A festive open weekend in Tewkesbury

Last opened to the public in summer 2019, explore this popular Landmark Trust property on a festive weekend in Tewkesbury. Information on the building's history and restoration will be available, along with our knowledgeable Landmark staff.

Up a tight spiral staircase, Abbey Gatehouse is one large room which was imaginatively converted into accommodation for two people after Landmark took on the building in 1986.

On Saturday 28 November, 10am-4pm, Tewkesbury Abbey will hold its annual Christmas Fair with stalls, crafts, food and drink.

About Abbey Gatehouse

In January 1539, during King Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, Tewkesbury Abbey was surrendered by its abbot and monks. The Abbey’s buildings were divided into those to be demolished and those worth preserving. Although the abbey church was marked for destruction, local townspeople saved it by claiming it as their only parish church and purchasing it for the value of its lead and bells.

Among the preserved buildings was the Abbey Gatehouse, built around 1500 and used as accommodation for abbey officers or guests. Little is known about its use after the monastery closed. By the late 18th century it had fallen into ruin, remaining roofless until a major restoration in 1849 led by John Martin and architect James Medland. It later served various community purposes before being taken on by the Landmark Trust in 1986.

Landmark carefully restored the Gatehouse, improving its structure, utilities, and living facilities while preserving its historic character. Today, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to stay in a beautifully conserved medieval building connected to Tewkesbury Abbey’s rich history.

Event entry

Due to the historic nature of our buildings we have a limited capacity for our events. Once at capacity, we will be managing a queue outside, so attendees may be asked to wait a few minutes on arrival. Thank you for your co-operation.

Making a donation as part of your visit

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to visit a Landmark for free as part of our Open Day programme, and as such we’re pleased to continue to offer free entry at all our Open Days in 2026.

The Landmark Trust is a building conservation charity that relies on donations to support its work. Over the past 60 years, public support has helped us rescue over 200 historic buildings and make them available for all to experience and enjoy. Your support by attending our events, booking a workshop, and making a donation allows us to continue to save buildings at risk and continue to maintain those already in our care. Your donation could help train the craftspeople needed to restore a future Landmark, offer opportunities for young people to experience history first-hand, or provide a charity with free Landmark stay for their service users through our 50 for Free scheme. (https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/news-and-events/50-for-free/)

Donations can be made when you book your Eventbrite ticket, at the event via contactless donation points, or after your visit via our website under Support. (https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/support-us/)

Getting there

Address: Abbey Precinct, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 5SR

What3words: tentacles.fired.stem

by bus: County bus network maps | Gloucestershire County Council (https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/county-bus-network-maps/)

By train: Ashchurch (for Tewkesbury) train station is 2.5 miles away from Abbey Gatehouse, offer services from Cheltenham and Worcester.

By car: There is no parking at this Landmark. There are several public car parks in the town. Parking charges apply.

Vineyards car park: Vineyards, Gander Lane, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PG - Tewkesbury Borough Council (https://tewkesbury.gov.uk/parking/gander-lane-vineyards-tewkesbury-gl20-5pg/)

Railsmeadow car park: Rails Meadow, Howells Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 5QB - Tewkesbury Borough Council (https://tewkesbury.gov.uk/parking/rails-meadow-howells-road-tewkesbury-gl20-5qb/)

Accessibility

We do all we can to enable access wherever possible and welcome feedback to make our public events more accessible. For further information or if you have any access concerns that you’d like to discuss before visiting, please contact our Booking Enquiries team on 01628 825925 or booking@landmarktrust.org.uk. The Booking Office is open Mon to Fri - 9am to 5pm.

At Abbey Gatehouse, visitors with limited mobility can be set down by car outside the property. Cars then must move on swiftly to avoid congestion on the road.

Inside the building, there are steep stairs to the first floor. There is no lift in the building.

Description supplied by the event organiser.