Overview
The thriving town of Tetbury (voted one of the best places to live in Britain by Country Life magazine), came to life with the growth of the wool trade. It is steeped in history, and the high street alone demonstrates the wealth of architectural heritage. The annual woolsack race, founded in 1972, is a mad race of strength, determination and guts, where the runner has to carry a 60 pound sack of wool up and down Gumstool Hill, which is tough enough walking up let alone running!
The town has won many awards, particularly for the beautiful displays of flowers in the spring and summer – and also for being recognised as the “best small town” three years running between 2008 and 2010.
Many “Poldark” fans flock to Tetbury in the hope of a glimpse of a bare breasted Aidan Turner – filming takes place at the nearby stunning Chavenage House. Westonbirt Arboretum, renowned across Europe, is close to the town and aside from the stunning trees, (especially during autumn when they have “enchanted evenings”), but also for the outdoor concerts that pull in celebrities from all over.
In the 80’s and 90’s, Tetbury was probably known for his host of antique shops, some of which were dramatically overpriced, but still bargains could be found; in recent years the town has been changing and growing. Over 850 new houses have been, or are being built around the town; this influx of younger families and “new blood” is bringing a new rather “hip” feel to the town and the move is away from antiques and more towards culture and “food”; there is a growth of new gastronomic delights within Tetbury. Cafe 53 was one of the first alternative cafe’s in the town – and provides a raft of delicious, high quality natural food and very reasonable prices – along with a very chilled and relaxed atmosphere. This “feel” is developing across Tetbury with a lot of very simple great food and products on offer. The wonderful bakery Hobbs, and the fantastic butcher Jesse Smiths are both within walking distance of the Market House built in 1665 in the centre of town. Prince Charles’ home Highgrove is close by, and can be confirmed by the many local shops that hold his Royal Warrant.
There are many beautiful buildings in Tetbury and the high street boasts a wealth of architecture; A number of stunning Georgian terraced houses line the high street, and prices for these large, bright and well-proportioned buildings can be very competitive – as long as you can move fast. The developments to the north east side of the town (Treetops) have all been reserved or sold already, and the Miller development is selling fast located on the road to Cirencester. There are further new houses planned for the south side of the town.
Tetbury is very well positioned for transport routes, being 20 minutes from the M4 and M5; rail links get you to London via Kemble station (7 miles away) in about 80 minutes. From Kemble you can also travel to Cheltenham and Gloucester. Bath and Bristol are within 45 minutes from the town centre.
