Tewkesbury Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Tewkesbury with our ultimate travel guide, featuring top cultural and natural attractions, travel tips, and recommendations for food, accommodation, and more.


Tewkesbury, a picturesque town located in Gloucestershire, in West Country, in England, in United Kingdom, in Britain and Ireland, in Europe, is a hidden gem that boasts an eclectic mix of cultural and natural attractions. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks, experiencing outdoor adventures, or simply soaking in the local culture, Tewkesbury is a destination that won’t disappoint. Let’s dive into our comprehensive travel guide to Tewkesbury and plan your trip to this charming town.

Introduction to Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury is a town that has beautifully preserved its historical charm, with medieval timber buildings, an ancient abbey, and a delightful riverside. The town has a rich history and was a significant centre in Roman times, followed by Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and Norman invasions. The Battle of Tewkesbury, fought in 1471 in the War of the Roses, was a turning point in English history. Today, Tewkesbury is a thriving town, with a vibrant community, excellent shopping, and plenty of restaurants to satisfy both locals and tourists.

List of Places to Visit in Tewkesbury

Here’s a list of some must-visit places in Tewkesbury:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tewkesbury Abbey: Built in the 11th century, the abbey is a prime example of Norman architecture and is home to some stunning stained glass windows. It’s also the burial place of many nobles and knights from the Wars of the Roses.
  • John Moore Museum: The museum tells the story of the region’s cultural, natural, and social history with its exhibits, including the beautiful art collection by Elgar and Raverat.

Natural Attractions of Tewkesbury: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tewkesbury Nature Reserve: A haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, the reserve offers peaceful walks and stunning views.
  • River Avon: Take a stroll along the river or hop on a boat to marvel at the beautiful scenery and quaint riverside homes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury offers some excellent hiking and biking trails that cater to different skill levels. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Cotswold Way National Trail: This 102-mile trail passes through Tewkesbury and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Severn Way: This trail follows the River Severn and boasts scenic views of the river and local wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Tewkesbury: Activities and Tours

  • Tewkesbury Medieval Festival: Held every year, the festival celebrates the town’s medieval heritage with reenactments, markets, and performances.
  • Tewkesbury Farmers’ Market: Take a stroll through the market and sample some local produce such as cheese and cider.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tewkesbury

Day 1-2: Explore the Historic Tewkesbury Abbey and John Moore Museum

Day 3: Take a leisurely walk along the River Avon

Day 4: Visit Tewkesbury Nature Reserve

Day 5: Hike the Cotswold Way National Trail

Day 6: Attend the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

Day 7: Shop at Tewkesbury Farmers’ Market

Food and Drink Scene of Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury is known for its local delicacies, such as the Tewkesbury Mustard, and offers a variety of options for food and drinks.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tewkesbury Pie: A hearty meat pie made with pork, chicken, and local apples.
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding: A classic English dessert made with dates and toffee sauce.
  • Tewkesbury Mustard: A spicy mustard made with horseradish.

Local Beverages

  • Cider
  • Ale

Where to Stay in Tewkesbury: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tewkesbury offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

  • The Bell Hotel: A beautiful 17th-century hotel located in the town centre.
  • Tudor House Hotel: A family-run hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a cosy atmosphere.
  • Olive Guest House: A charming guesthouse that’s just a short walk from the town centre.

What to Buy in Tewkesbury: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tewkesbury Mustard
  • Local cheeses
  • Cider

Local Culture and Customs of Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury is a friendly town that warmly welcomes visitors and has a rich history that locals are proud to share.

Best Time to Visit Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the town is bustling with activities and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tewkesbury

Do:

  • Take a guided tour of Tewkesbury Abbey.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Participate in cultural events.

Don’t:

  • Park in restricted areas.
  • Litter in public places.
  • Disrespect locals or cultural traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury is a safe town, but visitors should take normal precautions, such as securing their belongings and staying aware of their surroundings.

Health in Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury has several medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, that provide quality health care to residents and visitors.

Getting to Tewkesbury: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tewkesbury is well-connected to other parts of the country and can be easily accessed by various modes of transportation.

Airports Near Tewkesbury

  • Birmingham Airport
  • Bristol Airport

Bus Stations Near Tewkesbury

  • Tewkesbury Bus Station

Other Options

  • Road: Tewkesbury is well-connected by road and can be accessed via major motorways.
  • Rail: The nearest railway station is in Ashchurch, which is only 3 miles away from Tewkesbury.

How to Get Around in Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury is a small town that can be easily explored on foot. Visitors can also use public transportation such as buses and taxis to get around.

Where to Go Next from Tewkesbury: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tewkesbury is a great starting point for exploring other destinations in Cotswolds, such as:

  • Cheltenham
  • Gloucester
  • Worcester

Conclusion

Tewkesbury, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, is a destination that should be on every traveller’s list. We hope our comprehensive travel guide to Tewkesbury helps plan your visit and make the most out of your trip to this charming town.

A row of traditional medieval houses near Tewkesbury Abbey. A row of traditional medieval houses near Tewkesbury Abbey. Tewkesbury Abbey Tewkesbury Abbey Bloody Meadow Bloody Meadow Odda's Chapel Odda's Chapel Tewkesbury Medieval Festival Tewkesbury Medieval Festival The Royal Hop Pole The Royal Hop Pole The Bell Hotel The Bell Hotel