Elkstone, Gloucestershire Travel Information

Gloucestershire Travel Guide
A guide to Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds of England, highlighting attractions, history, and visitor information.
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Elkstone

Summary
picture of Elkstone chancel arch A quiet village south of Cheltenham, with a church known for its unusual dovecote above the chancel and its quite exeptional Norman arches in the chancel and sanctuary. The church is also the highest in Gloucestershire, and boasts a wonderful Norman tympanum above the south door.

The church
The church of St John the Evangelist in Elkstone is the highest church in the Cotswolds. It is tucked away off the busy A417 Cirencester to Gloucester road, but it is well worth taking a detour to explore the church and its striking collection of Norman arches and decorative features.

Among these features is a set of gargoyles on the tower, and other decorative medieval carvings ranged below the roof line. Some of these carvings are quite pagan in nature, including grotesque monsters, birds, and a very Roman-looking centaur, ready to shoot an arrow from his bow.

Picture of a centaur carving, Elkstone churchPass to the south door, where a lovely Norman tympanum (the semi-circle bit over the doorway) is supported by pillars incised with strong beak-head ornamentation.

The pagan theme is carried on inside as well, where the superb Norman chancel arch ends in fancifully carved beast heads that bear a strong resemblance to crocodiles. (See photos in the Elkstone Photo Gallery).

The chancel arch, and those leading to the altar, are among the best in Gloucestershire, if not in Britain. The traditional Norman chevron patterns are clear and sharp despite the passage of time. But there is more to Elkstone than meets the eye. A small door behind the pulpit leads up a narrow spiral staircase which emerges into a small chamber directly above the chancel. Small holes in the wall betray this hidden chamber's use; it is a dovecote.

Picture of a medieval dovecote, ElkstoneGetting There
Elkstone is reached via a minor road signposted from the A417, or via my preferred route, from the east, off the A435. The way is narrow, and dives down into a lovely dell before climbing to Elkstone. The church is at the south end of the village and there is parking for church visitors down the lane that leads to the church.

For more photos of Elkstone, including several striking carvings and Norman stonework,visit the Elkstone Photo Gallery.

Resources
Elkstone Village website
Elkstone

Nearby
Cheltenham

Related:
Cotswolds

 

 

Gloucestershire Travel Guide

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Attractions in Gloucestershire - categories
Abbeys - Ancient Sites - Castles - Churches - Gardens - Historic Houses - Roman - Towns & Villages Gazetteer

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Bibury - Hidcote Manor Gardens - Kiftsgate Gardens - Stanton

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Ampney St Mary - Ampney Crucis - Bibury - Blockley - Bourton on the Water - Broad Campden - Chalford - Cheltenham - Chipping Campden - Coln St Aldwyns - Eastleach - Fairford - Guiting Power - Hampnett - Icomb - Little Rissington - Lower Slaughter - Naunton - Northleach - Notgrove - Ozleworth - Painswick - Quenington - Randwick - Snowshill - Stanton - Stanway - Stow on the Wold - Tewkesbury - Upper Slaughter - Winchcombe

Featured attractions
Batsford Arboretum - Belas Knap - Berkeley Castle - Chedworth Roman Villa - Gloucester Cathedral - Hailes Abbey - Kiftsgate Manor Gardens - Snowshill Manor - Sudeley Castle - Trull House - Westbury Court Gardens - Westonbirt Arboretum - Winchcombe

Accommodation
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Accommodation
Gloucestershire

Hillside Cottage

Buckland
Self catering cottage

This property offers 1 double, 1 twin, bathroom with bath & shower, living room with log fire, kitchen/diner, sleeps 4. There is also an Annexe … more >>
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Mobility level access level 1

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Cheltenham (Hotel)

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Crossways is a non-smoking fine regency house, listed as of architectural and historical importance to the nation. In the very centre of Cheltenham - it is ideal for theatres, festivals, gold cup racing, cricket festival and long weekends spent in the Cotswolds with the added bonus of Cheltenhams cosmopolitan mix … more >>

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Cheltenham (Hotel)

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5 Star (Gold Award) boutique guest accommodation in a landmark listed Regency terrace. Thirty Two provides a quiet and exclusive haven for the most discerning traveller in Cheltenhams most sought after location overlooking Imperial Gardens. Within 2 minutes walk of Cheltenhams best shops, restaurants and bars. All rooms have beautiful … more >>

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