Elegant spa and market towns and stately homes presiding over rolling, green landscapes. Welcome to Gloucestershire. Trek between the honey-hued clusters that make up the picture-perfect Cotswold villages or cycle off the beaten track through oaks and beeches in the huge Forest of Dean – brake for wild boar and roe deer! An ever popular family day out, Gloucestershire towns will give you glimpses of regency high life and medieval market squares. This west county's lively sporting calendar is packed with high-end horse races, county cricket and even annual Double Gloucester cheese rolling. There’s never a shortage of attractions in Gloucestershire.
Places to visit in Gloucestershire
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
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
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
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
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
September events: Celebrate over 2,000 years of Gloucester’s history
Experience the city’s rich history at the Gloucester History Festival in September with family activities, parades. talks and tours.
Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Chill in style within Subterranean Spa Cirencester
Indulge yourself in the newly opened Kings Head Hotel combining luxury rooms and dining, but allow time to experience pampering treatments in the spa.
Location: Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Discover the Cotswolds and Severn Vale by bike
Discover the south Cotswolds on a new bike route from Nailsworth to Frampton on Severn, enjoying Prema Arts Cafe, Uley Bury and the tranquil canal en route.
Location: Nailsworth, Gloucestershire
October events: Lace up your boots for Dursley’s Walking Festival
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the undiscovered south Cotswolds and take part in the annual Dursley Walking Festival, which takes place every October.
Location: Dursley, Gloucestershire
October events: Celebrate all things foodie at the Forest Showcase Food Festival
Head to the Forest of Dean this autumn for the best in local, seasonal and speciality food and drink at the Forest Showcase Food Festival.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
Explore the autumnal landscape of The Forest of Dean
With miles of tracks and footpaths to explore, The Forest of Dean offers endless pleasure for walkers, whether it's a 30 minute gentle stroll or a two hour ramble.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
May the force be with you in Puzzlewood
See where scenes of Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens were filmed as you explore the enchanting woodlands of Puzzlewood.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
October events: Enjoy the beauty of words at the Cheltenham Literature Festival
The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, one of four main Cheltenham Festivals, is one of the longest running literature festivals in the world.
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire