Mostly Cloudy 13 oCChipping Campden, the encompassing Cotswolds and nearby Shakespeare Country abounds with numerous attractions to help visitors to enjoy their stay in the area. Whether it's a family day out at the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford, a warm summer day enjoying the Cotswold Water Park or an autumn stroll through the breathtaking Westonbirt Arboretum, the Cotswolds has plenty to offer you.
The attractions below are ordered according to their distance from Top Farm (GL55 6ED) :
000.4 mile - Hart Gold & Silversmiths - The Guild, Sheep Street, Chipping Campden GL55 6DS
Seeing and experiencing this amazing 'time capsule' of a workshop is an absolute must for any visitor to Chipping Campden. It is the last operating remnant of the Guild of Handicraft which C.R. Ashbee established in 1888. George Hart (shown in the 1959 picture right with son Henry and grandson David) was a silversmith with the Guild when it moved to Chipping Campden in 1902.
From 1912 he took on the running of the workshop, joined in 1930 by his son Henry. This high tradition is now carried on by his grandson David Hart along with Derek Elliott, and William and Julian Hart.
The Hart's specialise in a wide range of domestic silverware from the smallest piece of silver cutlery to bowls, jugs, condiment sets, silver tea and coffee services and the largest of salvers. There is probably no greater source of knowledge in the designing and making of Ecclesiastical and Civic silver in England.
http://www.hartsilversmiths.co.uk/html/home.html
000.4 mile - The Gallery @ The Guild, Sheep Street, Chipping Campden GL55 6DS
Almost 100 years after C. R. Ashbee's world renowned Guild of Handicraft arriving this sleepy corner of the Cotswolds, a cooperative of artists and craftspeople has sprung up and is now breathing new life into his dream.
The new group moved into the Guild's workshops in 2005 and have individually and jointly developed their work in today's world where discerning consumers seek out bespoke pieces.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10.0 to 17.00 - seek out that something special that you have been searching for.
www.thegalleryattheguild.co.uk/about.htm
000.9 mile - Court Barn Museum, Church Street, Chipping Campden GL55 6JE
Talented artists, designers and craftspeople have worked in and around Chipping Campden and the north Cotswolds since the time of the Arts and Crafts movement in the early 20th century.
The Museum celebrates their lives and their skill and imagination of artists, designers, architects and craftspeople that have worked in and also built much of what you can see in Chipping Campden and the surrounding villages of the north Cotswolds.
The fascinating story begins with the Arts and Crafts movement in the early twentieth century and continues through to those who continue the traditions in the present day climate.
Museum Shop - has a number of books for sale that can be ordered by post e.g.
Arts & Crafts Walks in Broadway and Chipping Campden by Alan Crawford £8.95
Events - 2011 programme is packed with exhibitions, lectures and workshops and can be downloaded from the website. www.courtbarn.org.uk
Open: Tues to Sun Closed: Mondays (except Bank Holidays) and 24 Dec until 10 Jan inclusive
003.5 Miles - Broadway Tower Country Park, Middle Hill, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7LB
A unique Capability Brown Folly Tower open to visitors wanting to experience great English heritage in an inspiring location. Graphic displays on three floors, roof viewing platform and Tower Shop are a must for Cotswold visits.
Broadway Tower is one of England's outstanding viewpoints and at 1024 feet (312m) above sea level, it is the second highest point on the Cotswold escarpment. Unrivalled views survey an expanse of a 62 mile radius and as many as 16 Counties.
The Royal Observer Corps used the unique vantage point to track enemy planes over England during the world wars of the 20th Century and later constructed a nuclear bunker to report nuclear attacks during the "Cold War".
Conveniently located on the Cotswold Way, Broadway Tower is the perfect place to start your walk, be it a short circuit or hike. There is ample car parking for patrons of Broadway Tower and refreshments await to reward the completed walk.
004.6 miles – Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Mickleton - GL55 6LN
Kiftsgate Court Gardens is a series of interconnecting gardens each with its distinct character and secrets. Let them share their secrets with you. It is the creation of three generations of women gardeners.
Started by the current owners grandmother Heather Muir in the twenties, continued by her mother Diany Binny from 1950 and now looked after by herself (Anne Chambers) and her husband, plus a little help from their children.
www.kiftsgate.co.uk/index.shtml
004.8 miles – Hidcote Manor Gardens, Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden - GL55 6LR
The twisting lanes of the Cotswold countryside lead to one of the most inventive and influential gardens of the 20th century. Hidcote Manor Garden, with its structure of outdoor 'rooms', linked by vistas and furnished with all sorts of topiary, recalls both the English garden style and the European connections of its creator Major Lawrence Johnston.
Laid out over 70 years ago an astonishing variety of effects have been created. Hedges, walls, water and paving were all combined to create a garden that has its origins in the Arts and Crafts movement.
Memories don't get any better than this. Relax and unwind in one of the country's great gardens and experience for yourself the fulfilment of a quiet American's English fantasy. You'll never forget the exquisite garden rooms, each with its own unique character. Discover rare shrubs and trees, herbaceous borders and unusual plants from around the world. The garden changes in harmony with the seasons, from vibrant spring bulbs to autumn's spectacular Red Border. Nestled in the Cotswolds with sweeping views across the Vale of Evesham, a visit to Hidcote is inspirational at any time of year.
Enjoy a game of croquet on the Theatre Lawn, share a picnic with family or friends in the Wilderness, capture the spirit of Lawrence Johnston in our new plant house.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-hidcote
004.2 miles Snowshill Lavender, Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Broadway WR12 7JY
Lavender planting started here in a very small way back in 2000. From a few hundred plants put in the ground on hands and knees, we have now grown to 53 acres of lavender, 250,000 plants, some 70 miles of rows (and we have walked all of them!)
