Nestled just three miles off the M5, south of Gloucester, Frampton-on-Severn is a delightful Gloucestershire village that offers more than meets the eye.
Home to around 1,000 residents, this village proudly claims the UK’s longest village green, stretching about half a mile and featuring a traditional pub at each end—a perfect spot for locals and visitors alike to gather and soak in the atmosphere.
One of the village’s standout landmarks is Frampton Court, an impressive Georgian mansion built in the 1730s and owned by the Clifford family ever since. This historic estate has even starred on screen, featuring in ITV’s 2019 period drama Sanditon and the classic 1968 war film The Charge of the Light Brigade.
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Frampton-on-Severn’s charm lies in its delightful architectural mix. As you stroll the village green, you’ll pass quaint brick cottages standing next to striking Tudor-style homes with exposed timber frames, creating an eclectic yet inviting streetscape.
Positioned on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, the village offers scenic waterside walks. A short 20-minute stroll leads you to Saul Junction Marina, where The Stables Café serves coffee and light bites alongside picture-perfect views of moored canal boats.
The village isn’t your typical Cotswolds postcard scene, but its unique personality shines through in its relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere. It’s particularly popular with walkers of all ages, thanks to its completely flat terrain and easy-to-navigate routes.
At the southern end of the green sits The Three Horseshoes pub, one of two beloved watering holes in the village. Landlord Red Hogben, a lifelong resident, highlights the warmth of the local community: “The community is cracking; everyone helps each other out. It’s just a lovely little area with loads of great people. You can’t beat this for village life.”
After purchasing and refurbishing The Three Horseshoes in October 2025, Red continues a family tradition—his relatives run The Bell Inn at the other end of the green—both serving as central hubs in village life.
Frampton-on-Severn comes alive with events throughout the year. The Country Fair in September draws thousands, while in July, visitors enjoy the Giffords Circus and the village’s uniquely entertaining Sheep and Pony Racing, a tradition that has brought the community together for over a decade.
Roman Cooper, 58, a member of the Frampton Fundraisers who organize these events, praises the village’s spirit: “It’s a beautiful place with a very strong sense of community. We have everything here—from cricket and sailing clubs to football, tennis, and bowls.”
Roman shared how the quirky sheep racing began about 15 years ago as a charity fundraiser, initially small and chaotic, but now a major annual event attracting around 2,500 visitors and raising tens of thousands of pounds for local causes. Through years of dedication and support from about 120 volunteers, the fundraising efforts have collectively contributed over £325,000 to Gloucestershire charities.
Longtime resident Caroline Clements, 65, who runs the beloved Ley Bistro café, sums up the village perfectly: “Frampton is a small place with a big heart. It’s a safe and welcoming community where people come for its warmth, beauty, and genuine friendliness.”
If you haven’t experienced Frampton-on-Severn yet, there’s no better time than this weekend. Visit the village, enjoy a pint at The Bell Inn, and witness the unforgettable thrill of sheep racing—all while supporting a wonderful cause in one of Gloucestershire’s most unique and welcoming communities.