Winchcombe is an unspoilt town in the heart of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire that dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. Located close to Cheltenham and Broadway, this is a town that’s full of character, particularly in the three main streets that house many of the town’s shops, tea rooms, inns, and restaurants. But there’s much more to this town than shopping or having a bite to eat, there’s plenty to do for the whole family too.
Attractions include the Winchcombe Pottery Showroom and Workshops, where you can see many items of stoneware being made/sold and Winchcombe Museum that houses collections of police uniforms, and artefacts relevant to the town’s history. There’s also Hailes Abbey, which was once a popular pilgrimage site, thanks to rumours it housed a phial of Christ’s Blood. Today the remains of the Abbey on the English Heritage/National Trust site still attracts visitors. Audio tours, a museum, outdoor theatre, and picnics in the summer also add value to a day out here. Out of town visitors can also check out Sudeley Castle and Gardens. The home, now privately owned, has many links with royalty, particularly in Tudor times. On-site today, the west wing of the house, coffee shop, plant and visitor centre, exhibition hall, and St Marys Church, where Katherine Parr is buried, are all open to the public.
Away from the historical attractions lies a whole area of picturesque countryside to explore, with walkers based in Winchcombe able to access The Cotswolds Way, Gloucestershire Way, Wardens Way, Windrush Way, and Wychavon Way. Time your visit well and you might just walk into one of the town’s many events as well, such as the Winchcombe Country Show, Cotswolds Beer Festival, or The Cotswold Festival of Steam on the Gloucestershire/Warwickshire Railway.
All this and more is on the doorstop of accommodation choices that include Self Catering Holiday Cottages, Bed and Breakfast, and Hotel/Pub facilities. Along with options to stay in Winchcombe for a short break or holiday, it’s easily accessible for day trippers too, with good road access, and bus services running regularly from both Broadway, and Cheltenham, where you can pick up mainline railway services. With all this in mind, why not plan a trip here and see what the town has to offer?