Lavender has thrived on the gentle free draining limestone hills. At 1000 feet above sea level the combination of soil type, altitude and climate produce ideal growing conditions for the finest English essential oils. With colours ranging from the rich deep purples through subtle blues to delicate pinks and whites, there is a lavender to compliment every garden.
www.snowshill-lavender.co.uk/cm/
005.0 miles - Snowshill Manor and Garden, Snowshill, near Broadway, Gloucestershire WR12 7JU
Charles Wade was a treasure-seeker who loved buying and restoring beautifully made objects. His family motto was 'Let nothing perish', and he spent his inherited wealth doing just that, amassing a spectacular collection of everyday and extraordinary objects from across the globe.
He restored the ancient Cotswold manor house specifically to display these unlikely treasures. Laid out with creative flair, just as Mr Wade intended, the Manor is literally packed to the rafters with thousands of unusual objects – from tiny toys to splendid suits of Samurai armour. The Manor is surrounded by an equally characterful hand-crafted terraced garden.
The gardens at Snowshill Manor. Charles Pagett Wade was an architect and craftsman. Charles was born into a wealthy family at Yoxford in Suffolk. Charles was to inherit the families sugar estates in the West Indies from his father whereby this enabled him to continue his childhood passion of collecting and adding more to his already enormous and varied collection. Charles used the old priest's house in the courtyard for his living quarters whilst the Manor was arrange to suit his collections. A delectable treasure trove of artefacts including Samurai suits of armour, bicycles, toys, clocks and musical instruments. The garden at Snowshill Manor is a delightful blend of blue and purple colours and smells, barns and ponds with intimate corners were you could sit and take in the scenery around you. Architect, M H Baillie-Scott between 1920 and 1923, designed the gardens with terraces on the site of the old farmyard.
Be fascinated by the story of collector Charles Wade, amazed by his vast and astonishing collection and intrigued by stunning examples of craftsmanship.
006.2 miles - Batsford Arboretum - Batsford Park, Moreton in Marsh - GL56 9QB
Situated one and a quarter miles west of Moreton-in-Marsh (Gloucestershire – UK) on the road to Broadway, Batsford Arboretum is tucked away on a south facing escarpment of the famous Cotswold Hills.
Autumn, winter, spring or summer there is always something special to see and admire at the arboretum with its treasure of rare and unusual plants and trees. Plan your day by exploring their website before you go - see just what they are doing for conservation and what they are planning for the future.
Website: www.batsarb.co.uk
006.2 miles - Cotswold Falconry Centre - Batsford Park, Moreton in Marsh - GL56 9QB
The Cotswold Falconry Centre's collection is situated on the same estate as the arboretum and houses 80 to 100 individual birds of prey at any one time and aims to be one of the friendliest and most informative raptor centres in the country.
Started in 1988 Cotswold Falconry houses around 150 Birds of Prey many can be seen during the free flying demonstrations, while over thirty separate species have been bred in our successful but non commercial breeding aviaries.
With daily flying displays at 11.30, 13.30, 15.0 & 16.30 in the summer, you will get closer to many different species of birds of prey than would be possible in the wild.
The primary aim is to educate and promote a greater understanding of birds of prey and to assist in the care and conservation of these marvellous creatures.
Website: www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk
006.2 miles - Bourton House Garden, Bourton-on-Hill, Moreton in Marsh - GL56 9QB
Bourton House Garden opened to the public for the first time on a single Sunday in 1987 in aid of the National Garden Scheme. Twenty years later, the garden received the prestigious HHA/Christie's 'Garden of the Year' Award, a tribute to the inspiration (and perspiration!) of everyone involved in its creation over the years.
In 1983, Mr & Mrs R Paice became the owners of Bourton House and began the task of turning a neglected wilderness into the perfect garden setting for the courtyard of ancient Cotswold stone buildings. Over the years, the garden evolved, new projects were planned and new challenges faced. They were fortunate to have the help of a splendid gardening team, originally headed by Paul Williams followed in 1999 by Paul Nicholls, the current long-serving Head Gardener.
Imaginative topiary was introduced including a knot garden, parterre and topiary walk; natural springs used to create water features; an unusual shade house constructed and ever wider herbaceous borders created to accommodate more exotica. Today, the garden continues to evolve, constantly surprising visitors with its inspirational planting, stunning colour combinations and rare, unusual and exotic plants.
Bourton House Garden will be open to the public from the beginning of April to the end of October every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 5pm (excluding Easter and Bank Holidays).
The Tithe Barn will be open from June to mid September, serving tea, coffee and delicious home-made cakes.
Disabled Access - has limited disabled access (60% - 70%) For further information, ring 01386 700754 or e-mail
006.5 miles - Sezincote House, Bourton on Hill - GL56 9AW
A unique and extraordinary Indian house set amidst the Cotswold Hills. The architecture is in the Mogul style of Rajasthan, with a central dome, minarets, peacock-tail windows, jali-work railings and pavilions. A curving Orangery frames the Persian Garden of Paradise with its fountain and canals.
Sezincote was built in 1810 by Charles Cockerell and Thomas Daniel, the great painter of Indian architectural scenery. Access is 1.5 miles out of Moreton in Marsh on the A44 towards Evesham, opposite the entrance to Batsford Arboretum.
Website: www.sezincote.co.uk
008.0 miles - Cotswolds Riding, Washpool Equestrian Centre, Stanton, Nr. Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7NE
In the picturesque Cotswold village of Stanton, a few miles from Broadway, Jill Carenza (formerly Gabb) has been offering riding and Bed & Breakfast in her 17th century Cotswold stone house, The Vine, since 1975. The riding includes lessons, as well as splendid hacks, for all levels of rider: with over 50 well-schooled horses, Jill has the right horse for you. There are also ponies for children.
