Southam and Cleeve Hill War Memorial

You'll find this memorial on the high ground of Cleeve Hill, just outside Cheltenham - the sort of spot where the wind hits you properly and you can see for miles across the Cotswolds. It's a modest but dignified structure honouring the local dead from both world wars, and frankly, it deserves more visitors than it gets.

The memorial itself is straightforward - no fancy stonework or elaborate inscriptions, just solid granite doing what it was built to do. What makes the walk worthwhile is the setting. Cleeve Hill rises to 1,083 feet and offers proper views across Gloucestershire on a clear day. You're not scrambling over difficult terrain; it's accessible enough for most people, though the exposed location means weather can turn quickly.

This works best for anyone with a connection to local history or those who appreciate quiet, reflective sites away from crowds. It's the sort of place you'd combine with a longer walk across Cleeve Hill itself rather than visit in isolation. Allow 20 minutes here if you're just paying respects, longer if you're making it part of a ramble.

If you're based at any of the nearby caravan parks - Cheltenham Racecourse is closest at just over a mile - it's worth a detour. The memorial is free to visit and accessible year-round. Spring and autumn work best; winter brings mist that kills the views, summer can be windy.