cotswolds
DESCRIPTION
cwTRANSCRIPT
WINCHCOMBE
- Suddeley Castle, St Peter’s church
- Hailes abbey
- stone cottages
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BROADWAY
- longest high street
tower -10am-5pm, £5,
- Hailes Abbey- founded in 1246- National Trust.
- Touring by Car - Broadway is centrally situated for visiting such Tourist Attractions as Warwick
Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, Snowshill Manor, Chastleton House, Worcester Cathedral, and the ancient villages
and market towns including Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh,
Upper and Lower Slaughter, Snowshill, Stanton and Winchcombe.
CHIPPING CAMPDEN
- high street, market hall
- cottages
MORETON IN MARSH
- Tolkien beliefs- The Bell Inn is the inspiration behind The Prancing Pony, Middle Earth's most famous pub in the book 'Lord of the Rings'- the three storeys and its entrance via a
courtyard
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STOW_ON THE WOLD
- highest cotswolds town
antique bootique shops
- farmers market
1. Visit St Edward's church - built 11th - 15th century,amazing stained glass windows. 2. Visit nearby Cotswold famous gardens nearby of Hidcote Manor, Kiftsgate Court and
Sezincote. 3. Visit nearby Batsford Arboretum and Falconry centre. 4. Visit nearby Chastleton House.
BOURTON ON THE WATER - Greystones Farm, Greystones Lane, GL54 2EN
- St Lawrence’s church, Pottery(map , £2)
- river Windrush
DRIVE TIMES -
Moreton in Marsh - 15 minutes
Broadway - 15 minutes
Chipping Campden - 25 minutes
Bourton on the Water - 15 minutes
Upper and Lower Slaughter - 10 minutes
Bibury - 30 minutes
Burford - 20 minutes
Chastleton House - 10 minutes
Snowshill Manor - 15 minutes
Broadway Tower - 15 minutes
Chedworth Roman Villa - 30 minutes
Rollright Stone Circle - 15 minutes
BURFORD
- Garden
- Tolsey museum
- Battle of Evesham festival(North)
BIBURY
- Arlington Row - cottages
- Bibury Trout Farm and restaurant
- Arlington Mill Museum
CIRENCESTER
- marketplace with „woolgothic” church
- Elkstone is a small village, just off the A417Gloucester to Cirencester road, six miles south of Cheltenham.
Here you will find the historic Norman church of St. John, set in a wooded churchyard. The church, the highest in the Cotswolds, has some excellent architectural features including Norman carvings of monsters and birds, and has a number table top tombs.
WOODSTOCK
- home of Blenheim Palace
TORTWORTH - Vintage rally (£6, from10 am, GL128LF)
The complete tourist guide for visiting Towns and Villages in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is an expanse of gently sloping green hills and ancient, picturesque towns and villages in south-western and west-central England. It is a designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the largest in the country, and its quintessentially English charm predominantly spans the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, while also reaching into parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
The Cotswolds has the largest number of conservation areas of any English region for the travel visitor to see. It stretches from the northern gateway of Broadway to the magnificent roman town and Georgian city of Bath on the southern fringes. The fringes of the region include Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon, the king maker's castle of Warwick, the historic academia of Oxford, and Winston Churchill's childhood home, Blenheim Palace.
Northern Cotswold Places
In the northern portion, step back in time by wandering the streets of the Regency spa town, Cheltenham, as well as ancient market towns like Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and Anglo-Saxon Winchcombe – where you’ll discover Sudeley Castle. Beautiful ancient villages of note in this area include Broadway ('Jewel of the Cotswolds'), Bourton-on-the-Water (Little Venice), Stanton, and Snowshill.
Some of the best Cotswold gardens can be found all within a five-mile radius, including Batsford Arboretum, Hidcote, Kiftsgate, Sezincote and Bourton House. Leading visitor attractions include Snowshill Manor, the mysterious Rollright Stones and Chastleton House.
Central Cotswold Places
Moving into the middle portion, some particularly special historic towns include Cirencester (the Roman capital of the Cotswolds), Tetbury, Painswick (often called Queen of the Cotswolds), Burford, Malmesbury, Woodstock (home of Blenheim Palace), Nailsworth, Minchinhampton, Bradford-on-Avon and Chippenham. Some tourist attractions of special note are Westonbirt Arboretum (near Tetbury), Woodchester Mansion, Kelmscot Manor, Malmesbury Abbey and Gardens, Owlpen Manor, and Prinknash Abbey and not forgetting the village of Bibury which was once described by William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds'.
