Six Distinctive Destinations, One Extraordinary County

Based on 15+ years of guiding visitors through Gloucestershire, we've discovered what makes each destination truly special. Gloucestershire unfolds like a beautiful tapestry, each destination weaving its own magic into the county's rich story.

Gloucestershire unfolds like a beautiful tapestry, each destination weaving its own magic into the county's rich story. From honey-stone villages that seem touched by golden light to ancient forests that whisper with centuries of secrets, from elegant Regency terraces to soaring cathedral spires, from medieval abbeys to creative valleys alive with artistic spirit – this is a county that rewards the curious traveller with experiences as diverse as they are unforgettable.

Which Gloucestershire destination is right for you?

The Cotswolds: Perfect for picture-perfect villages, luxury escapes, and quintessential English countryside experiences.

Forest of Dean: Perfect for outdoor adventures, wildlife watching, and ancient woodland experiences.

Severn Vale: Perfect for river activities, peaceful retreats, and authentic rural life.

Stroud Valleys: Perfect for art lovers, creative experiences, and independent shopping.

Tewkesbury & Vale of Evesham: Perfect for history enthusiasts, medieval heritage, and traditional markets.

Detailed destination guides

Forest of Dean

Where ancient woodlands hold court with the sky, and every path leads to wonder

Enter an ancient realm where mighty oaks and towering beeches create cathedral-like spaces filled with dappled light and forest whispers. This is wild Gloucestershire – a place where medieval traditions still echo through the trees, where free-roaming sheep wander ancient trackways, and where adventure awaits around every forest bend. The Dean isn't just a place; it's an experience that awakens something primal and peaceful within.

Forest of Dean Experiences:

Over 26,000 acres (42 square miles) of ancient Crown woodland
England's first National Forest Park, designated in 1938
Unique Commoners' Rights dating back 800 years
Wild boar and deer roam freely through the forest
Historic coal mining heritage with preserved mine sites
Wye Valley internationally protected landscape

The Cotswolds

Where golden stone meets endless sky, and every village feels like coming home

Step into a world where time moves gently and beauty seems effortless. The Cotswolds cast a spell with their honey-coloured limestone villages, where ancient churches stand sentinel over winding lanes and cottage gardens burst with seasonal blooms. This is England at its most picture-perfect – a landscape of rolling hills dotted with market towns that have mastered the art of gracious living.

What Makes The Cotswolds Special:

Honey-coloured Jurassic limestone architecture unique to this region
Over 3,000 listed buildings spanning 800 years of history
Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1966
Traditional wool trade heritage still visible in grand wool churches
World-class antique shops and artisan craftspeople
Quintessential English countryside at its most photogenic

Cheltenham

Where Regency elegance meets festival excitement, and spa heritage flows through tree-lined streets

Discover England's most complete Regency town, where elegant terraces and wrought-iron balconies create theatrical streetscapes. Cheltenham pulses with cultural energy – from world-famous racing at the Festival in March to literature celebrations in October. This is a town that has perfected the art of gracious living whilst embracing contemporary creativity and year-round festivals.

Cheltenham Highlights:

Britain's most architecturally complete Regency spa town
Cheltenham Festival - jump racing's most prestigious event
International Literature Festival attracting world-renowned authors
Historic Pump Room and original spa heritage sites
The Promenade - one of England's most beautiful shopping streets
Montpellier and Suffolks - elegant historic quarters with independent shops

Gloucester

Where Roman roads meet medieval spires, and two thousand years of history echo through ancient streets

Walk in the footsteps of Romans, pilgrims, and kings in England's most historically layered cathedral city. Gloucester's magnificent Norman cathedral soars above streets that have witnessed everything from Roman conquest to medieval pilgrimage, from Civil War sieges to modern regeneration. This is where England's story comes alive in stone and timber.

Gloucester's Historic Treasures:

Gloucester Cathedral - one of Europe's finest examples of medieval architecture
Roman walls and archaeological remains throughout the city
Victorian Docks - Britain's most complete inland port
Beatrix Potter Museum and Shop at original Tailor of Gloucester location
Medieval New Inn with its stunning galleried courtyard
National Waterways Museum showcasing canal heritage

Tewkesbury

Where abbey bells still ring across ancient battlefields, and time moves to the rhythm of the seasons

Journey through a town where history lives and breathes in every timber beam and cobbled alley. Medieval Tewkesbury rises majestically beside river meadows, crowned by one of Britain's finest Norman abbeys. This is a place where the past feels present – where battlefield ghosts walk quiet lanes, and where the abundance of the surrounding countryside has sustained communities for a thousand years.

