Uley brings together the town’s textile history, prehistoric traces, walks through the countryside and local cultural attractions. A short section of the Cotswold Way runs through Uley; a circular walk leads to the foot of the Iron Age hillfort, Uley Bury. There is also a Neolithic long barrow, the parish church of St Giles and Uley Brewery. Those considering Uley as a destination can include a range of interests in their plans: outdoor activity, archaeology and local culture.
Countryside and walking trails
Uley and the neighbouring settlement of Owlpen lie in a sheltered valley behind the steep Cotswold Escarpment, which forms the eastern boundary of the Severn Vale. The River Ewelme flows through the valley, fed by numerous springs. Uley has around 25 miles of rural walking and riding paths. There is also a short section of the Cotswold Way that runs through the village. As a more specific route option, the circular walk “Hills and Forts – Cam Long Down and Uley – Cotswold Way Circular Walk” leads to the foot of Uley Bury hillfort. This information answers different planning questions: the mileage gives an approximate sense of the extent of the rural paths and names two types of trail; the circular walk leads to a specific destination. This makes it possible to distinguish the general network of paths from a single route.
Textile history and brewery
During the Napoleonic Wars, Uley and Owlpen were important centres of broadcloth production for army uniforms. “Uley Blue” fabric was internationally renowned. The brewery’s history is another chapter in the story of the village: Uley Brewery was founded in Uley in 1833 and remains at its original site. The Forge is the taproom at the heart of the brewery. You can have a drink there and see where the beer is made. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening arrangements before you travel.
Uley Bury and the Long Barrow
Uley Bury hillfort is a Scheduled Monument and covers approximately 23 hectares. Well over 2,000 flint artefacts found on the summit indicate the presence of a settlement from before the Iron Age, probably of Neolithic origin. Uley Long Barrow, also known locally as Hetty Pegler’s Tump, is a Neolithic burial mound at least 5,000 years old. It is 37 metres long and has a cruciform, or “transepted,” layout: chambers open off a central passage. The two archaeological sites highlight different things: Uley Bury focuses on evidence of an early settlement, while the Long Barrow draws attention to the shape of the tomb and its internal layout.
Church and art
The Anglican parish church of St Giles was built in 1857–1858 in the 14th-century Decorated style. Its construction date and style point to different periods: the church building dates from the 19th century, while its design draws on a style from the 14th century. Prema Arts Centre is another cultural destination in Uley. It supports performances and exhibits works by artists. Local culture therefore encompasses both a specific architectural history and opportunities to engage with art and performance. Together with the textile and brewery history, these offer a distinctive perspective on Uley that goes beyond its walking trails and prehistoric sites.
Discover more destinations: Redmarley D'abitot, Kingscote, South Cerney, Northleach, Bledington, Dumbleton, Andoversford, St Marys.
For the broader travel overview: Gloucestershire.
