Tewkesbury has an abundance of riverside walks and country trails to explore the local area on foot.

Walking packs and guided walk leaflets plus advice and guidance are available from the Tourist Information Centre.

The Severn Ham - Nature Walk & History Walk

The Severn Ham is an ancient water meadow reached via a small footbridge from the centre of Tewkesbury. "Ham" is an old Saxon word which meant bend in a river, flood plain or water meadow. The Severn Ham is one of the finest examples of the few remaining hams in the UK. Full of wild flowers, birds and insects it’s a charming place to take a gentle stroll and enjoy the stunning views across to Tewkesbury Abbey and the Malvern Hills.

The River Severn and River Avon have played a significant part in Tewkesbury's history and two leaflets available from the Tourist Information Centre provide self-guided tours around the Severn Ham with insights into the social and economic history and the wildlife. Click here to download page 1 and page 2 of the history trail and page 1 and page 2 of the nature trail.

The Battle Trail

Tewkesbury's famous battle trail takes you around the ancient fields where the Battle of Tewkesbury was held in 1471.  This self-guided walking route is through some pretty fields and alongside the rivers of Tewkesbury - pick up a copy of the route from the Tourist Information Centre.  There are regular guided walks along this route - check out our full events list.

Heritage & Alleyways Trail

A self guided walk around the town centre discovering some of the historic buildings and ancient alleyways - pick up a copy of the trail from the Tourist Information Centre. 

Sections of long distance walking routes also run in and around Tewkesbury:

The Gloucestershire Way stretches 100 miles from Chepstow to Tewkesbury taking in the heart of the north Cotswolds including Winchcombe.

The Severn Way is a 210-mile route following the route of the River Severn from source to sea.

The Cotswold Way National Trail passes through nearby Winchcombe and the picturesque villages of Hailes, Stanton and Buckland on its 102-mile route from Bath to Chipping Campden.

The Shakespeare's Avon Way is one of England's newest long distance footpaths.  Beginning at the source of the Avon in Naseby, this 88 mile route follows the course of the Avon and ends when it joins the River Severn in Tewkesbury.