From historic tours of the town, to taking in local arts and entertainment – with a bite to eat or spot of shopping in between – SoGlos rounds up 13 of the best things to do on a visit to Tewkesbury.
Take a tower tour at Tewkesbury Abbey
One of Gloucestershire's best-loved visitor attractions, taking a tower tour of the iconic Tewkesbury Abbey is a memorable way of bringing its rich, storied past to life.
All starting in the spring time, visitors can book onto a 45-minute tour highlighting the abbey's most remarkable features; scale its dizzy heights on a tower tour, for amazing views of the surrounding countryside; discover its grounds on a tombs, trees and tributes tour; or arrange a longer tour for larger groups – while the abbey is open to visitors all year round.
See living history at the The John Moore Museum's Merchant's House
Managed by the team behind the town's ode to natural history, The John Moore Museum, the Merchant's House is a beautifully restored and furnished Tudor shop and home near the abbey, where visitors are invited to discover what family life would've been like in Tewkesbury in centuries past.
Alongside interactive interpretation including audio tours, themed living history events are also held throughout the year, with costumed reenactors transforming the building into a living, breathing Tudor household. There's also a number of courses and activities throughout the year at the museum's Old Baptist Chapel – an 'enigmatic' religious building which started life as a medieval house.
Head out on a historic walk
With significant historical events having played out in the town over the years, setting out on a walk is a great way to see the sights and discover more about Tewkesbury's history.
The Battle Trail is a 45-minute walk around the battlefield of the 15th century Battle of Tewkesbury – one of the most decisive encounters of the Wars of the Roses – or take a walk around the town's historic lanes and alleys, exploring the social history of the people who used to live there. Trail maps and books are available from the Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre, with regular guided walks of the battlefield and alleyways are also available all year round.
Enjoy afternoon tea at Tewkesbury Park
Set amongst stunning Gloucestershire parkland just outside of town, luxury hotel and golf course Tewkesbury Park is widely renowned for its food, with its restaurant boasting several prestigious national accolades.
Its Sunday brunch has a glowing reputation, along with its afternoon tea – with traditional sandwiches and savouries, scones with jam and cream, handmade pastries and selection of teas and coffee on offer - with the option to upgrade to a glass of sparkling rosé.
Paint a plate at The Spotty Dog Place
The Spotty Dog Place in the town centre is a hub for creativity, offering a range of art courses from pottery to glassware where you can learn a variety of techniques, with handmade gifts available to buy, too.
Book onto one of its accessible Paint Your Own Pottery sessions, in the afternoon or evening – where you can get creative with wine, nibbles and friends – or try your hand at glass fusing, wheel throwing or clay hand building at one of its other workshops.
Marvel at the town's historic buildings
Tewkesbury has one of the best medieval black and white townscapes in England – take a wander through town to see its historic buildings, with a range of trail leaflets and maps available from the tourist information centre.
Highlights include the 15th-century, Grade I-listed terrace on Church Street; the former Tudor inn which now houses Cornell Books; and the Old Baptist Chapel and Court, to name only a few.
Grab a bite at Caffè e Vino
Bringing a slice of Italy to Tewkesbury since 2014, Caffè e Vino on Church Street is one of many great places to eat and drink in town, serving up high quality cuisine inspired by real Italian home cooking, along with award-winning coffee.
With breakfast, lunch and dinner menus featuring authentic pizza, pasta, focaccia, antipasti and more, it's well worth a visit whatever the time of day, with a selection of Italian wines, cocktails and beers to choose from, too.
Visit the Tewkesbury Museum
Housing an eclectic collection illustrating life in Tewkesbury, from prehistory to the twentieth Century, the independent Tewkesbury Museum is packed with treasures for history buffs of all ages.
With impressive collections of artifacts relating to the Battle of Tewkesbury, local Antarctic explorer Raymond Priestley and a restored working model of a British fairground, along with image displays and archives available to browse, there's also plenty for kids to do including a mouse trail and museum detective activity.
Take a boat trip or riverside wander
Situated where two rivers meet, the Avon and the Severn, taking a boat trip at Tewkesbury is great way to see the town and its natural surroundings from a new perspective.
Head out on a 45-minute boat trip from Tewkesbury along the picturesque River Avon, or if getting on the water isn't your thing, there's plenty of picturesque riverside walks to discover, too.
Take in a show at The Roses Theatre
A thriving arts venue in the centre of town, The Roses Theatre is one of the best places to go in Tewkesbury for live entertainment, from stand-up comedy, live music and film, to dance and drama.
Catch some of the UK's best touring productions and musicals, along with big name stars like comedy legend Bill Bailey, community theatre and its popular annual panto, with Jack and the Beanstalk hitting the stage in December 2025.
Go to an event at The Watson Hall
The Watson Hall is another go-to for performing arts in Tewkesbury, hosting events from discos and live music, to wrestling and the circus.
As well as checking out performances from top tributes to the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Queen, along with local and up-and-coming bands and theatre companies, you can also get on stage yourself at its regular open mic nights or 'pub singers' community choir sessions.
Shop all kinds of wares at the town's specialist retailers
Tewkesbury is a hive of independent shops, with local businesses selling a wide range of quality wares from books and vinyl records, to handmade homeware and gifts.
Be mesmerised by the stunning patterns of Jennings' rugs, immerse yourself in a wonderful world of historic books at Cornell Books, or get inspired by eclectic artworks filled with colour at the Abbey Galleries – check out our roundup of the best independent shops in Tewkesbury to discover more!
3D print your latest idea at The Lab at Tewkesbury Library
Offering everything you need to get to grips with 3D design and printing, The Lab at Tewkesbury Library is a hub for developing your digital skills and bringing ideas to life, whatever your age and ability.
With access to its studio, 3D scanners and printers – with which you can make all kinds of items – there's also an expert lab tech on hand to help with your project, whether it's replacing broken parts, or creating something entirely new.
