Mark and Marilyn's Guide Book
Sightseeing
Built in 1153 by the Berkeley family, who 27 generations on, still live there today. Over the centuries it has changed from a fortress to a welcoming family home. You can travel through time and history, from the Keep, with its dungeon and the cell where Edward II is said to have been murdered, to the Drawing Rooms, with their fine upholstery, chandeliers and silver lamps. Visitors can see superb silver, paintings from the 16th-20th centuries, fine furniture and a unique spider’s-web ceiling.
Discover the colourful Berkeley family, who were involved in many major events in England’s history; make up your own mind about the love story involving Mary Cole and the 5th Earl of Berkeley; find out which play Shakespeare wrote for a Berkeley family wedding.
Stroll in the terraced gardens, filled with unusual plants, and walk among free-flying butterflies in the Tropical Butterfly House. The very special Yurt Tearoom serves hot and cold drinks, cakes, snacks and light lunches. Call into the Gift Shop before you leave, you’re sure to be tempted by the great selection of Castle mementos and locally sourced produce. Check out the Plant Sales Area where
you’ll be able to purchase something to remind you of the 8 acres grounds and gardens surrounding the Castle.
Henry II gave the Castle to the family in 1153 and it has received royal guests ever since: Edward II, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, the late Queen Mother and the Countess of Wessex have visited Berkeley Castle. Why not add YOUR name to that impressive list of visitors?
Guided Tours are available to help you plan the perfect visit.
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Berkeley Castle
Built in 1153 by the Berkeley family, who 27 generations on, still live there today. Over the centuries it has changed from a fortress to a welcoming family home. You can travel through time and history, from the Keep, with its dungeon and the cell where Edward II is said to have been murdered, to the Drawing Rooms, with their fine upholstery, chandeliers and silver lamps. Visitors can see superb silver, paintings from the 16th-20th centuries, fine furniture and a unique spider’s-web ceiling.
Discover the colourful Berkeley family, who were involved in many major events in England’s history; make up your own mind about the love story involving Mary Cole and the 5th Earl of Berkeley; find out which play Shakespeare wrote for a Berkeley family wedding.
Stroll in the terraced gardens, filled with unusual plants, and walk among free-flying butterflies in the Tropical Butterfly House. The very special Yurt Tearoom serves hot and cold drinks, cakes, snacks and light lunches. Call into the Gift Shop before you leave, you’re sure to be tempted by the great selection of Castle mementos and locally sourced produce. Check out the Plant Sales Area where
you’ll be able to purchase something to remind you of the 8 acres grounds and gardens surrounding the Castle.
Henry II gave the Castle to the family in 1153 and it has received royal guests ever since: Edward II, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, the late Queen Mother and the Countess of Wessex have visited Berkeley Castle. Why not add YOUR name to that impressive list of visitors?
Guided Tours are available to help you plan the perfect visit.
Stands on the Cotswold escarpment overlooking North Nibley. This striking 111 foot tower was built in 1866 in memory of the writer, William Tyndale, thought to be born nearby and famous for translating the Bible to English. Although his exact birthplace is not known, he spent his childhood in the Dursley area before going to Oxford to study Greek.
He was known to be outspoken stating his view that the Bible should be published in English in order that it could be studied and understood by everyone, even the poorest people in the land. This view prompted much criticism and persecution against him, so he moved to Germany devoting his time to translate and publish the Bible in English. He finished translating the New Testament into English in 1525, with copies circulating in England by 1526. However, by then he was living in Antwerp Belgium and was martyred in 1536 at Vilvorde near Brussels.
The Tyndale monument memorial was suggested and built some three centuries later with its inauguration in 1866, three years following the foundation stone being laid.
Inside the tower a narrow, dark, winding staircase leads to an enclosed viewing platform. If you have the energy and don't suffer from claustrophobia, the view is well worth the climb.
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Tyndale Monument
Cotswold WayStands on the Cotswold escarpment overlooking North Nibley. This striking 111 foot tower was built in 1866 in memory of the writer, William Tyndale, thought to be born nearby and famous for translating the Bible to English. Although his exact birthplace is not known, he spent his childhood in the Dursley area before going to Oxford to study Greek.
He was known to be outspoken stating his view that the Bible should be published in English in order that it could be studied and understood by everyone, even the poorest people in the land. This view prompted much criticism and persecution against him, so he moved to Germany devoting his time to translate and publish the Bible in English. He finished translating the New Testament into English in 1525, with copies circulating in England by 1526. However, by then he was living in Antwerp Belgium and was martyred in 1536 at Vilvorde near Brussels.
The Tyndale monument memorial was suggested and built some three centuries later with its inauguration in 1866, three years following the foundation stone being laid.
Inside the tower a narrow, dark, winding staircase leads to an enclosed viewing platform. If you have the energy and don't suffer from claustrophobia, the view is well worth the climb.
Take a breezy step along the Cotswold Way (well, it’s a hill climb really) to Uley Bury Iron Age Hill Fort. It starts from behind the church in Uley village. You can admire how our forebears made the most of the natural defences and strategic outlook provided by the escarpment – adding a double line of grassy ramparts for good measure. Probably occupied from 300BC to AD100, the vast 32-acre site, some 750ft up, commands views far over the surrounding landscape – great today for clearing the mind and rebalancing the soul.
