Located near the M5 Motorway in Gloucestershire, the town of Tewkesbury is an interesting, and what many locals would claim, a must see stop off on a visit to Gloucestershire. The town is located close to both the River Avon and River Severn, and records suggest that a settlement existed here as far back as the Norman Conquest, if not earlier, with Tewkesbury Abbey remaining as testament to these records, and one of the main attractions in the town. Its Norman tower is also thought to be one of the largest surviving ones in the world.
Throughout the rest of Tewkesbury, there are other examples of both Medieval and Tudor Buildings, such as The Bear, which dating from 1308 holds the honour of being Gloucestershire’s oldest pub, and the Royal Hop Pole Hotel, mentioned in the Charles Dickens novel The Pickwick Papers. Other claims to fame include Tewkesbury’s part in the famous Wars of the Roses, and its 800 year history in the Flour Milling Industry. More information on the town’s history can be found in the Tewkesbury Town Museum, while The John Moore Museum pays tribute to the conservationist and writer of the same name, along with other natural history displays.
In terms of entertainment, the town also has the Roses Theatre, which shows many films, plays, and touring theatre productions, and a mix of gift shops, antique shops, independent retailers, and high street chains to suit all shopping needs. There are also facilities for sports, including cycling, horse riding, and golf, and a variety of pubs, inns, tea rooms, and restaurants serving up great food and drink. Staying in this historic town could also be a treat, with hotels like The Bell Hotel and Tudor Hotel full of character. There’s a selection of other hotels and guest houses throughout the town, and caravan/camping facilities available at Country Choice Caravan Park, and Dawleys Caravan Park.
This is just a snippet of what’s available to visitors on a visit to Tewkesbury. With plenty of events, such as the Medieval Festival, happening throughout the year, and new attractions like ‘Out Of The Hat’, Tewkesbury’s Heritage and Visitor Centre springing up, you’ll never be short of things to do here.
Tewkesbury lies close to the M5 Motorway, and can also be accessed via the Ashchurch for Tewkesbury Rail Station, and bus services which link the town to Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bredon, and Norton.
