History

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a unique example of English Baroque architecture. Inside, the scale of the Palace is beautifully balanced by the intricate detail and delicacy of the carvings, the hand painted ceilings and the amazing porcelain collections, tapestries and paintings displayed in each room. It is still the home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and was the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Gloucester Cathedral

This has been a place of Christian worship continuously for over 1300 years, since Osric, an Anglo-Saxon prince, founded a religious house here in 678-9 AD. Perhaps made even more famous by the filming of Harry Potter. Gloucester’s historic cathedral cloisters were transformed into the corridors of Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the films of JK Rowling’s first two books – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Sudeley Castle

Usually open March – October. There are 9 magnificent gardens which sweep around the Castle and grounds, each with a unique style and design. In the original 15th century west wing of the Castle; formerly the kitchen range, then the stables and coach house and finally the banqueting hall, a number of fascinating exhibitions are also open daily, illustrating the history of Sudeley and its owners.

Chedworth Roman Villa

Nestling in a wooded combe in the heart of the Cotswolds and surrounded by beautiful woodland walks are the remains of one of the largest Roman villas in the country.

Holst Museum

Cheltenham’s musical gem – the Regency terrace house where Gustav Holst, composer of The Planets was born in 1874. The story of the man and his music is told alongside a fascinating display of personal belongings including his piano. The museum is also a fine period house showing the upstairs downstairs way of life in times past, including a working Victorian kitchen and laundry, elegant Regency drawing room and charming Edwardian nursery.

Royal Shakespeare Company (Stratford)

The RSC is one of the world’s best known theatre companies. It’s their job to connect people with Shakespeare and produce bold, ambitious work with living writers, actors and artists. A treat and only 40 mins away!

Tewkesbury Abbey

Lying at the southern edge of the old town, the Abbey quietly dominates the land and skyline with its long nave and “probably the largest and finest Romanesque tower in England” (Pevsner). Vestiges of its social domination can be deduced from the layout of the streets and buildings, and the occasional relic; the Abbot’s gatehouse, the Abbey Mill, The vicarage and the Tudor-style dwellings in Church Street.