There is plenty to do besides riding: The Cotswold Way footpath runs right past The Vine; golfing is available nearby; and Bath, Cheltenham, Chipping Campden, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Stow on the Wold are easily reached. The riding centre and Bed & Breakfast are open year-round. Each season in the Cotswolds brings its own pleasures.
They specialise in accelerated learning. Born in Gloucestershire, Jill Carenza began riding before she could walk, and rode to school at the age of five. She competed at advanced level but her first love has always been instructing.
Jill helps each rider achieve their personal goal - be it eventing, cross-country, or just hacking out confidently - in an accelerated fashion, with her unique blend of challenge and encouragement backed up by the selection of horses and training facilities. Most riders have been amazed at their rate of progress.
Website: www.cotswoldsriding.co.uk
009.4 miles - Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway, Toddington - GL54 5DT
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway runs along a part of the former Great Western Railway's mainline from Birmingham to Cheltenham, via Stratford-upon-Avon. Until recently you have been able to take a 20 mile trip from Toddington and through Winchcombe to Cheltenham Racecourse that commands wonderful views of the sleepy hamlets and villages, as the it runs though the beautiful Cotswold countryside.
The line was primarily built (1900-1906) to improve through services from Birmingham to Bristol and the West Country. It also carried fruit from the highly productive farming areas both in the Cotswolds and the Vale of Evesham.
"The Cornishman" express, complete with its chocolate and cream coaches, ran over this railway from 1952 until 1962 and formed the Wolverhampton to Penzance service via Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol, Taunton, Exeter and Plymouth. Our members' magazine is named after this service.
The line closed to local passenger traffic on 5th March 1960, the last train being the (8731 Saturday Only) 10:25 pm Cheltenham St James to Broadway and 11:25 pm return. The line continued in use for goods services until an incident at Winchcombe on 25th August 1976 effectively closed the line.
Following early work by a Society primarily aimed at trying to keep the line open, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway was formed in 1981 with the aim of one day restoring this line from Stratford Race Course to Cheltenham Racecourse back to its former glory. Although originally double tracked throughout, by the time the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway purchased the track bed most of the buildings and all the track had gone. The only survivors at Toddington were the main station building, the acetylene hut, the signal box shell and the goods shed.
Winchcombe, the next stop down the line, was practically non-existent except for the goods shed and weigh-bridge. All platforms, station buildings and the signal box had disappeared completely.
Having purchased the track bed from Broadway to Cheltenham Race Course and established an operating base at Toddington and reconstruction work was restarted and by 1984 work had advanced sufficiently to allow the first public train to operate over a ¼ mile of track, and on Sunday 22nd April, Nicholas Ridley MP, the Secretary of State for Transport cut the ribbon to mark the Official opening. Since then we have restored 10 miles of track from Toddington to Cheltenham Race Course as well as recreating Winchcombe. Our latest extension to Cheltenham Race Course station was opened by HRH the Princess Royal on 7 April 2003.
A
ll this work has been completed by volunteers, using revenue generated from our operations and shareholder capital. We are a professional operating railway staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers. If you wish to join as a member of our supporting body you will be most welcome. Please refer to the membership section of this website.
Visitors with impaired mobility are welcome. Wheelchairs can be accommodated in specially converted carriages. It helps to let us know that you are coming, so that staff is available to assist in any way possible. Please note that the platform at Cheltenham Racecourse is reached by a slope which may be difficult for customers with impaired mobility. There are toilets for disabled visitors at Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham Racecourse stations. Full details are here: www.gwsr.com/planning-your-visit/accessibility.aspx
009.5 miles - Stanway House and Fountain, Stanway - GL54 5PQ
Stanway House is a charming, lived-in, golden stone jewel surrounded by beautiful parkland and villages. It is an outstandingly beautiful example of a Jacobean manor house, owned by Tewkesbury Abbey for 800 years then for 500 years by the Tracy family and their descendants, the Earls of Wemyss. Stanway House is currently the home of Lord and Lady Neidpath. The Tracys, very unusually, claimed descent from Charlemagne, and were almost unique in England for having owned land (at nearby Toddington) since before the Norman Conquest.
The glory of the Stanway water garden is the single-jet fountain in the Canal, opened on 5th June 2004. Originally suggested by Paul Edwards, the landscape architect, and engineered by David Bracey of The Fountain Workshop Limited, the fountain rises magnificently to over 300 feet, making it the tallest fountain in Britain (seconded by Witley Court at 121 feet), the tallest gravity fountain in the world
The Stanway Watergardens, one of the finest in England, was created in the 1720s for John Tracy, probably by Charles Bridgeman, gardener to Lord Cobham at Stowe, Buckinghamshire from 1719 and Royal Gardener from 1727, who invented the English style of gardening, which superseded the Franco-Dutch style.
Website: www.stanwayfountain.co.uk/index.
010.9 miles - Hailes Abbey (NT), nr Winchcombe - GL54 5PB
Once a Cistercian abbey, founded in 1246 by Richard of Cornwall and dissolved Christmas Eve 1539, Hailes never housed large numbers of monks but had extensive and elaborate buildings. It was financed by pilgrims visiting its renowned relic, 'the Holy Blood of Hailes' – allegedly a phial of Christ's blood. Note: financed, managed and maintained by English Heritage (0117 975 0700, www.english-heritage.org.uk/hailes).
* Explore the ruins of this 13th-century Cistercian abbey.
* Interpretation panels guide you around the abbey buildings.
