Visiting Tewkesbury: A Medieval Market Town In The Cotswolds
Tewkesbury is the definition of a quintessentially British town in the Cotswolds.
A medieval market town, Tewkesbury still boasts a traditional high street of independent shops and locally sourced food and drink – a town full of quaint character and charm.
A Medieval Town Just 55 Minutes (40 Miles) Drive From The Beehive
After a busy day exploring Tewkesbury, why not pay a visit to The Beehive near Carterton and see what award-winning Butcombe beers we have available, alongside our delicious, seasonal food menus.
The History Of Tewkesbury
The architecture throughout Tewkesbury is eclectic and from a range of different time periods including medieval houses, Tudor buildings, Georgian shops and Victorian properties nestled together.
The River Avon runs adjacent to the town and was once used to import and export goods such as the famous Tewkesbury Mustard – the finest in England (in our opinion!)
Tewkesbury was also the site of the Battle of the Roses in the 15th century, which is reenacted annually at the local Medieval Festival in July.
Tewkesbury Abbey
One of the finest examples of medieval architecture, Tewkesbury Abbey attracts visitors from all over the world.
Standing proudly since 1087, Tewkesbury Abbey has remained largely unchanged since the 12th century. While many ecclesiastical institutions fell into ruin following the dissolution of the monasteries, Tewkesbury Abbey was saved by its townsfolk. They paid £453 to save the abbey for future generations, an amount which would equate to in excess of £150,000 today.
Tewkesbury Abbey is open all year round and is free to enter, although donations are welcome.
John Moore Museum
A stone’s throw from Tewkesbury Abbey is the John Moore Museum.
A nod to the writer and naturalist of the same name, the museum opened its doors in 1980 and offers a variety of natural history collections, boasting specimens of the wildlife native to our countryside.
There are several audio guides available, which enhance the experience for visitors of this wonderful museum.
The Old Baptist Chapel & Court
Built in the 15th century, The Old Baptist Chapel was just a medieval house. However, by the mid-17th century, it is believed that the Baptists were holding their meetings there.
In 1805, having outgrown The Old Baptist Chapel, the gatherings were held at a larger, more suitable property and the chapel became a simple dwelling once more.
By 1970, The Old Baptist Chapel had fallen into a state of disrepair and was restored to its former glory by Tewkesbury Borough Council. In 2012, the John Moore Museum took over the management of the chapel, which has now been improved even further with funds the Heritage Lottery.
Tewkesbury Town Museum
Learn about the history of Tewkesbury from a variety of collections in the town’s museum.
The museum celebrates some of Tewkesbury’s most famous names, with a dedicated collection for famed explorer Raymond Priestly (who was part of Captain Scott’s expedition to the Antarctic).
With a range of craft activities, a trail and a dressing-up box, Tewkesbury Town Museum offers a fun and informative visit for the whole family.
Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
Although it is within walking distance of the town centre, Tewkesbury Nature Reserve offers over 100 acres of sanctuary for a variety of wildlife.
Almost 70 different species of bird have been spotted here, along with nearly 100 unique species of invertebrates. The backwaters are popular with many shoals of fish who feed and spawn in the area.
The nature reserve can be navigated best by exploring the following walks:
- Meadow walk: 1.1 miles
- River walk: 2.6 miles
If you wish to embark on a longer journey, you can combine both walks to make a single, longer walk.
Tewkesbury Walking Routes
Tewkesbury Nature Reserve isn’t the only place to enjoy walks and the breathtaking scenery that goes with it. Some of the most popular walking routes are:
The Riverside Walk & The Severn Ham Walk
This is a short, mainly flat walk that follows the River Avon in the town centre of Tewkesbury.
The Severn Ham – Nature Walk & History Walk
The Severn Ham is one of only a few remaining hams in the UK. It is rich with wildlife and can be easily reached from the centre of Tewkesbury.
The Battle Trail
Arguably the most famous walk in Tewkesbury, The Battle Trail will take you around the area where the Battle of Tewkesbury was fought in 1471.
Heritage & Alleyways Trail
This is a self-guided walk around the town centre where you can explore the ancient alleyways and ancient buildings.
Directions To The Beehive From Tewkesbury
The Beehive is a traditional pub in Carterton, serving delicious seasonal dishes and exciting takes on pub classics, as well as award-winning Butcombe craft beer and cask ale.
To reach The Beehive from Gloucester Road Car Park in Tewkesbury, you must head north on Gloucester Road towards Abbey Precinct, continue onto Church Street and then, at the roundabout, continue onto Barton Street.
At Ashchurch Interchange, take the 3rd exit onto the M5 slip road to Cheltenham/Gloucester and continue for approximately 10 miles. At junction 11A, exit onto A417 towards London/Cirencester and continue for 4 miles until you reach Air Balloon Roundabout, where you must take the 1st exit onto A436. At the next 2 roundabouts, take the exits that correspond with staying on the A436 and then, after 4 miles, turn right onto A40.
Continue on the A40 for 15 miles before turning right onto Shilton Road (B4020). Continue onto Burford Road and go through 1 roundabout and then continue straight onto Black Bourton Road, go through another roundabout and The Beehive will be on your right.
