Related Articles
Just under two hours from Birmingham is an idyllic town in the Cotswolds that attracts thousands of royal family fans from across the country. A huge two-day celebration for the King’s Coronation is being held in Birmingham this weekend, which will include performances, entertainers and food stalls.
There will also be big screens showing the Coronation Concert on Sunday evening. However, if you fancy marking the momentous occasion somewhere a bit more quiet, the town of Tetbury near Gloucester may be the ideal place.
Not only does it have beautiful buildings and stunning countryside views but for many years, it has also been a firm favourite with King Charles, who arrived at the nearby Highgrove House decades ago. With that in mind, here are some key things you need to know about the town of Tetbury.
READ MORE: King Charles will find controversial allegiance pledge ‘abhorrent’, friend says
Royal links
As MyLondon reports, the former Prince of Wales arrived at the stunning Highgrove House in Tetbury in 1980 and made it his family home. This paved the way for the the Cotswold town becoming a favourite with the Royal Family in the following decades.
The King transformed Highgrove Garden into what is now regarded as one of the most inspired gardens in the world. Visitors can explore the gardens as part of tours, with the website for Highgrove stating: “A garden tour is a truly memorable way to experience Highgrove.
“Led by one of our experienced guides, enjoy a 90-minute tour of Highgrove Gardens. From the other-worldly Stumpery to the whimsical Thyme Walk and the Chelsea award-winning Carpet Garden, you’ll see Highgrove as part of a group of up to 26 guests.”
Visitors can also pop into the Highgrove Shop on Tetbury High Street, which sells a range of gifts inspired by the nearby royal gardens and the personal interests of King Charles. One recent review of the shop says: “Always high class and always of high standard, as you would expect.
“Staff are exceedingly polite and courteous. Well worth a visit when you are in Tetbury.”
Kate Middleton’s visits to the region were also recently disclosed by King Charles III’s former butler Grant Harrold. The Cotswolds towns of Cheltenham and Tetbury were reportedly a magnet for a young Catherine, as it was where Prince Harry and Prince William would be.
Life in the town
Tetbury in Gloucestershire is described as an ‘architectural gem’ and sees hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The idyllic town boasts farmers markets, antique shops, picturesque cottages and breathtaking countryside views nearby.
When it comes to places to eat, one of the highes-rated Tetbury restaurants on Tripadvisor is The Trouble House, a cosy cafe and bar in the heart of the Cotswolds. One glowing review said: “Delicious food, fantastic service and a hidden gem just on the outside of Tetbury.
“Me and my partner were very impressed with the quality of the food.”
Another added: “The property is ideally situated for visiting Tetbury, which is a charming little town. The pub/restaurant has genuine charm, it is well visited by locals which is always a good sign, and the food is superb, plentiful and of great quality.”
As MyLondon reports, Tetbury is also known for keeping the merchants’ houses in their original condition from the 16th and 17th centuries. Each year the historic wool town, known as ‘the southern gateway to the Cotswolds’, has more than 500,000 visitors.
POLL: Will you be celebrating the King’s Coronation?
How to get there
Tetbury can be found south of Gloucester in the Cotswolds, around an hour and 45 minute drive from Birmingham if travelling via the M5. It is less than an hour’s drive from both Gloucester and Bristol in the south west.
READ NEXT:
