Countryside
Both genteel and wild, there’s nothing quite like the English countryside for rural escapes with its patchwork hills, dramatic dales, ancient woodlands and winding country roads. All well and good, but what is there to do in England’s countryside exactly? Quite a lot, actually. Admire the grand interiors of a stately home before catching a play in the surrounding gardens, travel back in time with visits to ancient stone circles and crumbling castles, or step into a chocolate box of quaint villages and market towns and live like a local, trying farmhouse cheeses, cream teas and real ales along the way.
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Heart-pumping mountain biking in the Forest of Dean
Feel the adrenaline flow through you as you experience downhill mountain bike tracks in the Forest of Dean.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Try a canoeing adventure along the River Wye
Become one with the water as you canoe through the rapid waters of the River Wye.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Discover a vibrant arts scene within the Forest of Dean
Discover a cultural scene that really breathes life in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Uncover the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
For lovers of the great outdoors, the Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst showcases giant pieces created from materials you might find in the Forest.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Visit the home of the Dymock Poets in the Forest of Dean
In the quiet village of Dymock, literacy history was being made by six of the finest poets of the early 20th century.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Spot Poldark at Chavenage House
Come and see 'Trenwith', the Poldark family home, actually 'played' by Chavenage House in Tetbury and you may spot Aiden Turner as Ross Poldark!
Location: Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Explore the Regency spa town of Cheltenham
This pretty spa town in Gloucestershire is the perfect place to explore and base yourself for a Cotswold sojourn.
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Explore the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Combine art and the great outdoors as you follow a charming sculpture trail through woodlands in Gloucestershire.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Discover Laurie Lee Country
Take inspiration from the BBC adaptation of the classic novel ‘Cider with Rosie’ and follow in the footsteps of author Laurie Lee through the Slad Valley.
Location: Slad village near Stroud, Gloucestershire
Slow things down in Hidcote Manor Gardens
Forget about the outside world for a few hours in this perfect spot of Gloucestershire.
Location: Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
Experience rock climbing in the picturesque Wye Valley
The spectacular Wye Valley cliffs offer a unique and beautiful playground for what is now one of the UK's largest participation sports.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Walk in the footsteps of Romans at Chedworth Roman Villa
Discover 4th-century Roman England at Chedworth.
Location: Fossebridge, Gloucestershire
Go shopping for retro clothes on a Cotswolds vintage tour
Visit the Cotswolds and discover vintage treasures on a carefully designed retro-themed driving tour.
Location: Tewkesbury or Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Spoil yourself with a bit of luxury at Ellenborough Park
Indulge in classically beautiful surroundings and enjoy a hotel that strives for excellence.
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Seek out wild garlic flowers amongst Gloucestershire’s woodland
Wild garlic flowers are pretty little things to spot on a summer’s ramble in the Cotswolds, and make for a delicious addition to your salad bowl.
Location: The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
Explore the rooms and grounds of Snowshill Manor
From suits of Samurai armour to antique bicycles of all shapes and sizes, there are about 22,000 reasons to take a nose round Snowshill Manor.
Location: Snowshill, Gloucestershire
Get an authentic taste of Cotswolds farm life
Ever fancied trying your hand at making your own sausages? Be part of a traditional farming experience at Old Farm, near Moreton in Marsh.
Location: Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire
Go wild for the wildlife of the Cotswolds
Experience the wild beauty of Batsford Arboretum and the sight of rare birds of prey soaring over the surrounding Cotswolds hills.
Location: Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire
Take part in the Cotswolds & Severn Vale circular cycling tour
Enjoy a circular self guided cycling holiday tour, so you spend a week exploring the Cotswolds & Severn Vale, on your bike with optional day routes.
Location: Gloucestershire, Cotswolds
Retrace the Cotswolds’ Arts and Crafts movement
Explore William Morris's Cotswolds as you relive the area's arts and crafts movement in Chipping Campden and Broadway.
Location: Chipping Campden & Broadway, Gloucestershire