WHEN it comes to the Cotswolds, everyone heads to the same towns of Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water.
But an alternative town often overlooked is Winchombe – and it’s hiding a huge royal secret.
Found near Cheltenham, the town is called the “hidden jewel in the Cotswold crown,” by the tourist board.
It is a popular visit for walkers due to its location on seven famous footpaths.
This includes the Cotswold Way and Gloucestershire Way, as well as Windrush Way and Kenelm’s Trail.
It now even holds a walking festival every May in celebration.
There is the free-to-visit Winchombe Museum which talks of the town’s history dating back billions of years.
Otherwise you can also visit St Peter’s Church which dates back to the 1400s.
Just outside the town in the parish of Sudeley is Sudeley Castle.
As well as its beautiful 10 gardens set across the 1,200 acre estate, it has been owned by a number of kings over the years including King Edward IV and King Richard II.
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King Henry VIII also visited with his then wife Anne Boleyn – and also made it the resting place of Queen Katherine Parr after her death.
This makes it the world’s only privately owned castle to have a queen buried onsite.
Sadly the town no longer has a functioning train station with scheduled passenger trains.
It did have its own back in 1906 which was on the line of Cheltenham to Birmingham.
Sadly it closed in 1960 and was dismantled in the 1980s.
However, it as since been partially restored for heritage trains such as themed trips and Christmas events.
Kids will love the Royal Mail model railway there too which has a Thomas & Friends train track as well as a small cafe.
You aren’t short of pubs in town either if you want a pint and a burger, from The Royal Oak to The Pheasant Inn.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, options include The Lion Inn and White Hart Inn as well.
For something more fun, on the outskirts is The Lodge at Winchcombe, a beautiful country house with en-suite bedrooms.
Trains to Winchcombe take around 1hr30 from London, followed by a 30 minute drive from Honeybourne.
Here is another Cotswolds town that is loved by locals.