This festive season offers a unique opportunity to combine Christmas shopping with a picturesque countryside escape, thanks to the arrival of the brand-new Cotswolds Designer Outlet. Located less than an hour's drive from Birmingham just off the M5, this shopping destination for 2025 provides a compelling reason to explore the charming ancient villages that dot the surrounding Gloucestershire landscape.
A Shopping Destination with a Festive Flair
The Cotswolds Designer Outlet marks its first Christmas this year, featuring 45 stores alongside various restaurants. It's designed to be a full-day experience, allowing visitors to refuel between purchasing gifts. To extend the excursion, the nearby area is ripe for exploration, promising to transform a simple shopping trip into a delightful weekend adventure.
The outlet itself is situated on Platinum Drive in Tewkesbury, with the postcode GL20 7FY. Throughout December, it will host festive fairs on Sunday 7th, Sunday 14th, Thursday 18th, and Sunday 21st. These fairs will run from 11am until 2pm on the Sundays and from 6pm to 8pm on the Thursday.
Discovering Historic Twyning
Just a short journey from the retail hub lies the ancient village of Twyning. This settlement holds significant historical weight, as it is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Its name, derived from Old English, means 'meeting place', which perfectly describes its geographical location where the River Severn and the River Avon converge.
For those looking to stay overnight, The Fleet Inn offers accommodation on the banks of the River Avon. This 19th-century pub is highly praised by reviewers for its fantastic river views, delicious food, and warm service, making it an ideal base for your countryside retreat.
Exploring the Countryside and Beyond
Twyning is a walker's paradise, boasting no fewer than 52 public footpaths. Keen locals have compiled a booklet of circular walks, available for a suggested donation of £1.50 to the Air Ambulance, offering an invaluable guide to the area's hidden gems.
Venturing slightly further afield, history enthusiasts can visit Bredon Barn, a magnificent 14th-century medieval threshing barn built from classic Cotswold stone, which is now under the care of the National Trust. A little over two miles from the outlet, the town of Tewkesbury awaits with its famous Abbey, Nature Reserve, and historic Battlefield.
Whether you're seeking designer bargains, serene river walks, or a deep dive into England's rich history, this corner of the country near Birmingham provides a perfect blend of modern retail therapy and timeless rural charm for your winter getaway.
