5 Best Sights in Tetbury, Bath and the Cotswolds

At the much-loved country home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the King has been making the 37-acre estate his personal showcase for traditional and organic growing methods and conservation of native plants and animals since 1980. Joining a tour of 26 people, you can appreciate the amazing industry of the royal gardeners who have created the orchards, kitchen garden, and woodland garden. Look for the stumpery, the immaculate and quirky topiaries, and the national collection of hostas. You can sample estate produce in the restaurant and shop or from its retail outlet in Tetbury. Book tours well ahead, and bring a photo ID as well as your prebooked ticket. Allow three to four hours for a visit to the garden, which is 1½ miles southwest of Tetbury.

In the center of Tetbury, look for the eye-catching Market House, dating from 1655. Constructed of white-painted stone, it's built up on rows of Tuscan pillars. Various markets, with traders selling everything from vegetables to jewelry, are held here during the week.

One of the last country houses constructed (1909–29) using traditional methods and materials is furnished with specially commissioned pieces in the Arts and Crafts style. Ernest Barnsley, a follower of William Morris, worked on the house and grounds, which are 5 miles northeast of Tetbury. Eight acres of gardens—wild, winter, sunken, and white—are divided into "rooms" bounded by hedges of holly, beech, and yew. Hours are limited spring through fall; the gardens are also open on certain dates in February, when people come to see the snowdrops.

 A fine example of neo-Gothic style, this 1781 church has a galleried interior with pews and fine slender pillars. The entrance porch features a striking contemporary mural of the Annunciation, and the churchyard has around 300 species of native wildflowers including snowdrops, cyclamen, and bluebells.

Spread over 600 acres and with 17 miles of paths, this arboretum is known for its extensive collection of trees and shrubs. A lovely place to spend an hour or two, it's 3 miles southwest of Tetbury and 10 miles north of Bath. The best times to come for color are in late spring, when the rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias are blooming, and in fall, when the maples come into their own. Open-air concerts take place in summer, and there are exhibitions and activities for kids year-round. A gift shop, café, and restaurant are on-site.