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#CotswoldHotspot: Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a large town situated along the Cotswold Way and although it has a town centre bustling with culture you can be out in the unspoilt, rolling countryside within minutes.

Cheltenham was specifically designed to be a pleasure health resort in the 18^th & 19^th century and is still often referred to as Cheltenham Spa. The elegant town has a wealth of regency architecture as well as new modern developments. Visitors to Cheltenham can enjoy unique shopping and dining experiences and frequent festivals.

#CotswoldHotspot: Accommodation in Winchcombe

Accommodation in Winchcombe can vary from hotels to inns, B&Bs to quirky holiday cottages located in the countryside with views that attract the eye.

Sudley Hill Farm is a delightful house set back on a sheep farm, dating back to the 15^th century. It has a charming feel to it along with an inglenook fireplace in its hearting lounge. You are able to overlook the delicately laid garden which is accompanied by a long drive way leading to the main building of accommodation. En-suite rooms are well equipped and a family room will have a double, twin and large twin with a third bed. A panoramic view of the Sudely valley is also available from the bedrooms. The White Hart is also another accommodation provider which has been recommended in Winchcombe. With it’s individual en-suite bedrooms and fantastic food that is served all day, it has great appeal to all visitors. All bedrooms have tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary bottled water, a TV and free wifi.

Postlip Hall Farm is also a lovely place to stay. This magnificent Cotswolds Farmhouse, just south of Winchcombe offers cosy, comfortable and spacious en suite accommodation with peace and quiet guaranteed – just the place to unwind in after a walk or cycle.

Have you arranged luggage transfers along the Cotswold Way yet? Carryabag can arrange for your baggage to be easily transferred along the Cotswold Way, just give us a call on 01242 250642 or visit our website www.carryabag.co.uk to find out more details on prices and availability

#CotswoldHotspot: Winchcombe

Winchcombe is located in the picturesque valley of the Cotswolds. With it’s ancient Anglo Saxon town and a variety of restaurants, tea rooms and unique shops set among the three streets, what is not to like?

 It is an area of outstanding natural beauty along with great amounts of historical features and local attractions to visitors in the area.

During your holiday along the Cotswold Way, Carryabag can transfer your baggage to save you from taking them along. Speak to a friendly member of our team on 01242 250642 or alternatively you can visit our website www.carryabag.co.uk to find out more details on prices and availability.

#CotswoldHotspot: Things to do and see in Hailes

Hailes Abbey

The National Trust owned abbey was built some time between 1245 & 1246 by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. Richard was the younger brother of King Henry III of England and known as 'King of the Romans' by his peers. 

The abbey became a place of pilgrimage after a phial of 'Holy Blood' was brought to the Abbey in 1270. The proceeds from the popular pilgrimage gave the monks sizeable funds to make considerable changes to the scale of the Abbey. 

The Abbey was one of the last to be surrendered by the Monks following the Dissolution Act of 1536. The Abbey was finally handed over on Christmas Eve 1539 to Henry VIII's men. 

Later in its history the Abbey became the home of a family in the 17th century before being almost completely demolished. All that remains are a number of arches and the nearby Hailes Church.

Hailes Church

Built almost a century before the Abbey, Hailes Church later came under its control after its construction in 1246 until the Dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII. The remarkable nature of the Church's interior is in stark contrast to its humble exterior. The walls are adorned with marvellous paintings from the Medieval era. The North wall contains a mural to St Christopher and to the south a hunting scene with a wounded hare. The vivid and vibrancy of the paintings are a tribute to the era and one of the finest examples of maintained Medieval artistry in the South West. 

 

#CotswoldHotspot: Things to do and see in Stanway

Stanway House and Fountain

Stanway is a beautiful Jacobean manor house featuring a pyramid, 8 ponds and Britain’s highest fountain at 300 feet.  The fountain can be seen in full action at arranged times throughout the day so be sure to check the website in advance of your visit – you wouldn’t want to miss it!

Stanway Cricket Pitch

Like many English villages Stanway possesses a traditional cricket pitch. It may be unassuming to the naked eye or the casual visitor but it is said to have been deliberately constructed with an undulating surface that was deliberately made uneven to ensure a difficult landing for German gliders during the Second World War. The Pavilion was the gift of Scottish author J.M. Barrie (famous as the creator of Peter Pan) who stayed at Stanway House in the 1920s.

Stanway Brewery

In recent years Stanway House has reopened its Brewery. It is famous as being one of only two coal-fired brewing houses in the country. Unfortunately private tours cannot be taken around the brewery but information about where its beer can be drunk is located here!

#CotswoldHotspot: Accommodation in Stanway

Many who visit Stanway will stay at the neighbouring Wood Stanway as it benefits from more amenities and accommodation providers than its much smaller neighbour.

