Wotton-under-Edge: Restaurants, Pubs, Things To Do and Walks
The town of Wotton-under-Edge is towards the south of the county and is a nice place to visit. It is on the Cotswold way walking route with some great local walks. A highlight of my visit was ghost hunting at the 13th-century Ancient Ram Inn.
Wotton-under-Edge also has many other interesting sights, including the parish church, Wotton Auction rooms and a heritage centre. The town centre has a good selection of independent shops, pubs and restaurants. For foodies the Falcon is a good place for steaks and The Star a vibrant local pub.
Things To Do In Wotton-under-Edge
The Ancient Ram Inn
The Ancient Ram Inn is the oldest house in the town and reputed to be one of the most haunted places in the UK. The building dates back to roughly 1145; however, the current building was remodelled in the 16th century. It is also on the site of a pagan burial ground and on a ley line which connects with Stonehenge. To visit inside, you can book a ghost hunt via their website.
Countryside Walks
Wotton-under-Edge is a strong base for walking, with the Cotswold Way National Trail passing through the town. This long-distance route runs for 102 miles between Chipping Campden and Bath, and the stretch around Wotton combines wooded paths, open hillsides and far-reaching views. Wotton Hill is one of the best local spots for a shorter walk, with panoramic views across the Severn Vale and towards Wales on a clear day.
Independent Shops
The town centre has the kind of independent character that suits a Cotswold market town, with a mix of local shops, cafés, bakeries and everyday businesses along the main streets. It is easy to explore on foot, so browsing the centre is as much a part of a visit as ticking off the historic sights.
Almshouses
Tucked away near the church, the Perry and Dawes Almshouses are one of Wotton-under-Edge’s most interesting historic corners. The almshouses developed through charitable benefactions in the 17th and 18th centuries and are arranged around an attractive courtyard with a chapel, giving this part of town a quiet, hidden-away feel.
St Mary the Virgin Church
St Mary the Virgin is the parish church of Wotton-under-Edge and one of the town’s standout historic buildings. Much of the church seen today was completed by 1325, and it is especially well known for its large, 1727 organ. The churchyard and surrounding lanes also make this a pleasant part of town to pause and look around.
Visitors can usually step inside during the day to admire the interior and its historic features. Even from the outside, the church adds a strong sense of age and character to the centre of Wotton-under-Edge.
Wotton Under Edge Heritage Centre
The Wotton Under Edge Heritage Centre is a worthwhile stop for anyone who wants more background on the town. Based in a converted fire station in The Chipping, it draws on a collection of more than 12,000 artefacts and explores subjects including local industry, wartime life, agriculture, brewing and family history. Admission is generally free, although donations are welcome.
Wotton Auction Rooms
Wotton Auction Rooms is another distinctive feature of the town centre. The business operates from the former Rowland Hill Tabernacle and its Sunday school, adding a historic setting to its regular sales of art, antiques, jewellery, ceramics, furniture and collectables.
Old Town Meeting House
The Old Town Meeting House is one of Wotton-under-Edge’s long-established nonconformist buildings, with origins in the early 1700s. Its simple frontage and historic presence make it another interesting stop on a walk around the older part of town.
War Memorial
Wotton-under-Edge’s war memorial stands in a prominent position in the town and dates from 1920. Built in Portland stone, it commemorates local people lost in the First World War, with later additions for the Second World War, and remains an important civic landmark.
Wotton Baptist Church
Wotton Baptist Church has a history going back to 1717. The present chapel in Rope Walk has been in use since 1818, adding another layer to the town’s long religious and community history.
Tolsey House and Clock
One of the most recognisable features in the centre of Wotton-under-Edge is the Tolsey Clock. The current clock was installed in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, and it remains a popular local landmark at the junction of Market Street and the High Street.
Electric Picture House
The Electric Picture House adds another historic layer to the town centre. Opened in 1913, it is recognised as one of the oldest cinemas in the country and continues to show films in an independent setting that suits the character of Wotton-under-Edge.
Pubs & Restaurants
The Falcon Steakhouse
The Falcon Steak House on Ludgate Hill is an excellent restaurant, especially if you enjoy steaks. This is a popular place that you need to reserve a table for. We enjoyed a few beers and ate their tender ribeye steak and fish and chips. The food at The Falcon Inn Was special and the service was good.
India Palace
One of my favourite places to dine out in Wotton-under-Edge is the India Palace. They are an Indian restaurant which also does takeaway. Indian Palace has a nice dining room and a very big menu with popular Indian dishes and some chef specials.
On our latest visit, we enjoyed quite a few courses, starting with papadums and chutneys. Then their tandoori starter, which was big and flavourful. For the main course we had lamb passanda and their Bombay special, both of which hit the spot. This was complemented well with some Kingfisher beers.
The Star
The Star Inn on Market Street is a handy option if you want a relaxed pub in the middle of town. Close to both the cinema and the Heritage Centre, it serves drinks and pub food and is also known for regular events, including live music, quizzes and Sunday roast service.
Where To Stay?
The Swan Hotel
The Swan Hotel is a convenient place to stay in the heart of Wotton-under-Edge. This converted 17th-century coaching inn offers en-suite rooms, an on-site bar and restaurant, and easy access to the town’s main sights as well as nearby walking routes.
Its central location makes it a practical base for a short break, whether the plan is to explore the high street, visit local attractions or head out onto the Cotswold Way. Breakfast is also available at the hotel each morning.