Want to explore the southern Cotswolds? Visit Tetbury!
Last week, some of the Go Cotswolds team took a trip to the charming Cotswold town of Tetbury.
Why?
Because Tetbury will be a stop on our brand-new Bath & Southern Cotswolds tour!
When it comes to town in the Cotswolds, Tetbury does not disappoint! With over 1300 years of history, stunning architecture, and fascinating traditions, this ancient wool town is full of surprises.
Here are some of the highlights from our visit.
St. Mary’s Church – A Landmark You Can’t Miss
As you approach Tetbury, it’s impossible to miss the impressive towering spire of St. Mary’s Church – it’s visible from all directions! Inside, we admired the beautiful stained-glass windows and wooden box pews dating back to the 1770s, which give the church a unique historical charm.
It’s not the oldest church in the region, but it certainly stands out for its size and elegance. In the spring and summer, the churchyard transforms into a glorious wildflower meadow, too!
Market House – A Slice of Tetbury’s Cotswolds History
Right in the heart of Tetbury stands the Grade I listed Market House, one of the finest surviving pillared market halls in England. It was built in 1655 by the Tetbury Feoffees.
“What’s a feoffee?”, I hear you ask? Not some kind of toffee-based sweet! The Feoffees are a group of trustees who founded and still help shape the town today.
This beautiful structure continues to host craft fairs, markets, and exhibitions—just as it did centuries ago.
Chipping Steps – A Step Back in Time
The quaint cottages lining this cobbled street were likely weavers’ homes during Tetbury’s wool trade heyday. Walking up these historic steps felt like stepping back in time!
The Tetbury Woolsack Races – A Truly Unique Cotswolds Tradition
Just around the corner from the Chipping Steps, we found the site of the famous Tetbury Woolsack Races. This annual event is held at the end of May. It’s a quirky tradition involving running up the (very!) steep Gumstool Hill while carrying a heavy woolsack—a nod to Tetbury’s wool-trading past.
Fun fact: “Gumstool” refers to an old ducking stool, once used to punish scoundrels and rogue traders in the town!
Highgrove Shop – A Right Royal Visit!
Tetbury has strong royal connections, with King Charles III and Princess Anne living nearby. Naturally, we couldn’t resist a stop at the Highgrove Shop, which sells products inspired by King Charles’ private gardens at Highgrove House.
It was well worth a visit! The products are fabulous and varied, and the staff who work there make the visit even better. They were so helpful with recommendations of coffee and cake shops and other sights to see!
The Practical Bits
After trying every coffee and cake shop recommended – it would have been rude not to right? – we looked at the best places for our minibus to park. We tread as lightly as we can in the Cotswolds, and don’t want to be a nuisance to residents and business owners in the town! happily, there’s a conveniently located coach park here, which we can use.
We also sussed out the all-important public toilets! We know how to look after our guests!
Coming Soon: Visit Tetbury with Go Cotswolds!
It really was a terrific trip to Tetbury! We left feeling inspired and excited to share this historical town with our guests. Starting on April 15th, our brand-new Bath and Southern Cotswolds tour will include a stop in Tetbury, so you can explore its history, charm, and royal connections for yourself!
Want to be one of the first to experience Tetbury, Bath and Castle Combe with us? Book your spot on our new tour today:
https://www.gocotswolds.co.uk/product/bath-southern-cotswolds-tour