Southern Cotswold Places
In the south part of the Cotswolds you’ll find the World Heritage City of Bath and lovey, ancient, untouched villages like Lacock and Castle Combe.
Not only is the Cotswolds home to unspoiled heritage communities dating back five to six hundred years, but the surrounding rolling countryside with its 3000 miles of public footpaths is steeped in prehistory too. It’s an area rich in Neolithic remains, with about 80 long barrows, the remains of some 400 round barrows, and many Iron Age hill forts.
The Cotswolds is particularly famous for its ancient honey-coloured limestone, which was used to build the villages and bustling market towns. The warm, mellow colour of the communities blends perfectly with the surrounding golden green countryside — a big part of what makes the Cotswolds so breathtakingly distinctive.
J. B. Priestley once wrote of Cotswold stone:
"The truth is that it has no colour that can be described. Even when the sun is obscured and the light is cold, these walls are still faintly warm and luminous, as if they knew the trick of keeping the lost sunlight of centuries glimmering about them."
The Cotswolds is one of the most treasured and visited destinations in the UK and indeed the world. Nowhere else will you find such timeless, unique and heart-warming preservation on such a scale. No doubt a reason it recently placed number two on a list of top ten paradise locations on earth
Avon Valley Steam Railway
Located at Bitton Station midway between Bristol and Bath on the A431 one mile from Keynsham.
The Avon Valley Railway is more than just a train ride, offering a whole new experience for some or a nostalgic memory for others.
The track now extends south to the proposed location of a new platform at the River Avon with the opening planned during 2003. Passengers will be able to enjoy walks in the surrounding countryside, as well as the many attractions the River Avon has to offer.
Open certain dates from March to January. Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD. Tel: 0117 932 5538. Web site: www.avonvalleyrailway.org.
E-mail: [email protected].
Bibury Trout Farm
For adults and older children. The Bibury Trout Farm is one of the oldest and attractive trout farms in the country. High quality trout reared to supply angling waters and for fishing by visitors. Gift shop, beginners fishing lessons (summer), fresh and smoked trout sales, and cafe.
Open Summer and Winter. Bibury Trout Farm, Bibury, GL7 5NL. Tel: 01285 740215/740212. Directions: B4425 7miles from Cirencester.
For Places to Stay in and nearby to Bibury - See Accommodation Bibury,Burford and Cirencester.
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Birdland - Park and Gardens
For Adults and children of all ages. Birdland at Bourton-on-the-Water is set in Seven acres of woodland, river and gardens, inhabited by over 500 birds, flamingos, pelicans, penguins and cranes, 50 aviaries, also tropical, temperate, and desert houses. Picnic areas, cafe, gifts and play area.
Open all year. Birdland, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2BN. Tel: 01451 820480.
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Bourton-on-the-Water,Stow-on-the-Wold and Guiting Power.
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Cotswold Secret Cottage
Totally One-Off Experience - See what it is like to be invited into a 500 year old Cotswold Cottage private home
....for morning coffee, a buffet lunch and a traditional cream tea served inside Secret Cottage.
Every day throughout the Year. A six hour guided day tour of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire north Cotswold
villages, combined with intervals at our private thatched cottage.
A great day trip from London - Paddington.
Every tourist yearns to see inside these Cotswold cottages and to see how the English conduct their daily lives ......this is your chance to experience this unique opportunity - nobody else offers this same thrill.
Becky’s home is called ‘Secret Cottage’ and is quintessentially perfect for guests to explore and experience how the English live in the Cotswolds. Inside everything is old and quaint, there are three inglenook fireplaces which are open log fires used to heat the cottage, the winding stairs and floors are made from original elm planks and the heavily beamed listed cottage is nearly 500 years old!
During the tour of hidden local villages, Becky periodically returns to Secret Cottage to serve morning coffee and pastries, a buffet lunch and in the afternoon you can see the scones being baked in the Aga, which are essential for the traditional English Cotswold cream tea.
All of the tourists are overwhelmed by the experience of being invited into a private home with many of them describing it as fairyland.
