Visit Tetbury: Pubs, Things to do & The Woolsack Races
Tetbury is a small town in the Cotswold district of Gloucestershire, England. It is a lovely place to visit, with plenty to see, and makes a great stop on a tour of the Cotswolds. The town lies on the site of an ancient hill fort, where an Anglo-Saxon monastery was later built. King Ine of Wessex founded the monastery in 681. Tetbury is best known for hosting the annual Tetbury Woolsack Races.
Pubs & Restaurants in Tetbury
There are plenty of places to eat and drink in the town, ranging from traditional pubs to welcoming restaurants.
The Royal Oak
This restored Cotswold stone inn features exposed timber beams, a selection of real ales, and organic food. It has built a strong reputation for its food, including plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
The Priory Inn
The Priory Inn is an attractive hotel, pub, and restaurant in the town, making it a good choice whether you want a meal, a drink, or an overnight stay. The historic building has stone walls and exposed beams that add to its character.
The restaurant serves home-cooked local produce, gourmet pizzas, and an à la carte menu. For lunch, The Priory Inn offers a range of light bites, including ham, cheese, and rare beef sandwiches.
Things to do in Tetbury
This attractive rural town offers plenty to do, along with excellent opportunities for local walks and hikes.
Visit Brownrigg Antiques Shop
Brownrigg offers antiques, furnishings, art, paintings, lighting, upholstery, and many other decorative pieces. Its range includes French and Spanish antiques, bookcases, and lifestyle items.
For home interiors, the shop also offers a strong selection of decorative pieces, from upholstered antique sofas and armchairs to Swedish clocks and painted furniture. Find out more at Brownrigg Interiors.
Attend the Tetbury Woolsack Races
The Tetbury Woolsack Races are a 17th-century tradition in which competitors race up the town’s steep Gumstool Hill carrying woolsacks. The traditional course runs between The Royal Oak and The Crown pubs and has become one of the town’s best-known annual events.
The course is 240 yards long with a punishing 1 in 4 incline. The event features Guinness World Records-recognised men’s and women’s elite races, team events, and a mini version for children from the local primary school. Race Day also includes a street fair with stalls and entertainment, along with a fun fair in the town. Full details are available at www.tetburywoolsack.co.uk.
The original course measured 280 yards, but since 1999 the race has used a shorter 240-yard route, which is still extremely demanding. The British Wool Federation makes the woolsacks used in the event, weighing 60lb for the men’s races and 35lb for the women’s races. The event combines competition, tradition, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a favourite with both residents and visitors.
Visit the Police Museum & Courtroom
The Tetbury Police Museum & Courtroom explores the history of the Gloucestershire Constabulary through a range of exhibits and memorabilia. It is one of the town’s main attractions and well worth a visit for anyone interested in local history.
The museum is on Long Street and also includes the Alex Nichols Collection of Handcuffs and Restraints, featuring examples used by police forces from around the world.
Visit Westonbirt Arboretum
Managed by the Forestry Commission, Westonbirt Arboretum is a historic Victorian landscape with an internationally important collection of trees and shrubs. Located near Tetbury, it is a beautiful place to visit in any season, though it is especially impressive in autumn.