Gloucestershire is a unique county with a generous number of stately homes, a sprinkling of golden stone villages, romantic woodland and the up-market spa town of Cheltenham. Encompassing the majority of the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire exudes elegance and grandeur.
The regency town of Cheltenham is a sight to behold, with its refined architecture, stylish boutiques, attractive parks and, of course, internationally renowned racecourse. There are numerous trendy eateries and bars and it’s easy to while away a day or two here, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
The nearby city of Gloucester also boasts its fair share of historical architecture and offers great shopping as well as the historic Gloucester Docks which house museums, exhibitions and an antiques centre.
One of the delights of a holiday in the Cotswolds is hopping from one charming village to the next. Picture-postcard destinations such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill, Upper and Lower Slaughter and Painswick look like they’ve been lifted right out of a romantic novel, while the traditional market towns of Cirencester, Tewkesbury, Tetbury and Stroud are hives of activity.
Surrounding the rural towns and villages is an awe-inspiring landscape which is ripe for exploration. Scenic footpaths criss-cross the countryside, taking in woodlands, leafy lanes and wild fields. With so much walking you’ll work up an appetite for the delicious local produce which is served in charming pubs and cafés throughout the county.
The Forest of Dean is great for adventurers, whether you hurtle through the trees on a zip wire, take on the challenging mountain bike trails or kayak peacefully down the river. Those in search of more gentle exercise will enjoy ambling through the dappled woodland on one of the scenic footpaths.
To see a more tamed version of nature, head for one of the many beautiful gardens, arboreta and nature reserves, of which Westonbirt Arboretum, Dyrham Park and Sudeley Castle and Gardens are top choices. Get up close and personal with the ducks, geese and other wildlife at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, and head for Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens to meet animals of the more exotic kind.
Other fantastic attractions include Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Painswick Rococo Garden and Birdland Park and Gardens.
With so much to pack into your itinerary, you’ll need a comfortable and relaxing base for your group holiday. Our large houses in Gloucestershire are the perfect retreat for a special occasion, family getaway or get-together with friends.