The Best Things to Do in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
The Best Things to Do in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Medieval Charm, Riverside Walks & A Stunning Abbey
During our recent stay in Cheltenham, we spent a full day in Tewkesbury, and honestly, despite the rain, we could have stayed longer. It’s one of those places that surprises you in the best possible way: beautifully preserved medieval streets, a breathtaking Abbey, independent bookshops you could lose yourself in for hours, riverside walks, and a warm, gentle atmosphere that makes wandering a joy. This is a town where nothing feels rushed. Every corner has character.
Whether you're interested in architecture, history, books, cafés, or simply taking the day slowly, Tewkesbury is a wonderful place to spend time.
A Short History of Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury is one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns, with street patterns that have barely changed in centuries. The town grew at the meeting point of the River Avon and the River Severn, making it an important market centre and trading hub from the Middle Ages onward. It’s also famous for the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, a decisive moment in the Wars of the Roses.
The town’s crowning jewel, Tewkesbury Abbey, dates back to the 12th century and is one of the finest surviving examples of Norman architecture in the country. Its massive carved archway, soaring ceilings, and beautiful stained glass make it a place worth lingering in. It's peaceful, atmospheric, and deeply impressive.
Even today, Tewkesbury feels like a place where history sits close to the surface. Half-timbered Tudor buildings lean slightly over the streets, ancient alleyways (called alleys locally) cut between houses, and the riverside still shapes the town’s rhythm.
The Best Things to Do in Tewkesbury
1. Visit Tewkesbury Abbey
You simply can’t visit Tewkesbury without stepping inside the Abbey. It’s grand, serene, and absolutely breathtaking, from the intricate architecture to the light filtering through the windows. We spent a long time exploring its details: the medieval stonework, the decorative ceilings, the echoing space that encourages you to stroll and take it all in.
When we visited, the Abbey was home to the Museum of the Moon, a temporary exhibition featuring a 7-metre diameter, internally lit lunar sculpture suspended beneath the soaring Norman arches. It was truly breathtaking.
Don’t miss:
The majestic Norman archway at the entrance
The beautifully carved choir
The stained-glass windows
The peaceful grounds outside
It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
2. Wander the Medieval Streets
Tewkesbury has a rare amount of surviving medieval and Tudor architecture. The crooked timber-framed buildings are beautifully preserved, with jettied upper floors, colourful front doors, and charming signage. Even a simple stroll feels like stepping back in time.
Look out for:
Half-timbered houses on Church Street
Narrow historic alleys
Colourful shopfronts and quirky façades
3. Enjoy the Independent Bookshops
The bookshops were one of my favourite discoveries. I had no idea that there were so many in Tewkesbury. These are the kind of places you walk into and instantly feel at home: shelves piled high, unexpected finds, friendly owners, and that warm-bookshop smell that makes time disappear. We went in and out of a few, but my favourite was Cornell Books, located on the High Street in a building that once housed the Wheatsheaf Inn. They have over 30,000 antiquarian and secondhand books, and thousands of vintage Ordnance Survey maps. I couldn't resist buying a dozen or more books, despite having zero space at home to put them! 😂
You could easily spend hours browsing if you enjoy books, history, or vintage curiosities - and I did!
If you enjoy bookshops as I do, check out this fabulous book 😊🌟.
4. Explore Independent Shops & Cafés
Tewkesbury has a wonderful mix of small independent stores and cafés, perfect for slow browsing. From handcrafted gifts to local produce, from cosy tearooms to modern coffee shops, there’s a relaxed, local feel that makes shopping here a pleasure. For lunch, we ended up upstairs in an ancient Tudor building with uneven floors, enjoying homemade red pepper and pumpkin soup with crusty sourdough bread. Just what we needed on a wet and chilly day.
Ideal for:
A leisurely lunch
Coffee breaks between walks
Picking up small souvenirs
Supporting local makers
5. Walk Along the River
With both the River Avon and the River Severn meeting in Tewkesbury, the riverside is a defining part of the town. The walk along the water is peaceful, scenic, and easy. Even on a grey day, it feels calming.
Expect:
Views of moored boats
Quiet towpaths
Lovely spots for photos
Wildlife along the water
If the weather is good, bring a camera. If it’s raining, a quiet riverside stroll is still a lovely way to experience the town.
6. Visit the Tewkesbury Museum
A small but fascinating museum that captures the town’s quirky history, from medieval battles to local trades, floods, and community stories. It’s well worth a stop, especially if you love uncovering local details that don’t appear in guidebooks.
Places to Stay in Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury has a lovely range of places to stay, from riverside hotels to cosy inns full of character. The Tewkesbury Park Hotel offers beautiful views, spa facilities, and a peaceful countryside setting just outside town. For something more central, The Tudor House Hotel provides historic charm with timber-framed architecture right on the high street. If you prefer modern comfort, The Bell Hotel and Jessop House are both excellent choices, combining great locations with warm, stylish rooms. There are also several charming B&Bs and self-catering cottages around the Abbey and riverside, perfect for a relaxed, slow-travel stay.
Did You Know? Tewkesbury Edition
🏰 Tewkesbury has more medieval streets than almost any other town in England. Many follow their original medieval layout.
⚔️ The Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471 was a turning point in the Wars of the Roses. You can still walk the battlefield trail today.
⛪ Tewkesbury Abbey once had the largest Norman church tower in the country. Its size is still jaw-dropping.
📚 Its bookshops are famous among book lovers. Many people come to Tewkesbury specifically to browse them.
🌊 The town sits between two rivers — the Avon and the Severn. Floods have shaped its history, buildings, and community for centuries.
🏘 Tewkesbury has over 30 named medieval alleys. Some are centuries old and still used today.
🎭 The town has a thriving arts and events scene. The Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is one of the largest re-enactments in Europe. It takes place in July each year.
Why Tewkesbury Is Perfect for Slow Travel
Tewkesbury is the kind of place that rewards wandering. It’s historic without being overwhelming, lively without being crowded, and full of thoughtful details that reveal themselves when you pause — a beautifully carved doorframe, a cosy corner in a bookshop, the glow of the Abbey as the light changes.
We spent a full day here, walked for hours, explored at our own pace, and still felt as though there was more to uncover. It’s definitely a place I'd return to - perhaps to visit the Medieval Festival next summer!
Watch this Video to Learn More About Tewkesbury
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