About Blockley
Blockley grew rich not on wool but on silk. By 1830, twelve mills along Blockley Brook were spinning silk for the Coventry ribbon trade, and the village had over 3,000 inhabitants — twice today's population. The mills closed in the 1880s when Coventry collapsed, and Blockley has been quietly residential ever since.
Television rediscovered it in 2013, when the BBC began filming Father Brown in the village. The shop and post office double as Kembleford's, and many local houses appear in the series.
The Cotswold Guide Top Tips
- Park at the small free car park by the cricket pitch and walk down through the village — the streets are very steep.
- Mill Dene Garden is open most afternoons in summer, with a tearoom; the brook runs right through it.
Where to eat & drink
The Great Western Arms
A proper village pub up by the cricket pitch — Donnington ales and unfussy food.
The Coffee Shop at Blockley
Run by the village shop trust; the only place to buy a sandwich for several miles.
The Crown Inn
On the high street, with terrace tables looking down the village.
Getting there
By car
3 miles north-west of Moreton-in-Marsh on the B4479. Limited parking on the High Street.
By bus
the 21 from Moreton-in-Marsh runs three times a day.
Best time to visit
Year-round; spring brings cherry blossom along the brook, autumn sets the silk-mill chimneys against gold trees. Father Brown filming usually happens late spring and early autumn.
Find accommodation near Blockley
Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering cottages within easy reach of Blockley — browse availability for your dates on Booking.com.
Find accommodation near Blockley →Attractions near Blockley
Within 10 miles, ordered by distance.
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