Historic Heritage Highlights:

Tewkesbury Abbey - one of Britain's finest Norman buildings with soaring tower
1471 Battle of Tewkesbury battlefield walks and interpretation
Medieval timber-framed buildings lining historic Church Street
Rivers Severn and Avon confluence creating unique geography
Traditional market town atmosphere with weekly markets
Authentic medieval street patterns virtually unchanged for centuries

Stroud

Where creativity flows through historic valleys, and every corner reveals artistic inspiration

Discover valleys alive with creative energy and independent spirit. Stroud pulses with artistic passion – from traditional crafts housed in converted mills to cutting-edge galleries, from award-winning farmers' markets that celebrate local producers to festivals that fill the valleys with music and laughter. This is Gloucestershire's creative soul, where the landscape itself seems to inspire innovation and community.

Stroud's Creative Scene:

Historic woollen mills now housing artists' studios and creative businesses
Award-winning farmers' market ranked among Britain's best
Thriving eco-conscious and sustainable living movement
Five valleys converging to create unique dramatic topography
Strong tradition of alternative festivals and arts events
Independent shops, cafés, and galleries supporting local makers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main regions of Gloucestershire?

Gloucestershire has six distinct destinations: Forest of Dean (ancient Crown woodland and our specialty area), the famous Cotswolds (honey-stone villages), historic Cheltenham (Regency spa town), Gloucester (Roman cathedral city), medieval Tewkesbury (Norman abbey and market town), and creative Stroud (artisan culture and independent spirit).

Which Gloucestershire region is best for first-time visitors?

For nature lovers and authentic experiences, the Forest of Dean offers England's most spectacular ancient woodland adventure - perfect for those seeking something beyond typical tourist trails. For classic English countryside, the Cotswolds provides picture-perfect villages and luxury experiences. History enthusiasts should consider Tewkesbury for medieval heritage or Gloucester for Roman and cathedral history. Culture seekers will love Cheltenham's Regency elegance and festival scene, while creative travelers should explore Stroud's vibrant artisan community.

When is the best time to visit Gloucestershire?

Late spring through early autumn (May-September) offers optimal weather across all regions. In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley specifically: spring brings spectacular bluebells and emerging canopy. Autumn is one of the prettiest times of the year to visit, being known as one of the best places in the UK for leaf peeping. Summer offers the fullest wildlife activity and longest forest walks, autumn provides stunning colours and deer rutting season, while winter reveals the forest's dramatic structure and makes wildlife spotting easier.

Cheltenham is particularly vibrant during festival seasons (racing in March, literature in October), while the Cotswolds shine in late spring and summer for garden visits.

How do I get around Gloucestershire's different regions?

The Forest of Dean makes an excellent central base for exploring all of Gloucestershire. From forest towns like Coleford or Cinderford, you can reach the Cotswolds (45 minutes), Cheltenham (40 minutes), Gloucester (30 minutes), Stroud (35 minutes), and Tewkesbury (45 minutes) as comfortable day trips. This gives you ancient woodland accommodation with easy access to everywhere else, plus you're staying in Gloucestershire's most unique and authentic destination.

What makes Gloucestershire different from other English counties?

Gloucestershire uniquely combines six dramatically different destinations within one county. At its heart, the Forest of Dean represents England's most historically significant woodland, while iconic destinations like the Cotswolds, historic cathedral city Gloucester, elegant spa town Cheltenham, medieval Tewkesbury, and creative Stroud create an unmatched variety of experiences. No other English county offers such dramatic diversity - from ancient forests to Roman heritage, Regency elegance to medieval abbeys - all within easy traveling distance.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early autumn (May-September) offers optimal weather and longest daylight hours. Spring brings wildflower meadows, summer offers festival seasons, autumn provides harvest colours and comfortable temperatures, whilst winter creates cosy pub atmospheres.

Getting Around

Car hire provides maximum flexibility for exploring all six destinations. Train services connect major towns from London, Birmingham, and Bristol. Local bus services link villages, though rural areas are best accessed by private transport. We have a guide to getting around which is linked here.

Where to Stay

Each destination offers distinct accommodation styles: luxury country hotels in the Cotswolds, forest lodges in the Dean, elegant townhouses in Cheltenham, historic coaching inns around Tewkesbury, and boutique guesthouses in Stroud and Gloucester.

Discover Gloucestershire