Winchcombe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Winchcombe which includes street scenes, a bar and heritage elements
Winchcombe
Winchcombe showing flowers and heritage elements
Winchcombe featuring a small town or village, street scenes and heritage elements
Winchcombe showing heritage elements, street scenes and a small town or village
In addition to a grand royal castle, this Cotswold town has quaint teahouses, award-winning restaurants, hiking trails and a scenic train journey.

Winchcombe is a tranquil market town framed by the stunning Cotswold Hills. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia, it grew to be an important medieval trading town and welcomed famous kings during the Tudor years. Today, Winchcombe’s ancient ruins, castle and mellow-hued stone houses showcase its celebrated past. Use the town as a starting point to walk throughout the Cotswold countryside.

One Winchcombe highlight is the 15th-century Sudeley CastleOpens in a new window. Walk where Richard III, Henry VIII and Charles I, among other British kings, passed. See the tomb of Katherine Parr, paintings by old masters, 16th-century tapestries and Roman antiquities. Wander around a series of expertly manicured gardens and enjoy picnics on lush green lawns.

Stroll along the town center streets and admire the rows of half-timbered houses and stone mansions. Several double as cafés, craft shops and teahouses while others are still private residences. Browse exhibits about local social history and displays of British police memorabilia at the Winchcombe Museum. Spot 40 grotesque gargoyles, Saxon coffins and a cloth stitched by Catherine of Aragon at St. Peter’s Church.

A short drive from the town center are more reminders of bygone eras. Admire the ruins of Hailes Abbey, a Cistercian pilgrimage site. Visit Belas Knap, a Neolithic burial chamber thought to date back to about 3800 B.C.

Rejoice in the selection of dining options, which range from medieval pubs to traditional fish and chip shops. The Lion Inn opened in the 1400s and 5 North Street is a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Explore deeper into the Cotswolds via marked walking trails. The Winchcombe Way is a 42-mile (68-kilometer) figure eight route around the town and its surrounding hills. Follow the Cotswolds Way to Cleeve Hill and the Gloucestershire Way to the Tudor town of Tewkesbury. Alternatively, ride the GWR Steam Railway from nearby Toddington to Cheltenham.

Winchcombe is 8 miles (13 kilometers) northeast of CheltenhamOpens in a new window. Combine your visit with a tour of storybook villages such as Bourton-on-the-WaterOpens in a new window and Chipping CamdenOpens in a new window.

De Vere Cotswold Water Park
De Vere Cotswold Water Park
4 out of 5
Lake 6 Spine Road East, South Cerney, Cirencester, England
The price is AU$184 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$184
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cirencester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Beautiful surroundings, able to walk freely enjoying the scenery. The property itself was lovely apart from a few mishaps inside the room for staff to consider. Part of the panelling that separated the dining area and living room space was a constant trip hazard, this was extremely dangerous, also ..."

Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2025

De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Cotswolds Hotel & Spa
Cotswolds Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
Southcombe, Chipping Norton, England
The price is AU$137 per night from 1 May to 2 May
AU$137
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Chipping Norton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Nice few days in the cotsworld
"Great suite A lot of room for my kids to run around in."

Reviewed on 19 Apr. 2025

Cotswolds Hotel & Spa
Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham
Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham
4 out of 5
Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$165 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$165
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Cheltenham. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Good hotel
"Good size room with comfortable beds. Pool and sauna and steam room in good order. Easy for travel to glocester and airport as well Cheltenham"

Reviewed on 8 Apr. 2025

Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stunning BIG COTSWOLD COTTAGE + Annexe sleeps 16
Stunning BIG COTSWOLD COTTAGE + Annexe sleeps 16
Greet
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Cheltenham. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and a garden. Popular attractions Cheltenham Racecourse and Belas ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
Lovely Christmas Stay
"Wanted somewhere with a feeling of space to get the extended family all together for a Christmas break. House was perfect, spacious and everything we needed. Great TV room btw!!!"

Reviewed on 29 Dec. 2022

Stunning BIG COTSWOLD COTTAGE + Annexe sleeps 16
Stunning Grade II listed cottage on Vineyard Street in the heart of Winchcombe.
Stunning Grade II listed cottage on Vineyard Street in the heart of Winchcombe.
Winchcombe
Stay at this vacation home in Cheltenham. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and furnished patios. Popular attractions Cheltenham Racecourse and Winchcombe Folk and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
Lovely historical cottage as a base for exploring the area
"This was a charming little cottage with a bright extension and the perfect base for our family of 4 to explore the Cotswolds. The kitchen was well equipped with dishes and pots, and even a laundry and good sized fridge. Shower and plumbing worked great. We also appreciated the fireplace during the ..."

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2025

Stunning Grade II listed cottage on Vineyard Street in the heart of Winchcombe.
Crescent Place
Crescent Place
3 out of 5
1a Crescent Place, Cheltenham, England
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cheltenham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Cheltenham Racecourse and The ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (55 reviews)
"The communication with the manager was excellent. You are able to park in a secure car park using a code. The room is probably the cleanest I've ever stayed in. The location was excellent, especially for the racecourse, and near excellent restaurants and the town centre. A*"

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2025

Crescent Place
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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