Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Once home to Queen Katherine Parr (Henry VIII’s last and surviving wife), Sudeley Castle has a fascinating royal history awaiting your discovery. Situated amongst the rolling hills of the Cotswolds AONB, the castle has plenty explore as you peruse the Tudor Document Room, Sewing Room, Library, Morning Room, and more. The ‘20 Treasures of Sudeley’ exhibition also displays a collection of historically important artefacts and works of art. For the castle’s Tudor history, the ‘Six Wives Exhibition’ can be found in the 15th century West Wing, and includes replica Tudor costumes from the TV series ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’.
There are multiple gardens to explore, including ‘The Secret Garden’ as well as the beautifully draped castle ruins (part of the original unrestored structure). You can also visit St. Mary’s Church, where Queen Katherine Parr is buried. The estate also offers a visitor centre and shop, café, and adventure playground.
Admission costs £14.50 for adults and £5.50 for children (5-15years), and is open daily 10am to 5pm. Sudeley Castle is a short twenty-three minute drive from our Cheltenham hotel.
Snowshill Manor and Garden
Once the home of English architect, artist/craftsman, and poet, Charles Paget Wade, Snowshill Manor offers visitors a treasure trove of collected objects. Learn about the man behind the collection and with a motto of ‘let nothing perish’, the house is bursting with over 22,000 collector items from samurai armour and model ships to pennyfarthings, toys, and musical instruments. Explore the quaint country garden and Wolf’s Cove model village to complete a truly extraordinary day out.
Ticket prices cost £10.20 for adults and £5.10 for children, and the manor house is a thirty-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham.
Eastnor CastleEastnor Castle is nestled in the heart of the countryside surrounded by lush woodlands and its very own lake. The majestic estate is home to medieval armour, tapestries, and fine art, as well as a myriad of state rooms, from the Great Hall and State Dining Room to the Gothic Drawing Room and Octagon Saloon. After learning about the history of the castle and exploring the interior, visitors can embark on an array of fun-filled activities. Stroll the extensive and tranquil grounds, get lost in the Knight’s Maze, kids can tackle the Junior Assault Course or Adventure Playground, and everyone enjoy a tasty treat at the Ice Cream Parlour or Castle Tea Room.
Admission costs £10 for adults and £6.50 for children, and the castle is situated a thirty-minute drive from our hotel in Cheltenham.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway offers an exciting day out for the whole family. Embark on a 25-mile round trip through the breath-taking scenery of the Cotswolds in a traditional steam train. There are plenty activities in addition to the train ride, from the railway memorabilia museum, vehicle exhibits, and ‘have-a-go’ signal box to quiz sheets and a play area.
An ‘All day rover’ ticket costs £16 for adults and £7 for children and can be used throughout the day on any of their services, across the entire line. The headquarters is situated at Toddington, however, you can embark at the Cheltenham Race Course station, which is a ten-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel.
Berkeley Castle
The home of the Berkeley family for 850 years and originally built for war, Berkeley Castle has a truly unique story to tell. There are many treasures to discover as you explore The Keep, King’s Gallery, Great Hall and Amoury, the Grand Staircase, and The Mediaeval Larders, Buttery and Kitchen. The estate also has 6,000 acres of grounds and is home to beautiful gardens, including a walled garden, a Lily Pond, and a Butterfly House. The castle also runs a range of events for those of all ages to get stuck in with – peruse the calendar to plan a visit.
Admission costs £10 for adults and £5.50 for children. Berkeley Castle is a twenty-five minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham.
