The Gatehouse guidebook
Sightseeing
This is a historic country estate converted to a large wildlife park and zoo - about 5 miles from The Gatehouse. It has lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos and hundreds of other animals and birds, all set in stunning landscapes and tropical gardens. Well worth a visit, at any age.
442 locals recommend
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
This is a historic country estate converted to a large wildlife park and zoo - about 5 miles from The Gatehouse. It has lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos and hundreds of other animals and birds, all set in stunning landscapes and tropical gardens. Well worth a visit, at any age.
Beautifully restored, during lockdown, this house was Arts and Crafts designer William Morris's country home - just 4 miles from The Gatehouse. Well worth a visit, set in peaceful gardens on the banks of the Thames. Check website for opening times.
45 locals recommend
Kelmscott Manor
Beautifully restored, during lockdown, this house was Arts and Crafts designer William Morris's country home - just 4 miles from The Gatehouse. Well worth a visit, set in peaceful gardens on the banks of the Thames. Check website for opening times.
A large National Trust estate - great for walking and seeing the countryside. Good cafe too. About 4 miles from The Gatehouse
The Buscot and Coleshill Estates
A large National Trust estate - great for walking and seeing the countryside. Good cafe too. About 4 miles from The Gatehouse
Much more than a garden centre - this well known Cotswold favourite (9 miles away) offers everything from designer clothes to jewellery, from fine art to furniture, from books to children's toys, as well as a magnificent selection of the finest food and wine - and great coffee and lunches!
108 locals recommend
Burford Garden Center
Shilton RoadMuch more than a garden centre - this well known Cotswold favourite (9 miles away) offers everything from designer clothes to jewellery, from fine art to furniture, from books to children's toys, as well as a magnificent selection of the finest food and wine - and great coffee and lunches!
A very popular and pretty Cotswold town just up the road. Lovely medieval, tudor and other period buildings set on the River Windrush . Well worth a wander and a browse.
256 locals recommend
Burford
A very popular and pretty Cotswold town just up the road. Lovely medieval, tudor and other period buildings set on the River Windrush . Well worth a wander and a browse.
The quintessential Cotswold village, with Arlington Row which is often called the most photographed street in the UK. Worth a look, but can be very busy with tourists . About 6 miles away.
198 locals recommend
Bibury
The quintessential Cotswold village, with Arlington Row which is often called the most photographed street in the UK. Worth a look, but can be very busy with tourists . About 6 miles away.
The Gatehouse is located in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and all the countryside and villages which surround it are lovely. Local pretty villages include Eastleach, Southrop, Hatherop, Coln St Alywns and Quennington. Further afield, check out Lower Slaughter, Swinbrook, and teh Rissingtons.
Local towns like Burford, Fairford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-the-Marsh, and Cirencester are all well worth visiting.
181 locals recommend
Cotswolds
The Gatehouse is located in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and all the countryside and villages which surround it are lovely. Local pretty villages include Eastleach, Southrop, Hatherop, Coln St Alywns and Quennington. Further afield, check out Lower Slaughter, Swinbrook, and teh Rissingtons.
Local towns like Burford, Fairford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-the-Marsh, and Cirencester are all well worth visiting.
Unexpected in this part of the world - but a fun place especially at Christmas. Beautiful reindeer. 9 miles from The Gatehouse.
THE COTSWOLD REINDEER HERD
Unexpected in this part of the world - but a fun place especially at Christmas. Beautiful reindeer. 9 miles from The Gatehouse.
Why not rent a boat for by the hour and cruise the Thames? This hire company is 2 miles from The Gatehouse.
9 locals recommend
Cotswold Boat Hire
Why not rent a boat for by the hour and cruise the Thames? This hire company is 2 miles from The Gatehouse.
A truly impressive medieval tithe barn now maintained by the National Trust. Less than 5 miles from The Gatehouse. Good for picnics, views and a walk up the hill to the iron age fort at Badbury Woods (also National Trust).
National Trust - Great Coxwell Barn
The Hollow RoadA truly impressive medieval tithe barn now maintained by the National Trust. Less than 5 miles from The Gatehouse. Good for picnics, views and a walk up the hill to the iron age fort at Badbury Woods (also National Trust).
