Tetbury: A Royal Treasure of the Cotswolds
Photo by Leanne Punshon
Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds, Tetbury is a delightful market town that beautifully merges historical elegance with a vibrant modern vibe. Known for its royal ties, famous antique shops, and breathtaking natural landscapes, Tetbury offers a unique experience for both visitors and locals.
Highgrove in the snow.
One of Tetbury's standout features is its close proximity to Highgrove Gardens, the private residence of King Charles III. While the gardens are only open to the public on select occasions, the regal charm of the town is undeniable. This royal connection has helped make Tetbury a sought-after destination, known for its sophistication.
For antique enthusiasts, Tetbury is a treasure trove. The town is jam-packed with antique shops and galleries, where you can find an eclectic mix of furniture, art, jewellery, and collectables. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just browsing, you're bound to discover something special. Tetbury's reputation as an antique hub attracts visitors from near and far, adding to its lively atmosphere. Further, Lorfords on Long Street, which has one of Europe's biggest collections of decorative antiques, has a hanger just down the road at Babdown Airfield packed full of interesting curiosities.
Antique shops include:
www.josephineryanantiques.myshopify.com
www.lorfordsantiques.com
www.brownrigg-interiors.co.uk
www.amyperryantiques.co.uk
www.twigltd.com
www.tetburyantiques.com
www.topbananaantiques.com
www.artique.uk.com
www.maneliwilson.com
www.jesterantiques.co.uk
Beyond shopping for antiques, Tetbury has so much more to offer. The town is filled with stunning Cotswold stone architecture, from beautiful Georgian townhouses to charming old cottages, with the iconic 17th-century Market House being a focal point in the centre of town, standing as a testament to Tetbury's rich trading history. St. Mary the Virgin Church, with its soaring spire, is another prominent landmark, providing stunning views of the area.
Even if you can't visit Highgrove Gardens, you can still experience a little piece of it at the Highgrove Estate Shop in Tetbury. This shop features a selection of high-quality gifts, homeware, and delightful food items.
Tetbury's great location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding Cotswolds. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, just a short drive away, boasts a remarkable collection of trees from all over the world. Chavenage House (featured in Poldark) also has a lovely cafe, The Barn at Chavenage, and from Tetbury it takes about 35 mins to walk to. You can also discover charming nearby villages like Painswick and Stroud, each with varying character and appeal. For those who love the outdoors, the Cotswolds offer numerous scenic walking trails with stunning views of the rolling countryside.
There are some fine pubs, restaurants and cafes in the town, including:
www.martinandmalthouse.co.uk - A cafe, deli and bottle shop, with pop-up artisan food.
www.lolaandco.co.uk - The authentic flavours of Spain.
www.casatetbury.co.uk - An Italian restaurant serving the finest and freshest ingredients.
www.bistro-23.com - Newly launched by the Ormond Hotel, it serves excellent food crafted with fresh ingredients.
www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/the-close-hotel - One of my favourite meeting spots in their wonderful garden. They offer a sumptuous, varied menu.
www.snooty-fox.co.uk - A quintessential English inn with a warm, cosy homelike feeling, with a restaurant and Bar.
www.cafe53.co.uk - A Gastro Cafe, serving super fresh and indulgent food and Tetbury's finest coffee.
www.gilbertinekitchen.com - A lovely spot on Long Street, serving breakfast and lunch.
www.theprioryinn.co.uk - Serving lunch, dinner, Sunday roasts and daily specials.
www.theroyaloaktetbury.co.uk - A charming Cotswold pub with a seasonal menu using fresh, local ingredients.
In essence, Tetbury provides a quintessential Cotswold experience. With its royal connections, vibrant antique scene, and stunning natural beauty, it promises to enchant anyone looking for a weekend getaway or a base to explore the region.
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