The Winchcombe Peregrine Project is a local initiative to record sightings and behaviour of Peregrine Falcons in and around Winchcombe, with a particular focus on the area surrounding St. Peter’s Church where Peregrine Falcons have recently been seen on and around the church tower, including the bird shown in this photo* taken by a local resident.
We are asking local residents, walkers, and visitors to help by reporting any peregrine sightings.

Peregrines were once endangered in the UK. Monitoring them helps protect these remarkable birds and supports conservation efforts.

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“Winchcombe Town Council is delighted to announce that we were the preferred bidder for the Old Boys’ School, subject to agreement of lease terms that enable us to deliver on our proposal.
Hopefully, it won’t be long now before we can start giving the building the attention it deserves so that we can open it primarily as a community facility for groups and organisations working with children and young people. Plans include youth club facilities, a music studio and cafe space. It will be available for other hires as well, subject to availability.
Updates will be posted as and when we have them.”

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Various Roads (Town of Winchcombe,Tewkesbury Borough) Order (Variation) 2025
NOTICE is hereby given that Gloucestershire County Council has made a Variation Order under Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 of Part I and Part IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Traffic Management Act 2004 and of all other enabling powers, the effect of which will vary the Gloucestershire County Council On Street Parking Order 2017 (the 2017 Order) by introducing & revoking the proposed restrictions on various roads in the town of Winchcombe, Gloucestershire.
Tow download .pdf copies of this order and other relevant documents, please click on the links below^*:

• On Street Parking Order Public Notice
• Sealed Order
• Sealed location maps
• Statement of Due Regard
• Traffic Regulation Order Report
• Appendix A
• Appendix B
• Appendix C
• Appendix D
• Appendix E

^* Dcuments located on the Winchcombe Town Council website

For more information about Gloucestershire County Council’s on-street parking order, please click here

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Open at new location – Midcounties: Winchcombe Co-op Food Market
Restored service to the community
Open daily
78 hours of Post Office service a week

Cameron Thomas MP for Tewkesbury “cut the ribbon” at the official opening of Winchcombe Post Office at Midcounties: Winchcombe Co-op Food Market.
It is now conveniently located within the Co-op store with car parking, including disabled spaces, and with long opening hours every day.
This relocation to Winchcombe Co-op has restored service to the market town after the previous branch in North Street closed in August 2023.
It is now conveniently located within the Co-op store (Greet Road, Winchcombe) with car parking, including disabled spaces, and with long opening hours every day.
Winchcombe Post Office opening hours are:

• Monday to Saturday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
• Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

This provides 78 hours of Post Office service a week making it easy for customers to visit. This is longer than the opening hours previously offered.

Cameron Thomas MP said:

“It’s great for Winchcombe residents and businesses to have a Post Office at the heart of this community again as it offers so many essential services including everyday banking.
Immediately following my election, residents were desperate for my help returning the Post Office to Winchcombe. I am pleased that residents will once again enjoy Post Office Services in the heart of the community.”

Winchcombe Town Councillor Richard Wakeford, who was also a guest at the opening event, said:

“Winchcombe has hosted a post office since 1831 until recently. Now we can celebrate the return of a Post Office service; it’s convenient for local people and businesses, and it’s a green plus as we no longer need to drive to Post Offices elsewhere.”

Damien Haydock, Post Office Partner Account Manager, said:

“We are delighted to have restored Post Office services to Winchcombe as we know how important a Post Office is to a community. People live really busy lives and it is very handy that Winchcombe Post Office is open daily from early until late. It works really well this service being within the Winchcombe Co-op store where many local people also go to do their shopping.”

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Gloucestershire County Council has to announced the planting of the 500,000th tree, marking a significant milestone in its ambitious goal to plant one million trees by 2030. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the council, its partners, and the countless volunteers who have contributed to this monumental effort.
The official milestone tree was formally planted in Winchcombe Park this week and was visited by Councillor David Gray on Friday, 14th March.
Together this highlights the county council’s commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable Gloucestershire, enhancing biodiversity, and combating climate change. It not only marks the significant planting achievement, but also the commitment to ensuring trees are not just planted but looked after and well cared for as well.

Councillor David Gray, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, said:

“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone. Planting 500,000 trees is a remarkable achievement and a clear demonstration of our commitment to a greener Gloucestershire. This project is not just about planting trees; it’s about creating a legacy for future generations. I want to thank everyone who has been involved in this journey. Together, we are making a real difference.”

The council’s tree planting initiative is part of its broader strategy to improve air quality, support wildlife habitats, and enhance the natural beauty of the county. With the support of local communities, schools, and businesses, Gloucestershire County Council is well on its way to achieving its goal of one million trees by 2030.

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Winchcombe is the ideal base for exploring the wider Cotswolds but don’t miss out on all the things you can do in Winchcombe itself, here’s our round-up of the top 10.

1. Sudeley Castle

A trip to Winchcombe isn’t complete without visiting Sudeley Castle. Formerly home to Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife, the castle boasts well-preserved chambers, fascinating displays, and award-winning gardens. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the Queen’s Garden, Knot Garden, and the Tithe Barn ruins. Children will love the adventure playground, featuring an impressive wooden fort.

2. Winchcombe Museum and meteorite

The Winchcombe Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Situated in the Old Town Hall in the centre of town, one of its most fascinating exhibits is the Winchcombe meteorite that landed in the town in 2021. The museum provides an insightful look into the meteorite’s significance and the story behind its discovery. In addition to the meteorite, the museum features displays on local history, archaeology, and geology.

