Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>The historic town of Lechlade sits in an enchantingly beautiful spot on the River Thames. Outdoorsy types, keen runners, ramblers and dog lovers will adore the easy access to scenic river walks and easy access to the Thames Path – all 184 miles of it (if you&#8217;re feeling energetic). Enjoy a lazy boat trip, take a stroll across the charming Halfpenny Bridge or explore the Thames Path National Trail from the town centre.</p>



<p>Perks? Known as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, Lechlade is decidedly less touristy than other Cotswold towns, yet with all the benefits of one still. There is a&nbsp;thriving market square, the pretty 15th century church of St Lawrence with stunning stained glass windows, and a high street sprinkled with&nbsp;visit-worthy indie cafés, pubs, shops and an excellent boating marina.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-30-1000x667.jpg" alt="the swan pub main room" class="wp-image-62515" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-30-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-30-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-30-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-30.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: The Swan / Thyme</figcaption></figure>



<p>Lots of choice to whet your appetite. <a aria-label="Lynwood &amp; Co (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.lynwoodandco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lynwood &amp; Co</a> in Market Square is an artisan café for outstanding brunches and coffee, with plenty of vegan options. Or go to popular local spot <a href="https://www.sourdoughrevolution.co.uk/">Sourdough Revolution.</a>  <a aria-label="The New inn (opens in a new tab)" href="http://newinnhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The New Inn</a> on the banks of the river is a charming 17th century coaching inn, or head to the marina and <a aria-label="The Riverside (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.riverside-lechlade.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Riverside</a> on a sunny day &#8211; a pub with a beautiful waterside view and outdoor bar in the summer.</p>



<p>You are minutes away from the Five Alls Filkins &#8211; a gorgeous pub with rooms &#8211; and <a href="https://www.thyme.co.uk/eat/the-swan">The Swan</a> at Southrop and its sister restaurant <a aria-label="Thyme (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thyme.co.uk/dining/the-swan-at-southrop/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thyme</a> . This 17th century coaching inn does sensational seasonal food and has a pub garden designed by Bunny Guinness. Go to <a href="https://www.lechladekhushi.com">Khushi</a> for Bangladeshi fine dining.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1744" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/386744447_17998100399493940_2659046991397464139_n.jpg" alt="Cotswolds Christmas Dhop Bauble in front of the shop in Lachlade Gloucestershire" class="wp-image-65168" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/386744447_17998100399493940_2659046991397464139_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/386744447_17998100399493940_2659046991397464139_n-661x800.jpg 661w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/386744447_17998100399493940_2659046991397464139_n-826x1000.jpg 826w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/386744447_17998100399493940_2659046991397464139_n-330x400.jpg 330w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/386744447_17998100399493940_2659046991397464139_n-1268x1536.jpg 1268w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cotswolds Christmas Shop</figcaption></figure>



<p><a aria-label="Jubilee Hall Antiques (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.jubileehall.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jubilee Hall Antiques</a> has vintage finds and retro collectibles, as does The Old Ironmongers. <a href="https://blueandbohemeflorist.co.uk">Blue and Bohême</a> is a florist supplying petals and foliage all year round, dip into a workshop and gain some floral skills, and we love <a aria-label="Coln Art (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.colnart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Coln Gallery</a> for arty supplies. Oh, and every day&#8217;s Christmas here at the <a aria-label="Christmas Shop (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.christmasdecorations-uk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cotswolds Christmas Shop</a>, the oldest festive shop in the UK.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Good amenities on hand in the shape of the <a href="https://www.inspire-healthcare.co.uk/lechlade-medical/">Lechlade Medical Centre.</a> Likewise, <a href="https://lechladedentalpractice.com/facial-aesthetics/">Lechlade Dental Practice</a> offers all the standard services, plus a neat side line in a tweakments if that&#8217;s your bag. Or try <a href="https://www.dentartwork.co.uk/">Dent Art Work</a>, for standard and cosmetic procedures. <a href="https://www.crickladeleisure.com/">Cricklade Leisure Centre</a> has fitness classes and a great indoor pool, and there are wellbeing classes to get stuck into &#8211; from pilates to yoga &#8211; at the church and village hall every week. But Lechlade is one big outdoor gym – just sling the trainers on and sprint for the stunning riverside trails.</p>



