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Tewkesbury

Bishop'S Cleeve

Attractions and Places To See around Bishop'S Cleeve - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Bishop'S Cleeve include a blend of historical charm and natural beauty, situated at the foot of Cleeve Hill in the Cotswolds. This large village offers panoramic views and numerous footpaths, including sections of the Cotswold Way National Trail. Visitors can explore its origins, which trace back to the 8th century, with many listed buildings contributing to its historical ambiance. The area provides diverse opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in cultural sites.

Best attractions and places to see around Bishop'S Cleeve

  • The most popular attractions is Belas Knap Long Barrow, a historical site that is an example of a Neolithic long barrow, with a false entrance and side chambers. Excavations revealed the remains of 31 people, offering insights into ancient history.
  • Another must-see spot is Devil's Chimney, Leckhampton Hill, a man-made monument. This unusual limestone rock formation is located above a disused quarry and is a notable landmark on Leckhampton Hill.
  • Visitors also love Sudeley Castle, a historical site with a history of over 1000 years. This estate is situated nearby to the market town of Winchcombe and features extensive gardens.
  • Bishop'S Cleeve is known for historical sites, natural features, and cultural landmarks. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient burial sites to impressive castles and unique rock formations.
  • The attractions around Bishop'S Cleeve are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and over 100 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Belas Knap Long Barrow

Highlight • Historical Site

Belas Knap is an example of a Neolithic long barrow, with a false entrance and side chambers. Excavated in 1863 and 1865, the remains of 31 people were found in the chambers. The English Heritage owned site is free to enter.

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Devil's Chimney, Leckhampton Hill

Highlight • Monument

The Devil’s Chimney is an unusual limestone rock formation above a disused quarry in Leckhampton. How its peculiar crooked and twisted shape was formed remains a mystery. Some say it is the result of weathering and erosion. Others say it was possibly made by quarry workers as a joke.

According to legend, the rock is the chimney of the Devil's dwelling deep beneath the ground. Provoked by the many Christian churches built in the area, the Devil would sit atop Leckhampton Hill and hurl stones at Sunday churchgoers. However the stones were turned back on him, driving him beneath the ground. Now he uses the mass of stones as his chimney to let free the smokes of hell.

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St Peter's Church, Winchcombe

Highlight • Monument

This impressive 15th-century church lies in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has a grand, 90-foot (27 m) tower. As you stroll around the building's perimeter, study the stone and see if you can spot the 40 gargoyles peering back at you.

The church has plenty of intriguing features, including an altar cloth apparently embroidered by one of Henry VIII's wives: Catherine of Aragon. Leaving the church, explore the rest of Winchcombe if you have time; the town is steeped in history from the neolithic era onwards.

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Sudeley Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

Sudeley Castle is a beautiful estate with a history of over 1000 years. It's situated nearby to the market town of Winchcombe on the edge of the Cotswolds. To enter the castle, there is a fee, which you can find more information on via this link sudeleycastle.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times-and-prices

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Spoonley Wood Roman Villa Mosaic

Highlight • Structure

Spoonley Wood Roman Villa is the ruins of an ancient Roman villa situated nearby to Sudeley Castle. It was a courtyard-type villa excavated in 1882 with the most prominent visible remains being the mosaic floor viewable from under a corragated iron roof.

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Tips from the Community

Dan Pratt 🇬🇧
August 25, 2025, Belas Knap Long Barrow

Shame you can’t actually go inside !

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The gargoyles outside. Bullet holes in the wall outside. Twin stone coffins inside. Worth taking your time here.

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pretty impressive neolithic burial mound

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crazy its not better protected

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Bille 🥾
August 13, 2024, Sudeley Castle

Unfortunately, you cannot take a look inside the castle without paying an entrance fee. The entrance fee currently costs £22.

Translated by Google

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The views from the top of the hill on the approach to the Long Barrow are well worth the calf and thigh burning walk up the steep path. Magnificent landscape.

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So much history and such a beautiful church. Thank you Sasha Taylor for taking the time to share it with us.

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Spoonley Wood Roman Villa is the ruins of an ancient Roman villa situated nearby to Sudeley Castle. It was a courtyard-type villa excavated in 1882 with the most prominent visible remains being the mosaic floor viewable from under a corragated iron roof.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore in and around Bishop's Cleeve?

