Gloucestershire is a charming county of rustic Cotswold villages and towering cathedrals. You may recognise some of the Gloucester city streets from the blockbuster Harry Potter, adding certain glamour to the glorious ancient winding streets. A place of dramatic beauty and elegance. Whether you’re looking for holiday homes, glamping, touring holidays, or lodge break the range of holiday parks in Gloucestershire on our website has something to suit all.
There are plenty of gorgeous towns to visit in Gloucestershire. Cheltenham is bursting with activity from Holst Victorian house to the serene Batsford Arboretum. For those that like to get active then be sure to book a river trip with Discover Paddling or test your endurance by climbing at Boulders Cheltenham.
Gloucester itself is a great day out as there’s something for everyone. The cathedral is an impressive sight, with fan-vaulted medieval cloisters and the treasured Great East Window. Plus, Harry Potter fans might recognise some of the architecture – it was used as a location for Hogwarts in the much-loved films.
If you like museums, then be sure to look visit the Jet Age Museum and the National Waterways Museum on the interesting Gloucestershire Docks. Just outside the city, make sure you take a walk through the ancient parkland and explore the 17th-century house at Dyrham Park.
Other towns that are perfect for a day trip are Stroud, with its industrial heritage and former textile mills, Cirencester with the Roman history infused Corinium Museum and quaint Bourton on the Water where you’ll find the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection, Model Village and the eclectic Birdland Park and Gardens.
Of course, no trip to Gloucestershire would be complete without exploring the Cotswolds. Rising from the upper Thames, the stunning scenery varies from rolling hills to meadows, Jurassic limestone bedrock to rural grassland. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s peppered with unmissable sites such as the Broadway Tower, chocolate box village Arlington Row and the secluded wooded valley of Woodchester Park.
The ancient Forest of Dean certainly has magic in the air. Before becoming the first National Forest Park, it was a royal hunting forest in medieval times, and used as timber for Tudor warships. Now it’s a thriving habitat with a fine balance between open space and shady woodland. See it by bike or by foot on the many winding trails stopping at beauty spots like Mallards Pike, Symonds Yar Rock and Cannop Ponds.
Slimbridge Wetlands is rich with wildlife and popular with bird watchers. All year round you’ll find distinct species in the skies and wading. From bewick’s swans to lapwings, kingfishers to oystercatchers. Once you’ve peeked at the wildlife from the hides across the wetlands, be sure to warm up in the Scott House Museum where Sir Peter Scott understood the importance of conservation at Slimbridge and set up the World Wildlife Fund.
With the little ones in tow, you won’t find it hard to keep them occupied. Show them the thrill of the race with a day at Cheltenham Racecourse, or glimpse into the past at Tewkesbury Abbey, home of the tallest Norman tower in England.
Sudeley Castle and Gardens is nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds. Come face to face with hedgehogs, camels, crocodiles and elephants at the sculpture safari, and meander through the 10 award-winning castle gardens and learn about the history of the castle itself.
There is lots to explore in Gloucestershire with holiday stays to suit everyone. Whether it is a quiet lodge holiday to just sit back and relax or try a spot of fishing; or set up a base to explore the Cotswolds and its pretty villages.
You will find the perfect balance of town and country in gorgeous Gloucestershire. Browse a range of excellent parks in the area, offering holiday caravans, glamping, touring and camping, chalets, lodges and cottages.
