Gloucestershire

The county of Gloucestershire can be divided into three areas; the majority of the Cotswolds, the Royal Forest of Dean, and the Severn Vale. Whichever direction you decide to take, you can expect plenty of heritage, stunning scenery, cheese-rolling, and some unusual places to rest those weary heads!

Cotswolds towns are reliably lovely, in a veritable roll-call of natural beauty that includes Bourton-on-the-Water, Tewkesbury, with its 500 year-old abbey, Stow-on-the-Wold, and the Regency spa town of Cheltenham, home to the famous racecourse and several bustling farmers’ markets.

Of course, a visit to the vibrant city of Gloucester is a must, overlooked by the Cotswold Hills in the lush Severn Valley, and full to the brim with culture, history…and shopping opportunities galore!

The Royal Forest of Dean, meanwhile, covers 27,000 acres of ancient woodland and is designated a National Forest Park – no wonder it’s often referred to as the ‘Queen of Forests’!  Serving as inspiration for writers including JK Rowling and Tolkien, if you’re suffering from a creative block then this is surely the perfect setting.

Showcasing the River Severn – Britain’s longest river – to its very best effect, the Severn Vale features lush meadows and a collection of half-timbered buildings, not to mention plenty of flourishing wildlife. Take yourselves off on the famed Offa’s Dyke Path (bring sturdy walking boots), or the delightful Daffodil Way…an absolute must in springtime!