Gloucestershire Accommodation Guide
Gloucestershire (often abbreviated to just Gloucs) is a large county in the west of England which shares a border with Wales. The county is famous for covering a large part of the Cotswolds, a large section of the River Severn valley and all of the Forest of Dean.
With so much to see and explore, it is no surprise therefore that Gloucestershire is one of the most visited counties in England. Many people travelling to Wales from England will often stop in Gloucestershire during their journey. In this short guide, we will exhibit some of the county’s best accommodation choices and also explore some of the region’s finest attractions.
Although the Cotswolds transcend across the boundaries of several counties, the majority of the Cotswold Hills can be found within Gloucestershire. The Cotswolds are a world famous Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that attract over 30 million visitors per year. People come here to visit some of the most beautiful countryside in England.
The typical Cotswolds cottage, made from locally sourced ‘oolite’ limestone with a steep sided roof and dormer windows, has become famous around the world. Often described as the ‘picture postcard’ or ‘storybook’ cottage, Cotswold cottages appear on tourism adverts all around the world. You will find many typical Cotswold cottages on the Stay In Britain website – all have been beautifully restored and are available for holiday rentals.
When staying in Gloucestershire you will be in very good company too! Several members of the royal family live in the county including Prince Charles at Highgrove, The Princess Royal at Gatcombe and Prince Michael of Kent near Stroud. Consequently, Gloucestershire is often called ‘Royal Gloucestershire’.
The county’s royal connection is cemented by the annual Cheltenham festival which is arguably the most prestigious horse-racing event in the UK. The festival is a firm favourite with the Royal family who attend every year and often enter their own race horses.
The River Severn dominates much of the Gloucestershire countryside with its large fertile flood plains which are utilised extensively for farming. The Severn Estuary is also famous for the ‘Severn Bore’, a tidal surge which is formed when the rising tide moves into the funnel-shaped estuary. This results in a series of waves which can rise up to 2 metres in height. Many surfers can often be seen riding these waves and it has become a popular spectator attraction.
The Forest of Dean is another major draw for visitors to the region. The forest is one of England’s surviving ancient woodlands and extends for more than 110 square kilometres (42 square miles). There are numerous off-road cycling and walking paths to explore which pass by rivers and steams and plus various ruins of historic buildings.
Gloucestershire has also become famous for its world renowned cheese! Gloucester is a traditional, semi-hard cheese which has been made in Gloucestershire since the 1500s. There are two varieties – Single Gloucester and Double Gloucester. Both are made from milk sourced from Gloucester cattle. Both types of the cheese have a natural rind and a hard texture.
Gloucestershire shares a border with Warwickshire to the north east, Oxfordshire to the east, Wiltshire to the south, Bristol and Somerset to the south west, Monmouthshire in Wales to the west, Herefordshire to the north west and Worcestershire to the north.
Gloucestershire / Tourist Information
- County Town: Gloucester
- Land Area: 3,150 km2 (1,220 sq mi)
- Population: 916,202 (2019)
- Population Density: 291/km2 (750/sq mi)
- Average Temperature: (Summer 22 °C)
- Days Of Rain: 180 days of rain / 185 dry days per year
Best Attractions In Gloucestershire
Badminton House: Widely regarded as the birth place of the sport of Badminton, hence the house’s name, the original stately home that stood here dates back to 1275 but was modernised in the 1620s. The house is home to the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort and is also famous for the annual Badminton Horse Trials that have been held here since 1949. House tours can be organised but these need to booked in advance.
Gloucester Cathedral: Founded in 678 AD as the Church of St. Peter, the foundations for the current cathedral were laid in 1072. Interestingly, the cathedral has a stained-glass window depicting the sport of golf dating back to 1350. This is over 300 years older than the earliest image of golf in Scotland. There is also one of the earliest carved images of people playing medieval football.
Bourton-on-the-Water: Our favourite Cotswold village with stunning cottages, antique shops and pretty cafés, Bourton-on-the-Water is also famous for ‘river football’. In summer the locals take to the stream that runs through the river for a football tournament!
Best Accommodation In the Gloucestershire
Lakeside Cottage (Painswick): This beautiful cottage located in a tranquil rural setting sleeps 4 people across 2 bedrroms. Perced on the side of two lakes this is a holiday home built with relaxation in mind. There is also a large open fireplace in the lounge for colder evenings.
Summer Breeze (Somerford Keynes): If you are looking for an uber modern holiday house with ‘wow appeal’, you have just found your perfect holiday rental! Located in the Cotswold Water Park, Summer Breeze sleeps 8 people over 4 bedrooms (across 3 floors). Guests will enjoy stunning lakeside views and will have access to the on-site spa, restaurant and nature reserve.
More coming soon…
Stay In Britain is the ultimate guide to places to stay and things to do in Great Britain. Whether you are looking for a luxury self-catering cottage, a cheap B&B for a weekend stay, a short break in a caravan park or a business-friendly hotel in the Gloucestershire area, we have everything you need. Enjoy your stay in Britain!