However, The White Hart Inn is a charming 16^th century B&B with eight en suite bedrooms and three family suites, who also allow dogs to stay. The Inn also offers a restaurant and bar boosting local produce, opening daily for breakfast, morning coffee and cakes, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and bar snacks – the perfect place to visit during your trip!

#CotswoldHotspot: Hauntings in Morton-in-Marsh

There are many haunted attractions in and around Morton-in-Marsh. The first story goes back to the 9^th October 2005, a couple driving along the Fosse Way late at night when they witnessed the top half of a man run across the road in front of the car. The figure was seen to have no head or legs, only a jacket.

Outside the Bell Inn it was reported that an overly friendly ghost was distributing the occasional hug.

Outside the Black Bear inn, there is a noisy spirit that gives himself a nickname of Fred.

In The Manor House in 1987, Dame Creswyke is said to have been murdered during the seventeenth century and apparently has returned in the pass. Room 8 is the room that is particulary haunted although the last sighting of the ghost was seen outside the building in 1987.

In December 2008/2009 in Moreton’s pub and restaurant, it is said that a ghostly woman was seen and electrical appliances that were turning themselves on and off were reported after a car crash into the pubs building.

Don’t get spooked at the thought of transferring your luggage – We can do it for you! Visit www.carryabag.co.uk or call 01242 250642 and speak to a member of our friendly team for more information on baggage transfers along the Cotswold Way.

#CotswoldHotspot: History of Moreton-in- Marsh

The oldest building in the area is most likely going to be the sixteenth-century Curfew tower. It had a bell located at the top of the tower which was rung nightly in 1869 to remind people of the risks of fire. A story is told that Curfew Tower once guided a Sir Robert Fry who got lost in the fog.

Many of the houses along the high street of Morton-in-marsh date back to the 17^th/18^th century. The buildings are made from Four Shires Stone which is supplied locally in the area.

If you need luggage transfers along the Cotswold Way then contact Carryabag! Our team of friendly and reliable drivers will pick up your bags and drop them off at your next destination for a great price so you can enjoy the scenery without extra baggage.  Visit www.carryabag.co.uk or call 01242 250642 and speak to a member of our friendly team for more information.

#CotswoldHotspot: Shopping experiences in Moreton-in-Marsh

The market in Morton-in-Marsh is a popular tourist attraction for those visiting the area, however, this is not the only shopping idea in the area. The Morton Gallery on the High Street is a reasonably priced art gallery. Pottery and handmade jewellery is also sold here and so it is a lovely place to buy gifts for friends and family.

The Cotswold Kitchen and Tableware and Wild at Heart are also small gift shops which will also be suitable for unique gifts. They are fantastic shops to browse, selling unique ideas which would fit nicely in the house. Shops for children consist of The Toy Shop which sellsgreat games for the children to enjoy and experience. As well as this, the Cotswold Bookstore that will begin a journey for your child, an introduction into the exciting world of stories and poems.

Need baggage transfers throughout your holiday? Carryabag will pick up your bags and drop it off at your next destination for a great price to ensure that you can enjoy the scenery without extra baggage.  Visit www.carryabag.co.uk or call 01242 250642 and speak to a member of our friendly team for more information.

#CotswoldHotspot: Places to eat in Moreton-in- Marsh

The Manor House Hotel is a lovely place to eat in Morton-in-Marsh. With its Beagle Bar and Beagle Brasserie what is not to like? The Beagle Bar allows you to socialise with friends and family while eating a pleasing meal when unwinding for the day.

Signature cocktails, homemade spirits, local ales/ciders and a collection of mouth-watering wines are sold at the bar for your comfort and enjoyment.

The Beagle Brasserie is a more informal catering area but also provides a happy atmosphere and allows you to eat some fantastic food and drink. You are able to eat there any day of the week with seasonal menus for the whole family to enjoy. You are able to sit down in front of a log fire while the beautiful gardens attract the eye. The Manor House provides a unique dining experience which everyone will enjoy.

The Horse and Groom has also got a great reputation for its food and drink. All dishes are cooked with the top quality ingredients and the caterers make full use of the small producers that the Cotswolds have to offer. They also make use of the seasonal delicacies in the area, wild garlic, walnuts, blackberries and field mushrooms being some of them. They are a restaurant that will provide for your needs. They are happy to support people with different dietary requirements and allergies.

Don’t forget, you can make your trip along the Cotswold Way much easier by organising luggage transfers. Carryabag will pick up your bags and drop it off at your next destination for a great price to ensure that you can enjoy the scenery without extra baggage.  Visit www.carryabag.co.uk or call 01242 250642 and speak to a member of our friendly team for more information.