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
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Experience a revival of Cotswolds’ culinary traditions
Perfect your culinary skills at Thyme at Southrop’s cookery school, then explore some of the Cotswolds’ best restaurants in Bibury and Nailsworth.
Location: Southrop, Gloucestershire
Get into green camping in the Cotswolds
Camp out amongst elderflowers and starlight at Thistledown Campsite. Acres of idyllic woodland surround your tent, waiting to be explored for free.
Location: Nympsfield, Gloucestershire
Enjoy afternoon tea in a thatched Cotswolds cottage
Tour the Cotswolds’ hidden gems and receive a warm welcome at the Secret Cottage, a private home where you are invited to traditional afternoon tea.
Location: Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Escape to Winchcombe, the walking capital of the Cotswolds
Explore an undiscovered side to the north Cotswolds by combining a tranquil stay in the ancient town of Winchcombe with some fantastic walking routes.
Location: Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
Fly or freewheel through the trees in the Forest of Dean
Hire bikes and go exploring, fly through the air on a zip wire or paddle down the river on a watery adventure.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Magic and mystery in the Forest of Dean
Follow in the footsteps of Dr Who, Merlin and Atlantis, explore the Clearwell Caves or ride through the forest on the steam railway.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Grab your bike for a cycling tour of the Cotswolds
Get off the beaten track with a Cotswolds Adventures guided cycling tour in the summer sun. Meander through lanes, villages, and stunning countryside.
Location: Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
Walk through history at Berkeley Castle
Walk in the footsteps of Wolf Hall’s real historic characters, and also the actors who went on to play them at Berkeley Castle.
Location: Berkeley, Gloucestershire
Stay and play on Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
Make the most of family fun time camping at Cotswold Farm Park, and visit nearby Bourton-on-the-Water to explore attractions & picnic by the river.
Location: Near Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
June events: Revel in music at Westonbirt Arboretum for Forest Live
England’s forests turn into atmospheric music venues for Forest Live, offering an eclectic range of artists & an amazing night out.
Location: Westonbirt near Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Rediscover yourself on a relaxing farm stay in the Cotswolds
Experience a break with a difference & reconnect with the countryside. Stay in a hut by the pond or a unique shepherd’s hut with a cosy log burner.
Location: Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Strap your boots on for the Cotswold Way National Trail
Escape this summer and walk the Cotswold Way with friends, stopping over along the route at unique accommodation sites nestled in tranquil locations.
Location: Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
July events: Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
Originally one of the world’s biggest battle re-enactments, this event in the normally quiet village of Tewkesbury has grown into a festival recreating all aspects of medieval life.
Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Enjoy a romantic break at Cotswold House Hotel and Spa
Chill out and rekindle your romance with a wonderful summer luxury break at the contemporary Cotswold House Hotel and Spa in Chipping Campden.
Location: Chipping Campden, 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
December events: Enter an underground Christmas cave
Follow the story of Archie and the Unicorn, told through glittering lights in an underground cavern.
Location: Clearwell Caves, Gloucestershire
Take an enchanting trip on the Dean Forest Railway
Experience the sights, sounds and the smell of traditional train travel on The Dean Forest Railway, a rural branch railway offering rides on steam trains and some heritage diesel services.
Location: Lydney, Gloucestershire