourage flora and fauna back into the area to flourish, blossom and bloom. Aside from the birds and the spectacular natural vistas of the reserve, 87 species of invertebrates are also a star attraction. With patience and an eagle eye, how many will you spot?
Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
Address: Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, Tewkesbury, GL20, UK
Website: Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
7. Tewkesbury Weekly Market
As Tewkesbury is a market town it would seem only fitting to peruse the stalls during your stay. The main market is open twice weekly; Wednesdays and Saturdays, and can be found in the Spring Gardens car park. On the second Saturday of each month the town plays host to the Farmers’ and Craft Market. You will be spoilt for choice with a myriad of local and homemade produce to buy. From local brewed apple cider to local honey and luxury beeswax beauty products, to artisan breads and lovingly crafted jewelry, candles and glassware, get your shopping bags at the ready!
Tewkesbury Weekly Market
Address: Abbey Lawns Car Park, Gander Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 5PG, UK
Website: Tewkesbury Weekly Market
8. Severn Ham
Much like Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, the Severn Ham is a wonderful way to step into nature, take a breath of fresh air and relax in the glorious Cotswold countryside. The Ham is a site of Special Scientific Interest as it is abundant in wildlife and plant species. Grasses, infrequently found in the surrounding area, such as meadow barely and marsh foxtail, grow in the wetlands. With no paved walkways, the Severn Ham is untouched and unspoiled; a genuine countryside experience.
Severn Ham
Address: Sssi Water Meadow Between River Severn And River Avon, Tewkesbury, UK
Website: Severn Ham
Travel to Tewkesbury
There are a whole host of activities on offer in Tewkesbury. Surrounded by nature most untouched and history most intriguing, Tewkesbury has something for travelers of all ages. Be sure to time your visit with the weekly or monthly markets and catch a show at the Roses Theatre to really experience Tewkesbury at its best.
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