Here are a few of the great places to visit whilst staying in and around Lechlade.
Thames Path
The Thames Path is a long distance walking trail, following England’s best known river for 185.2miles (298 km) as it meanders from its source in the Cotswolds through several rural counties and on into the heart of London. On its way the Trail passes peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife, historic towns and cities and many lovely villages, finishing in Woolwich just a few miles from the sea.
Easy to reach by public transport, the Thames Path is a gentle Trail, mostly flat and one of the easier trails to navigate. This National Trail can be enjoyed in many ways, whether for an afternoon’s stroll, a weekend’s break or a full scale, but relatively gentle, trek of its whole length.
The source of the River Thames lies in a Cotswold meadow near Cricklade. For much of the year this spring is dry and the bed of the Thames may remain without water for some distance, especially during the summer. The route from Cricklade to Lechlade is 11 miles (18.5km) via Inglesham, where the River Coln joins the Thames, and the Thames and Severn Canal leaves it. The small town of Lechlade on Thames is reached by leaving the Thames Path at Ha’penny Bridge, a lovely old stone toll bridge still with its small toll house.
The best months to visit are spring through to the end of autumn. If you’re interested in wildlife there are always a range of birds present on and around the river but they’re at their most active and visible during April and May whilst establishing territories and finding mates. If you’re keen on wildflowers, then April to September is the time to visit, and if insects such as butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies are the things you’d most like to see choose June to September.
Please check the website for more information:-
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Buscot Park & Gardens (National Trust)
Late 18th-century house, set in enchanting landscaped grounds. Family home of Lord Faringdon, who continues to care for the property as well as the family art collection, the Faringdon Collection, which is displayed in the house.
Extensive pleasure gardens, including the Four Seasons garden, the Peto Water garden and woodland avenues.
The tea-room offers a range of cakes and drinks.
Grounds are open 2pm to 6pm, May until end September. House is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check website for the occasional weekend closures.
Lechlade Rd, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 8BU
Please check the website for more information
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/buscot-park
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Kelmscott Manor & Gardens
Described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by William Morris
Visit the Manor house and adjoining farm buildings loved by Morris as a work of true craftsmanship, totally unspoilt and unaltered, and in harmony with the surrounding countryside.
View the iconic collection of artwork and objects owned and designed by the Father of the Arts & Crafts Movement and discover why the Cotswold home became an inspiration for him and his family. Take a stroll around the enchanting gardens and enjoy homemade food from our licensed tearoom.
The Manors open season runs from April to the end of October, Thursday to Saturday, with timed entry for the manor house at 15-minute intervals to make sure your experience is enjoyable.
Join us for our new exhibition ‘A literary man’: William Morris and the Book, at Kelmscott Manor
Kelmscott Manor’s 2025 exhibition draws on the extraordinary collections of the Society of Antiquaries of London, following William Morris (1834 – 1896) from boyhood to grave through the books he read, wrote, collected and designed, and concluding with a look at his legacy in the field of book arts.
The exhibition runs from 5th June- 25th October and is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11am-4.30pm.
For more information visit https://kelmscottmanor.org.uk/…/a-literary-man-william…/
Kelmscott Manor, Kelmscott, Lechlade, GL7 3HJ
Please check the website for more information.
https://kelmscottmanor.org.uk/
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Cotswold Woollen Weavers, Filkins
On 25th June 1811, John Coxeter, a proud mill-owner, eager to exhibit the capabilities of his newfangled water-powered mill, sheared the wool from two of Sir John Throckmorton’s Southdown sheep, and in just 13 hours, scoured, carded, spun, twisted, warped, woven, milled, entered, and tailored a coat for Sir John.
Here is a picture of the scene, with crowds gathered to watch Sir John being measured for his coat. In fact, so great were the crowds, that the two sheep were barbecued to feed everyone.
This particular picture is on the wall, and can be freely seen at Cotswold Woollen Weavers from 10am to 6pm every Wednesday to Saturday.
