Gloucestershire is a county of many faces. It’s a favourite with the royals, is home to the iconic Cotswolds and some fascinating history. For those who have never been or are considering a break here, you’ll be amazed by the diversity that one county can offer. Three distinct areas of the county include the Severn Vale, the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean. With so much to offer, there is sure to be something for everyone.
- The Forest of Dean
Ancient forests are tough to come by in this day and age, but the Forest of Dean has a whopping 20 million trees! A magical place of legend where you can still explore waterfalls, caves, rivers and stunning views. The forest is bordered by the Rivers Wye and Severn and contains the biggest oak woodland in the entire country. We have Nelson to thank for this. He ordered the planting of 30 million acorns to supply timber for shipbuilding. Shipbuilding started using iron and steel before the trees had matured, so they were saved!
- The River Severn
Did you know that this is the longest river in the UK? At 220 miles, it dissects the county along the Severn Vale. It’s famous for having the second biggest tidal bore on earth, with many visitors flocking to see the event at its peak in late March. Make your stay in the county a special one with Mobile Homes Gloucestershire at http://swallowlakes.co.uk/
- Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester as the county seat boasts an incredible cathedral with some Hollywood credentials of its own. Parts of the cathedral are instantly recognisable as the corridors of Hogwarts as scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed here. The cathedral dates back to the 7th century and was given cathedral status in 1541 by Henry VIII.
- The Cotswolds
An area of outstanding beauty and certainly not to be missed. This is one of the prettiest and most quintessentially English parts of the country. Honey coloured limestone cottages, thatched Tudor buildings, village greens and breath-taking views across rolling hills of green. The area boasts towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Cheltenham, the most stunning Regency town in the UK.
- Gloucester Docks
Gloucester has the UK’s most inland port and was once a vitally important and busy port full of goods ships and warehouses. Now you’ll find extensive shopping, entertainment complexes, the National Waterways Museum, restaurants and boat trips along the canal. The iconic Tall Ships festival brings history to life and attracts thousands of visitors.
- Puzzlewood
Returning to the Forest of Dean, Puzzlewood is a must-see attraction full of magic and wonder. It is thought to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in J.R.R Tolkien’s epic stories. It’s easy to see why with its moss-covered tree stumps, mangled branches and odd-shaped woodland. It’s the perfect place for anyone to explore, whether young or just young at heart.
