Best things to do in Tewkesbury

A former Benedictine monastery with the largest Romanesque crossing tower in all of Europe, Tewkesbury Abbey is the second largest parish church in the country. Of the church’s three spectacular organs, the most notable is the Milton Organ installed in the 18th century, while the most practical is the Elliot chamber organ of 1812, mounted on a movable platform. Attend a morning service to listen to the acoustics and enjoy a parish breakfast following the ceremony. Photography is restricted in the abbey.

With royal connections dating back over 1,000 years, Sudeley Castle stands as one of the few British castles left still in residence. The remains of Katherine Parr--the last of King Henry VIII's wives--lie buried within the 15th-century church. The castle contains numerous treasures from multiple eras, ranging from ancient Roman times to the present. Numerous award-winning gardens are settled among the ancient ruins, their meticulous restoration and upkeep complementing the castle. Tours inside the house occur only on particular days, so check in advance to avoid disappointment.

A quaint arts and crafts garden, Hidcote Manor Garden contains different themed outdoor "rooms." Explore the maze of narrow pathways leading to the each room, take a moment to reflect on one of the many ornate benches throughout the property, or find a place of seclusion among the taller trees. The gardens are home to a vast number of exotic plant species from all over the world. After your visit, follow the Monarch's Way path to the quaint hamlet of Hidcote Bartrim and its traditionally thatched "chocolate box" stone cottages.

A genuine folly loaded with history, Broadway Tower was designed by architect James Wyatt in 1794. Follies were structures usually built for decorative rather than practical purposes, and this tower was no exception. Wyatt designed it for Lady Coventry, who wondered if a light on the second highest hill in the area, where beacons were customarily lit on special occasions, could be seen from her house in Worcester. The lady’s house was approximately 35 km (22 mi) away and, as it turned out, the beacon could be seen clearly. Today, the tower is an ideal lookout spot and the center of a country park with various exhibits open to the public. Visit the site on a sunny day, and don’t forget to bring your camera.

Cotswold Falconry Centre shelters a huge collection of some of the world’s most photogenic birds, including falcons, hawks, eagles, owls, and vultures. The center provides bird lovers with a rare insight into the secret world of a number of species, many of which fly freely inside this protected habitat. You can take a relaxing walk around the center on your own, or join the site’s staff for one of many informative and entertaining presentations. Follow a woodland path to explore a natural setting where birds are allowed to breed just as they would in their native environment. Daily special events include guided tours and interactive talks, during which visitors are allowed to handle a variety of owls.

Wander through this one-of-a-kind tree and shrub collection, inspired by landscapers of old. Batsford Arboretum, a 220,000 sq m (55 acre) arboretum and botanical garden, is home to about 2,900 trees. Look for the national collection of Japanese Flowering Cherry. The Garden Shop and Plant Centre team can offer gardening advice. Check the website in advance to check for special events. Grab coffee, lunch, or afternoon tea at the Garden Terrace Cafe on the wooden deck overlooking the center.

Visit distillery producing whisky, gin, and other spirits to find out about the process itself at Cotswolds Distillery. The only full-scale working craft distillery in the Cotswolds offers guided tours, allowing you to taste the spirits and learn how to best serve them. The friendly, informative staff will gladly answer all of your questions. Shop for a variety of beverages, including whisky, absinthe, and martini mixture after the tour and tasting session, which each last about an hour.