Tetbury, a town with Royal connections, is an exquisite place to visit

Today, it is better associated with antique shops, good food, and its royal connections.

Founder member of the Tetbury Tourism Group, Kevin Painter, also deputy mayor of the town, said: “The perception of Tetbury is that it is a town full of antiques.

"Whilst we do have a wide selection of antiques when you wander round the town, you will soon realise that there are equal numbers of tantalising eateries, fashion boutiques, shops and businesses, all completely unique.

“Also nestling just on the perimeter of Tetbury is Chavenage House. Its unspoiled beauty has been used in many films and TV shows, the most recent being Poldark.

“When you visit Tetbury you yourself will feel at ease and you will soon realise why so many royals chose this place as their home. 

“It is not just the stunning architecture or the warm cultural stone buildings, it is also the people who live and work here who make it the place you want to come back to time and time again.

“We would all like to share our unique exquisite town with you so please do come and visit us. And you will see why anyone would want to live here forever.”

The town is served by local schools St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Sir William Romney’s School and Westonbirt School. 

Notable people of the town include Prince Charles, Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall, and Jet Black, drummer and founder member of rock band The Stranglers.

What to do:

IF you are keen to explore the history of the town, the Police Museum is a good place to start.

Situated at the end of Long Street, near the boundary with London Road, the museum is an exhibition dedicated to the history of the Gloucestershire Police, founded in 1839 despite a petition raised against the necessity of forming a police force in the county. 

The museum is also the historic market town’s headquarters, with the town council’s offices and meetings being situated there. 

At the opposite end of Long Street is Market House (pictured below). The 17th century market hall used to be part of the town’s prosperous wool trade. Today, the Grade I listed building is a distinguishing landmark in the town and is the best survival of a pilloried market house in England. 

Walk down church street, and you will arrive at St Mary’s Church, the 18th century parish church which is open to visitors daily and houses the Tetbury Heritage Display.

Towards the direction of The Chipping, is the Goods Shed, a former railway building converted into a new arts centre.

The arts centre, run by Tetbury Rail Lands Regeneration Trust, is still under development but events have already been scheduled from March onwards.

Outside of Tetbury town centre, Highgrove Gardens, the royal gardens of the Prince of Wales, is a popular attraction for tourists. 

All tours must be booked and the gardens are open to the public on select dates between April and October each year. After the tour, visitors can browse the Highgrove Estate shop and enjoy a meal at the Orchard Restaurant.

And just a few minutes drive away is the Westonbirt Arboretum, a collection of rare trees and shrubs. The National Arboretum managed by the Forestry Commission is a great place for a day out with family and friends to learn about trees - the 15,000 specimens from all over the globe.

Where to shop:

FOR lovers of vintage and artisan items, Tetbury is a shopping paradise. Some antique shops to visit include Top Banana Antiques, Long Street Antiques, Lorfords, Jester Antiques and Alderson Antiques.

But there is more to the town than just vintage item shopping. Independent clothing stores selling the best of Cotswold fashion include Anna Lizzio, Qetty Bang Bang and Moloh. If you are looking for something tailored, give the Tetbury Tailor a visit.

For designer jewellery, Taylor Black and Martin White Jeweller are the go-to shops.

Not necessarily into item shopping? House of Cheese and Tetbury Sweets and Treats are there for those who love to snack.

Where to eat:

FINDING places to eat in Tetbury is easy. The town centre is brimming with pubs serving quality English food, including the Standard’s Pub of the Year 2015, The Royal Oak, which boasts a selection of ales and a diverse menu that can be enjoyed in the bar or restaurant.

The Snooty Fox is another go-to, with delicious and filling portions, as well as homely decor.

(The Snooty Fox)

If you are craving the English favourite, fish and chips, Stargazy Fish Bar could be a good option. The dine-in fish and chip restaurant was a finalist in the newcomer category of the National Fish and Chip Awards 2017.

Outside of the pub setting, Cafe 53, a quirky coffee shop serving hot food is the perfect place to have a quiet meal with friends and family. Cakes, coffee and tea, cocktails, wine and beer are also available.

Where to stay:

LOCATED in the heart of Tetbury are four main hotels: The Snooty Fox, The Royal Oak, The Ormond and The Priory Inn. 

All four are also local pubs serving real ales and traditional food, as well as attracting a local crowd. 

The Snooty Fox offers en suite rooms and luxury rooms with whirlpool baths.

In the Royal Oak, there are six en suite rooms including the Oak Lodge with a mezzanine, great for friends sharing or families. 

The Ormond, also offers a range of rooms including family rooms, twin rooms and a large stable room.

The Priory Inn, with 14 ensuite rooms, prides itself in being a family-friendly hotel, helping parents with the stresses caused by travelling with children.

Events:

THERE are two major annual events in the town which bring in competitors, families and visitors from around the country to the small Cotswold town.

The Wacky Races, which runs on the May Bank Holiday, draws in a spectacle of creatively designed karts racing down a hill.

Prizes are given for the fastest adult, the fastest child team, and the kart with the wackiest design.

The Woolsack Races is another big event for the town. The event celebrates the town’s history as one of the best-known wool and yarn markets in the country. 

(A man at the Woolsack Races)

It is thought that the races originated in the 17th century by young drovers showing off to local women by running up the hill carrying a woolsack. 

Tetbury is not just about its summer events. In the runup to Christmas, hundreds of families visit the Enchanted Christmas display at the Westonbirt Arboretum, a stunning illuminated trail featuring the arboretum’s collection of trees.

Getting there:

TETBURY, located near Cirencester and Malmesbury, is most convenient to get to by car.

A bus service, 882, operated by Pulhams Coaches, takes passengers from Cirencester and Kemble Station to Tetbury and back in the morning, during lunch time and in the afternoon in the weekdays, though the service is limited on Saturdays, and does not run on Sundays.