The Garden Retreat, Winchcombe

The bustling Fairtrade town of Winchcombe, a conservation site, lies above the River Isbourne, midway between Cheltenham and Broadway. Visitors can sample a mouthwatering array of local produce in the town’s restaurants, wine bars, tea shops and deli’s, or stroll around the eclectic range of local shops, all located along the three main streets, which remain full of character with their honey coloured stone and timbered exterior. The town also plays host to music and arts festivals, country shows and farmers’ markets. Guided walks around the town are on offer throughout the summer months, while Winchcombe lies on the intersection of the Cotswold Way, Gloucestershire Way, Warden’s Way and Windrush Way, providing ample walking to suit all abilities. The quintessential English village of Broadway is just a short drive away and offers individual shops and boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and hotels, including the world-renowned Lygon Arms, popular for centuries and now offering spa facilities. The regency spa town of Cheltenham boasts beautiful Georgian architecture and a delightful range of shops, cinemas, theatres, restaurants, pubs and visitor attractions, including the famous racecourse. Many unspoilt Cotswold towns and villages lie to the east, whilst to the west is the waterfront city of Gloucester and the magnificent Royal Forest of Dean. The beautiful World Heritage city of Bath, Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and Warwick, with its magnificent castle, are all within an hour’s drive.