The 6 hour tour costs £85 per person and includes food & drink served inside our 16th century cottage
For more information see our website - www.secretcottage.co.uk
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Cotswold Falconry Centre
For both adults and children. Watch the flying exhibitions of eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. Appreciate their speed, grace, agility and their close relationship with the falconer. There are many breeding pairs of birds including the owls in Owl Wood. The Falconry Centre is in the same grounds as Batsford Arboretum.
Open mid February to mid November 10.30am to 5.30pm. Cotswolds Falconry Centre, Batsford Park, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9QB. Directions: A44, 2 miles out of Moreton-in-Marsh towards Broadway.
Web: www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk
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Cotswold Water Park & Keynes Country Park
The Cotswolds Water Park is for adults and children of all ages. Britain's largest Water Park - 132 great lakes south of Cirencester. All outdoor needs are satisfied including:- nature reserves, country parks, water sports, Thames Path, cycling, fishing, riding, caravanning and camping. Safe summer bathing , lakeside cafe, walks cycling, barbecues, children's play area, bike, boat, and surf bike hire. Waterland outdoor activities centre. Disabled wheelchair access at Keynes Country Park.
Open all year. Cotswold Water Park & Keynes Country Park, Shorncote, Cirencester, GL5 6DF. Tel: 01285 860186. Web site: www.waterpark.org. Directions: 3.5 miles west of A419 Spine Road junction.
For nearby Places to Stay - See Accommodation at Cirencester.
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Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is located near Burford and is for adults and children of all ages. The Park exhibits over 260 animal species in approximately 160 acres of parkland and beautiful gardens with a fine variety of plants around a setting of a listed Victorian Manor House. Facilities include cafe, picnic areas, adventure playground, narrow-gauge railway, and gift shop. Disabled wheelchair access provided for. Dog Friendly.
Open all year. Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP. Tel: 01993 823006. Web site: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk.
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Burford.
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Dunkirk Mill Centre
The Dunkirk Mill Centre offers a wonderful opportunity to see a see a massive working water wheel directly powering a rare piece of historic textile machinery. The overshot wheel, twelve feet wide and thirteen feet in diameter, was installed in the mill in 1855 as part of the last major re-building programme carried out during its time as a woollen mill. It was made and installed by James Ferrabee of Stroud having a mainly cast iron frame with forty steel buckets.
The wheel is operated regularly on opening days, (subject to water supply), and the sight of the wheel starting to move in a powerful cascade of water is unforgettable. The Dunkirk Mill Centre has been made possible with the
assistance of a grant from the Local Heritage Initiative.
Please note there is no public parking on site except for disabled visitors.
You can park in the Cycle Path car park behind Egypt Mill just off the A46 on the edge of Nailsworth and follow the cycle trail, it isn’t far and it is a beautiful walk.
Stroud Road, Nailsworth, GL5 2HP - Telephone: 01453 766273 Email: [email protected] Main: Website
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Nailsworth, Stroud,Painswick, Minchinghampton, Tetbury, Wooton-under-Edge
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Heritage Motoring Centre
Home to the world's largest collection of historic British cars, visitors can uncover the story of the British motor industry with fun and interactive exhibitions. Great for all the family with children's quizzes and special school holiday activities plus a selection of outdoor activities including children's play area and picnic site. Free guided tours twice a day, onsite café and gift shop.
Check our website for school holiday activities and special weekend events.
M40 J12 and take B4100. Attraction signed.
Open: The Museum is open daily 10am -5pm. Closed for refurbishment 30 Nov 2015 to 12 Feb 2016 inclusive.
Web: www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk.
Open: The Museum is open daily 10am -5pm. Closed 24 Dec -1Jan inclusive.
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Banbury and Stratford-upon-Avon.
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Hereford & Gloucester Canal Trust
Since 1983 the Trust has pursued its aim to fully restore the 34 miles of canal and locks which will once again link Hereford with Ledbury, Dymock, Newentand the rest of the inland waterway system at Gloucester.
Their policy is to develop significant showpiece lengths of the canal in each county, working towards the full restoration.
Some of the original 22 locks were extremely deep so the restoration will include a few extra locks to make them all a practical depth.
The Wharf House, Over, Gloucestershire. GL2 8DB 01452 332900 (Tel) 01452 332901 (Fax)
www.thewharfhouse.com
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The World of Mechanical Music is a living museum of the extraordinary variety of self-playing musical instruments and automata which were the pride and joy of our Great Grandparents, and the only kind of "canned" musical entertainment available in the home before regular broadcasting started up in 1924.