* Sculptures, stonework and other finds are displayed in the museum.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-hailesabbey Hailes Fruit Farm and cafe nearby - delicious homemade scones & cakes, etc.
011.9 miles - Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power - GL54 5UG
A farming treat for the family offering the chance to meet over 50 rare breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, etc. Seasonal demonstrations, adventure playground, Touch Barn, Fun Barn, Maze Quest and Jumping Pillow, etc.
Gloucester Old Spot
Hebridean Sheep
Highland Cattle
Longhorn Cattle
Shetland Horse
Shire Horse
Soay Sheep
Tamworth Pig
White Park Cattle
Bagot Goat
Open 15-March to 7-September and weekends in September and half-terms.
Website: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/discover/
012.2 miles – Nash’s House & New Place
The Shakespeare story ended here with his death in 1616, wander through the picturesque gardens and see where his house New Place used to stand.
Nash's house was named after Thomas Nash, first husband of Shakespeare's granddaughter and wealthy local property owner
Shakespeare died at New Place in 1616. Although later destroyed, the location is now preserved as a picturesque garden space, see the ancient Mulberry tree, claimed to be from a cutting planted by Shakespeare
Website: www.shakespeare.org.uk
012.3 miles - Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust
Shakespeare's birthplace and exhibition at Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Mary Arden's house (mother) is at Wilmcote, 3 miles from Stratford. Ann Hathaway’s (wife) cottage is at Shottery, 1 mile from Stratford. Susanna's (daughter) house is Hall's Croft located in the old part of Stratford. Nash's House (grand-daughter) and New Place (next door) where Shakespeare spent his last years are located on Chapel Street. Shakespeare is laid to rest in the Holy Trinity church in Stratford.
Website: www.shakespeare.org.uk
012.3 miles – Halls Croft, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BGChakespeare's
Named after Dr John Hall, who married Shakespeare's daughter Susanna, this impressive 16th century house, with Jacobean additions, includes outstanding furniture and paintings.
See the exhibition of medicine in Shakespeare's time with references to remedies and potions mentioned in the plays.
011.8 miles - Stratford Butterfly Farm, Swan's Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS
Enjoy the unique pleasure of watching hundreds of the world's most spectacular and colourful butterflies flying all around. You can see them feeding and flying in a wonderful tropical environment.
See their amazing lifecycles in the Caterpillar Room. Observe the fascinating and strange in Insect City, where Stick Insects, Beetles, Leaf-cutting ants and many more remarkable creatures are to be found. For the bolder, get close to the deadly and dangerous in perfect safety in Arachnoland; home of the worlds largest spider, a scorpion colony and other spinners of webs and dealers of death.
www.butterflyfarm.co.uk/attraction/
012.7 miles - Chastleton House (NT), Chastleton, nr Moreton in Marsh - GL56 0SU
Chastleton House is one of England's finest and most complete Jacobean houses and competed in 1612. The rules for the game of Croquet were written here. Since acquiring the property the National Trust has concentrated on conserving it rather than restoring it to pristine condition. The same family occupied the house for nearly 400 years with little or no modernisation taking place.
Discover rooms full of rare objects without ropes or barriers, enjoy the garden, with Jacobean topiary and a vegetable plot and see a kitchen ceiling that was last cleaned in 1612.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-chastleton/w-chastleton-house_history.htm
013.0 miles – Ann Hathaway’s Cottage, Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-Upon-Avon CV37 9HH
Visit the house where Shakespeare's wife once lived, and visit the beautiful, award-winning gardens.
Beautiful thatched farmhouse and childhood home of Shakespeare wife, Anne Hathaway, a romantic setting where young William wooed his beloved.
Stroll around stunning grounds and gardens overflowing with beautiful blooms, shrubs and traditional vegetables
013.6 miles - Cotswold Motor Museum, Bourton on the Water - GL54 2BY
An extensive array of motoring paraphernalia, a great toy collection and the home of BBC TV's Brum!
Mill Gallery- bulges with great vehicles, quaint caravans, motoring curiosities, and enamel signs. There are showcases packed with memorabilia, so look high and low, every corner is filled. It is here that you will find Brum. He lives in the Museum and this is where he was filmed. He loves having his photo taken, so don't forget your camera.
Blacksmith - the sounds and smells of a blacksmith's workshop bring to life a world that was rapidly moving away from the four legged horse and towards the four stroke engine. The firm of Alldays can be traced back to 1780, while Onions had been operating since 1625. Alldays and Onions made bellows, anvils, vices and tools for the blacksmith trade.
Windrush Alley - take an enchanting look at motoring from street level. The Boneshaker, Penny-Farthing, and safety bicycles share the road with a horse drawn carriage and cars. There are chickens and even an Italian 'mouse' - can you spot it? Motorsport makes a muddy splash with a 1964 MG 1100 and a Levis motorcycle from the days of motorcycle football.
Jack Lakes Garage - small country garages opened up and down the land to serve the needs of the early motorist. This captivating story is told through Bourton's very own pioneer mechanic.
Paved Paradise - the colours, shapes and textures evoke nostalgia for the funky 1960s and 70s. This is the coolest scene in town.
Guest Car Gallery - this regularly changing exhibition takes a sideways look at some of the 20th century's motoring icons. Past exhibitions include, 'Wallace and Gromit and the Revenge of the Were-rabbit', 'Quadrophenia' and 'You're the one that I want' a 1970s extravaganza. The current exhibition is 'Racing Hero' with James Hunt's last F1 car.
Website: www.csmaclubretreats.co.uk/museum/index.php?pn
015.0 miles - Stratford Armouries Museum, Gospel Oak Lane, Pathlow, CV37 0JA
Stratford Armouries is a truly unique museum set in 86 acres of rolling Warwickshire countryside.
It is the new home of the Wellington Aviation Museum, including a massive Wellington Bomber tail section and a brand new WWII exhibition that encompasses a huge German Heinkel 111 crash relic.
You will find a life-sized armoured Indian elephant, the world’s oldest cannon, Leonardo da Vinci’s giant crossbow, Lawrence of Arabia’s rock crystal dagger and beautiful artefacts from Shakespeare’s birthplace
015.4 miles – Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD
The history of Sudeley Castle and its award-winning gardens spans over a thousand years and contains many varied tales of royal associations, wars and periods of neglect and subsequent restoration.
The Castle has changed hands over a dozen times during its history and today it is the private home of Lord and Lady Ashcombe, Henry and Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst and their families.
Sudeley’s glorious gardens are amongst the very best in England, from the centrepiece Queens' Garden, billowing with hundreds of varieties of old fashioned roses, to the Herbal Healing Garden which was introduced for the 2010 season.
015.7 miles – Mary Arden's Farm Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9UN
Be surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of a Tudor farm at Mary Arden's Farm. Discover the daily routine of a 16th Century farm and marvel as the farmer, maid and labourer bring the farm to life.
Home of Shakespeare's grandparents and childhood home of Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden. See the Elizabethan way of life and interact with the daily domestic routine of a working farm
Watch the farmer's wife prepare and cook her home grown food in the farmhouse kitchen, wander through the orchard and wild flower meadow and follow the nature trail and track down the Long Horn cattle and other rare breeds including Cotswold sheep and Gloucester Old Spot pigs
015.9 miles - Bourton Model Railway Exhibition and Toy Shop - GL54 2AN
400 sq ft of the finest operating scenic model railway layouts in the country. British and continental trains running on 3 main displays. Shop - quality toys, models, trains & accessories.
Website: www.bourtonmodelrailway.co.uk
016.9 Belas Knap Long Barrow, south of Winchcombe
Belas Knap is descriped in the English Heritage designation listing statement as an "outstanding example representing a group of long barrows commonly referred to as the Cotswold-Severn group".
What appears to be the main entrance to the barrow, with intricate dry-stone walling and large limestone jambs and lintels is, in fact, a false one. The actual burial chambers are down the long East and West sides of the barrow and at its Southern foot. There are four burial chambers, two on opposite sides near the middle, one at the South-East angle and one at the South end. These are formed of upright stone slabs, linked by dry-stone walling and originally had corbelled roofs.
The site dates from the Neolithic but the name 'Belas Knap' itself is medieval, meaning Beacon Mound.
It is accessed by either of two paths. The most well-known is the one from the narrow and steep Charlton Abbots road, South of Winchcombe. There is a 'pull-in' on the left, with a signpost pointing up through the trees to the right. There is a steep climb for the first stretch of the footpath, affording views of Winchcombe, until the rounded hill top is reached.
015.9 miles - Model Village, Bourton on the Water - GL54 2AF
The Old New Inn is known all over the world for the fascinating model village in its garden. Built by an earlier inn owner and a small team of local craftsmen during the early thirties, the Village is a 1/9th replica of Bourton-on-the-Water, built from the local Cotswold stone, every house & garden is depicted in great detail and it was opened on the Coronation day of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937.
Through the heart of the Model Village runs a miniature River Windrush - about a metre wide, it flows from the working water mill, beneath replicas of five of Bourton's famous stone bridges, on its way to the Thames.
Website: www.theoldnewinn.co.uk/village.htm
016.4 miles - Compton Verney Art Gallery, Compton Verney, Warks- CV35 9HZ
Compton Verney is Warwickshire's award-winning art gallery, housed in a Grade 1 listed mansion, set in 120 acres of stunning "Capability Brown" parkland. It offers enjoyable ways to explore art, whatever your age or knowledge.
Many collections including Naples, Chinese, Northern European, British Portraits (Tudors), Folk Art.
Website: www.comptonverney.org.uk/
016.1 miles - Birdland Park & Gardens, Rissington Road, Bourton on the Water - GL54 2BN
A natural setting of woodland, river and gardens inhabited by over 500 birds; flamingos, pelicans, penguins, cranes.
Tropical toucan and desert house, a natural setting of woodland, river and gardens inhabited by over 500 birds; flamingos, pelicans, penguins, cranes. Tropical toucan and desert houses.
Website: www.birdland.co.uk/default.asp
017.4 miles - Coughton Court (NT), Alcester B49 5JA
One of the great Tudor Houses, Coughton Court has been the home of the Throckmorton family since 1409. It has important associations with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, about which there is an exhibition and also much activity in the Civil War. The house has fine collections of furniture, porcelain, and paintings.
Behind the Tudor gatehouse house you will find the courtyard with its fine Elizabethan half -timbering, where a knot garden leads to lawns and fine vistas of the Warwickshire countryside.
The house stands in 25 acres of grounds containing some of the most breathtaking gardens in the country. It was Clare McLaren-Throckmorton's intention to create a garden that complements the beautiful house, and to give it the setting it deserves.
She also wanted to create a wide variety of gardens: formal and informal, traditional and innovative. Created over the last 15 years, the gardens are now mature and varied and are solely managed by the Throckmorton family.
Website: www.coughtoncourt.co.uk/the-house.html
017.5 miles - Charlecote Park (NT), Warwick - CV35 9ER
Charlecote Park has been home to the Lucy family since the 12th century. Their stories are told throughout the house by their portraits, the objects they collected from around the world and the design influence they had on the house and parkland.
