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Gloucestershire is located in South West England and neighbours Wales to the west, Birmingham and West Midlands to the north and Oxfordshire to the east. For those that like to experience a myriad of different holiday experiences on their annual jaunt, a Gloucestershire cottage has much to offer, with the delights of Gloucester city and the outdoor life of the Forest of Dean, on the doorstep.

Take a tour of Gloucester Cathedral Tower and marvel at its Gothic magnificence and stature. There are 269 steps to the top…not that anyone’s counting! The cathedral attracts lovers of both history and film, it saw the coronation of Henry III and was also a double for Hogwarts in two of the Harry Potter films.

Many outdoor activities are on offer at the Forest of Dean. If you’ve nerves of steel try white water rafting on the River Wye – white knuckles guaranteed. Or for an altogether more dizzying experience head to Beechenhurst to conquer the 40ft purpose built climbing tower. Dean Forest is not just for the outdoorsy however, there are studios and galleries to visit, resident artists and photographers having been inspired by the leafy surroundings. Kids can paint their own plates at Mary Rose Young’s pottery studio, and visit the Dean Heritage Centre for regular art exhibitions.

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre is the place to head for bird enthusiasts, and it will also hold the attention of any little ones too with wet-play Welly Boot Land. Home to 200 species of bird it’s every twitcher’s paradise. Nature enthusiasts will also love Batsford Arboretum in Moreton-in-Marsh, home to one of the country’s largest private tree collections, with 56 acres of streams, paths and gardens to explore.

Whilst you’re in the county, pay a visit to Bibury, a beautiful village that’s now under the protection of the National Trust. If you’re looking for a typical ‘Cotswold’ village, this is it. We think it’s one of the prettiest in the UK.

With all this and more, plan your escape to one of our Gloucestershire holiday cottages today….