Autumn has arrived! By the meteorological calendar it officially awakened in the UK on 1 September and will stay with us, swaying its branches and colouring leaves until 30th November. These first few weeks of Autumn can still bring a wealth of warmth and sunshine during daytime hours before becoming a little chillier into the evenings (coats, hats and scarves may be needed!), let’s take advantage of what this outstanding area has to offer!
Today’s blog focuses’ on just that, getting out and about! Below are some lovely suggestions, with both indoor and outdoor ideas, hopefully something will stand out for you.
Shopping, tea & cake
Webbs Garden Centre, Cheltenham
Opening hours: Mon to sat: 9am – 6pm / Sundays: 10am – 4.30pm
Tel: 01242 672560
www.webbsdirect.co.uk/cheltenham
On the doorstep of Cheltenham racecourse, this family run garden centre has plenty of accessible parking and a wonderful range of plants and flowers to stroll around and admire or purchase. The onsite café is lovely, with a broad selection of hot and cold foods. The shop is excellent for gifts, from kitchenware, to scarves, candles to toys. On the lead up to Christmas, it is a delightful place to be, the decorations available to buy are stunning
Dobbie’s Garden Centre, Tewkesbury
Unit 1 Diamond Rd, Ashchurch, GL20 7FX
Opening hours: Mon to sat: 9am – 6pm / Sundays: 10am – 4.30pm
Tel: 01684 649 924
www.dobbies.com/tewkesbury
Dobbie’s is situated just off the exit of the M5 on junction 9, this Cotswold Designer Outlet has plenty of accessible parking. It boasts many designer concessions, has a restaurant, soft play, Waitrose, and garden centre. You could spend a good amount of time whiling away the afternoon with a spot of lunch. They hold several events through the season that you can take part in, such as “Pumpkin Planter sessions with afternoon tea.”
The Malthouse Emporium, Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury Retail Park, Northway Gate, Ashchurch, GL20 8UY
Opening times: Mon – sat 10am – 5pm/ Sundays: 10am – 4pm
Tel: 01684 423150
www.malthouseemporium.com
This emporium is a bit of Aladdin’s cave with a great mixture of old and new goodies. From antiques and vintage clothing to contemporary furniture to body, bath, and home décor.
There is also, The Ferns Bistro, with a lovely tempting menu, catering for many dietary requirements. Prices are very reasonable.
The Valley, Evesham
A46 Evesham, WR11 4TP
Opening hours: Mon – sat 9am to 5.30pm/ Sundays 10.30am – 4.30pm
Tel: 01386 298026
www.thevalleyshopping.co.uk
The Valley in Evesham is a wonderful day out for shopping but also has a range of outdoor activities, this is particularly good if you are visiting with family, friends, and grandchildren. Activities range from the small “Valley Railway Adventure” (fully accessible) to the “Aztec themed adventure golf course” which is partly accessible for those who may require a wheelchair. There are also opportunities for a walk should you want to go further to the New Farm Nature Reserve, providing you some stunning scenery. (Please be aware that the final section of the route is not accessible to wheelchairs or pushchairs).
The shopping outlet has a suitable selection of stores ranging from Pavers, Fatface, ProCook, Reggatta to Cotton traders and many more. There is a choice of restaurants, The Apple Tree Barn, Coffee1 and The Grape Tree.
Gloucester Services, Southbound M5
Upton St Leonards, GL4 0WW
Opening times: Mon – sun 6am – 10pm
Tel: 01452 813254
www.gloucesterservices.com
It may seem a little strange going on a jolly to the motorway services, however, this award-winning service station is a little more ‘high’ spec. It has accessible parking and a beautiful farm shop, selling a range of fresh produce and an artisan bakery. You can take advantage of the tasty food on offer at the café and sit outside by the well-maintained duck pond.
Parks and Gardens
The Burrows. Cheltenham
Moore Grove, Leckhampton, GL54 0HA
www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/33/parks_and_open_spaces/1630/burrows
Burrow’s Field is around 6.3 hectares of open space in Leckhampton. It is the home ground of Cheltenham’s largest youth and mini football club, Leckhampton Rovers.
Burrow’s playing field is popular with dog walkers and ramblers, it has good links to public rights of way, and the wider countryside. It is accessible to all, has parking and refreshments are available to purchase on site.
Hatherley Park, Cheltenham
Bournside Road, Hatherley, GL51 3AL
www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/33/parks_and_open_spaces/346/hatherley_park
Hatherley Park is a charming ornamental garden of around 3 hectares. If you are looking for a quieter park in Cheltenham for peace and tranquillity, then this should suit you. There is a lovely lake, opportunities to feed the ducks and a delightful selection of trees and shrubs to gaze at. If you are with children there are two play areas, a coffee outlet and plenty of accessible parking.
Pittville Park
Cheltenham, GL50 4SH
www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/33/parks_and_open_spaces/350/pittville_park
Pittville Park is the largest park in Cheltenham and houses the beautiful Pump Rooms that have an array of activities, shows and exhibitions on throughout the year. Alongside the pump rooms is a lovely café that looks down onto the park and serves hot and cold foods. There is accessible parking at the pump rooms allowing full access to the park. There is a stunning lake, play area and a further two outlets selling food and refreshments (The Kiosk and Central Cross Café). The park is located close to the town centre, should you wish to combine your visit with a pop into Cheltenham.
Sudeley Castle
Winchcombe, GL54 5JD
Tel: 01242 604244
Opening times: Mon – Sun: 10am – 4pm
www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
“Sudeley Castle is a Grade I listed castle in the parish of Sudeley, in the Cotswolds, near to the medieval market town of Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, England. The castle has 10 notable gardens covering some 15 acres within a 1,200-acre estate nestled within the Cotswold hills.”
If you are looking to spend some time outdoors and fancy a lovely stroll through some beautiful gardens with a small town just on the doorstep then Sudeley Castle and Gardens is worth a visit. As with most historic sights you will pay a little more to visit this beautiful place, but it is full of history and carers can visit for free. For those that require a wheelchair, they have two on site that can be booked in advance. Accessible toilets are situated at ground level and has a large car park. There is a nice gift shop and restaurant on site in quite a grand hall. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Please note that the castle rooms and exhibition area is not suitable for wheelchairs. There is a lovely accessible circular route through the grounds leading into the wonderful Avery where there is a beautiful selection of pheasants and birds, including a peacock, which ambles on past the large pond. If you would like more information on the accessibility of the grounds you can get in touch on: enquiries@sudeley.org.uk or 01242 604244.
If you have time or do not fancy eating your lunch at the castle, then Winchcombe is a lovely place to stop. There is a nice deli which is fully accessible and some great gift, clothing, and charity shops to have a mooch in.
Gloucester Services, Southbound M5
Upton St Leonards, GL4 0WW
Opening times: Mon – sun 6am – 10pm
Tel: 01452 813254
www.gloucesterservices.com
It may seem a little strange going on a jolly to the motorway services, however, this award-winning service station is a little more ‘high’ spec. It has accessible parking and a beautiful farm shop, selling a range of fresh produce and an artisan bakery. You can take advantage of the tasty food on offer at the café and sit outside by the well-maintained duck pond.
If you would like more information about what The Bespoke Life can offer, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