See how Mary Elizabeth Lucy remodelled the house in Victorian times. The gardens include a formal parterre, woodland walk and the wider parkland (inspired by 'Capability' Brown), which offer walks with picturesque views across the River Avon. A herd of fallow deer has been in the park since Tudor times.
* Seasonal access to previously closed areas of the parkland.
* Enjoy guided walks or talks.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-charlecotepark
018.3 miles - Broughton Castle, nr Banbury - OX15 5EB
A generous tribute from historian Sir Charles Oman in 1898, and one continued by the noted diarist James Lees-Milne in a 1989 - "It is still the most romantic house imaginable"
Broughton was the focus of a feature for the Historic Houses Association in 2002, describing the house's magnificent restoration from an incarnation in 1948 when, in the words of Lord Saye himself, "the house was derelict, there was water through the roof and the garden was in disorder".
Another article from the Daily Telegraph's colour magazine "Ready for its close-up" of July 31st 2004 by Stephen Lacey traces the recent history of that garden. Shakespeare fell in love here; Lady Jane Grey awaited her doom within these walls; and here was sown the seeds of the French Revolution.
There's more to a castle like Broughton than bricks and mortar. This website has been designed to show the variety of castle life: its forays in film, the heritage, the history, and the community and events that keep it alive.
Website: www.broughtoncastle.com
019.0 miles - Keith Harding's World of Mechanical Music, Northleach - GL54 3ET
A living museum, shop and workshop for all self-playing musical instruments, a special place in the heart of England noted for traditional standards of British craftsmanship and hospitality.
In a period setting in the beautiful Cotswolds, is a unique collection of self-playing musical instruments presented as a live entertainment.
You will also find what has been described as "the best gift shop in the Cotswolds", and the world famous restoration workshops, which serve discerning collectors from all over the world.
Website: www.mechanicalmusic.co.uk
022.2 miles - Heritage Motor Centre, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warks - CV35 0BJ
The Heritage Motor Centre motoring museum in Warwickshire is home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars, visitors can uncover the story of the British motor industry with our fun and interactive exhibitions.
Today, the car collection is nearly 300 strong. It takes in smaller manufacturers such as Morgan, via niche producers such as Land Rover, to the mainstream producers such as Austin and Morris. The Trust also works closely with the heritage arms of Britain’s major car concerns, including Ford, Jaguar and Vauxhall, to bring some of their historic vehicles to the museum for visitors to enjoy.
www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
022.5 miles - Chedworth Roman Villa, Yarnworth - GL54 3LJ
The remains of one of the largest Roman Villas in the country was excavated in 1864 and offers over 1 mile of surviving walls, several fine mosaics, two bathhouses, hypocausts, a water-shrine and latrine, etc.
Nestling in a wooded combe in the heart of the Cotswolds and surrounded by beautiful woodland walks are the remains of one of the largest Roman villas in the country. With Heritage Lottery Fund support we are embarking on an exciting programme of redevelopment this season.
Site access, interpretation and conservation are all being improved.
During the work the water shrine and north bathhouse will remain open and there will be site tours to explain the building work in progress, plus an exhibition about the project. A unique chance to see conservation in action at a major archaeological site. Note: Parking limited.
* Discover a Roman water shrine and bathhouse.
* Find out about life in 4th-century Roman Britain.
* Learn all about our exciting redevelopment project.
Please note - there is No access to main mosaics this season (site reopens fully spring 2012)
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-chedworthromanvilla
022.6 miles - Out of the Hat, 100 Church Street, Tewkesbury - GL20 5AB
Out of the Hat is a charming heritage and visitor centre brought to you by Tewkesbury Borough Council. The visitor centre has been born out of a 17th century building, lovingly restored, renovated and enhanced. Housing our friendly Tourist Information Centre on the ground floor, the two upper storeys incorporate interactive displays, games, information panels and much more.
Out of the Hat allows the visitor to contemplate life in the 17th century and explore the towns fascinating history. Using hand held portable media players, visitors can see and hear Bartholomew Read, a glove maker resident in the building during the 17th century, as he takes visitors around his former home.
Website: www.outofthehat.org.uk
022.7 mile - Blenheim Palace, Woodstock - OX20 1PX
Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown, the magnificent Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, award-winning formal gardens and the great Lake, offering an unforgettable day out for all.
Blenheim Palace is a unique example of English Baroque architecture. Inside, the scale of the Palace is beautifully balanced by the intricate detail and delicacy of the carvings, the hand painted ceilings and the amazing porcelain collections, tapestries and paintings displayed in each room.
On the first floor 'Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story' brings to life enticing tales from the last 300 years.
Website: www.blenheimpalace.com
023.5 miles - Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford - OX18 4JW
The Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world and aspires to show animals to people - so that they can come to understand and respect all forms of wildlife; to understand what is special about each species, and how the various species have evolved over very long periods of time, adjusting to survive in habitats from many parts of the earth.
The Park offers a fascinating collection of animals. Many are endangered in the I.U.C.N.'s (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red Data Books; others are still relatively numerous in the wild, but offer an educational encounter of value.
Website: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
023.6 miles - Warwick Castle, Warwick - CV34 4QU
Warwick Castle's history stretches back almost 1,100 years. In 914AD Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, ordered the building of a 'burh' or an earthen rampart to protect the small hill top settlement of Warwick from Danish invaders.
You can enjoy all sorts of events at Britain's ultimate castle - summer jousting, the Castle Dungeon, Secrets & Scandals, the Princess Tower, Pageant Playground, Sword & Stone, Highwayman's Supper, Dungeons After Dark, Concerts at The Castle, etc.
