If you’re planning a UK staycation in 2025, whether it’s a romantic weekend away, a holiday with the kids over Easter, or a chance to escape the everyday for fun, relaxation or invigoration, then Tewkesbury the gateway to the Cotswolds should be top of your list for a memorable countryside staycation.
Ideally situated for the UK’s stunning Cotswolds and wider south west region, the historic, medieval riverside market town of Tewkesbury, located just off the M5, and its surrounding north Gloucestershire landscape, offers a range of accommodation options to suit all guests and budgets.
Family-friendly staycations: If you’re looking to get away with the kids over the Easter or summer holidays, but don’t want the hassle or expense of travelling abroad, then escape to the north Gloucestershire countryside for your next family holiday. Tewkesbury and its surrounding area can be easily reached via the M5, or via train from Ashchurch, Cheltenham Spa or Gloucester stations.
For a memorable and affordable family holiday, make the most of the stunning surroundings and opt for one of Tewkesbury’s excellent campsite, glamping or caravan parks. Croft Farm Water Park near Tewkesbury is a great choice.
Pitch up your own tent, motorhome or caravan, or opt for one of its well-equipped lakeside cabins, glamping pods or chalets, or go for a luxury lodge with outdoor hot tub to make the most of those precious hours after the kids are in bed. There’s an adventure playground and lakeside water sports, including windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
An onsite clubhouse, bar, café, shop, wellness hub, washrooms and dishwashing facilities all make this a great, convenient choice for families. Hayles Fruit Farm, on the outskirts of the pretty market town of Winchcombe, is another great choice for families (and welcomes four-legged friends too).
During the daytime summer months, visitors can pick their own fruit and little ones will enjoy discovering the nature trail. Pitch up with your tent, caravan or motorhome and use it as a base to explore the wider area.
Highlights for families include a ride on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (hop on at nearby Winchcombe station and don’t miss the free kids craft activities from 9 – 21 August!), a visit to Stanway House & Fountain to marvel at the highest gravity fountain in the world, or pack a picnic and head to Cotswold Lavender for a taste of Provence from the convenience of the Cotswolds. Why not try one of their renowned lavender scones or lavender flapjacks while there.
If you’d prefer the comfort and convenience of self-catering accommodation then the pretty and spacious Swallows Rest Cottage near Laverton is a great option. Sleeping six across four bedrooms, this cosy, stylish cottage is well located for visiting nearby Broadway, and you may even spot steam trains chugging past the window! Orchard Cottage near Alderton is another great option for families.
Sleeping six across three bedrooms, this contemporary, dog friendly cottage is well placed for exploring nearby Cheltenham, Winchcombe and Broadway.
Luxury accommodation: If you’re looking for a more luxurious staycation (with or without kids), head to the five-star Ellenborough Park Hotel nestled on the edge of Cleeve Hill. This magnificent manor house, set in 90 acres of glorious countryside, offers sophisticated dining, a soothing spa, invigorating outdoor pool, and bedrooms brimming with country house character.
The elegant 17th-century Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa, to the west, offers sumptuous bedrooms and an excellent spa with indoor pool. The Grade II* listed 19th century Dumbleton Hall Hotel, which reopens spring 2025 following refurbishment, is set in 19 acres of private gardens, with its own woodland and lake, and offers a luxurious rural escape and is an excellent base for exploring the north of the Cotswold National Landscape.
Families looking for a luxurious self-catering stay, or for those planning a weekend away or special occasion as a large group, Upper Court in Kemerton offers accommodation for up to 28 guests across its Georgian manor house and four cosy cottages. It includes a private lake, swimming pool, tennis courts, children’s playground, beautiful gardens, function room, pottery studio, sauna and hot tub.
The Moretons in Bredon is another great option, offering accommodation for between 2 – 22 guests, with heated indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, five acres of gardens, play area, children’s playhouse, mini golf, croquet and badminton. While Milestone in Greet is a family and dog friendly self-catering property sleeping up to 12 guests, with beautiful garden, fabulous orangery, grand piano, home cinema system and infrared sauna.
Child-free escapes: Whether you’re looking to escape the everyday for rest and relaxation, to enjoy a romantic weekend away as a couple, or make the most of the spectacular countryside with an active, outdoor break, north Gloucestershire has plenty of accommodation options for you.
Hilton’s Puckrup Hall Hotel and Tewkesbury Park Hotel both feature excellent golf courses and amenities, and are within easy reach of the historic, medieval market town of Tewkesbury where you can hop on a boat and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Severn and Avon rivers. If you’re looking to explore the Cotswold National Landscape on foot then head to Cleeve Hill Hotel, the Rising Sun Hotel or Malvern View B&B, all of which offer excellent access to Cleeve Common and walking routes, plus magnificent views across the landscape.
Another great option for walkers, or couples looking for a relaxing or romantic weekend away, is the pretty market town of Winchcombe, filled with quintessentially Cotswold cottages and pretty historic buildings. There are various popular walking routes, and the Winchcombe Cotswolds Walking Festival held each year in May (16th – 18th May 2025) attracts visitors from across the UK and abroad.
The Vine is a great option for couples, with beautiful views and a rolltop bath, while Kingfisher Cottage is a great option for large groups sleeping up to 10 guests. If you’re staying during March – October then be sure to visit the spectacular Sudeley Castle & Gardens, or stay in one of its 17 charming cottages set within its impressive grounds.
Ranging from beautifully renovated ancient buildings, including a paper mill, an old forge and 18th-century workers’ cottages, to new cottages built in distinctive Cotswold stone, the Sudeley Castle Cottages and farmhouses are perfect for 2 to 14 guests (and some are dog-friendly). Winchcombe boasts some excellent pubs, perfect for tucking in to a roast after an invigorating day of walking, and some – such as the stylish 15th-century Lion Inn – offer cosy, dog-friendly, en-suite bedrooms.
When visiting the Tewkesbury borough, a visit to the historic riverside town of Tewkesbury is well worth it. Visit Tewkesbury Abbeyand take in its magnificent architecture and heritage.
Learn more about the town’s history at the Tewkesbury Heritage Centre or visit the John Moore Museum and Town Museum. Catch a show or film at The Roses Theatre, which hosts a varied programme of live entertainment throughout the year, including stand-up comedy, live music and cinema screenings.
You can enjoy the spectacular outdoors with a leisurely boat trip or explore the Severn Ham and Tewkesbury Nature Reserve. After a busy day, rest your head at Tudor House Hotel, a 17th-century coaching inn with bags of character, roaring open fires, a secret summer garden and 24 charming bedrooms.
