North Gloucestershire offers a variety of activities which are great for groups, from visiting historic castles to getting hands-on with outdoor activities.
The historic, riverside town of Tewkesbury, and the area of north Gloucestershire that surrounds it, is the gateway to the Cotswolds and the wider south west region. It is a place to visit for memorable experiences, exciting activities or cultural enrichment. These seven activities are among the highlights for groups, with something to suit every member.
1. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Taking you on a 28-mile round trip from the picturesque village of Broadway to the town of Cheltenham, through some of north Gloucestershire’s most impressive scenery, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway welcomes group bookings from tour operators and coach groups. Groups of ten or more are eligible for discounted fares and reserved seating so the group can sit together.
The railway operates both steam and heritage diesel trains, which offer views across the Malvern Hills and beyond. Highlights during a visit include memorabilia displays at Toddington Station on the route, including a small toy museum in the old Honeybourne Signal Box, the Royal Mail model railway which runs on board the Royal Mail carriage, and the Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway adjacent to Toddington Station.
2. Jet Age Museum
Discover Gloucestershire’s aviation history at Jet Age Museum. Groups can visit the display halls and take part in museum workshop tours lasting an hour and 40 minutes, before spending time looking at the other areas of the museum. Or you can take part in a private group visit outside of opening hours if pre-arranged.
Exhibits on display include a wide range of aircraft, engines and restoration projects, including the Hawker Hurricane and Gloster Gladiator, along with six open cockpits which visitors can access, including a Vulcan Bomber.
3. Sudeley Castle & Gardens
You can discover 1,000 years of English royalty, romance, ruin, and revival - and follow in the footsteps of Kings and Queens - at Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Here there are ten award-winning gardens and ruins to explore, as well as the opportunity to discover the lives and treasures of Sudeley’s past with daily talks and tours.
Groups can take advantage of discounted admission, free coach parking and special groups talks and tours led by knowledgeable guides and discover exhibitions, gardens, castle rooms and the final resting place of Tudor Queen, Katherine Parr, the sixth and surviving wife of Henry VIII in the intimate chapel.
4. Croft Farm Water Park
Located just outside Tewkesbury, Croft Farm Water Park offers thrilling watersports and a private lake to relax with a group. Activities include stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, and groups can book all activities, with reduced rates for 12 or more.
Away from the water other activities includes a climbing wall and indoor crate stack, both suitable for junior and adult groups of four or more.
5. Cotswold Lavender
A family farm on the Cotswold Hills overlooking Broadway, Cotswold Lavender welcomes visitors from June until August to walk through the lavender fields, which stretch 45 acres. You can enjoy a picnic or visit the Distillery to see where the lavender oil is extracted so that it can be used in a range of products.
The farm is also home to wildflower meadows and the Beechwood Trail, providing somewhere for visitors to relax whilst surrounded by nature. Tickets must be purchased on arrival and groups of 15 or more are asked to get in touch ahead of visiting.
6. Tewkesbury Abbey
Tewkesbury Abbey has stood tall at the centre of the medieval town for over 900 years. Renowned for its fine Norman tower, ornate 12th century ceiling and stunning stained-glass windows, it is one of Gloucestershire’s most popular tourist attractions.
Open daily from 9.30am to 4pm, Tewkesbury Abbey is free for self-guided visits and also offers pre-booked group tours lasting 75 minutes.
7. Snowshill Manor & Garden
Snowshill is the former unconventional home of the eccentric Charles Wade in the Cotswolds. Highlights of a visit include the manor which Wade spent time carefully restoring and redesigning, using light, texture and colour to create atmosphere and surpris, and the Arts and Crafts garden, which is an extension of the house and features a series of outdoor rooms.
Groups should book in advance of visiting and can visit during the open season between March and October for self-led educational tours. Limited coach parking is available.
To find out more about visiting North Gloucestershire, go to www.visittewkesbury.info.