All the instruments are maintained in the most perfect possible order in our world-famous workshops on the premises, and introduced and played by our well informed guides in the form of a live entertainment.
The Oak House, High Street, Northleach, Gloucestershire. GL54 3ET Tel: 01451 860181 - Fax: 01451 861133 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mechanicalmusic.co.uk
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Open every day 10.00 - 18.00 hrs,
except Xmas and Boxing day
Gloucester Antiques Centre
Founded in 1978 by Eddie Cook, Gloucester Antiques Centre is one of the longest established antiques centres in the UK. Located in a former Victorian Grain Warehouse known as “The Lock Warehouse”, Gloucester Antiques Centre is one of the largest antiques centres in the region. We offer the widest range of antiques and collectables in the West of England. With over 20,000 square feet, we have a massive selection of antiques and collectables all under one roof.
Gloucester Antiques Centre No. 1 Severn Road, The Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2LE
Open: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm - Sunday 11.30pm to 4.30pm Email: [email protected] - Tel: 01452 529 716
Website:www.gacl.co.uk
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Gloucester City Museum & Art Gallery
The museum's fascinating displays are housed in a fine Victorian Building in the heart of the City and contains many items of national and international importance. Among the spectacular collection are the archaeological finds, fine and decorative arts, and natural history specimens representing Gloucester's rich heritage.
A visit to the City Museum and Art Gallery will tell you so much about the early history of Gloucester. As well as fascinating Roman and Mediaeval displays there are dinosaurs, fossils, paintings, clocks, furniture, the stunning Birdlip Mirror and lots more.
A wide range of exquisite touring exhibitions and an exciting programme of
events, hands-on activities, are held throughout the year.
Whether you are a researcher, a professional, an amateur, or an enthusiast about archaeology, fine art, science or history there are plenty of objects in our collection to grab your attention. And if you are visiting us a parent, grand parent or a child of any age, there is always something to do for children, interactive and other hands-on activities.
OPENING TIMES: Tuesday to Saturday all year, 10.00-17.00. FREE ADMISSION Tel: 01452 396131 Brunswick Road Gloucester GL1 1HP e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gloucester.gov.uk/citymuseum
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Gloucester Docks and the Sharpness Canal
The former dock estate has become a popular destination where visitors can enjoy shops, museums and refreshment places or just wander around the quays, looking at a variety of historic buildings and interesting vessels on the water.
An information office near the Southgate Street entrance is run by theGloucester Docks Trading Co., who are responsible for the routine management of the area. There is also a Visitor Information Point in the Merchants Quay building in the centre of the site. The docks are well signposted with brown signs on the main approach roads. The vehicle entrance is from Southgate St, a short distance from the city centre. There is ample space for visitor parking within the dock estate.
Telephone 01452 311190 Website: www.gloucesterdocks.me.uk
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Gloucester Folk Museum
Gloucester Folk Museum is one of the oldest-established museums dedicated to social history. The collections have been drawn together through mainly gifts from the entire county of Gloucestershire, and represent one of the most fascinating collections of such material.
From treen (small wooden items), to the intriguing story of the river Severn fisheries, from historic costume to the life of the dairy; from the reconstructed Victorian classroom to the original pin factory - all of these plus hundreds of other elements of our local history are to be found here.
Set in Tudor timber-framed buildings, one of which was traditionally associated with the final night of the protestant martyr, Bishop Hooper, the Folk Museum is a complex of rooms on different levels and with a unique ambience that makes it a popular sight for locals and visitors. Behind the chocolate-box facade is a museum which is both larger than seems possible, and constantly surprising. No visit to Gloucestershire is complete without seeing the treasures and curiosities on display here.
A wide range of exhibitions, hands-on activities, events, demonstrations and role play sessions are held throughout the year. There is an attractive cottage garden and a courtyard area for events, often with live animals, and outside games.
OPENING TIMES: Tuesday to Saturday all year, 10.00-17.00. FREE ADMISSION Gloucester Folk Museum 99-103 Westgate Street GloucesterGL1 2PG Fax: 01452 330495 Tel: 01452 396868 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gloucester.gov.uk/folkmuseum/folkmuseum
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The Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen
The Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen is dedicated to promoting contemporary designer crafts. A resource for those seeking high quality British contemporary designer crafts, whether it be for education about the crafts and design, or be exhibition curators, or be public art consultants, or be those inspired to purchase or commission specially designed and made items.
