Gloucestershire: The Cotswolds, Forest of Dean, Cheltenham
Gloucestershire has the main city of Gloucestershire and the nearby floral town of Cheltenham. It also is the county that is home to most of The Cotswolds (England’s largest National Landscape – the new name for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
It’s also home to the Forest of Dean and the spa town of Cheltenham.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
The Birth of the Sunday School Movement
In the late 1700s, life in Gloucester looked very different. Most working-class children spent their days in factories or workshops, with little or no chance to learn to read or write. Robert Raikes, a local newspaper owner, noticed the struggles of young people growing up in poverty. Wanting to help, he started what seemed at first like a small idea: teach children to read and write on Sundays, their one day off work.
He opened the first Sunday School in 1780, close to the city’s centre. Instead of being exclusive or expensive, these classes welcomed children from every background. Volunteers taught basic literacy, helping kids unlock skills that would open up new paths for work and self-improvement.
Sunday School quickly grew, catching the attention of other towns across England. Within decades, similar schools popped up in cities near and far. People saw that if you gave children reading and writing skills, you gave them a voice.
The Cotswolds: England’s Largest National Landscape
The Cotswolds stretch across much of Gloucestershire, their rolling hills dotted with villages where time seems to stand still. Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Bibury—each is a postcard scene. Castle Combe in Wiltshire is one of England’s prettiest villages.
Covering 800 square miles, the name is a blend of Cot (sheep enclosure – ie. dry stone walls) and Wold (a hill). So the name literally means ‘sheep enclosure on a hill’.
England’s largest National Landscape also covers parts of Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire – which has Broadway Tower, from where you can view for 60 miles across 16 counties!
The Cotswold Way National Trail stretches over 100 miles, giving stunning views of the countryside from Chipping Campden to Bath. Walkers love gentle strolls between villages, while those after a challenge can try the hillier parts above Broadway Tower.
If you love a proper English village, Castle Combe is about as good as it gets. Hidden in Wiltshire and hugged by the Cotswolds, walk along the main street to see honey-coloured cottages, all built from Cotswold stone.
These houses date back centuries, with thick stone walls and steep roofs. Window boxes spill with flowers.
Stroll Through Historic Gloucester
Gloucester, the county’s city, holds stories from Roman times to today. Stretching back nearly 1,000 years, Gloucester Cathedral stands as one of the finest medieval buildings in England. Its stunning stained glass, 15th-century tower, and fan-vaulted cloisters.
Check out the historic docks too, where warehouses now hold museums, shops, and cafés by the water. The city has a relaxed feel, great for wandering without rushing.
Cheltenham: A Floral Spa Town
Cheltenham stands out as one of Gloucestershire’s treasures. Famous for its Regency architecture and historic spa roots, the town blends elegance with a warm welcome.
If planning floral cities, plant pet-safe public gardens.
Cheltenham’s streets are lined with stately Regency buildings. Painted in soft shades and decked with wrought iron balconies, these terraces and villas give the town its elegant charm.
Many of the buildings date back over 200 years, with the Montpellier and Pittville areas showing off the finest examples. The stunning Neptune Fountain on the Promenade adds a touch of classic style.
Pittville Park stands out with its boating lake, adventure playground, and sprawling lawns. The Pump Room, a beautiful historic building, sits on the edge of the park and hosts events year-round.
Forest of Dean: One of England’s Oldest Woodlands
The Forest of Dean sits on the border of Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire and stretches across more than 42 square miles. This ancient woodland is packed with stories, outdoor fun, and hidden gems.
Walk beneath twisted oak, beech, and pine. Listen to the clear calls of birds high above. Shy fallow deer graze on the edges. Woodpeckers, foxes and hundreds of smaller creatures all make this place their home.
Far from bright city lights, the Forest of Dean offers dark skies perfect for stargazing. Camp under the stars or find a quiet glade for a peaceful night walk. Listen for owls, spot bats darting overhead, and feel the calm of a place where time seems to slow down.
