Southam, a Village on the Outskirt of Cheltenham in the County of Gloucestershire, England
Southam Village is a residential community in Gloucestershire, England. Its next door neighbour is Cheltenham, and most of the village residents are commuting to their work in this spa town. The village also has a growing resident of retirees who are drawn to the area because of its scenic countryside
As early as 991, the name of the village was already being used, apparently from its location south of Bishop’s Cleave, another next door neighbour. It is recorded as “Surham” in the Domesday Book and was administered by Durand, the Sheriff of Gloucester. It was also known as Southam-de-la-bere from 1885 to distinguish it from the Southam in Warwickshire and also to identify it with the Lord of the Manor from 1609, Richard de la Bere.
Food, Shopping and Accommodation in Southam
The Ellenborough Park Hotel, a five-star luxury hotel, is located in the village. Other than that, visitors of the town will have to go to Cheltenham or to Gloucester for more choices of a place to stay. There are no restaurants either in the village, the nearest place to go for a bite or drink is again Cheltenham or Gloucester.
Things to See and Do in Southam
Things to see in the village are the 12th Century Church of the Ascension and the Tythe Barn. The Church of the Ascension is a lovely restored medieval church now used as the village church. The Tythe Barn is a stunning restored 1tth Century Cotswold stone barn set in 200 acres of beautiful landscape. It is now being used as a B&B and venue for all occasions.
Another village’s main feature is the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway running through the periphery of the village and a castle which has since been converted into a hotel.