3. Town Centre Heritage Trail

Taking you through Winchcombe’s streets, you’ll see historic buildings and learn a little about the town’s rich heritage. Purchase the Heritage Trail map at the Winchcombe Museum for just £1.50 and spend the next 1hr or so discovering the town’s visible history.

4. The GWSR Steam Train

Just a 20 minute walk from Winchcombe town centre, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) runs from Cheltenham Racecourse to Broadway stopping at Winchcombe along the way. The vintage steam trains offer a unique way to experience the scenic beauty of the Cotswolds including rolling countryside and picturesque villages. Take a look at their website for seasonal events such as the yearly Santa Express.

5. Food and Drink

Winchcombe offers a wide variety of places to stop for a little refreshment. The White Hart and The Lion Inn are popular choices for traditional meals but you’ll also find other casual dining venues including The Old Bakery Coffee & Wine Bar, where you can stop for coffee and homemade cake or a delicious charcuterie board and glass of wine.

6. Retail Therapy

For a small town, Winchcombe delights visitors with an array of independent shops and boutiques. Find unique gifts, antiques, and locally made crafts at the charming stores lining North Street and the High Street. For fresh produce, you’ll find the Farmers Market every third Saturday of the month at Isbourne Arts on the High Street.

7. St Peter’s Church

History lovers will appreciate a visit to St Peter’s Church, known for its impressive architecture, intricate stone carvings and a rogues gallery of grotesques. The church dates back to the 13th century and features a beautiful collection of medieval stained glass.

8. Belas Knap

A short drive from Winchcombe lies Belas Knap, a Neolithic long barrow and ancient burial site. This atmospheric site offers a glimpse into prehistoric life and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

9. Winchcombe Pottery

Established in 1926 on the site of a pottery dating back to the early 1800’s, this is one of the longest-running craft potteries in the UK making some of the finest domestic pottery in the world.

10. Hailes Abbey

Founded in the 13th century, nearby Hailes Abbey is a short drive or a 2-mile hike from the Winchcombe town centre. Visitors can walk through the ruins and enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the site and uncovering stories of the monks who lived and worshipped at the abbey for nearly three centuries. The onsite museum shares the stories of monks who lived and worshipped at the abbey for nearly three centuries.

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The decision, made during a meeting of Council on Tuesday, 28th January, follows the Government’s plans for devolution that will see two-tier local government being replaced with unitary authorities – single councils for larger geographic areas.

Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said:

“When we initially decided to change our name following consultation with our communities, there was no indication that the Government would introduce devolution plans. In light of this this new direction, retaining our current name is the most sensible choice.
The council had previously made it clear that any name change would be implemented with a phased approach at a low cost. To date, only £100 has been spent on purchasing a new web address from the government.
As the borough council collaborates with the other five district councils and the county council to establish the new unitary structure in Gloucestershire, its focus will remain on ensuring the priorities of the borough are taken forward into the new council.”

Councillor Stanley added:

“Throughout our discussions on the name change, we have consistently prioritised the efficient use of resources and the best interests of our community, and this is demonstrated by the two public consultations we conducted. Our commitment to working closely with our neighbouring councils, to ensure we effectively address the needs of our residents, remains undiminished.”

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In November 2022 Winchcombe Town Council undertook a public consultation to identify common highways concerns and potential actions.
114 local residents from 61 unique postcodes gave 405 responses (forms) to the categories, HGVs, parking, signposting, speeding and other / future actions. They were asked to identify locations of concern and the time of day at which they occur, describe the concern and why it was a problem and to rate the impact, priority and urgency.

Key findings

• • Almost half of the responses were related to the B4632 & 13% to junctions within town
  • People were more concerned about speeding at night than any other time of the day
  • The highest impacting issues related to HGVs and speeding whilst the highest priority/urgency related to HGVs and congestion
  • Suggestions that residents would like considered are:
    • Lowering the speed limit within Winchcombe
    • Introducing a weight limit for HGVs
    • Improved speed signage on entry points to the town
    • Additional parking restrictions backed up by enforcement
    • More sustainable transport options including improved bus service, electric car charging points & cycle parking
    • Pedestrianised areas

To download a .pdf copy of this report, please click here

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The trustees of the Winchcombe Town Trust are please to announce that the clock which is attached to the Old Town Hall has been repaired and is now working again and is lit at night. It had been out of action since early 2022 and unlit since 2018. Trustees sourced grants to cover most of the repair and covered the shortfall from Trust funds.

Both the building and the clock are distinctive features of Winchcombe’s architectural landscape. The large clock was donated as a gift to the Town in 1897 by Reginald H Prance of Hampstead who covered all of the costs.

Minutes from Town Trust meetings reveal that the clock, whilst much loved, has always been hard, and expensive, to maintain. Initially the building’s caretaker was paid two pounds and ten shillings per annum to wind the clock. In 1900 the Town Hall’s gas account was increased by £4.00 to pay for lighting the two faces.

The clock was converted to an electric mechanism in 1935 for £15, but still often failed to keep time and needed repairing.

The last repair took place in 2001 at a cost of £5000 when the mechanism was brought inside the Museum with a cable running out to the drum to turn the hands. Access was always a costly problem, as the clock overhangs the road.

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