A permanent Gallery in Painswick provides the opportunity to buy members work all the year round.
See the history of the Cotswolds Arts and Crafts Movement.
Guild Gallery, The Painswick Centre, Bisley Street, Painswick, Gloucestershire GL6 6QQ Tel : 01452 814 745 Open : Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Website: www.guildcrafts.org.uk
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Painswick.
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Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway
The Steam Railway is based at Toddington (between Broadway andWinchcombe) and operates a round trip of 13 miles to just beyond Gotherington a few miles from Cheltenham Racecourse. Departing from the restored station at Toddington you will travel past the village of Didbrook and the site of Hayles Abbey onto Winchcombe and finally Gotherington. The line is being extended to Cheltenham Racecourse and will be open 2003. Good views of the Cotswolds Hills can be seen from both sides of the train.
Open certain dates throughout the year. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington, Gloucestershire, GL54 5DT. Tel 01242 621405. Web site: www.gwsr.com
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Winchcombe andBroadway.
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Edward Jenner Museum
Edward Jenner became world famous following his publication in 1798 in which he demonstrated that vaccination with cowpox prevented the deadly smallpox. As use of his treatment spread he found that he had to spend more and more of his
Telephone 01453 810631
www.jennermuseum.com
The Edward Jenner Museum &
The Old Cyder House
time answering correspondence about it. He called himself 'the Vaccine Clerk to the World'. He continued to advise and research on the safest ways to produce and transport his cowpox vaccine.
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Conference Centre
For Museum Opening Times see website.
Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate
Lodge Park, situated on the picturesque Sherborne Estate in the Cotswolds, was created in 1634 by John 'Crump' Dutton and inspired by his passion for gambling, banqueting and entertaining. Until 1983 it was the home of Charles Dutton, 7th Lord Sherborne, and, when bequeathed, it was the first project undertaken by the Trust that relied totally on archaeological evidence. Visitors can now experience how the unique grandstand would have looked in the 17th century and enjoy the impressive views of the deer course and park, which was designed by Charles Bridgeman in the 1720s. Wonderful walks around the surrounding Sherborne Estate cover 1,650 hectares (4,000 acres) of beautiful rolling countryside, and include the restored and working water meadows and sweeping views of the River Windrush. The village of Sherborne is divided into two parts, with the East End exploiting the model village design of the mid 19th century, and the West End retaining many of the older buildings in the village.
Lodge Park, Aldsworth, nr Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 3PP Telephone: 01451 844130 - Fax: 01451 844131
Email: [email protected]
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Standard Admission Grandstand: £5, child £2.80, family £12.50.
Estate free (£1 donation per car to support work on the estate)
Sherborne Estate Open All year
Longleat Safari Park
In 1966 Longleat opened the first Safari Park outside of Africa. Today it is difficult to imagine the furore aroused when Longleat’s plans for a 100-acre lion reserve were made public. There were dire warnings of big cats running amok in the Wiltshire countryside, local clergymen were up in arms and there were even questions asked in the Houses of Parliament. In spite of the fears however the concept of a drive through safari park proved hugely popular and forty years on, Longleat Safari Park remains one of the country’s leading wildlife attractions. But that’s not all… Longleat now encompasses a wide range of attractions to suit visitors of all ages… find yourself going round in circles in the Longleat Hedge Maze, journey on the Safari Boats for a sea-lion escorted cruise, enjoy a fun-packed ride on the Longleat Railway, let the kids let off steam in the Adventure Castle and more… your day at Longleat will never be long enough!
Contact: The Estate Office Longleat Warminster Wiltshire BA12 7NW Tel: 01985 844400 Fax: 01985 844885 Email: [email protected] Website: www.longleat.co.uk
All attractions open: Daily: 17th Feb to 25th Feb Weekends ONLY: 3rd Mar to 25th Mar : Daily: 31st Mar to 4th Nov
Malmesbury Abbey
Founded in the 7th-century as a Benedictine Monastery by Aldhelm, a nephew of
King Ina of Wessex, the Abbey was once a major European centre of scholarship
and learning. The present building, now about a third of its original size, was
consecrated in about 1180 AD. At the Dissolution of the Monasteries by King
Henry VIII (1539), it was sold with all its lands to William Stumpe, a local wealthy
clothier, for just over £1500. Today the Abbey is the Parish Church and
dedicated to St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Adhelm and to St. Mary. The Abbey was an
important centre for pilgrimage because it is the burial place of St. Aldhelm (first
Abbot) and King Athelstan. The Abbey House gardens are especially enchanting
are one of the most beautiful in England.
