Tetbury

Tetbury is one of my favourite places to visit as it is such a pretty Cotswolds town and it is also full to the brim with antiques shops so if this is your thing then its a must visit!  Not only that but it has many cafe's, pubs, restaurants , is home to King Charles ( Highgrove ) and is also surrounded by some lovely countryside so makes a good destination for a walk.

This is Basil at the start of our walk down by the 'Good Shed' which is a vibrant arts centre and cafe and makes a perfect stop to grab a coffee and cake on the go. There is a free car park next to the venue and if you follow the carpark right to the end you will find the start of the pathway along the old railway line. You can make this a circular walk by crossing the river on your left at various points along the path and then following the path back towards the carpark on the other side of the river. I normally take the second left over the sloping field which is a favourite place for Basil to have a run and a drink in the stream. This makes for about a 25 minute walk. Alternatively you can carry on walking for approx 2 miles and at which point you will reach a main road and a restaurant called 'The Trouble House' which makes a perfect spot for lunch.

When its time to go shopping 'Tetbury' doesn't disappoint, its streets are lined with independent shops, antique shops, designer boutiques, home interior shops, art galleries and giftware stores. Perfect for those that have a love for interior design!

As mentioned previously, the High Street is lined with places to eat and drink. One of my favourite places for a drink is 'The Close Hotel' which is lovely on a sunny day out in the back garden perched on a deck chair , however it is equally nice inside.

Tetbury is also well know for its 'Chipping Steps' which is a very pretty terrace of Cotswolds cottages making a popular photo stop.

Finally, probably one of the most important reasons for Tetbury being on the tourist map is that it is home to King Charles private residence ' Highgrove' which run regular tours and walks through the gardens. Since 1980, when The King first arrived at Highgrove, he has devoted much energy to transforming the gardens around the house, which are renowned as some of the most inspiring and innovative in the UK. Highgrove also has a shop in the town which sells luxury homeware and traditionally crafted artisan pieces.