visitcheltenham

The Romantic Road travels north over Cleeve Hill and down into historic Winchcombe. From here we visit Stanway and Stanton before calling at picturesque Broadway. Chipping Campden, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and the Slaughters all feature in this tour of Cotswolds highlights, before returning to Cheltenham. A tour of some 75 miles.

Winchcombe
On the North Western edge of the Cotswolds, just a few miles north of Cheltenham. Winchcombe is a most attractive small town dating back to Saxon times when it was capital of the kingdom of Mercia. Visit Sudeley Castle and its beautiful gardens. Sudeley was the last resting place of Katherine Parr, the sixth and surviving wife of Henry VIII. 

Stanway
The village clusters around its manor, Stanway House, with its magnificent Jacobean gateway built of honey-coloured Cotswold stone. The tithe barn, built in the 14th Century by the Abbot of Tewkesbury, now serves as a beautiful meeting hall. Stanway is proud of its thatched cricket pavilion, a gift from J M Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, who was a frequent visitor to the village.

Broadway
At the foot of Fish Hill where the Cotswolds join the Vale of Evesham, Broadway is one of the showpiece villages of the Cotswolds. Elizabethan houses, village green and the historic Lygon Arms patronised by both King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell are among its many attractions. Broadway Tower at the top of Fish Hill affords magnificent views over the Severn Valley.

Chipping Campden
One of the jewels of the Cotswolds. A picturesque village of honey-coloured stone, now carefully restored, with buildings dating from the 14th century. The Church of St James has fine monumental brasses. A feature of its beautiful High Street is the 17th century Market Hall. Visit the nearby Hidcote Manor Gardens, now in the care of the National Trust.

Blockley
Once a thriving industrial village supplying silk thread to the ribbon trade. Blockley was the refuge of the 19th Century prophetess, Joanna Southcott. Visit Mill Dene Garden, a Cotswold Water Mill garden near the centre of the village.

Moreton-in-Marsh
A busy market town on the northern edge of the Cotswolds. Moreton-in-Marsh grew up on the route of the Roman Fosse Way which runs through the main Street, and the old London to Worcester highway, a prominent coaching route. The old curfew tower still houses its original clock and bell dating from 1633.

Stow-on-the-Wold
The highest town in the Cotswolds, with a beautiful old market square, Stow-on-the-Wold continues to be one of the most popular places in the Cotswolds for visitors. Once famous for its sheep market, it is now a notable centre for the antiques trade. The final battle of the first English Civil War was fought here in March 1646.

The Slaughters
The beautiful neighbouring villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter are located on the River Eye. Picturesque small buildings and footbridges over the river are features of both villages, and at Lower Slaughter there is a 19th century corn mill which houses a small museum, gift shop and tea room. The full colour guide to The Romantic Road including detailed routes and map can be obtained direct below via our secure server.