With far reaching views across the sweeping countryside, stunning architecture and an abundance of shops and eateries, there’s much to love about Tetbury.

This picturesque town, which is close to Highgrove, the royal household of HRH the Prince of Wales, lies on the site of an ancient hill fort and was an important market for Cotswold wool during the middle ages. Some of the old weavers cottages still remain today, tucked away in narrow sloping streets, as do elegant Georgian town houses. The Georgian gothic church of St Mary’s is said to be one of the finest of its kind in the country.

A quintessential town with royal connections

The 17th century market hall is a lively hub of activity: markets are held there twice a week selling everything from local produce and plants to books and crafts.

Autumn walks in Tetbury

There’s a wealth of restaurants, pubs and cafes to choose from: The Snooty Fox, Blue Zucchini Brasserie, Royal Oak and Calcot Manor are all popular places to dine out. The Trouble House just outside Tetbury; The Cat and Custard Pot Inn in Shipton Moyne; and The Potting Shed in Crudwell are all within easy reach and well worth a visit.

Tetbury’s busy high street is full of antiques and interior design shops, boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, food stores, local bakeries and a traditional butcher.

The Goods Shed arts centre, which was converted from an old Victorian railway building, is just a short walk from the centre and provides an eclectic programme of live music, film and theatre as well as community classes.

The 17th century market hall in the Town centre, Tetbury

Nature lovers can enjoy a stroll around the royal gardens of Highgrove on guided tours on selected dates every year or pay a visit to nearby Westonbirt Arboretum, home to one of the most beautiful and important plant collections in the world.

For something completely different, every year on the last Bank Holiday Monday in May, the Tetbury Woolsack Races and street fair are held. The race involves running up and down a steep hill carrying a heavy woolsack. A highlight of the town’s social calendar, it attracts visitors from far and wide. If you’re feeling brave, anyone can apply to take part!

There are two state schools in Tetbury, St Mary’s Primary School and Sir William Romney’s School (both rated ‘good’ by Ofsted), and nearby grammar schools in Stroud, Marling School and Stroud High School. Independent schools include Westonbirt Prep School, Westonbirt School, Wycliffe College and Beaudesert Park.

The M4 and M5 motorways are very near giving easy access to Bath and Bristol. There are regular trains to London from Kemble station which is seven miles away from Tetbury.