A series of barns dedicated to the traditional wool industry of the Cotswolds. Beautiful cloths and garments for sale. Also has a coffee shop. Less than 4 miles form The Gatehouse.
22 locals recommend
Cotswold Woollen Weavers
A series of barns dedicated to the traditional wool industry of the Cotswolds. Beautiful cloths and garments for sale. Also has a coffee shop. Less than 4 miles form The Gatehouse.
The Gatehouse is sited within the Cotswold Waterpark - which has over 100 lakes for nature conservation, walking, fishing waterskiing, sailing and swimming. Plus archery, bike hire, paint balling and other outdoor activities.
Coln Country park, 2 miles away from The Gatehouse, has a well laid-out public path for walking or running, around Bowmoor Lake (its about a 2 mile circuit).
The biggest public 'beach' is 12 miles away.
88 locals recommend
Cotswold Country Park & Beach
Spratsgate LaneThe Gatehouse is sited within the Cotswold Waterpark - which has over 100 lakes for nature conservation, walking, fishing waterskiing, sailing and swimming. Plus archery, bike hire, paint balling and other outdoor activities.
Coln Country park, 2 miles away from The Gatehouse, has a well laid-out public path for walking or running, around Bowmoor Lake (its about a 2 mile circuit).
The biggest public 'beach' is 12 miles away.
The Thames river and Thames path are a 10 minute walk from The Gatehouse. You can walk the Thames path for miles in either direction - one of our favourite walks from The Gatehouse is about 2 miles east along the Thames to St Johns Lock (where you can see the statue of Old Father Thames).
St. John's Lock & Weir
The Thames river and Thames path are a 10 minute walk from The Gatehouse. You can walk the Thames path for miles in either direction - one of our favourite walks from The Gatehouse is about 2 miles east along the Thames to St Johns Lock (where you can see the statue of Old Father Thames).
Not very far away (13 miles) and open to visitors on match days!
23 locals recommend
Cirencester Park Polo Club
Not very far away (13 miles) and open to visitors on match days!
Every year in July, the Fairford airbase (less than 4 miles from the Gatehouse) becomes the centre of world aviation - with the world's best air display teams (normally including the Red Arrows) showing their skills in front of crowds of 100,000 - 150,000 people.
16 locals recommend
The Royal International Air Tattoo
Horcott HillEvery year in July, the Fairford airbase (less than 4 miles from the Gatehouse) becomes the centre of world aviation - with the world's best air display teams (normally including the Red Arrows) showing their skills in front of crowds of 100,000 - 150,000 people.
Every year, normally in May, the Badminton Horse trials are held at the Badminton Estate, 27 miles from The Gatehouse.
51 locals recommend
Badminton Horse Trials
High StreetEvery year, normally in May, the Badminton Horse trials are held at the Badminton Estate, 27 miles from The Gatehouse.
18 miles from The Gatehouse, this is the largest palace in England not owned by the Royal family. This historic house and its massive grounds are open to the public.
The Blenheim Horse trials are held every year in September, as well as numerous car shows and events.
657 locals recommend
Blenheim Palace
18 miles from The Gatehouse, this is the largest palace in England not owned by the Royal family. This historic house and its massive grounds are open to the public.
The Blenheim Horse trials are held every year in September, as well as numerous car shows and events.
Hosting the world famous Cheltenham Gold Cup and other classic races and events, Cheltenham Racecourse is 22 miles from The Gatehouse.
284 locals recommend
Cheltenham Racecourse
Evesham RoadHosting the world famous Cheltenham Gold Cup and other classic races and events, Cheltenham Racecourse is 22 miles from The Gatehouse.
It's just 20 miles (about a 45 minute drive) to this medieval city of architectural treasures, with its famous colleges, museums, and libraries (and markets, shops and restaurants!). We recommend the park and ride system as there were not many medieval multistorey car parks! But if you do drive into the city, head to the Westgate Shopping Centre car park.
556 locals recommend
Oxford
It's just 20 miles (about a 45 minute drive) to this medieval city of architectural treasures, with its famous colleges, museums, and libraries (and markets, shops and restaurants!). We recommend the park and ride system as there were not many medieval multistorey car parks! But if you do drive into the city, head to the Westgate Shopping Centre car park.