Website: /www.warwick-castle.co.uk/
023.7 miles - Farnborough Hall (NT), nr Banbury - OX17 1DU
This beautiful honey-coloured house, home of the Holbech family for over 300 years, was richly decorated in the mid-18th century. The interior plasterwork is some of the finest in the country. A superb landscaped garden of the 1740s remains largely unchanged, containing a broad terrace ornamented with temples.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-farnboroughhall
028.5 miles - Bibury Trout Farm, Bibury, Cirencester - GL7 5NL
Bibury Trout Farm is one of Britain's oldest, and certainly most attractive, Trout Farms. Founded in 1902, by the famous naturalist Arthur Severn, to stock the local rivers and streams with the native Brown Trout it now covers 15 acres in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Cotswolds, the Coln Valley. The crystal clear waters of the Bibury Spring provide the essential pure water required to run the hatchery which spawns up to 6 million trout ova every year.
.Website: www.biburytroutfarm.co.uk/visitors.html
028.5 miles - Gloucester Docks & the Sharpness Canal 1 Severn Road, The Docks, Gloucester - GL1 2LE
The former dock estate has become a popular destination where visitors can enjoy interesting views and a range of modern facilities while wandering around a remarkably complete example of a Victorian port. Views include many fine warehouses and other dock-related buildings that have been found new uses.
Where ships once discharged their cargoes, there is now an ever-changing miscellany of visiting narrow boats, smart motor cruisers and the occasional yacht or tall ship. The whole area is suitable for wheel-chairs.
Gloucester Waterways Museum - occupying three floors of Llanthony Warehouse, this museum (formerly known as the National Waterways Museum, Gloucester) features life on Britain's inland waterways using artefacts, photographs, videos and computer interactives. It has a shop that is open to all, and the Coots cafe/bar is in the adjoining building.
Historic craft moored by the quayside include steam dredger SND No 4, tug Severn Progress, barge Sabrina, narrow boats Northwich, Wye and Oak, and the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust's workboat Renton.
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum - occupying the former Custom House at the north end of the Victoria Dock, this Museum tells the story of the lives, travel and service of the men of the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Gloucestershire Hussars over the last 300 years.
Gloucester Leisure Cruises - 45 minute trips down the canal and back from the Waterways Museum and some longer cruises on the canal and River Severn
Gloucester Antiques Centre - the Antiques Centre that formerly occupied the warehouse by the lock has moved to new premises on the corner of Llanthony Rd and High Orchard St in the Gloucester Quays development. It has over 100 individual dealers selling a wide range of antiques and collectables, and there is a cafe on the second floor.
Working Dry Docks - maintenance and repair work on vessels in and around the large and small dry docks is managed by T Nielsen & Co. Craftsmen can be seen at work using traditional skills aided by modern tools. For information on interesting vessels currently at Gloucester.
Website: www.gloucesterdocks.me.uk/gloucester/forvisitors.htm
028.5 miles - Gloucester Cathedral, 2 College Green, Gloucester - GL1 2LR
Described as Northern Europe's sixth most beautiful building by John Benjamin. Located in the heart of Gloucester city, the architecture varies from the Norman nave with its massive columns to examples of Romanesque and early perpendicular.
Other features include the glazed fan-vaulted cloisters, the monks' lavatorium, the medieval glass of the great east window and the tombs of King Edward II and Robert Duke of Normandy. The cathedral was the scene of the only coronation to a monarch outside of London to Edward II.
You will find a Whispering Gallery and herb garden, etc..
Website: www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk
028.5 miles - Gloucester City Museum & Art Gallery - Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HP
A wide range of City museums including Tudor & Jacobean buildings displaying local history, domestic life, crafts, trades and industries from 1500 through to today.
Go back to the beginnings of life and local history at the Gloucester City Museum & Art Gallery - Roman artefacts including the Rufus Sita tombstone, the birdlip mirror, dinosaurs and local wildlife, paintings by turner and Gainsborough, furniture, glass, ceramics and silver, etc.
Gloucester City Museum is currently closed for a Heritage Lottery Funded makeover and will re-open in August 2011
Website: www.gloucester.gov.uk/citymuseum
029.0 miles - Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester - GL7 2BX
The Corinium Museum houses one of the finest collections of antiquities from Roman times which come alive using full-scale reconstructions to re-create life in Corinium, second largest town in Roman Britain.
Program of exhibitions, events and courses throughout the year
Roman Britain's second city - home to one of the largest collections of Romano-British antiquities in the country. Corinium, Roman Cirencester, was the second largest town in Roman Britain. Experience life as a Roman. Marvel at the stunning mosaics. Visit a Roman Garden.
Face to face with the Saxons - revealed to the world for the first time the Anglo-Saxons of Butler's Field, Lechlade. Re-united with their astonishing treasures. Our ancestors brought to life through forensically re-constructed heads. Look them in the eye. Wonder how life was.
Wool, wealth and war - trace a path from the Iron Age to the English Civil War. A story of war, of wool, of royalty; of dissolved monasteries and of a local worthy's rise from rags to riches.
Eighteenth and nineteenth century Cirencester - investigate a computer database of our fantastic collection of historic photographs of Cirencester. Look at the model of the town and watch the buildings light up and tell you their history!
Website: www.cirencester.co.uk/coriniummuseum/
030.0 miles - Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen, Bisley Street, Painswick - GL6 6QQ
Neo-classical mansion with fine art and furniture collection - explore the exquisite gardens, including the spectacular Water Garden designed by Harold Peto and the Four Seasons Walled Garden created by the present Lord Faringdon.
The House is home to the Faringdon Collection which contains an extraordinary array of paintings, furniture and objects d'art. There is also a small purpose built theatre which is regularly used for concerts, plays and corporate hospitality.
