Local Roots
Tetbury was already well established by the Middle Ages, and its history is commemorated in annual Woolsack Races where competitors carry a sack of wool uphill and downhill. There are several fine sixteenth and seventeenth century buildings, including an outstanding pillared Market House built in 1665 and the charming Chipping Steps were once the site of a hiring fair for farmworkers. Chavenage House, near the village, has featured in many period dramas, and the village is close to Prince Charles’ home Highgrove, with many of the local shops holding his Royal Warrant. Tetbury also has an exceptional record in the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

Transport
Buses between Tetbury and Cirencester pass Highfields, and there are also daily services to Stroud. Kemble Railway Station, seven miles from Highfields, offers direct services via Swindon to London Paddington, a journey of around one hour twenty minutes, as well as to Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa. The development is just 20 minutes from the M4 and M5 motorways, and Gloucester, Swindon, Bristol and Bath are all within a 45 minute drive.

Leisure & Recreation
Tetbury offers endless opportunities to walk or cycle through beautiful countryside, such as the Rail Lands route that extends from the town to Kemble Junction. Westonbirt National Arboretum, around four miles away, includes more than 2,500 species of trees, and the exciting activities of Cotswold Water Park are just 12 miles to the east. The town has an excellent choice of local bars, cafés and restaurants, including the historic Royal Oak. Tetbury’s more unusual attractions include a Police Museum housed in the Old Courthouse.

Education & Health
Tetbury’s primary school, St Mary’s, is located close to the town centre in a spacious site with a large treelined sports field. Sir William Romney’s School, specialising in performing arts, covers the 11 to 16 age range, and both schools are within easy walking distance of Highfields. There is a medical practice in Tetbury town centre, and the town also has a large dental practice. Tetbury Hospital is a five minute drive away and has minor injury and day surgery units, and x-ray, physiotherapy and outpatient departments. 

Events & Festivals
The annual community-organised events include a Food and Drink Festival in September and a classical Music Festival in October. In July, the Tetbury Tythe Fiesta provides free music to raise money for charities, and the Woolsack Races in May are accompanied by live music in the pubs and streets.

Shopping
There is a Tesco supermarket less than half a mile from Highfields. The main shopping area, in contrast, is composed largely of independent traders, from family butchers to a specialist cheese shop, in Church Street and Long Street, where there is also a Highgrove shop selling produce from the royal estate. The town has around 25 antiques shops, and an outdoor market is held on Wednesdays. For a wider choice of high street names several larger centres, including Bristol or Gloucester, are in easy reach.

Recycling Facilities
The local Tesco store has recycling facilities for glass, paper, cardboard and other household packaging. A larger recycling centre in Stroud accepts televisions, white goods, electronics, furniture and garden waste.