Explore Winchcombe and the Cotswolds

Use Winchcombe as your base for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds. Take in the timeless honey coloured architecture, the magnitude of Sudeley Castle and the romance of its 1000 year royal history. Take a 20 mile round trip on a steam train or discover the wonderful historic homes, gardens and ancient religion of the Cotswolds.

1. Snowshill Manor
The delightful organic Arts & Crafts garden is the is a lively mix of cottage flowers, bright colours and delightful scents with stunning views across the Cotswold countryside. The Manor, home to Wade’s collection of craftsmanship and design will be closed in 2004 for essential work.
Pre-booked out of hours tours are available.
Tel: 01386 852410
Email:snowshillmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk (link opens in new window)
Open: Mar-Nov
Special Incentives: Reductions on groups of 15+, coach driver receives a food voucher
Price: Under £7 (free to National Trust Members)
Maximum Group Number: 100
Maximum Catering Number: 50
Disabled Access & Toilet

2. Stanway House & Baroque Water Gardens
One of the most romantic manor houses in Britain with formal landscaped grounds. These include a restored cascade, upper pond, waterfall, grand canal and a 165ft fountain, the tallest in England.
Tel: 01386 584469
Open: Jun-Aug (limited opening)
Price: Under £5
Special Incentives: Discount for groups of 10+
Maximum Group Number: 35 for a guided tour

3. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington (GWR)
Relive the days of steam transport on a 20 mile round trip through the beautiful Cotswolds and enjoy a look around the restoration area. Reserved seats and tours can be arranged.
Tel: 01242 621405
Email: enquiries@gwsr.plc.uk
Web: http://www.gwsr.com (link opens in new window)
Open: Mar-Nov
Special Incentives: Discount for parties of 10+, facilities for drivers
Price: Under £10
Maximum Group Number: contact GWR
Maximum Catering Number: free flow restaurant
Disabled Access & Toilet

4. Winchcombe Pottery
Established in 1926 on the site of a 19th century pottery, Mike Finch and his team of potters produce a wide range of individually designed hand thrown pots.
Tel: 01242 602462
Email: mike@winchcombepottery.co.uk
Web: www.winchcombepottery.co.uk (link opens in new window)
Open: All year
Price: Free / £10 per group for conducted tour
Maximum Group Number: 20

5. Winchcombe Railway Museum & Gardens
See a history of railway life with all types of memorabilia which can be operated by visitors. The garden is full of rare plants, features a Victorian vegetable garden and also contains a medicinal herb garden.
Tel: 01242 620641
Open: Apr-Oct
Price: Under £3
Disabled Access

6. Winchcombe Folk & Police Museum
A unique museum with two themes. The folk collection displays the fascinating heritage and history of the people of the ancient town of Winchcombe. The police collection has modern and historic British and international police uniforms.
Tel: 01242 609151
Email: museum@sunloch.demon.co.uk
Web: www.winchcombemuseum.org.uk (link opens in new window)
Open: Apr-Oct
Price: Under £2
Maximum Group Number: 10
Disabled Access via stair lift

7. Sudeley Castle
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswolds, Sudeley Castle has royal connections spanning over 1000 years. The surrounding award winning gardens are stunning. Pre-booked guided tours & talks available.
Tel: 01242 602308
Email: marketing@sudeley.org.uk
Web: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk (link opens in new window)
Open: Apr-Oct (gardens open March)
Special Incentives: Driver & group organiser go free, food voucher for driver
Price: Under £6 special group rate
Maximum Group Number: No Max. no.
Maximum Catering Number: free flow restaurant
Disabled Access & Toilet – access to gardens only

8. Hailes Abbey
Founded in 1251, the beautiful remains of this Cistercian Abbey lie in the idyllic Cotswold countryside. The audio tour will offer your group a glimpse of life in the 13th Century. Groups do not need to pre-book but it is advisable during the peak season.
Tel: 01242 602398
Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk
Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visits (link opens in new window)
Open: Apr-Oct
Special Incentives: Groups of 11+ receive 15% off normal price, free places for every 20th person, coach driver & tour guide free
Price: Under £5
Maximum Group Number: 100
Disabled Access & Toilet

9. Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power
A home of rare breed conservation, nature trails, touch barn woodland walk and much more.
Tel: 01451 850307
Web: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk (link opens in new window)
Open: Mar-Sept
Price: Under £5
Maximum Group Number: 100
Maximum Catering Number: 75

Coach Parking – Free at the following locations
• Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
• Snowshill Manor
• Hailes Abbey
• Sudeley Castle
• Cotswold Farm Park
• Winchcombe – Back Lane

Eating Out – the following locations have tea rooms / eateries
• Sudeley Castle
• Snowshill Manor
• GWR
• Cotswold Farm Park
• Winchcombe

Suggested Tour (round trip = approx 15 miles)
Day 1
1 – 2 Start your day with trip to Snowshill Manor or Stanway House
Lunch at Snowshill Manor or at the GWR
3 Use the afternoon to take a trip on the GWR
Stay the night in one of Winchcombe’s hotels or inns
Day 2
4 – 7 Discover Winchcombe and visit Sudeley Castle. Take lunch in one of the many tea-rooms and eateries or at Sudeley
8 – 9 Explore Hailes Abbey or Cotswold Farm Park

Please refer to a road map

For further information contact the Tourist Information Centre: 01684 295027
Email: groupinfo@tewkesburybc.gov.uk