Cotswold Woollen Weavers is not a museum, nor just a shop. But it is somewhere we hope you will find always beautiful, and charm, and unexpected…
Cotswold Woollen Weavers in Filkins GL7 3JJ
Please check the website for more information http://www.cotswoldwoollenweavers.co.uk/
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Cotswold Lakes
Discover the Cotswold Lakes! A stunning wetland landscape in the heart of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, featuring over 180 lakes spread across 42 square miles. Recognised as a haven for wildlife, it offers a unique natural setting for a wide range of visitors to enjoy, from nature lovers and birdwatchers to sports enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
The first stop for many visitors is the Cotswold Lakes Visitor Centre, located next to The Old Boathouse in the grounds of the De Vere Hotel. The Visitor Centre has easy access from the main road and plenty of free parking.
Open from March to November, the Visitor Centre is manned by Cotswold Lakes Trust and Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers between 10am and 3pm during weekends and every day during school holidays. Outside of those times, a mini-information point is also available at the Ashton Keynes Community Shop where you can pick up a free Leisure Map or purchase a Walks, Cycling or Nature Reserves guide.
Location: Spine Road, South Cerney GL7 5FP
Please check the website for more information.
https://cotswoldlakes.com
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Badbury Clump
The remains of an Iron Age hill fort from about 600BC are a short woodland walk away from the car park in Badbury Clump. Legend has it that King Arthur himself led the Celtic British victory here. You will also see an almost forgotten firing range, used to prepare Britain’s secret resistance fighters during the Second World War.
Every spring you can meander the paths through a carpet of bluebells amongst the beech trees. The bluebells are usually at their best in April, depending on the weather.
Coleshill, near Swindon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7NL
Please check the website for more information.
Badbury | Oxfordshire | National Trust
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Great Coxwell Barn
Great Barn in Great Coxwell village is a Medieval Tithe Barn, the sole surviving part of a thriving 13th-century grange that once provided vital income to Beaulieu Abbey. Built from Cotswold rubble-stone walling, the barn is an impressive reminder of the skills of Gothic carpenters and the wealth of great monastic orders.
Great Coxwell, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7LZ
Please check the website for more information.
Great Coxwell Barn | Oxfordshire | National Trust
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Established in 1957 in Bourton-on-the-Water, Birdland is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland. This creates a picturesque canopy for the winding River Windrush.
There are over 130 species of birds on display, from some of the rarest to the most unique species that have developed to live in a specific habitat. Birdland Park & Gardens is home to the only breeding group in England for King Penguins.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm (Last entry at 4pm).
Birdland Park and Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2BN
Please check the website for more information.
Visit us at Birdland Park & Gardens | Birdland Park & Gardens
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Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
Welcome to Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens.
Reggie Hayworth:- “When my father started the Park in 1970 at Bradwell Grove, his family home, he hoped to give new life to a house and park that he loved, and to share with as many people as possible his enduring interest in nature.
Over forty years later, I am delighted to welcome you to what is now one of the UK’s largest zoological collections and most exciting gardens. Millions of visitors in that time have discovered here the beauty and diversity of the natural world”
| Dates | Opening times | Closing times |
| Summer Hours (BST) (British Summer Time) | 10.00 am | 6.00 pm Last admission 4.00 pm |
| Winter Hours (GMT) Closed Christmas Day | 10.00 am | 4.00 pm Last admission 3.00 pm |
Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP
Please check the website for more information.
https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/
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Aston Pottery & Gardens
Handmade ceramics, beautiful flower gardens, café and shop.
‘The gardens were never planned as a whole, but grew as a need to enhance our customer experience and to circumstances that arose to allow more planting opportunities. In 1995 the shop was renovated and the first border, The 7m Traditional Perennial border, was planted to catch the eye of passing customers and encourage them to come into the shop and café.’ Jane and Stephen
Kingsway Farm, Aston OX18 2BT
Please check the website for more information.
https://astonpottery.co.uk/
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Uffington White Horse
The Uffington White Horse is a prehistoric hill figure, 110 m long, formed from deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk.
The horse is only part of the unique complex of ancient remains that are found at White Horse Hill and beyond, spreading out across the high chalk downland.
The Manger, a dramatic dry valley, has steep rippled sides left from the retreating permafrost during the last Ice Age. These ripples are known as the Giant’s Steps.
To the east of the Manger lies Dragon Hill, a small roundish hill with a flattened top. It is said to be the site where St. George, England’s patron saint, slew the dragon. The blood poisoned the ground and left a white chalk scar for all to see.
Crowning White Horse Hill is an Iron Age hillfort known as Uffington Castle. A simple design of one rampart and ditch, the castle at 860 feet (262m) above sea level forms the highest point in Oxfordshire, with views for miles around over six counties.
