Tewkesbury Hotel ideal for visits to Cheltenham Races, the Malverns, Winchcombe, Cirencester, Bath, the town of Tewkesbury and the Cotswolds
Tewkesbury, a market town at the confluence of Shakespeare's Avon and the river Severn, lies amongst lush flood meadows below the fertile Vale of Evesham, sheltered by the Malverns and the Cotswolds. Steeped in history, it is a fascinating place to explore.
After the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, so much slaughter took place in its magnificent 12th century Abbey that it had to be reconsecrated. Scars of this are still visible. In 1539 the Abbey was saved from destruction by the townspeople who paid Henry VIII £453 for it - its scrap value - or the worth of its lead and bells. It still dominates the town, its massive Norman tower the largest in Europe. Floodlit at night, it is an unforgettable sight from our "Abbey" and "Georgian" bedrooms.
Tewkesbury's alleys, a picturesque feature of the town, were created shortly after the Norman Conquest as a result of thwarted passion - a story in itself.
These, together with the mediaeval houses opposite The Jessop House, and the rivers, with the "Ham" between them, are affectionately and amusingly described in John Moore's novel "Portrait of Elmbury" (hence our "Elmbury" bedroom).
Set in beautiful "Heart of England" country, and only one mile from junction 9 of the M5, and three miles from junction 1 of the M50, Tewkesbury is an unrivalled centre for touring Shakespeare country, the Malverns, elegant Cheltenham with its exclusive shops, famous racecourse and festivals of art, literature and music, the Cotswolds (an area of outstanding natural beauty), Winchcombe (the 9th century capital of Mercia), "Roman" Cirencester and Bath, the Wye Valley, Forest of Dean and so many more delightful places, all rich in recreational, cultural and sporting facilities.
Images courtesy of White Rose Gallery