Tewkesbury Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Tewkesbury Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Tewkesbury packs a punch for sightseeing despite its compact size. The magnificent Tewkesbury Abbey (Church Street, GL20 5RZ, open daily 7:30am-5:30pm) dominates the skyline and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. It's free to enter though donations are appreciated. The Norman tower offers spectacular views if you're up for climbing the stairs.

The John Moore Museum (41 Church Street, GL20 5SN, open Tues-Sat 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm) is housed in a row of medieval timber-framed buildings and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. It's small but fascinating with natural history exhibits and a restored medieval merchant's house.

Don't miss the Tewkesbury Heritage Centre (64 Barton Street, GL20 5PX, open Tues-Sat 11am-3pm) which gets 4/5 on TripAdvisor. The interactive displays tell the story of the town's rich history and the famous battle of 1471. After exploring, head back to your cottage for a dip in the hot tub!

Pet Friendly

Tewkesbury is brilliant for dog owners. The Severn Ham, a large meadow between the two rivers, offers acres of open space for walks. Dogs can run free here and might even spot some of the local wildlife including herons and kingfishers.

Many local pubs welcome dogs, including The Berkeley Arms (Church Street, GL20 5PD) which provides water bowls and treats. The Nottingham Arms (Tewkesbury GL20 5PP) even has a "doggy menu" with special canine treats.

For supplies, Pets Corner (Ashchurch, GL20 8ND) stocks everything you might need. If your dog enjoys swimming, the River Avon has several shallow entry points perfect for a paddle - just stick to designated areas and keep an eye on the current.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury Abbey stands as the town's crown jewel. This massive Norman church survived Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries because locals bought it to use as their parish church. Inside, the ceiling is breathtaking with intricate wooden beams and stone vaulting. The stained glass windows are some of the finest in Britain, particularly the seven sisters window dating from the 14th century. One visitor wrote: "The sheer scale takes your breath away - it feels more like a cathedral than a parish church."

The Battlefield Trail (starts at GL20 5TT) takes you through the site of the decisive 1471 battle that helped secure Edward IV's throne. The 2-mile circular walk includes information boards explaining the battle tactics and key moments. It's mostly flat and takes about an hour. The views across to the Malvern Hills are stunning on clear days. A recent visitor commented: "Walking where history happened gives you goosebumps - we could almost hear the clash of swords!"

The Tudor House Hotel (High Street, GL20 5BH) isn't just for staying - it's an attraction in itself. This black and white half-timbered building dates from 1546 and is supposedly haunted by several ghosts including a maid who appears in room 20. Pop in for a drink in the bar and check out the uneven floors and massive oak beams. Staff are happy to tell ghost stories if you ask! One TripAdvisor review noted: "The creaky floorboards and sloping ceilings make you feel like you've stepped back 500 years."

Is Tewkesbury prone to flooding?

Yes, Tewkesbury sits at the confluence of the Severn and Avon rivers and can flood during heavy rainfall. However, most holiday cottages are located on higher ground and remain unaffected. The town has good flood defences and warning systems in place. If visiting in winter or spring, check the Environment Agency website for updates.

What's the best time to visit Tewkesbury?

July sees the Medieval Festival (second weekend) which is fantastic but accommodation books up fast. May and June offer lovely weather for enjoying your hot tub and exploring without the peak summer crowds. The autumn colours along the riverside walks are spectacular in October.

Are there good restaurants in Tewkesbury?

Absolutely! My Kitchen (21 Church Street) serves excellent modern British food. The Spice Lodge offers top-notch Indian cuisine. For pub grub, try The Royal Hop Pole which occupies a 15th-century building mentioned by Charles Dickens in The Pickwick Papers.

Can I go boating on the rivers?

Yes! Hire rowing boats or motorboats from Tewkesbury Boat Hire (Abbey Mill, GL20 5SB) between April and October. Prices start from £25 per hour. For a more relaxed experience, book a trip on the Cheltenham Cruiser which runs scheduled trips along the Avon.

Is Tewkesbury good for shopping?

The High Street has independent shops selling everything from antiques to artisan foods. Don't miss Tewkesbury Mustard, a local speciality since the 16th century. The Saturday market (8am-3pm) is great for local produce to cook back at your cottage.

What's parking like in Tewkesbury?

There are several pay and display car parks including at the Vineyards (GL20 5PG) and Spring Gardens (GL20 5LP). Most charge around £4 for all-day parking. Some cottages provide private parking - worth checking when booking, especially if you plan to use your hot tub rather than driving everywhere!

1. Visit Tewkesbury Official Tourism Site
2. Tewkesbury Abbey Official Website
3. Tewkesbury Medieval Festival Information
4. Environment Agency Flood Warnings