Uleybury Hillfort
Crawley HillTake a breezy step along the Cotswold Way (well, it’s a hill climb really) to Uley Bury Iron Age Hill Fort. It starts from behind the church in Uley village. You can admire how our forebears made the most of the natural defences and strategic outlook provided by the escarpment – adding a double line of grassy ramparts for good measure. Probably occupied from 300BC to AD100, the vast 32-acre site, some 750ft up, commands views far over the surrounding landscape – great today for clearing the mind and rebalancing the soul.
Especially colourful in the Autumn, the National Arboretum at Westonbirt is just 10 miles away and is one of the most beautiful and important plant collections in the world. With 15,000 specimens, and 2,500 species of tree from all over the world, the arboretum plays a vital part in research and conservation, as well as being a stunningly beautiful place to visit and explore rare, interesting and beautiful plants from the furthest corners of the globe.
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Westonbirt, Der Nationale Arboretum
Especially colourful in the Autumn, the National Arboretum at Westonbirt is just 10 miles away and is one of the most beautiful and important plant collections in the world. With 15,000 specimens, and 2,500 species of tree from all over the world, the arboretum plays a vital part in research and conservation, as well as being a stunningly beautiful place to visit and explore rare, interesting and beautiful plants from the furthest corners of the globe.
Just 11 miles away and open 364 days a year, you can enjoy a great day out for all the family. There is plenty to discover all year round. Enjoy amazing wildlife up-close. With experiences to suit all ages offering access to a huge variety of wildlife.
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Wild Fowl Trust
Just 11 miles away and open 364 days a year, you can enjoy a great day out for all the family. There is plenty to discover all year round. Enjoy amazing wildlife up-close. With experiences to suit all ages offering access to a huge variety of wildlife.
6.5 miles away is Cattle Country where you will find a whole range of activities to keep you and the whole family happy.
There are both indoor and outdoor attractions to cope with the unpredictable British weather…
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Cattle Country Farm Park
6.5 miles away is Cattle Country where you will find a whole range of activities to keep you and the whole family happy.
There are both indoor and outdoor attractions to cope with the unpredictable British weather…
Food scene
21 Market Street, tel 01453 844651.
Just a short walk away, located at the Chippings Car Park end of Market Street, the Star is a friendly pub with good ales and a great place for a drink and snack or some hearty home cooked pub grub. It’s also a great place to watch football and rugby. Interestingly it has historic connections to the Titanic White Star Shipping Line.
Star Inn
21 Market St21 Market Street, tel 01453 844651.
Just a short walk away, located at the Chippings Car Park end of Market Street, the Star is a friendly pub with good ales and a great place for a drink and snack or some hearty home cooked pub grub. It’s also a great place to watch football and rugby. Interestingly it has historic connections to the Titanic White Star Shipping Line.
The Swan Hotel
Tel 01453 843004
Located opposite the cottage, the Swan has a good, well priced, pub/restaurant menu and serves breakfast until 11am every day which is available to non-residents. They also have a vegetarian and Vegan menu.
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The Swan Hotel
16 Market StThe Swan Hotel
Tel 01453 843004
Located opposite the cottage, the Swan has a good, well priced, pub/restaurant menu and serves breakfast until 11am every day which is available to non-residents. They also have a vegetarian and Vegan menu.
20 Church Street, Tel 01453 521894. Has a traditional and relaxed atmosphere with delicious food cooked to a high standard. The menu is extensive with ingredients sourced from local family farms within a 10-mile radius. They’re usually pretty well booked up so it’s best to call in advance to reserve a table.
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The Falcon Steakhouse
20 Church St20 Church Street, Tel 01453 521894. Has a traditional and relaxed atmosphere with delicious food cooked to a high standard. The menu is extensive with ingredients sourced from local family farms within a 10-mile radius. They’re usually pretty well booked up so it’s best to call in advance to reserve a table.
The Royal Oak – Wotton-Under-Edge
A short walk away on Haw Street, Tel 01453 5217AG. A traditional country pub offering a host of real ales, Ciders and lagers. There is a good menu with vegetarian and gluten free options. There is also a large garden to the rear.
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The Royal Oak Inn
3-5 Haw StThe Royal Oak – Wotton-Under-Edge
A short walk away on Haw Street, Tel 01453 5217AG. A traditional country pub offering a host of real ales, Ciders and lagers. There is a good menu with vegetarian and gluten free options. There is also a large garden to the rear.
This quaint coffee shop provides an exciting coffee experience for the residents of Wotton and those visiting the town. They specialise in fresh, good quality home cooked food for breakfast and lunches. And, of course, great cakes. Take-away or eat in.
Tables can be booked for business meetings or lunch with friends.
Great outdoor seating for when the sun is shining!
The Edge Coffee Shop
44 Long StThis quaint coffee shop provides an exciting coffee experience for the residents of Wotton and those visiting the town. They specialise in fresh, good quality home cooked food for breakfast and lunches. And, of course, great cakes. Take-away or eat in.
Tables can be booked for business meetings or lunch with friends.
Great outdoor seating for when the sun is shining!