A Prayer of St. Benedict
'Oh Gracious and Holy Father, give us wisdom to
perceive you, intelligence to understand you, diligence to to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you,
a heart to meditate upon you, and a life to proclaim
you, throughthe power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our
Lord'.
Model Village
For adults and older children. The model of the actual village of Bourton-on-the-Water built of Cotswold stone to 1/9th scale in 1937. The river Windrush flows under Bourton's famous bridges. The beeches, Cherries and chestnuts are all in miniature. Music in the churches and of course the model of the model.
Open all year. The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2AF. Tel: 01451 820467.
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Bourton-on-the-Water,Stow-on-the-Wold and Guiting Power.
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Museum in the Park
The Museum welcomes families and children and has something to offer visitors of all ages. Whether you are visiting the District or have lived here for many years, you are sure to find something that interests, inspires or amazes you.
Look out for our exciting programme of family fun events during half term, Easter and Summer holidays. Most events are free and take place on Wednesdays during the school holidays. You might find yourself meeting an inventor from Stroud's past, listening to tales of life long ago, hunting for treasure or getting creative with drawing and making activities.
We are within easy walking distance of Stroud railway station, bus station and town centre. Look for the old Mansion House in Stratford Park next door to
Opening Times October - March:
April - September: Tuesdays - Fridays 10am to 4pm
Weekends 11am to 4pm Closed Mondays
Closed from 1 - 31 December Tuesdays - Fridays 10am to 5pm
Weekends 11am to 5pm Closed Mondays apart from:
Bank Holiday Mondays 11am to 5pm
Open every day in August Museum admission is FREE.
Stratford Park Leisure Centre.
The Museum in the Park, Stroud District Museum Service, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4AF
Tel: 01453 763394 - Fax: 01453 752400 Email: [email protected]
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Nailsworth, Stroud,Painswick, Minchinghampton, Tetbury, Wooton-under-Edge
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National Waterways Museum
The National Waterways Museum at Gloucester Docks bring the history of Britain’s waterways to life.Through interactive displays, recordings of former dock and canal workers, archive film footage and exhibits you can explore the fascinating story of this revolutionary transport system. Climb aboard historic boats and discover what life was like living and working on our waterways.
The original National Waterways Museum at Gloucester is housed in a Victorian warehouse at Gloucester Docks, in the city of Gloucester. It has a collection of boats including narrowboats, river barges, canal and river tugs, and a steam powered dredger. There is also a steam crane and heavy oil engine in the setting of a canal repair yard, complete with working machine shop, forge and weighbridge.
Opening hours April – October: 10am – 5pm daily November: 11am – 4pm
Admission Charges (2008/9) Adult £3.95 Child £2.75 Concession £3.50 Family Ticket £12.00 Under 5's Free
We also offer an Annual Season Ticket. for less than the price of two day-admissions you can visit the Museum and take part in the events throughout the year.
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Friends Membership Secretary National Waterways Museum
Gloucester Docks Llanthony Warehouse
The Docks Gloucester GL1 2EH
Prinknash Bird and Deer Park
For adults and children of all ages near the Cotswolds town of Painswick. Feed and stroke the beautiful Fallow Deer. See one of the biggest collections of displaying peacocks, the numerous waterfowl, the exotic pheasants, ducklings, the amusing Pygmy goats and the lovely two storey Tudor Wendy house by the lake.
Open all year. Prinknash Park, Cranham, GL4 8EX. Tel: 01452 812727. Directions: M5 Junction 11a, on A46 between Cheltenham and Stroud. Website - Prinknash Bird and Deer Park.
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Painswick.
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West Midland Safari & Leisure Park
The Safari and Leisure Park caters for adults and children with many wild animals to see and drive next to. The children will love the leisure park with many amusements.
The Park is situated on the A456 between Kidderminster and Bewdley and is open 7 days each week, including Bank Holidays, from Saturday 16 March until Sunday 3 November 2002. West Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF. E-mail [email protected], web site -
www.wmsp.co.uk.
