The town of Winchcombe

The history of Sudeley extends well beyond the Castle gates and is entwined with that of Winchcombe – a vibrant working Cotwolds town with traditional honey-hued stone buildings and a unique range of attractions, shops and eateries. If you have explored and enjoyed our exhibitions a visit into the town will complete the experience as you discover some of the legacies left behind by past occupants of the Castle, whether it be the Almshouses, old school building or familiar street names.

We can recommend the Winchcombe Folk and Police museum, which tells the story of the Dent family from the town’s perspective, and St Peter’s Church, Winchcombe’s wool church, famed for the amusing grotesques which festoon the exterior of the dominating building, and the altar frontal said to have been worked by Catherine of Aragon.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway also passes through Winchcombe – the immaculate station is located to the North of the town. A little further afield the peaceful remains of Hailes Abbey can be found within walking distance of Hayles Fruit Farm which sells some fabulous home-grown produce. Travel out of Winchcombe in the opposite direction and you can discover Belas Knapp, a Neolithic Longbarrow. The whole setting around Winchcombe is rather unsurprisingly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Further information, including an up-to-date calendar of upcoming events and a list of local holiday accommodation can also be found at www.winchcombe.co.uk.

One of the wonders of Winchcombe has to be its eclectic mix of unique retail outlets, ranging from antiques shops and centres (including an auction house), to interiors and gift shops, art galleries, fashion, hair and beauty salons, a wide range of tea rooms, pubs, cafes and restaurants and a delightful sprinkling of quirky vintage shops.