Heritage Open Days across Tewkesbury Borough

Whether you are stepping behind the scenes of our 900-year-old Norman abbey, exploring 17th-century timber-framed alleys, or discovering the lives of ordinary craftspeople, merchants, and school pupils who built our community, here is your essential guide to Heritage Open Days across the borough.

Tewkesbury Abbey

Tewkesbury’s iconic Norman abbey is throwing open its grounds and archives with a series of exclusive guided tours:

Historic Abbey Precincts Tours: Explore the remnants of the Benedictine monastery lost during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, led by medieval specialist Dr Ellie March.

Apotropaic Marks Tour: Discover the mysterious ‘witch marks’ and ritual carvings etched into ancient timbers and stone to ward off evil spirits.

Tombs, Trees & Tributes: A picturesque outdoor walk charting the centuries of monuments, historic flora, and notable figures buried within the Abbey grounds.

Tours are free, but require advance booking via the Abbey website due to popular demand.

Elizabeth Wyatt Hall

Learn about the history of education at Elizabeth Wyatt Hall at the very first school for working class children with tours around Tewkesbury of the education institutions. 

Royal Hop Pole 

Take an architectural tour throughout the rooms of the Royal Hop Pole famous for its association with Charles Dickins and the Pickwick Papers and its beautiful medieval hall. 

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