Voyages Through The Vale - Gloucestershire Cycling Short Break

Cat A - Boutique Hotel, Cat B - Standard B&B

Ride 1 – Cycle the complete circuit around the foot of Bredon Hill, a magnificent 'island' of the Cotswold Hills standing in the Vale of Evesham. This cycle route takes you through a string of beautiful villages where the stone cottages of the hills mix with the black and white thatched houses of the Vale. Within the villages you can visit a number of traditional craftsmen, potters, silk printers and painters, and relax in the delightful and traditionally English inns.

Ride 2 - This cycle ride heads to the foot of the Cotswold escarpment and onto Winchcombe, an important borough in Saxon times. Pay a visit the ruins of Hailes Abbey; it was once the centre of pilgrimage until the dissolution of the monasteries many years ago. During this cycle route you can also visit Sudeley Castle, the last resting place of Henry VIII's surviving wife Katherine Parr. The castle was ruined in the Civil War then partially restored in the 19th century as a country house with wonderful gardens that you can explore. The wide views from the top of Cleeve Hill will allow you to take in the views of the Malvern Hills, the Forest of Dean and, on a clear day, some mountains of Wales!

Ride 3 – Enjoy a riverside cycle today following the Severn Way across the Medieval battlefield that saw the end of the War of the Roses, it then continues to the Saxon chapel at Deerhurst, one of the finest in the country. Cross the river at Haw Bridge and continue downstream to the remarkable collection of Manor, Court and Tithe Barn at Ashelworth then return through the villages of Chaceley, Forthampton and Bushley from where you get fine views back over Tewkesbury. Be sure to make a stop for lunch, on this cycle route there are no fewer than six delightful riverside inns!

Key Details:

• This is a single centre tour based in the riverside town of Tewkesbury.  With a rich, vibrant history and a beautiful waterside setting, there is plenty for everyone to discover here.  Take in the stunning scenery with a stroll beside the River Severn, or a boat trip along the Avon then head to Tewkesbury Abbey; an imposing feature of the town’s landscape for nearly 900 years. Renowned the world over for its fine Norman tower, ornate 12th Century ceiling and stunning stained glass windows, the Abbey is one of Gloucestershire’s most popular tourist attractions, second only to Gloucester Cathedral.The Abbey is just the start of your insight into Tewkesbury's history which you can explore further through the town's museums, Heritage Centre, walking trails and other attractions.Throughout the year Tewkesbury has a full calendar of events, celebrations and festivals to enjoy including the world-famous Medieval Festival, popular Food & Drink Festival and Mop Fair. 
• Explore Tewkesbury and the Severn Vale

The highlights and attractions you pass depend on the tour length and route chosen.  There are lots of attractions and places to explore during your cycling short break in Gloucestershire including:

• Ashleworth & Bredon Tithe Barns
• Tewkesbury
• River Severn
• River Avon
• Ashleworth & Bredon Tithe Barns
• Beckford Silk Printing
• Bredon & Conderton Potteries
• GWR Steam Railway
• Odda's Chapel
• Traditional English inns & pubs

Getting to Tewkesbury

By Rail/Bus – There are a number of public transport operating to and from Tewkesbury including trains (Ashchurch For Tewkesbury), national express and local buses.

For more information on trains visit www.thetrainline.com

For more information on National Express coaches visit https://beta.nationalexpress.com/en

By Car – Tewkesbury can be reached via the M5 Motorway, exit at junction 9.

By Air – There are a number of airports close to Tewkesbury including Bristol and Birmingham.  From here there are options of buses and trains (Ashchurch For Tewkesbury) as well as hire cars and taxis.