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The village lies 12 miles north and west of Gloucester. It is 5 and 8 miles respectively from the pretty market towns of Newent and Ledbury. Both have well preserved market houses and Church Lane in Ledbury is so well preserved it has often been the location for films depicting Victorian England.
There is a variety of walks around the village particularly the daffodil paths all of which are properly way marked. Maps of the walks can be obtained in advance from the Friends or purchased at St Mary’s. You just need to drop the money in the offertory box.
Use this site to view the tours of St Mary’s and St Edward’s and you will most certainly want to see them in their real world setting. Both are open throughout the summer months from 10 am till 6 pm. St Mary’s interior is unique and the wall paintings are bound to inspire you. St Edward’s Arts and Crafts style is also unique. The walk between them down narrow country lanes offers a peaceful break from the bustle of city life.
If you plan to walk it is advisable to wear sensible shoes and do come prepared for rain as the paths can become quite muddy. Queens Wood ¼ mile south of the village has well defined paths through a mainly deciduous landscape with a well maintained lake at its heart. Make a day of it and bring a picnic, there are tables in the car park and beside the lake.
Should you feel really energetic you can walk the lanes to Much Marcle church where there is a 1,300 year-old yew tree.
The village has no pub but Dymock, five minutes by car, has a pleasant country pub, the Beauchamp Arms, serving good basic meals and snacks, the beer’s not bad either. The pub, named for the Earl who owned nearly all of Kempley and Dymock until 1920, is owned by the village making it one of few such hostelries in the UK.
Our rural location is misleading in that the cathedral cities of Gloucester and Hereford are a mere half hours drive away. If it’s shopping you want then Cheltenham is just a little bit further.
All in all this is the place to visit combining the opportunity to enjoy stunning scenery and an unspoilt environment with visits to pretty market towns and their big city cousins.
We look forward to welcoming you and can promise it will be a trip you will not regret.
NB. Limited parking for cars is available on the roadside opposite the church or on the verges further along the lane. Parking for coaches is available ONLY BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT
The central theme of the project is the documentary and narrative heritage of the two landmark churches that lie within the parish.
The Friends of Kempley Churches (Gloucestershire) is a registered charity.
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Registered charity number 1108735
Registered Charity No, 1108735
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