Visiting Gloucestershire for a few days?
Well, you’ve definitely picked the spot – there’s so much to soak up and see!
And we’re not talking about the twenty four hour hustle bustle of sprawling cities.
No, we’re talking about the renowned escarpments of the Cotswolds, the deep gorges of the Wye Valley, the fresh waters of River Severn and just outstanding areas of natural beauty.
Rugged, rural, idyllic, verdant and lush, Gloucestershire really is the hub for all things green and serene.
Consider this your first stop on your way to visiting Gloucestershire:
Disclaimer: we aren’t kidding about how much there is to see in and around Gloucestershire, so we’ve compiled a list of some the places we have personally and earnestly enjoyed.
Happy sightseeing!
Tetbury
Not far at all from Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury really gives an authentic Gloucestershire/Cotswold village life experience.
Tetbury is a cobbled-street market town brimming with history, beauty and charm. The antique shopping [or just browsing!] here is to die for. As well as this, you could explore the Tetbury Goods Shed – a former railway station turned cultural hub with contemporary art exhibitions, theatre performances and live music in a historical building that still retains its original charm. The Market Square is a great spot to have a relaxed mooch – some great independent shops, coffee at local cafes and of course the famous quaint antique stores. If you’ve got more time, Highgrove Gardens is only a 6 minute drive away. Owned by King Charles III, the garden really showcases innovative horticultural practices with a strong focus on sustainability and of course a glimpse into the King’s private life.
Daylesford Farm
This farm is absolutely fantastic – we’re giving you five reason you should visit this rural slice of heaven located in the north of the Cotswolds:
- Farm to table freshness
- Award winning café and restaurant
- Serene surroundings of rolling hills and lush countryside
- Sustainable practices
- Shopping
Bibury
Famous for its charming Arlington Row, a row of honey-colored cottages dating back to the 14th century, Bibury offers visitors a glimpse of quintessential English beauty. With its tranquil River Coln meandering through the village, peaceful countryside walks, and the historic Bibury Trout Farm, it’s an ideal spot if you’re seeking a peaceful retreat. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or photographer, Bibury's timeless charm truly promises a memorable experience.
Bourton on the Water
Famously known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton on the Water is a must on everyone’s Gloucestershire itinerary. You’ll find Bourton on the Water on every Cotswold’s prettiest villages list and these lists don’t lie! Its postcard perfect with stone bridges arching over River Windrush, traditional honey-hued stone cottages and vibrant flower displays. Quaint cafes, fun ice-cream spots and charming local shops – you’ll find something for everybody in the family.
If you’re looking to explore, there are a network of scenic trails winding through the countryside, museum fans can enjoy the Cotswold Motoring Museum and the Old Mill, St. Lawrence’s Church, the historic bridges and the model village means even history lovers are wholly entertained.
Bourton on the Water is most definitely a Gloucestershire storybook experience
Westonbirt Arboretum
Haven to a collection of over 15,000 trees and shrubs, Westonbirt is really truly pretty! Maples, Japanese Maple Cultivars Bladdernut, Lime and Walnuts [yeh – not the eating kind] are the five national collections housed in Westonbirt as well as 2500 different species from all around the world. With 17 miles of paths throughout the arboretum, there’s lots of walking ground. The tree-top walkway might just be our favourite thing though which gives you spectacular views, thoughtfully designed to work harmoniously with the miles of natural landscape below. Oh and added bonus - Silk Wood within the Arboretum is dog-friendly too. The Old Arboretum is restricted to guide dogs only. Complete your visit with a pit-stop at the lovely café.
Gloucester Cathedral
You can’t take a tour of Gloucestershire and not visit Gloucester!
Gloucester Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with beautiful flying buttresses, intricate stone carvings, and impressive vaulted ceilings. Its rich history spans over 1,300 years and includes important events like King Henry III’s coronation and the burial of notable figures. It’s also a famous Harry Potter filming location, with the cloisters serving as Hogwarts corridors.
And while you’re here, you may as well take a short stroll to the Gloucester docks. You’ll find old warehouses, museums like the National Waterways Museum, a pretty selection of cafes and of course, shopping at the Quays. We’ve got popular stores like All Saints, Nike, Clarks and Gap with plenty of eateries and pit-stops for coffee.
Cheltenham
A stylish spa town in the Cotswolds, Cheltenham offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Known for its Georgian architecture, charming streets, and beautiful parks, it’s a haven for relaxation and exploration. Visitors can enjoy the famous Cheltenham Racecourse, home to the prestigious Gold Cup, or browse the town’s boutique shops and cosy cafés. Art lovers can explore the Holst Birthplace Museum and the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum. With year-round festivals celebrating everything from literature to music, Cheltenham is a must-visit destination that seamlessly combines tradition with contemporary charm.
And finally…
Working out location and proximity drives me absolutely mad so this is for our fellow direction-dyslexic friends:
- Tetbury
- Daylesford Farm (near Tetbury, a short drive)
- Bibury (about 15 minutes from Tetbury)
- Bourton-on-the-Water (around 30 minutes from Bibury)
- Westonbirt Arboretum (close to Tetbury, around 10-15 minutes away)
- Gloucester (about 20 minutes from both Tetbury and Westonbirt)
- Cheltenham (about 20 minutes from Gloucester)
This should give you a good idea of the distances between these locations if you're planning a visit in Gloucestershire!
Happy touristing!
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