Tetbury - southern gateway to the Cotswolds
Enjoy the remarkable buildings and traditions of this historic market town, which lies in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds close to Prince Charles' home - Highgrove. Many wool merchants' houses remain from the 16th and 17th centuries, which you can admire as you stroll round the charming streets.
Annual events not to be missed include the May Day Wacky Races and spring bank holiday Woolsack Races, in which participants have to carry a 65lb bale of wool up and down Gumstool Hill.
Climb the Chipping Steps
Three flights of cobbled steps lined by weavers' cottages ascend from lower Tetbury to The Chipping, which in medieval times was a market and gathering space for Mop Fairs when locals tried to find work. This is one of the oldest parts of the town and offers some of the best views.
In summer the steps are particularly pretty, with an explosion of colourful floral displays provided by local residents and the town council.
Get back to nature at Westonbirt Arboretum
Just south of Tetbury is this beautiful national arboretum, a real treasure in the autumn, but well worth a visit any time of the year. Managed by the Forestry Commission, it has 15,000 trees from around the world, including specimens from Chile and Japan. It also hosts Forest Live events when top bands and singers play in the great outdoors. Bring a picnic, blanket and chairs if you have tickets.
Looking for a cheap hotel Near Tetbury? Try Travelodge Chippenham Leigh Delamere M4 Eastbound Hotel, Travelodge Chippenham Leigh Delamere M4 Westbound Hotel or Travelodge Stonehouse Hotel.