History, natural beauty, culture — Gloucestershire has it all. Bordering Wales and the beautiful Wye Valley, there’s so much to see in this Southern English county that it can be difficult to choose. From historic sites to photogenic lookouts, here are our must-see places to visit.
Gloucester
Sitting on the River Severn between the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean, Gloucester is home to a thriving food scene, Victorian port, and museums aplenty. But Gloucester Cathedral, with its stunning Romanesque architecture, is the main attraction. Dating back 1300 years, the fairytale interiors have featured in films like Harry Potter, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Sherlock TV series. Don’t miss the colourful collection of stained glass windows, with examples from the Medieval and Victorian eras as well as more modern commissions.
Dean Forest Railway
Step back in time with a trip on a steam locomotive through the scenic woodlands and quaint country villages of Dean Forest. The nine-mile loop between the townships of Lydney and Parkend offers a relaxing way to take in the local sights. Stop for a real ale at The Miner’s Arms, visit the railway museum at Norchard Station, or enjoy afternoon tea and a glass of fizz on board. For added theatre, opt for a murder mystery steam train experience which includes a two-course meal.
Symonds Yat Rock
“The views on the way to Symonds Yat Rock were beautiful but the view of Wye Valley at the end was breathtaking, absolutely breathtaking!” So reads a pretty typical reaction to Gloucestershire’s No.1 Tripadvisor attraction, as cited in a recent article by @GlosLiveOnline.
Perched 120 metres above the River Wye on the English-Welsh border, the views from Symonds Yat Rock are indeed spectacular. Country cottages peep through the lush forest below and the River Wye snakes through the trees. Bring a picnic and explore the forest trails on foot or by bike. One path meanders down to the village of Symonds Yat below, with plenty of quaint country pubs for a refreshing ale. Or, grab the binoculars for a chance to see peregrine falcons, sparrowhawks, buzzards, ospreys, and various species of owl.
Clearwell Caves
Hidden far beneath the forest floor, this natural cave system near Coleford has been mined for ochre pigments and iron ore for more than 4500 years. Explore the nine large caverns, winding walkways, and skeleton pool and learn how the local freeminers continue to draw precious minerals from the ground here.
Dyrham Park
This 17th-century mansion, garden, and parkland is a real highlight of South Gloucestershire. Formerly the home of English aristocrat William Blathwayt, the grand country house is now a National Trust property. The grounds, stretching 200 acres, are worth a visit in their own right. Stroll around the formal gardens, snap a photo in front of one of the many water features, or take in the spring snowdrop display (January and February every year). The kids might like to see the herds of fallow deer that occupy the surrounding parkland. Renovations to the main house, which displays Blathwayt’s art collection, are due to finish in April 2022, but visitors can still see the dairy, main kitchen, bookshop, and an interesting exhibition on the house’s founder.
Tempted with a Gloucestershire get-away? Come and see us at The Wyndham Hotel & Restaurant in the beautiful Forest of Dean!