<p>Brand new for August 2024, swanky hair salon <a href="https://millerandholland.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEgYaBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQKeu8ZcWB9sHnvx8Mu6fGAkmLXat-C25ODcxNkii0Be55aLl5pg4VSslg_aem_anRLl0y0TiNXdxGo-JXOcQ">Miller &amp; Holland</a> is moving into the high street, and there are several beauty salons if you desire more pampering, such as <a href="https://vybebeauty.as.me/schedule.php">Vybe Beauty</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Lechlade is catnip to families, attracted by great amenities and easy access to nature, so there is always something family-friendly in the air.  Go to one of the summer fetes or fairs, or dip into an open mic night or one of the frequent pop up markets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="713" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-13-1000x713.jpg" alt="cotswold canoes " class="wp-image-62880" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-13-1000x713.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-13-800x571.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-13-400x285.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-13.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Cotswold Canoe Hire Instagram</figcaption></figure>



<p><a aria-label="Cotswold Canoe Hire (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cotswoldcanoehire.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cotswold Canoe Hire</a> located in the marina is a fabulous riverside fun spot. Take out one of the famous giant swans or pink flamingo pedalos from The Riverside pub or paddle out on a canoe, kayak or try your hand at SUP. <a aria-label="Burford Garden Company (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.burford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burford Garden Company</a> is 10 mins away and of course there&#8217;s miles of the Thames Walk to enjoy. Just over the border is the <a aria-label="Cotswold Wildlife Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cotswold Wildlife Park</a> with its eye-to-eye Giraffe Walkway and <a aria-label="Kelmscott Manor and Gardens (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelmscott Manor and Gardens</a>, and the world-famous <a href="https://www.airtattoo.com/">Royal Air Tattoo</a> roars into action in nearby Fairford every summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Who needs a theatre when you have a thriving micro scene at your local pubs! Places such as the Swan host regular open mic nights, and the <a href="https://mikron.org.uk/venue/the-trout-inn/">Trout Inn</a> has a touring theatre bringing the laughs this summer too. The <a href="https://barntheatre.org.uk/">Barn Theatre </a>in Cirencester is just over 20 minutes away for some top shows.</p>



<p>Sadly, the popular <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lechladefestival/?locale=en_GB">Lechlade Festival</a> used to host 100+ bands in Riverside Park, but it fell into difficulties in 2023, and has not as yet announced a return. But the world-famous <a href="https://www.airtattoo.com/">Royal Air Tattoo</a>, over the Lechlade skies, hosted next door in Fairford, is a brilliant family friendly festival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Property prices in Lechlade  average £547,496. Detached homes go for £675,079, terraced houses £390,696, with semis fetching £366,667.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-12-1000x667.jpg" alt="house in lechlade" class="wp-image-62847" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-12-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-12-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-12-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-12.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This new build 4 bed detached house is on a semi-private cul de sac. <a href="https://www.mooreallen.co.uk/property/cas220002s/gl7/lechlade/meadow-view/house/4-bedrooms">On the market for £695,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries"><strong>NURSERIES</strong></h2>



<p>Plenty of great options. <a href="https://themanorfarmnursery.co.uk/">Manor Farm</a> is a popular nursery and holiday club on a large plot of farmland, in a funky barn conversion. <a href="https://www.lechladelittlelearners.co.uk/">Lechlade little Learners</a> takes from 2 yrs, or <a href="https://www.hatheropcastle.co.uk/life-in-the-nursery/">Hatherop Castle</a> is just 10 mins away, a nurturing and friendly place taking them from the age of 2 yrs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.stlawrencelechlade.co.uk/">St Lawrence C of E </a>is a popular primary choice, in the centre of the town, or just 5 mins away is Southrop C of E, a lovely little school in a beautiful village setting. <a href="https://www.farmors.gloucs.sch.uk/">Farmors</a> is a secondary option with a sixth form, just down the road in Fairford.  </p>



<p>Want to go the indie route? The happy and high-achieving day and boarding co-ed <a aria-label="Hatherop Castle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/hatherop-castle-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hatherop Castle</a> is just 5 miles away in Quenington – popular for its great facilities and fairytale countryside setting. Or, <a aria-label="Burford School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.burford.oxon.sch.uk/contact/admissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burford School</a> is 8 miles from Lechlade and Cricklade Manor Prep is 20 mins by car.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>You&#8217;ll have a supermodel neighbour, Kate Moss owns a pad in the area and is a regular at The Swan pub, we hear. And Kelmscott Manor, right on your doorstep, was the iconic William Morris&#8217;s summer home for 25 years. In the churchyard, the famous poet Shelley was inspired to write <em>A Summer Evening Churchyard</em> – look out for the verse inscribed by the church entrance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Swindon station is a quick 25 min dash and the train gets into London Paddington in 60 mins. You&#8217;re also an easy 25 mins from the M4.</p>



<p>Main image: Credit: <a href="https://www.cotswolds.com/plan-your-trip/towns-and-villages/lechlade-p674473">Cotswolds.com</a></p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Lechlade-on-Thames

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