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Worcester.
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Saint Augustines Farm
About the farm: A real working organic dairy farm in the Severn Vale, St
Augustines is a typical dairy farm of over 100 acres where the everyday farm life will go on around you. Watch the cows being milked in a herringbone parlour every afternoon, talk to the farmer as he works and find out where your milk comes from. Help feed the baby calves and visit the farm animals in the paddocks. Follow the farm trail to see over 50 acres and see our wildlife in its natural habitat. Explore the mini woodland trail. Go back in history and discover a vanished era in our bygones collection.
Join in the Fun on the Farm. -Indoor and outdoor activities - Acres to Explore. On the farm you will be able to enjoy a whole host of activities.
Get close to the small animals in the farmyard and hold some of them
Let yourself go on the adventure playground
All weather barn
Let the toddlers play in safety in the cafe play area
Learn and play in our activities room
Bring a picnic to eat in the fields and enjoy the views or undercover if wet
Enjoy a snack in our cafe and browse in the shop
Opening Times: 17th March to October 2007 - 11am - 5pm. Every day during school holidays, every day except Monday in term time. Open bank holidays.
Admission Prices for 2007: Adults - £5.00 Children - £4.00 Concessions - £4.50
St Augustines Farm, Arlingham, Gloucestershire. GL2 7JN Tel: 01452 740277 - Email: [email protected]
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Nailsworth, Stroud.
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Slimbridge Wetland Centre
With an astounding array of wildlife from Water Voles to seals, hares to dragonflies, Slimbridge is home to the world's largest collection of swans, geese, and ducks. It is also the only place in the world where you can see all six species of Flamingo.
The vision of Sir Peter Scott, Slimbridge holds international significance as the headquarters of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) and it is here that the world renowned experts of WWT Consulting and Species Conservation are based.
This leading conservation reserve of 325 hectares of internationally protected wetlands including a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) a Ramsar Site and Special Protection Area (SPA) is managed by WWT.
A year round programme of walks, arts, events, workshops, talks and spectacular wildlife encounters are a fantastic way for everyone to connect to their natural surroundings.
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT T: +44 (0) 1453 891900 E: [email protected]
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/slimbridge/
More information : Slimbridge Wetland Centre
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Sudeley Castle -
Welcome to Sudeley Castle
Romantic ruins, award-winning gardens and one thousand years of fascinating history are among the many reasons to visit the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’. Sudeley Castle nestles
in the Cotswold Hills in the historic town of Winchcombe, Gloucestershire.
The Castle has changed hands over a dozen times during its one thousand year history and today it is the private home of Lord and Lady Ashcombe, Henry and Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst and their families.
In addition to our regular and hugely popular events such as the Easter Egg Trail, Rose Week and The Spring Grand Sale, a special exhibition about resident Tudor Queen, Katherine Parr is introduced with a film by Dr David Starkey. The last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII, she came to live at Sudeley after his death and is now entombed in our church, St Mary’s, which is open to visitors. Our Tudor Fun Days, Archery, Literary events and popular talks continue throughout the year. Tours of the private family apartments are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This year sees the addition of a new Roman exhibition, featuring a mosaic reconstruction from a Roman villa, once on the Sudeley estate.
Sudeley’s unique Gardens are amongst the finest in England. Our annual Rose Week in June features the centrepiece Queens Garden, which sits on the original Tudor Parterre and billows with hundreds of varieties of old fashioned roses. Overall Sudeley boasts ten stunning gardens, which we are constantly improving and evolving with the help of our design consultant, the eminent Sir Roddy Llewellyn. New for 2013 we introduce guided Garden Tours and Gardening for Wildlife Tours, led by expert Lyn Hall.
The Adventure Playground features a giant wooden play fort for our younger visitors to enjoy; there’s a picnic area and coffee shop serving drinks, light lunches and cakes. The Visitor Centre also a range of vintage items, together with souvenirs and locally produced gifts and crafts. Conservation is a theme on our Wildlife Trail and in The Pheasantry where falconer Gary Cope will be holding regular Owl Talks.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sudeley. Open daily from 17th March to 3rd November 2013.
