15 Stunning Places to Visit in Gloucestershire: Discover the Cotswolds' Hidden Gems
Gloucestershire, the quintessential English county in the South West, boasts part of the idyllic Cotswolds, the scenic River Severn Valley, and the expansive Forest of Dean. With its honey-coloured villages, elegant towns, ancient churches and cathedrals, and rolling hills, this is a remarkably beautiful destination. Here are the 15 best and most breathtaking places to visit in Gloucestershire.
Gloucester and Gloucester Cathedral – The Historic County Town
Gloucester Cathedral stands as one of Europe's finest medieval buildings, featuring a Norman core enhanced by Gothic additions. Open 365 days a year to visitors of all backgrounds and faiths, it welcomes over 300,000 people annually. Supported by 450 dedicated volunteers, your visit promises to be memorable. Music is central here, with a vibrant concert schedule preserving Britain's choral heritage.
Bibury – One of England's Prettiest Villages
Praised by William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in England', Bibury charms with its picturesque cottages. Highlights include Arlington Row's weavers' cottages of local stone, the Church of St Mary with its 1927 Karl Parsons stained-glass window, and the Bibury Trout Farm, offering delicious meals and drawing visitors worldwide.
Cheltenham – A Regal Regency Spa Town
Renowned for its Regency architecture, Cheltenham blends tradition and modernity as a premier health and holiday spa. Unwind in this safe, culturally vibrant town, home to festivals like the Cheltenham Literature Festival and Cheltenham Jazz Festival.
Royal Forest of Dean and Puzzlewood – Ancient Woodland Wonders
Nestled between the Rivers Severn and Wye, the Royal Forest of Dean reveals Britain's finest Roman remains, including a temple. Summer cruises on the River Wye and spring blooms at Lydney Park's gardens are highlights. Puzzlewood, a 14-acre site from Roman times, features bizarre rock formations, hidden caves, ancient trees, and maze-like paths – a geological gem and filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Tewkesbury Abbey – A Masterpiece of Medieval Architecture
Begin at Abbey Mill, an 18th-century watermill linked to Dinah Craik's novel John Halifax, Gentleman. In this historic market town at the Severn-Avon confluence, visit Gloucestershire's oldest inn, the Black Bear (1308), Tewkesbury Museum, and the magnificent Abbey Church.
Bourton-on-the-Hill – A Charming Cotswold Hilltop Village
Overlooking Moreton-in-Marsh, this honey-stone village features a premier 16th-century barn, cosy pubs, Sezincote House, and Batsford Arboretum. Enjoy festivals like Wilderness, art exhibitions, and theatre in this creative haven.
Dover’s Hill – Iconic Walking Spot in Gloucestershire
At 230m above sea level in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dover’s Hill offers grassy slopes, woodlands, and possible Roman vineyard terraces. Host to the Cotswold Olimpicks since 1622 (first Friday after the August Bank Holiday), it features shin-kicking, morris dancing, and more – ideal for walks, dog strolls, or heritage learning.
Chipping Campden – A Cotswold Architectural Gem
Captivated by honey-limestone buildings and vernacular architecture, this former medieval wool hub is now a top tourist spot. Explore inns, restaurants, shops, Hidcote National Trust Garden (for yoga and Tai Chi), and festivals like Campden Literature and Music Festivals.
Symonds Yat Rock and Wye Valley – Breathtaking Riverside Views
Panoramic views of the evergreen River Wye reveal birds of prey via telescopes. Walkways lead to forests; enjoy dog walks, cycling trails, picnics, or pub stops year-round.
Cirencester – The Cotswolds' Capital and Roman Legacy
Britain's second-largest Roman town, Cirencester features century-spanning architecture, a market square dominated by St John Baptist Church (late 1400s porch and vaulting), and Cirencester Park. Catch the annual June Festival of Arts.
Lower Slaughter – Quintessential Cotswold Village
Inhabited for over 1,000 years along the River Eye, visit the 19th-century red-brick watermill, Old Mill Museum, River Café, and Riverside Tearoom.
Berkeley Castle – A Historic Treasure
Dating to the 11th century and site of Edward II's alleged 1327 murder, this family-owned castle featured in The Other Boleyn Girl. Explore its remarkable history.
Stow-on-the-Wold – Picturesque Cotswold Market Town
At 800 feet on the Roman Fosse Way, its market square brims with Cotswold townhouses and shops. Antique hunting, dining, and the Cricket Museum await.
Severn Way – Scenic Long-Distance Footpath
This 224-mile waymarked path traces the River Severn from Mid Wales through western England to Bristol, showcasing mountains, riverside views, and charming villages.
Snowshill – Unspoilt Cotswold Village Beauty
Photo © Des Blenkinsopp (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Known for National Trust's Snowshill Manor and its eclectic collection by Charles Wade, plus 35 acres of lavender fields at Snowshill Lavender. Shop for plants, crafts, and products.