A cross between the cirque du soleil, a spiegle-tent and a circus, this legendary Cotswold institution tours the Cotswolds every summer, staying frequently near to 'The Gatehouse'. Don't think conventional circus, think vintage fun - and don't miss out on the Circus Sauce dining after the show!
39 locals recommend
Giffords Circus
A cross between the cirque du soleil, a spiegle-tent and a circus, this legendary Cotswold institution tours the Cotswolds every summer, staying frequently near to 'The Gatehouse'. Don't think conventional circus, think vintage fun - and don't miss out on the Circus Sauce dining after the show!
Known as 'The Gateway to the Cotswolds', the town was first built by the Romans. Its centre is beautiful and well worth a wander - stunning architecture, a great market, and tucked away shops and boutiques down the lanes and back streets. Also worth visiting for the walks in the great Bathhurst estate, the Barn Theatre, and a Waitrose! 13 miles from The Gatehouse.
373 locals recommend
Cirencester
Known as 'The Gateway to the Cotswolds', the town was first built by the Romans. Its centre is beautiful and well worth a wander - stunning architecture, a great market, and tucked away shops and boutiques down the lanes and back streets. Also worth visiting for the walks in the great Bathhurst estate, the Barn Theatre, and a Waitrose! 13 miles from The Gatehouse.
Broadway Tower is a magnificent folly with breathtaking views of 7 counties. It's 23 miles from The Gatehouse, but serves good refreshments in the on-site restaurant - and the town of Broadway is a Cotswold gem.
220 locals recommend
Walk to Broadway Tower
Middle HillBroadway Tower is a magnificent folly with breathtaking views of 7 counties. It's 23 miles from The Gatehouse, but serves good refreshments in the on-site restaurant - and the town of Broadway is a Cotswold gem.
The elegant Regency town of Cheltenham is 21 miles (a 45 minute drive) from The Gatehouse. It uses its parks and gardens to host the internationally acclaimed Cheltenham Festivals of Jazz, Science, Literature and Food in the spring, summer and autumn of each year. Also, of course, the town is famous for its racecourse and the Cheltenham Gold Cup..
384 locals recommend
Cheltenham
The elegant Regency town of Cheltenham is 21 miles (a 45 minute drive) from The Gatehouse. It uses its parks and gardens to host the internationally acclaimed Cheltenham Festivals of Jazz, Science, Literature and Food in the spring, summer and autumn of each year. Also, of course, the town is famous for its racecourse and the Cheltenham Gold Cup..
Described on its website as 'one of the world's leading shopping destinations', Bicester Village is a massive designer outlet retail park 27 miles from The Gatehouse. Not for the faint-heated....
413 locals recommend
Bicester Village
Described on its website as 'one of the world's leading shopping destinations', Bicester Village is a massive designer outlet retail park 27 miles from The Gatehouse. Not for the faint-heated....
It's a beautiful 30 mile drive across the heart of the Cotswolds - but the tour and the gin and whisky tasting makes it a great trip out! Lovely afternoon tea and cakes as well in beautiful surroundings.
81 locals recommend
Cotswolds Distillery Visitor Centre, Shop and Café
Whichford RoadIt's a beautiful 30 mile drive across the heart of the Cotswolds - but the tour and the gin and whisky tasting makes it a great trip out! Lovely afternoon tea and cakes as well in beautiful surroundings.
Cotswold Water Park
Rigsby's LaneGreat for swimming in the summer, and walking in the winter!
Gorgeous little town just 4 miles away from The Gatehouse. Try The Bull Inn, or Lynwoods & Co cafe - and walk along the beautiful Colne River. Also has the best fish and chip shop in the area! The outdoor market is every Wednesday morning.
25 locals recommend
Fairford
Gorgeous little town just 4 miles away from The Gatehouse. Try The Bull Inn, or Lynwoods & Co cafe - and walk along the beautiful Colne River. Also has the best fish and chip shop in the area! The outdoor market is every Wednesday morning.
Great for walks. Park at Cecily Hill in Cirencester and enjoy the impressive chestnut avenue.
