Local Towns and Cities

At Downhouse Farm you are wonderfully located to discover some beautiful Cotswold towns or visit some of the nearby bustling and attraction packed cities. Here are a few of our favourites…

Dursley

Dursley is the nearest town to Downhouse Farm, just a few minutes by car or a 20 minute walk away. It is a historic market town located in a wooded valley, and hosts a variety of independent shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Ideal to pop out to for a spot of brunch or dinner, to stock up on some essentials, or to relax in the Old Spot CAMRA pub for a pint in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is located on the picturesque Cotswold Way National Trail, and is an accredited “Walkers are Welcome” town. An annual walking festival is held in the town each October.

tetbury

During the middle ages Tetbury was an important market town for Cotswold wool and yarn. Today many of the wool merchants’ houses still look as they did years ago. This Cotswold gem is just a 20 minute drive away. To commemorate it’s history the town still holds annual woolsack races, where competitors have to race up a hill which reaches a gradient of 1:4 carrying a sack of wool! In the centre of town is the grade I listed market place which is surrounded by some great eateries, lovely boutique stores and lots and lots of antique shops. Tetbury is also home to HRH Prince Charles and tours of the stunning gardens at Highgrove can be booked in advance, through the spring and summer months.

cirencester

A historic Roman town and the largest in the Cotswold District, Cirencester is packed full of beautiful golden Cotswold stone architecture, lovely places to eat and wonderful boutique shops. Highlights include the Corinium Museum, which contains a superb collection of Roman mosaics and the Roman Amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in Britain. Taking a wander through the lovely restored courtyards, alleyways and old streets there are lots of independent shops to explore. There are regular craft and antique fayres in the Corn Hall and the Charter Market takes place twice a week and the farmers’ market twice a month, so it is a super spot for a little bit of retail therapy in a beautiful setting. All this just a 35 minute drive away!

bath

Just an hours drive away is this beautiful city full of Georgian honey-coloured stone architecture, Bath is the only city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its ancient Roman baths and the modern Thermae Bath Spa houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in. After a wander around the sights, including the Abbey, Pultney Bridge and up to the Crescent then why not treat yourself to a Bath Bun at Sally Lunn’s world famous tea house and one of the oldest houses in Bath. For shoppers Bath offers it all, from exploring the mazes of alleyways lined with shops, browsing around Jolly’s (the UK’s oldest department store) to SouthGate, a shopping complex full of major high street names. If you’re having a winter break then the Bath Christmas market is also well worth a visit. Let Visit Bath help you to get the most out of your day.

bristol

Just a 40 minute drive and you can be in the truly buzzing city of Bristol. There you can take a boat trip around the harbourside and admire the characteristic colourful houses, take a stroll out across the Avon Gorge on the world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, visit Brunel’s iconic SS Great Britain or check out some of Banksy’s anti-establishment street art dotted around the city. Every year in August Bristol also hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons. If shopping is your scene, then you are spoilt for choice! There are numerous markets held around the city, Gloucester Road is home to one of the longest stretches of independent shops in the country and Clifton Village has many upmarket boutiques. Family friendly activities include a visit to Bristol Zoo, Bristol Aquarium or We the Curious (full of interactive exhibits and experiments). Visit Bristol has all the information you need to plan your trip!

cheltenham

Heading north, Cheltenham is just a 40 minute drive away; a regency spa town which has been a health and holiday spa resort since the discovery of the mineral springs there in 1716. Today you can still admire the architecture, said to be “the most complete regency town in England”. Take a stroll around Pittville Park, overlooked by the magnificent grade I listed pump room, or along the Promenade flanked by the colourful Long Gardens. Cheltenham is famous for the annual festivals it hosts including ones on literary, science, jazz and music. If horse racing is your thing, then each March the steeplechase Cheltenham Festival and Gold Cup take place. Check out Visit Cheltenham to find out what to add to your itinerary for your visit.

Castle combe

Just over half an hour’s drive away and you reach Castle Combe, a quintessentially English village often named as the ‘prettiest village in England’ with houses of honey coloured Cotswold stone. There you will find a Market Cross and St Andrew’s church dating from the 13th century. It has often been featured as a film location. There a couple of lovely pubs and the Manor House does a wonderful afternoon tea. Stroll down to the bridge and take in the stunning views of the village. You’ll often find the local’s selling homemade cakes and gifts from their homes. Well worth a stop off and a wander to take in the Cotswold charm. But it is worth noting that the car park is at the top of quite a steep hill, which you need to descend into the village.

bourton-on-the-water

Just 50 minutes drive away and you’re in the beautiful village of Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as “the Venice of the Cotswolds”. It is a charming English village in the heart of the Cotswolds and regularly voted one of the prettiest in the country. It is a tranquil spot with the River Windrush flowing through, and quaint bridges to wander across. There is plenty to do here to fill a day sightseeing; you can book a tour and tasting session at the Cotswold Brewing Company, visit the The Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection, try not to get lost in the Dragonfly Maze or explore Birdland. Little ones will also love the Model Village (pictured above). There are also plenty of shops to browse and tea rooms from which you can sit and watch the world go by.