Across the property Burial Mounds can be spotted. These date from the Neolithic period and have been reused up to the Saxon age. The largest contained 47 skeletons and this can be seen as you walk up to the Horse from the car park, if you look carefully.
Managed by the National Trust on behalf of English Heritage. There is a National Trust car park on site, free to English Heritage members.
Uffington, Oxfordshire, SN7 7UK
Please check the website for more information:-
White Horse Hill | Oxfordshire | National Trust
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The Ridgeway
The Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road, follows the same route over the high ground used since prehistoric times by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers. Travel on a journey through time for 87 miles (139 Km). Experience wide, open views of rolling chalk downland and explore the many archaeological treasures close to the Trail including Neolithic long barrows, Bronze Age round barrows, Iron Age forts and the figures of white horses cut into the chalk.
Please check the website for more information:-
The Ridgeway – National Trails
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Barn Theatre, Cirencester
Since opening in 2018, The Barn’s mission has been to produce some of the UK’s most inspiring professional theatre and to attract and nurture the best UK talent. Our programme is broad and ambitious, consisting of new work, family entertainment, musical theatre and reinterpretations of beloved classics.
Not many people know that The Barn Theatre is an unsubsidised charity and that we rely on the generosity of our supporters to keep going. We love bringing our community together and are grateful for every financial contribution and offer of time or expertise.
The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester, GL7 1BN
Please check the website for more information:-
Barn Theatre Cirencester | Leading Producing House in the Cotswolds
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Cogges Manor Farm
Cogges Manor Farm is a unique heritage site with a beautiful 13th century Manor House and 18th century farm buildings. Today Cogges is an award-winning visitor attraction for all the family to enjoy.
For fans of Downton Abbey, Cogges is the home of Yew Tree Farm and Mr Drewe, the tenant farmer.
As Cogges is steeped in 1000 years of stories, it is the perfect location to experience living history. The Marquess of Winchester Regiment has been re-enacting battles from the English Civil War for about 40 years and will return to Cogges on 4 August from 11am until 3pm.
Cogges Manor Farm is open daily from 15 February to 2 November 2025
plus selected days in December
Times
15 February to 28 March 9.30am – 4pm
29 March to 2 November 9.30am – 5pm
Last entry 30 minutes before closing
No ticket required to visit the Farm’s Shop or Café
Cogges Manor Farm, Church Lane, Witney OX28 3LA
There is on site Blue Badge parking and drop off from Church Lane in front of the entrance (OX28 3LA). The main car park is off Cogges Hill Road at OX28 3FR.
Please check the website for more information:-
https://www.cogges.org.uk/
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National Trust Lechlade Walk
This peaceful walk from Buscot village to Lechlade and back follows a path along the River Thames, taking in the first lock on the river as well as a Second World War bunker.
Starting point is Buscot Village National Trust car park, SN7 8DA
Please check the website for more information:-
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/buscot-and-coleshill-estates/lechlade-walk
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Blenheim Palace & Gardens
Only 40 minutes by car from Lechlade, Blenheim Palace and Gardens make a great day out. There are lots to see and do, both indoors and outdoors, for all the family.
Britain’s greatest Palace is notable as the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. Blenheim sits in the centre of a large undulating park, a classic example of the English Landscape Garden movement designed by Capability Brown. Separate from the palace are the Formal and Walled Gardens, Marlborough Maze and the Butterfly House. The palace is linked to the Walled Garden by a miniature railway.
There are a range of cafés and restaurants for everything from warming comfort food to a sophisticated afternoon tea. Much of the produce is locally sourced and fresh fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden are used.
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL
Please check the website for more information:-
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Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Slimbridge
Just around an hour and 10 minutes from Lechlade, WWT Slimbridge is a wetland wildlife reserve set on the River Severn Estuary near Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.
Things to do:
- Explore wild areas of the reserve on our accessible Summer Walkway
- Discover the World War II Pill Box used by WWT founder Sir Peter Scott
- Get off the beaten track and go beyond the seawall. If it rains pop in the Shepherds Hut for shelter
- Get access to behind the scenes parts of the reserve in a 4X4 trailer on a Wild Safari (May- September)
April – October (until end of BST, last Saturday in October) | 9.30am – 5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm).
WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT
Please check the website for more information:-