Bathurst Estate
Bathurst EstateGreat for walks. Park at Cecily Hill in Cirencester and enjoy the impressive chestnut avenue.
The country home of Prince Charles - as seen in Netflix's 'The Crown'. Open to book tours in the summer. 25 miles from The Gatehouse.
28 locals recommend
Highgrove House
The country home of Prince Charles - as seen in Netflix's 'The Crown'. Open to book tours in the summer. 25 miles from The Gatehouse.
6 miles fromThe Gatehouse - listed in 'Country Life' magazine's Top 50 places to visit in 'Secret Treasures of Britain' (January 2021). Good walks and views.
19 locals recommend
Faringdon Folly Tower
Stanford Road6 miles fromThe Gatehouse - listed in 'Country Life' magazine's Top 50 places to visit in 'Secret Treasures of Britain' (January 2021). Good walks and views.
Surprisingly enjoyable - 10 acres of beautiful sculptures to view and admire in landscaped forest. Lovely grounds. Great teas. 15 miles.
18 locals recommend
Cotswold Sculpture Park
Summerford KeymsSurprisingly enjoyable - 10 acres of beautiful sculptures to view and admire in landscaped forest. Lovely grounds. Great teas. 15 miles.
A National Trust treasure with wonderful grounds and gardens. 2 miles from The Gate house. Our favourite National Trust site in the UK - lots to see in both the house and the huge gardens/grounds. Don't miss the house but check website for opening times.
19 locals recommend
Buscot Park
A National Trust treasure with wonderful grounds and gardens. 2 miles from The Gate house. Our favourite National Trust site in the UK - lots to see in both the house and the huge gardens/grounds. Don't miss the house but check website for opening times.
A lovely walk along the Thames, just 2 miles away. Parklng, tea shop and ice-creams. Swimming in the weir in the summer is very popular!
Buscot Lock & Weir
A lovely walk along the Thames, just 2 miles away. Parklng, tea shop and ice-creams. Swimming in the weir in the summer is very popular!
One of most gorgeous Cotswold villages (10 miles away)- and scenic ruins of a medieval manor house to walk through along the river Windrush. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/oxfordshire/minster-lovell-and-crawley-circular
16 locals recommend
Minster Lovell
One of most gorgeous Cotswold villages (10 miles away)- and scenic ruins of a medieval manor house to walk through along the river Windrush. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/oxfordshire/minster-lovell-and-crawley-circular
Explore your ancient past for free - Silbury Hill (the highest Neolithic mound in Europe), the West Kennet Long Barrow (built in 3650BC), and Avebury Stone Circle (bigger and older than Stonehenge) are clustered together just 20 miles from The Gatehouse
46 locals recommend
Silbury Hill
Explore your ancient past for free - Silbury Hill (the highest Neolithic mound in Europe), the West Kennet Long Barrow (built in 3650BC), and Avebury Stone Circle (bigger and older than Stonehenge) are clustered together just 20 miles from The Gatehouse
The Christmas Shop
High StreetThe famous all -year-round Christmas shop in Lechlade!
4 miles away - a lovely village to walk around - with a great pub (The Victoria)! Don't miss the Clapper Bridge.
Eastleach
4 miles away - a lovely village to walk around - with a great pub (The Victoria)! Don't miss the Clapper Bridge.
Food scene
Great pub and restaurant with superb garden and views in teh The Windrush Valley. Owned by the Daylesford Group who are top quality in everything they do.
12 locals recommend
The Maytime Inn
Great pub and restaurant with superb garden and views in teh The Windrush Valley. Owned by the Daylesford Group who are top quality in everything they do.
About a 15 minute drive towards Burford. Happy hour cocktails every day from 4.00pm to 7.00pm
The Prince of Burford
About a 15 minute drive towards Burford. Happy hour cocktails every day from 4.00pm to 7.00pm
Now a big venue owned by Daylesford - lots of lovely food stalls, cider, events and shows. Great on Sundays.
27 locals recommend
Dunkertons Organic Cider
London RoadNow a big venue owned by Daylesford - lots of lovely food stalls, cider, events and shows. Great on Sundays.