The Forest of Dean offers a distinctive perspective on Gloucestershire. It lies in the west of the county, between the rivers Severn and Wye, and is one of England’s largest ancient woodlands. Once a medieval royal hunting ground, it now invites visitors to explore hundreds of miles of walking trails. Its former use and network of paths lead to two different chapters of the same place—one tells its story, while the other opens up the chance to explore on foot.
The wider setting of the Cotswolds is also part of the region’s identity. They extend across five counties, including Gloucestershire, and are known for their golden stone and gently rolling hills. This landscape therefore reaches beyond the boundaries of any one county.
Wetlands, lakes and forest trails
WWT Slimbridge wetland offers a very different natural landscape. It is protected and designated, among other things, as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Ramsar site and a Special Protection Area. The protected site covers more than 325 hectares. Thirteen observation hides offer views across the reserve and the Severn Estuary; the number of hides and the named landscape features provide a practical guide for your visit.
The Cotswold Water Park covers around 42 square miles in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire and includes 180 lakes. Activities offered there include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming in lakes. In contrast to the walking trails of the Forest of Dean, water is the focus here: you can compare an on-foot exploration with a choice of activities on the lakes. The area and lake figures convey the scale of the park, while the activities offer another way to spend time in the landscape.
History and distinctive perspectives
Gloucester Cathedral represents more than 1,300 years of Christian faith and cultural history. Its medieval cloisters connect this long heritage with a well-known film story: parts of them appeared as Hogwarts in three Harry Potter films. On a tower tour, the view can stretch around 40 miles across the Gloucestershire landscape to the Malvern Hills on clear days. The view depends on taking a tower tour and on clear conditions; check tour availability before your visit.
Sudeley Castle also brings together architecture, gardens and history. The castle is surrounded by ten award-winning gardens. Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife, is buried in the church; she was the only English queen to be buried on private land. In-depth guided tours of the castle grounds and interiors are available. As tour arrangements may change, check the details before your visit.
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, has a Tree Top Walkway. It is open daily from 9 a.m., except on Christmas Day. If you plan a visit, check opening times before travelling.
Travel-planning information
Gloucestershire’s main bus stations are in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud; local bus services connect many towns and villages. If you plan to travel by bus, check current routes and timetables in advance. When choosing where to stay, it may help to first identify the places you’re interested in, then check the connections that suit you.
Discover more destinations: Winchcombe, Wyck Rissington, Upper Slaughter, Tewkesbury, Tetbury, Stroud, Stow On The Wold, Stonehouse, Parkend, Newent, Nailsworth, Moreton In Marsh, Longhope, Lechlade, Kingscote, Hartpury, Gloucester, Dursley, Dumbleton, Didmarton, Coleford, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Cheltenham, Charlton Kings, Bourton On The Water, Blockley, Bledington, Birdlip, Bibury, Berkeley, Clearwell, South Cerney, Fretherne, Highnam, Todenham, Lower Slaughter, Andoversford, Northleach, Badgeworth, Sevenhampton, Lydney, Boddington, Staunton, Redmarley D'abitot, Corse, Wotton-Under-Edge, Awre, Painswick, Soudley, Notgrove, Winchcombe, Quenington, Fairford, Somerford Keynes, Newnham, Mickleton, Maisemore, Coaley, Whelford, Weston Subedge, Uley, Turkdean, Snowshill, Lydbrook, Longborough, Kempley, Hatherop, Guiting Power, Ebrington, Cinderford, St Marys, Bream, Ampney Crucis, Yorkley, Cutsdean, Frampton on Severn, Newland, Shipton Moyne, Miserden, Dymock, Minchinhampton, Woodmancote, Horsley, Littledean, Alderton, Westbury-on-Severn, Flaxley, Eastleach
For the wider travel overview: South West England.
