In addition to timber-framed and stone cottages there is a black and white farmhouse dating back to the 15th century, an elegant stone manor house built before 1700, tall brick houses from around 1800, also many red-brick Victorian cottages and a scattering of 20th century houses in a variety of styles. The non-conformist chapel was built in the 1920s. The village also has two schools; the old Village school in the centre built in the 1860s with the more modern village hall attached, and at the north end the 1960s Middle School. The village pub ‘The Star Inn’ offers a warm welcome, traditional ales and home-cooked food.
Ashton is a favourite place for walkers because of its easy access to Bredon Hill with its range of public paths and scenic views. It’s a key part of Wychavon Way, a long distance path from Winchcombe to the River Severn. The village is also well known as the birthplace of Fred Archer, whose many books describe in vivid prose life on the farms and in the villages in past years, particularly the first part of the 20th century.
In earlier times Ashton was celebrated for its orchards and market gardening. Very little now remains although the traditions of the market gardener have in some measure been transferred to the current inhabitants who take a great pride in their gardens many of which are open to the public at the very popular annual opens in a new windowOpen Gardens weekend in June.