Beyond the gates
Town days, hill walks and a house to come home to. Make Evington your base for exploring Cheltenham and the surrounding countryside, with time left for a long supper and an evening in the hot tub.
Choose one outing or make a weekend of it. These ideas work just as well for a cottage escape as for friends and family staying across the whole property.
Some of the best days need very little planning: a walk from the house, coffee and cake, or supper at the local pub.
Walk from Evington
Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows nature reserve can be reached on foot from the property. Explore its wetland landscape, follow the waymarked paths and look out for birds along the canal and meadows.
Ask us for the walking route from the house. Paths can be muddy and the reserve may be inaccessible during flooding, so check current access notices before setting out.
Reserve information & current access updates
Coffee & something sweet
Pick up something for your stay at the local Coombe Hill Farm Shop, then pause for coffee and cake at The Baking Bird, served from its distinctive vintage van.
A lovely excuse for a slower morning or a treat after a walk. Check the farm shop and coffee service’s current opening days before visiting, as these may differ.
Your local pub
The Swan Inn is within walking distance of Evington House, making it an easy choice for a meal out during your stay.
Evington House guests can claim a 15% discount. Ask us how to claim your guest discount before your visit and confirm the applicable terms. Reserve ahead if you are dining with a larger group.
View The Swan’s menu and visitor informationTown & culture
Take in the Regency streets and Montpellier, pause for lunch, then leave the evening free for a performance at the Everyman Theatre. It is a lovely way to balance a country-house stay with a day in town.
For a group meal, reserve ahead and confirm the restaurant can seat your party together.
Explore Cheltenham’s official visitor guideOpen skies
Make room for fresh air and open countryside. Cleeve Common’s official route guides include a 2.3-mile family circular walk, described as suitable for primary-school-age children and above.
Choose a route for your group’s ability, check the weather and follow the Common’s guidance around livestock, dogs and the golf course.
Choose an official walking routeHistory & gardens
Pair a wander through Winchcombe with a visit to Sudeley Castle & Gardens, on the edge of the Cotswold town. Allow time to enjoy the gardens and explore at your own pace.
Check seasonal opening, tickets and accessibility before setting off; the castle is a separate visitor attraction.
Plan a visit to SudeleyTime with the children
For a relaxed family outing, Pittville Park offers lakes, open spaces and children’s play areas beneath the backdrop of Pittville Pump Room. Keep the day simple with a walk and a stop for refreshments.
The park is free to visit. Activities such as boat hire have their own availability and charges.
Discover Pittville ParkA wildlife day out
For a longer excursion, spend a day discovering wetland wildlife at Slimbridge. Check the centre’s seasonal activities and visitor information to shape the day around your group.
Pet dogs are not admitted; trained assistance dogs are welcome under the centre’s guidance. Check tickets and access information before travelling.
Plan your Slimbridge visitMake an occasion of it
Build a break around racing at Cheltenham or the town’s Jazz, Science, Music and Literature festivals. Enjoy the event, then return to your own space to unwind together.
Check event tickets separately from accommodation, and arrange transport in advance for busy dates.
Cheltenham Racecourse visitor information
Explore Cheltenham FestivalsSuggested plans to adapt to your dates, the weather and the people coming with you.
Friday: arrive from 4pm, settle in and share supper at the house.
Saturday: choose a Cheltenham outing or a countryside walk, with time to return before dinner.
Sunday: enjoy breakfast together and check out by 11am. A visit to Winchcombe or Sudeley could round off the weekend, subject to opening.
First day: unpack and enjoy the grounds before an easy evening in.
Full day: choose Pittville Park for a relaxed outing or Slimbridge for a wildlife excursion.
Before you leave: keep breakfast unhurried and plan any final outing after the 11am check-out.
Check each venue’s current opening, tickets, accessibility and dog policy using the official links above. Plan your route from Evington House and allow extra travel time on race and festival days. Outings, tickets, meals and transport are booked separately from your stay.
For larger groups, make restaurant and transport arrangements early. At Evington, the large dining table seats up to 18; groups of 19–21 should discuss dining arrangements with us before booking.
Whichever option you choose, your group has exclusive use of the grounds and six-person hot tub. Only one group stays at a time; indoor access is limited to the accommodation booked.