Bishop's Cleeve is rich in history, with origins dating back to the 8th century. You can visit the 12th-century Norman Church of St Michael & All Angels, the magnificent 15th-century Tithe Barn, and the unique Wheelwright's Furnace from around 1910. Nearby, explore the Neolithic Belas Knap Long Barrow, or delve into Roman history at Chedworth Roman Villa, known for its bathhouses and mosaics. For a grander experience, Sudeley Castle, with over 1000 years of history, is just a short drive away.

Are there opportunities for outdoor activities and nature exploration near Bishop's Cleeve?

Absolutely. Bishop's Cleeve sits at the foot of Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds, offering panoramic views and numerous footpaths, including a section of the Cotswold Way National Trail. The 1,000-acre Cleeve Common is ideal for bird watching and features historic elements like Huddlestone's Table. You can also try rock climbing at Castle Rock, or go fossil hunting for ammonites in the area. For more structured outdoor adventures, explore the various cycling and mountain biking routes available. You can find detailed routes for cycling, road cycling, and mountain biking around Bishop's Cleeve.

What unique natural landmarks can I visit?

Beyond the expansive views from Cleeve Hill, a notable natural landmark is the Devil's Chimney, Leckhampton Hill. This unusual limestone rock formation, located above a disused quarry, is a distinctive feature and a popular spot for visitors.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Bishop's Cleeve?

Yes, several attractions cater to families. Sudeley Castle offers extensive gardens and a rich history that can engage all ages. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway provides a fun experience with scenic steam and diesel train rides. Exploring the ancient burial site of Belas Knap Long Barrow can also be an educational outing for older children. Additionally, the open spaces of Cleeve Common are great for family walks and picnics.

Where can I find information about the village of Bishop's Cleeve itself?

Bishop's Cleeve is a large village with a charming 'Old England' aura, featuring 31 listed buildings, some dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The village center offers a variety of independent shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You can find more details about the village and its community on the Bishop's Cleeve Parish Council website.

What are the best walking routes near Bishop's Cleeve?

The area around Bishop's Cleeve is excellent for walking. Cleeve Hill offers numerous footpaths, including a section of the famous Cotswold Way National Trail, providing stunning panoramic views. Cleeve Common also has many trails suitable for leisurely strolls and bird watching. For specific routes and their difficulty, you can explore the hiking guide for Bishop's Cleeve.

What is the best time of year to visit Bishop's Cleeve for outdoor activities?

The Cotswolds, including Bishop's Cleeve, are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and exploring the natural landscapes, with wildflowers blooming and longer daylight hours. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter can offer crisp, clear days with unique views, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Are there any Roman ruins or artifacts to see near Bishop's Cleeve?

Yes, the area has a significant Roman past. The most prominent site is Chedworth Roman Villa, which features well-preserved bathhouses and mosaics. Additionally, the Spoonley Wood Roman Villa Mosaic, near Sudeley Castle, offers a glimpse of a Roman mosaic floor viewable under a corrugated iron roof. Archaeological evidence of Roman settlements has also been found within Bishop's Cleeve itself.

Where can I find local amenities like cafes and pubs in Bishop's Cleeve?

The village center of Bishop's Cleeve provides a good selection of amenities. You'll find various independent shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy local fare after exploring the attractions. The village also hosts an annual Street Fair in the summer.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Bishop's Cleeve?

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The ancient sites like Belas Knap Long Barrow and the impressive Sudeley Castle offer fascinating insights into the past. The panoramic views from Cleeve Hill and the unique geological formation of the Devil's Chimney are also highly rated for their scenic appeal and photographic opportunities.

Are there any impressive churches or religious buildings to visit?

Yes, the Church of St Michael & All Angels in Bishop's Cleeve is a beautiful 12th-century Norman church built on the site of an earlier Saxon church. Nearby, Tewkesbury Abbey is an impressive historic monastery located about 8.3km away, and St Peter's Church in Winchcombe is a grand 15th-century church known for its 40 grotesques and historical features, including an altar cloth thought to be embroidered by Catherine of Aragon.

Can I find information about the history of Bishop's Cleeve village?

Bishop's Cleeve has a rich history, with its origins tracing back to the 8th century. Archaeological evidence suggests even earlier Roman and Iron Age settlements. The village maintains an 'Old England' ambiance, boasting 31 listed buildings, some of which are thatched, half-timbered houses dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. For more historical context, you can visit the Bishop's Cleeve Parish Council website.

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