Top 10 things to do in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire covers the honey-stone Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean and the Severn Vale. It is best for villages, gardens and gentle walks, with a few big historic sights.
- 1
The Cotswolds villages
📍 Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow and othersVillages, walksPretty honey-coloured villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, with tea rooms, shops and walks. Go early or midweek to avoid crowds.
- 2
Gloucester Cathedral
📍 GloucesterHistory, indoorsA medieval cathedral with a stunning cloister, used as a filming location. Easy to combine with Gloucester Docks.
- 3
Sudeley Castle
📍 WinchcombeHistory, gardensA historic castle and gardens at Winchcombe with royal connections. Check seasonal opening.
- 4
Westonbirt Arboretum
📍 Near TetburyWalks, natureA national arboretum with trails through trees, especially beautiful in autumn colour. Check seasonal events.
- 5
WWT Slimbridge
📍 Slimbridge, near DursleyWildlife, familiesA wetland reserve on the Severn estuary with birds and hides. Good for families and bird watchers.
- 6
Berkeley Castle
📍 BerkeleyHistoryA medieval castle on the Severn Vale that has been home to the same family for centuries. Check limited opening days.
- 7
Forest of Dean
📍 West GloucestershireWalks, natureAncient woodland with trails, cycle routes and sculpture paths on the Welsh border. Good for families and active days.
- 8
Tewkesbury Abbey
📍 TewkesburyHistory, indoorsA huge Norman abbey church in the centre of Tewkesbury, easy to combine with the town’s medieval streets.
- 9
Painswick Rococo Garden
📍 PainswickGardensA rare surviving rococo garden in the Cotswolds, known for its snowdrops in late winter. Check seasonal opening.
- 10
Cheltenham
📍 CheltenhamTown, shoppingA Regency spa town with elegant streets, shops, restaurants and festivals. Good for a base or a town day.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.