Tewkesbury Summer 2026
Discover the picturesque charm of Tewkesbury in the summer of 2026 through my lens. Join me as I explore its historic streets, stunning abbey, and vibrant landscapes.
I had always wanted to see Tewkesbury, site of a very decisive battle from the Wars of the Roses in 1471, and of course, my beloved Richard 3rd had fought here, so off I set during one of the summer heat waves.
My route from home took me adjacent to the Ridgeway, a route possibly taken by Edward the Fourth from Windsor , trying to cut off Margaurite from joing with her Welsh forces.
My route faced me with my first campervan descent of Birdlip Hill , know as simply the Birdlip in my family, a route much traversed in my childhood years when I lived in Hereford-the Birdlip was an important stop for dog to pee and us kids to run around for a bit .
Anyway, its still a bit hairpin downhill but Bluey took good care of me, and only a few pots seem to break loose in the back so on it was to Tewkesbury.
Huey and I stayed on the super Tewkesbury Abbey campsite, walking distance to the Abbey (and definately within earshot of the hourly chimes.. hmmmm) we even manged to bag a bit of shade on our pitch.
I waited for it to cool down a bit and then after dinner grabbed my camera to head over to see the outside of the Abbey, I just couldnt wait for the morning.
It was so peaceful around the Abbey, but I just couldnt get stop thinking about what had happened there after the battle back in 1471.
After the battle and ensuing rout of the Lancastrian forces , some took sanctury in the Abbey itself, only to be removed and arrested for treason by Edward the fourth himself.
They were executed the following day and their bodies either interred in the Abbey or returned to their families. Burials in the Abbey inclue the Duke of Somerset,John and Edmund Beaufort and Edward of Westminster, Margaurites son and heir.
The common foot soldiers were pardoned and allowed to go home , after swearing alliagance to King Edward.
The Abbey features a huge recessed Norman arch on its west front, the highest in England at 19.8 m. I felt really small standing in it.
It was through this door the Lancastrians claimiNg sanctury were removed.
The Abbey bears the scars of a past monastry and areas destroyed in the reformation. Here the remains of the Lady chapel are seen as 2 arches.
The next morning at Tewkesbury Abbey
I woke up early to the chime of the Abbey bells and the already hot morning air over the campsite. With my camera in hand and Bluey parked safely under the trees, I headed straight across the meadow to see the Abbey in the soft morning light. Those who know me will appreciate that I was, of course, there well before the doors opened!
But it was worth it, stepping inside before the crowds arrived was truly breathtaking. You enter the Abbey and then turn into the nave and I was stunned. The soaring Norman stone columns and intricate 14th-century vaulting carry centuries of quiet history. It was remarkably moving to stand by the grave of Edward of Westminster and reflect on the turbulent aftermath of that fateful May day in 1471.
Edwards tomb reads "here lies Edward, Prince of Wales,cruelly slain whilst but a youth. AD1471.Alas the savergy of men. Thou art the sole light of thy mother,and the last hope of thy race."
Even as a staunch Yorkist I found myself feeling for all who were lost and still are in battles for power .
As you look around keep an eye out for the Kneeling Knight, Lord Edward Despenser. I certainly felt he was keeping an eye on me!
Inside the ancient abbey walls
A closer look at the soaring Norman columns, intricate vaulted ceilings, and solemn medieval chantries that make this magnificent sanctuary so unforgettable.
Detail of the Yorkist emblem The Sunne in Splendour. Found on the cieling direstly above Edward Prince of Wales, a Lancastrians resting place. Hmmm. Nice one York.
Detail of roof at the Abbey.
Abbey highlights and architectural details
A curated gallery of my favourite moments around Tewkesbury Abbey, from medieval stone carvings to soaring vaulted ceilings and historic tombs.
Midday respite at the abbey coffee shop
Stepping out from the cool, calm sanctuary of the abbey straight into the blazing midday heat was quite a shock. Fortunately, the on-site abbey coffee shop offered a welcome retreat. Sitting down with a flat white and a slice of cake gave me the perfect chance to escape the sun in a shady corner and soak in the peaceful grounds before heading back to Bluey.
I needed to hide away from the heat of the day now and venture out later on this evening.
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