Blockley is one of the larger Cotswold villages. Quite a treasure, it is located between Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden. From the 18th and 19th centuries, the community was noted for its silk mills, which took advantage of the brook running through the village.
If you are considering a visit, here are some answers to common questions.
Is Blockley worth a visit?
Yes, from the beautiful stone buildings to the stunning Norman church in the centre of the village, this is quite a beautiful place to visit. A small community, it is welcoming and offers everything visitors need to experience this area’s history and charm.
Blockley is not a large community nor a tourism-focused village, but it is a fantastic place to visit when you want to enjoy the history of this region. Come for afternoon tea and check out the Blockley cottages with their stunning architecture and the marsh and fast flowing waters of the Blockey Brook nearby.
The village’s history in the silk and wood industries is still easily noted in the various mills present here. Though most of the mills are gone today, some of them are now private residents, which makes for a fantastic backdrop.
There are many things to do in Blockley village.
Look at the architecture
One of the things most notable about this area is Blockley holiday cottages. Their charming architecture is stunning. The village of Blockley has a number of 18th-century buildings and some that are even older, dating back to the medieval period. The mill ponds are also present, just off the Blockey Brook, and these have their own charming feel to them, though they used to be the centre of the silk industry.
Explore the Mill Dene Garden
The Mill Dene is a privately owned location, but it is open throughout the year for those who wish to see the unique collection of historic elements here. This area is a stunning treasure in the Cotswold village. The old water mill sits next to an English country garden that dates to the middle of the 1900s.
Explore Father Brown filming spots
There are a number of fantastic filming locations that you can visit here to learn more about the crime-solving priest. When you visit as a fan of the television series, as one of the larger Cotswold villages, you will be able to see locations such as the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul – the fictional St Mary’s church, the Moreton-in-Marsh area, Lower Slaughter, and Guiting Power, all of which are nearby attraction event locations for the show.
Visit the cheese company
Spend some time in Moreton-in-Marsh, which is just a short 10-minute drive from Blockley. There, you will find the Cotswold Cheese Company, which offers some of the best cheese in the entire country. In fact, there are 80 artisan cheeses available to try.
Explore Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum is a local treasure. While you will not have to worry about huge crowds here, this is a fantastic place for a relaxing walk along the wooded areas. There are 55 acres of botanical gardens to explore here, and some of the best shopping for outdoor lovers at the Garden Centre here. Also in this area is the Garden Terrace Café, which is the ideal place to sit and relax for some tea and cake during your visit.
What is Blockley known for?
Historically, Blockley is noted for its role in the production of silk. Today, it is more commonly known for the backdrop of various television programs. Most notably, it is featured on the TV show, “Father Brown.” In the show, the St Peter and St Paul’s church, the late Norman church notable in the city, was used as the story’s St. Mary’s Church, where Father Brown, the vicarage, calls home. The town is regularly featured on this show as a result. Many who visit come to see this.
What’s in Blockley?
Though a smaller area, Blockley has much to offer. That starts with the honey-coloured, golden hues of the historic architecture here. A walk along the cobblestone walkways is a favourite task. It is possible to visit some of the private gardens, the churches, and beautiful locations like Batsford Arboretum and Cotswold Falconry Centre.
The largely unspoilt area of Blockley is relaxing and peaceful. You will not find tourist shops here as you would in other city centre locations throughout England and Gloucestershire specifically. Yet, when you visit, you will find some special areas to explore.
When you visit the parish, which is easy to reach from the surrounding areas, you will get to see a few unique elements. That includes the Bourton on the Hill area, the main centre of the village, and a café or two.
What is the history of Blockley?
The area’s first recorded occupation of the area, known as Blockley, occurred during the Saxon period. In 855 A.D., there’s record of the King of Mercia selling the village to the Bishops of Worcester, who held onto it through 1781 during the civil war. Until 1931, it remained a part of Worcestershire.
Yet, during the late 18th century, the silk production here really gave the community a name for itself. Through the early 19th century, the mills used Blockley Brook to help with the production of silk fibres that were sought after by all in the country. These silk mills shuttered their doors in 18885 due to the prohibition on imports.
Getting here
Blockley is accessible from the A44 via the B4479 from Bourton on the Hill. You can also follow the road from Chipping Campden, through Broad Campden and up the hill into the village.
There is no train station in the village but the nearest one is in nearby Moreton in Marsh.
What council is Blockley In?
Blockley is a part of the Cotswold District Council. This council covered a total of 28 wards, which, aside from Blockley, also includes Ampney, Churn Valley, Champden-Vale, and Cirencester Watermoor. Quite the beautiful area, this is the type of destination you will want to visit to get an idea of the history of this region.
What is the oldest town in the Cotswolds?
The oldest town in the Cotswolds is Malmesbury, which is at the southern entrance to the Cotswolds. It is thought to be the oldest location that has continuously been inhabited in England.