Address: Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD Web: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk; Email:[email protected]
Tel: General Enquiries: Mon-Fri: 01242 602308 Sat-Sun: 01242 604244
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Tetbury Police Museum
The museum is mainly dedicated to the history of the GloucestershireConstabulary, founded in 1839 despite a petition raised by the people of Compton Greenfield against the necessity of forming a police force in Gloucestershire at all! There is a copy of this petition in the museum and a photo of Gloucestershire first Chief Constable Mr. Anthony Thomas Lefroy.
A number of interesting displays of photographs and equipment show the history of policing. Our resident Sergeant is always on duty in the station watching over the prisoners, local troublemakers and the public as he has done for over a hundred years.
In the first floor courtroom there is a complete magistrates court with a display using models and depicting hearing, as it would have been in the late 1940's or early 1950's.
Tetbury Police Museum is fast becoming one of the main attractions for all ages of visitors to the town and well worth a visit if you like history.
It is open daily Monday to Friday, from 10am to 3 p.m. and at other times by appointment.
Tetbury Police Museum, The Old Court House, 63 Long Street, Tetbury, Gloucestershire.GL8 8AA
Tel: 01666 504670 - Fax: 01666 504670
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Nailsworth, Stroud,Painswick, Minchinghampton, Tetbury, Wooton-under-Edge
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The Toy and Collectors Museum
For both adults and children. A fascinating display of teddy bears and dolls with many other Victorian and later toys, trains, games, and books. Also on show are textiles and lace, porcelain and pottery and other interesting collectibles.
Open all year. The Toy and Collectors Museum, 8, Park Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AQ. Web site: www.thetoymuseum.co.uk.
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Stow-on-the-Wold.
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The Wharf House Visitor Centre
The free visitor's center explores 750 years of the Leadon Valley, from the Roman Vineyards, the Civil War,willow growing and basketry, to the ongoing restoration
of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal.
It also promotes the work of local artists and crafts people. Examples of their work are on display and for sale.
The Wharf House, Over, Gloucestershire. GL2 8DB 01452 332900 (Tel) 01452 332901 (Fax)
[email protected] www.thewharfhouse.co.uk
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Warwick Castle
A great day out for both adults and children. Warwick Castle is one of the best preserved in the UK and dates back to William the Conqueror. It brings to life a thousand years of history. Here you can experience the sights and sounds of the medieval household, chilling dungeon and torture chambers, state rooms, towers and ramparts. In addition there are live shows of sword fighting, falconry, and knights jousting. This venue is a must for children of all ages. For more information on - Warwick Castle .
Open all year. Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU. Tel: 01926 406600. Web site: www.warwick-castle.co.uk.
For Places to Stay nearby - See Accommodation at Stratford-upon-Avon. andWarwick
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Winterbourne Medieval Barn
Winterbourne Medieval Barn is a grade II* listed tithe barn which due to its high risk category was purchased by South Gloucestershire Council in 1998 with the help of funding from English Heritage and the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme.
It is an outstanding and unique building of national importance. All other surviving medieval great barns were built by the important monastic estates, Universities or the Knights Hospitallers, but Winterbourne Barn was built by Thomas de Bradeston, a commoner who seems to have amassed great wealth as an army captain for Edward III in the Hundred Years' War against the French.
These were very turbulent times, Edward II having been murdered at nearby Berkeley Castle in 1327. Thomas de Bradeston was closely associated with the Berkeley family and is suspected of involvement in the King’s murder. He acquired the patronage of Winterbourne Priory in 1328 and went on to build the Barn in 1342, just a few years before the Black Death first hit in England.
The Barn is in a compact group of medieval buildings formerly the home of Carmelite Friars in the 13th Century, and an underground passage is reputed to lead from the house to St Michael's Church.
The landscape is typical of the scattered hamlets that existed in the 14th Century, and the surrounding field patterns, lanes, footpaths and stiles have remained virtually unchanged since then. The hamlet has been granted Conservation Area status by South Gloucestershire Council.
Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Church Lane, Winterbourne BS36 1SE
Web: www.winterbournebarn.org.uk
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Wotton-under-Edge Heritage Centre
Located in a converted fire station in the Chipping, Wotton-under-Edge, the Museum provides visitors with an excellent introduction to this historic wool town and its surrounding area of outstanding natural beauty.
The Heritage Centre houses the collection of the Wotton-under-Edge Historical Society as well as a wide range of resources for family and local history research. The collection provides a good example of artefacts from Wotton's crafts and industries along with photographs, postcards, documents, maps and books of local interest.