Website: www.buscot-park.com
036.9 miles - The Shambles Victorian Village, Church Street, Newent - GP18 1PP
Step back into the 1890's at The Shambles, one of the largest private collections of Victoriana in the country
Website: currently being redeveloped
036.9 miles - The Bird & Deer Park, Prinknash, Nr Painswick- GL4 8EX
The Bird Park was created in 1974 by Philip Meigh MA RCA. He was an established cartoonist and artist living locally and had amassed a wonderful private collection of waterfowl; it was moved to the new 10 acre site at Prinknash at this time.
He restored the original monastic fish ponds that had once supplied the City of Gloucester with its fresh fish. His concept for the park was that birds look beautiful in the wild and seldom do in captivity. The vision was to give a superb backdrop to beautiful birds, by incorporating delightful follies, landscaped parkland and a dash of charm supplied by the carefully chosen deer, and pygmy goats.
Philip had a great flair for landscaping on a grand scale creating lovely lakes, ponds and walkways. He then started to integrate, to design and build follies around the park and was forever dreaming up new ones. All these follies were placed with maximum effect, they all have lovely views and can be seen from various vantage points within the park, but none of them overshadow the others, which is an art in itself. However, they come together when the Fallow deer walk past and pose.......or the Peafowl display in late afternoon, this is when you see his work at its best.
Philip Meigh died in 2008 leaving the legacy to be continued by his daughter Melanie Meigh. Melanie shares the same vision and has been carefully adding to the collection with the view to keeping the dream alive.
Website: www.thebirdpark.com
037.0 miles - Bristol Aero Collection, Hanger E2, Kemble Airfield - GL7 6BA
The Bristol Aero Collection is a museum dedicated to the preservation and display of artefacts of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, and its sister companies.
On display are aircraft, engines, missiles, spacecraft, road transport and many more items designed and built in Bristol in the last century.
Website: www.bristolaero.com/
037.8 miles - Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick - GL6 6TH
Situated outside the beautiful Cotswold town of Painswick, and famous for its snowdrop display, the Rococo Garden is a fascinating step back to a flamboyant and sensual period of English Garden Design. This gem of a garden, which was originally laid out in the early 18th century, is set in a hidden Cotswold valley with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
A magazine article of 1753, describing this style of garden, finished with the line .......You are taken to a pompous and gilded building, consecrated to Venus for no other purpose that the squire riots here in vulgar love with a couple of orange wenches from the local play-house.
It seems he was unimpressed with the frivolity of the owners of these gardens.
We will leave you to judge for yourselves and we hope this site will help you plan your visit and give you an insight to our magical Garden.
Website: www.rococogarden.co.uk/
043.8 miles - Malmesbury Abbey, Malmesbury - SN16 9AS
Malmesbury Abbey in the market town of Malmesbury was founded in the 7th-century as a Benedictine Monastry 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 and are one of the most beautiful in England.
Website: www.malmesburyabbey.info
044.2 miles - Berkeley Castle, Berkeley - GL13 9BQ
Berkeley Castle is one of the March Castles, built to keep out the Welsh, and has all the trappings to match: trip steps designed to make the enemy stumble during an assault, arrow slits, murder holes, enormous barred doors, slots where the portcullis once fell, and worn stones where sentries stood guard.
It is also a fairytale Castle with its warm pink stone that glows in soft sunset light. Outside, the battlements drop some 60' to the Great Lawn below; but inside the Inner Courtyard, the building is on a human scale, with uneven battlements, small towers, doors and windows of every shape and size. The surrounding land would have been flooded for defence.
The Tropical enclosure is outstanding and houses a splendid collection of plants and butterflies, etc.
Website: www.berkeley-castle.com
047.0 miles - Dean Forest Railway, Forest Road, Lydney - GL15 4ET
9 mile round trip through the medieval forest to Parkend for the village. Interesting range of trains, forest walks, real ale pubs, museum, cafeteria, children's park, lake and shops. RSPB nature reserve.
Your ticket is usually available for Unlimited Journeys on the day of issue (excluding Santa Specials and subject to seat availability). Passengers travel between Norchard, Lydney Junction and Parkend with the opportunity to alight at Lydney Town (for Bathurst Park for the children and the town shops) or St Mary's Halt (for the lake or Parish Church).
Website: www.deanforestrailway.co.uk/
048.3 miles - Clearwell Caves, nr Coleford - GL16 8JR
An extensive natural cave system, mined for iron ore to make some of Britain's most complex and oldest mine workings; dating back well over 4,500 years, when Neolithic miners dug for ochre pigment.
Atmospheric ancient caverns with an exciting and intriguing past. Walk through eerie iron ore workings and tunnels, following in the footsteps of generations of miners that cut their livelihood from the rock.
Jonathan Wright now manages Clearwell Caves and is the last Free Miner still mining iron ore and ochre. Jonathan's family have mined in the Forest of Dean for generations, many of them being Free Miners and he to continue his family's proud tradition into the 21st century.
Website: www.clearwellcaves.com/
063.1 miles - Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath - BA1 1LZ
Bath owes its origin and ultimately its name to the springs which produce about five hundred thousand gallons of water a day at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. During the first century the Romans turned this backward village into a fashionable spa dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, from which the city took its Roman name: Aquae Sulis. Near the hot spring which feeds the baths there was a temple dedicated to Sulis Minerva where pilgrims came to pray to that goddess when seeking cures, before bathing in the sacred waters.
After invading Britain in AD 43 the Romans investigated the steaming swampy spot in the Avon valley that was so revered by the locals. With Roman efficiency and engineering ingenuity, in the space of 30-40 years they had drained the Marsh, contained the water, and built a temple and Britain's first health hydro for restorative and pleasurable purposes.
Website: www.romanbaths.co.uk/
