Tewkesbury – Part 1

Tewkesbury is an attractive, historic town dominated by timber-framed buildings with overhanging eaves and has a fascinating maze of small alleyways behind the main streets. It is situated on a spit of gravel just above flood level at the junction of The Severn and Avon.

We were booked in for 18 nights so were hoping for good weather so we could get out and about. The advantage of this site is its proximity to the town and local bus services which go to Gloucester, Cheltenham and Evesham.

Here is the reception for the site – notice it is raised up so the floods don’t affect it.

Tewkesbury's glory is it's Abbey, founded at the end of the 11th Century as a Benedictine Monastery. The spectacular central tower, which stands 148 feet high, is the largest surviving Norman central tower in the world. With the exception of Westminster Abbey,

The first few days were sunny and warm, but that soon deteriorated to dry and cold and some days there was frost in the morning. This is May – Global Warming, no way!

Sue just practising for the rest of the holiday.

66 Church Street - An example of a recently restored timber-framed building which has been dated to 1475. The outside has been redecorated in a traditional limewash whilst the interior retains the original ceiling decoration.

This is one of the 11 (about) alleyways which can be found in Tewkesbury.– The Old Baptist chapel can be found down this alleyway along with the Old Baptist cemetery.

The historic Abbey Cottages, over 500 years old, were rescued from dereliction in the 1970s; one houses a museum, the others are residential homes and commercial offices.

The first weekend we wandered across to the Food Festival. Not having to drive I had to sample some of the local beer – not bad.

An interesting label, don’t you think!

Vegetable display.

Tewkesbury Marina has 400 flood protected berths. Located where the River Severn and Avon meet, there is a choice of cruising areas including the River Avon which meanders gently to Stratford-upon-Avon. The larger River Severn flows down through Gloucester to the Bristol Channel and up to Worcester and Stourport.

The local tourist boat close to the centre of Tewkesbury.

A tight fit – they only had inches to spare either side. What happens if you wish to return this way and the river has risen – problems I think!

Mill Bank – spot the swan on her nest.

The original Abbey Mill, built by monks and with foundations dating back to the 12th century, managed to escape dismantling during the dissolution. Once thought to be the largest and most modern flour mill in the world it has long been converted into houses.

Later that week - we think there are 8 cygnets in all.

This is a very potted version of in and around Tewkesbury. We spent ages exploring all the nooks and crannies and doing longer walks in the vicinity, usually with a geocache or two included

Part 2 will be coming soon, this will include all our away days.