About Winchcombe
A thousand years ago Winchcombe was the capital of the Saxon kingdom of Mercia, with its own mint and abbey. The abbey is gone but the medieval street pattern survives, and on the very edge of town stands Sudeley Castle — burial place of Henry VIII's last wife, Katherine Parr.
Eight long-distance footpaths meet in the centre of Winchcombe, including the Cotswold Way, making it the unofficial walking capital of the region.
The Cotswold Guide Top Tips
- The Belas Knap Neolithic long barrow is a 2-mile uphill walk from the town centre — go in the late afternoon for soft light on the chambered tomb.
- The annual Walking Festival in mid-May is the strongest reason to plan a visit — over twenty guided walks across one weekend.
Attractions in Winchcombe
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Where to eat & drink
Wesley House
Restaurant with rooms in a 15th-century building where John Wesley once preached.
The Lion Inn
Beamed gastropub, log fires, excellent ale.
5 North Street
Long-standing fine-dining restaurant in a 16th-century timber-framed cottage.
Juri's The Olive Tree
Family-run; some say the best dinner in the north Cotswolds.
Getting there
By car
2h from London via M5 j9 then B4632. Free 3-hour parking on Back Lane.
By train
Cheltenham (7 miles) then bus 606. Or take the GWSR steam train from Cheltenham Racecourse station.
Best time to visit
May for blossom along the Cotswold Way, October for steam railway autumn-colour services. Sudeley's tulips in April are legendary.
Upcoming events in Winchcombe
Sat 11 Jul 2026
Mon 13 Jul 2026
17–19 Jul 2026
17–19 Jul 2026
20 Nov – 30 Dec 2026
Find accommodation near Winchcombe
Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering cottages within easy reach of Winchcombe — browse availability for your dates on Booking.com.
Find accommodation near Winchcombe →Attractions near Winchcombe
Within 10 miles, ordered by distance.
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Major footpaths that pass through
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Cheltenham
Regency spa town and festival capital
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