Cottages in Gloucestershire
Glorious Gloucestershire; a place of vibrant festivals, magical landscapes and ancient towns
Gloucestershire is home to not one but three magnificent, naturally beautiful landscapes. The Cotswolds, which are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Seven Vale and the Royal Forest of Dean. This is a county of contrasts. Picture-postcard Cotswold stone villages dot the landscape to the east, the rolling hills carving deep valleys throughout the countryside. Ancient market towns including Winchcombe, Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, Cirencester and Tetbury date back to medieval times and still thrive today. Their history-laden buildings re-purposed for the 21st century. Likewise, charter markets are held in places that were first mentioned in the Doomsday Book. World-class visitor attractions include Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, Slimbridge Wetlands Centre and the National Arboretum at Westonbirt. Meanwhile, for historians and those with a passion for the past, there are ancient historical sites. Impressive cathedrals, regency towns and Roman ruins in abundance.
Cast your gaze over the vast expanse of the mighty River Severn and the beauty of the Seven Vale is revealed. The gently rising landscape of significantly important wetlands that moves west into the Royal Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as it stretches into Wales.
Gloucestershire is undeniably an adventure playground for those who love the great outdoors. There are walking and cycling paths in great numbers. The national walking paths of the Cotswold Way National Trail, Diamond Way, Gloucestershire Way, Winchcombe Way and Palladium Way bisect the county. The Cotswold Water Park at South Cerney is a watersports paradise. Additionally, there are numerous golf courses, fishing lakes and even a ski centre.
Add in Michelin-star dining, iconic festivals including the world-famous Cheltenham Literature Festival, Royal International Air Tattoo and Cheltenham Gold Cup. Glorious scenery, and some exceptional places to stay and you have the makings of the perfect holiday in a most wonderful part of the country.
