Explore the Area

The Cotswolds 

Most people agree that the Cotswolds are beautiful. As England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the countryside is simply stunning. The limestone here has been used for thousands of years as a building material, for everything from churches to drystone walls. It's warm honey colour, and the fact that it is used across hundreds of square miles, gives the area an atmosphere unlike any other.

The north Cotswolds includes well known villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Winchcombe and Chipping Campden, whilst to the south the area has a slightly wilder nature, especially in the beautiful Five Valleys around Stroud. There are hundreds of towns or villages to see or stay in, from hamlets with no shops to charming market towns with restaurants and cosy pubs. Take a look at www.cotswolds.com for information on attractions and events, or to book your accommodation online. The Cotswold Visitor Guide is also available to download.

Gloucester

Did you know that the Roman name for Gloucester is Glevum? Or that King Edward II, murdered in 1327 at Berkeley Castle, is buried in Gloucester Cathedral? Or scenes from many of the Harry Potter films were filmed in the awe-inspiring surroundings of the Cathedral cloisters? Or that, on the trail of another much loved Potter, the writer Beatrix Potter, you can visit the building used in her illustrations in the Tailor of Gloucester - now a charming shop and museum? Or that Kingsholm is the home of Gloucester Rugby?

At the city's heart stands one of the country's most breathtaking cathedrals, and yet only a few minutes walk away you enter another world of ships of all shapes and sizes in the dramatic setting of the Victorian Docks.

If you're into shopping and want designer names at excellent prices Gloucester Quays with its designer outlet shopping and its waterside bars and restaurants are the perfect day out.

Cheltenham Spa

Cheltenham is the most complete Regency town in England, with elegant town houses surrounding a leafy Promenade and historic squares. It became a spa town in 1716 and, following the visit of King George III to take the medicinal waters at the end of the 18th century, that heritage still remains in its architecture, colourful award-winnign gardens, and the wide choice of fine hotels and guest accommodation.

Cheltenham is known as the festival town of England. More than one day in five is a festival day in Cheltenham, with thirteen festivals in the annual programme. This includes music and literary events featuring international celebraties and commentators; the oldest cricket festival in England, and horse racing, with the National Hunt Festival, culminating in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Less than a hundred miles from London, Cheltenham is renowned for its stylish shopping. With its theatres, concert halls, restaurants and wine bars in abundance, there is always plenty to see and do.

Wye Valley

Dappled glades, eye-stretching views, towering cliffs and gentle river meadows, a combination of the dramatic and the peaceful makes this 45-mile stretch an exceptional area. Long distance trails, Offa's Dyke Path, the Wye Valley Walk and many miles of footpaths and bridleways give you the chance to discover a very special place. Straddling England and Wales this uniquely special Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty incorporates 3 counties, 3 Special Areas of Conservaton, over 40 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and 4 National Nature Reserves.

You can discover the industrial and historical heritage which shaped the valley, and visit the castles that witnessed the disputed border for more than a thousand years. Cinder tracks echo the days when the railways hauled stone, wire and coal through smoke-wreathed valleys.