Home to the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire county is full of interesting things to do, with plenty to see for anyone who enjoys exploring. With its honey‑stone villages and historic estates, there’s always something that catches the eye or sparks curiosity, so no two days feel the same.
The county has played a key role in England’s history, from Roman settlements and Medieval abbeys to its involvement in the Industrial Revolution, and its architecture reflects this long and varied past. The area is also home to a wide range of outdoor attractions, including walking and cycling routes and protected natural areas that preserve local wildlife.
Below is a curated guide to some of the best attractions the county has to offer.
Gloucester Cathedral
Representing over 1,300 years of Christian faith and heritage, Gloucester Cathedral has stood as a place of worship, showcasing exquisite Gothic architectural styles and some of the finest stained-glass artistry, most notably the Great East Window.
Open every day with entry by donation, it’s a place for everyone to explore, from guided tours and family activities to exhibitions or while enjoying a treat at the Monk’s Kitchen café and browsing the gift shop. Yet, beyond its awe-inspiring presence in person, the Cathedral has also made its mark on screen, appearing in productions such as Harry Potter, Mary Queen of Scots, Sherlock and Doctor Who.
Harry Potter England Day Tour
The Harry Potter England Day Tour is a magical journey through some of England’s most picturesque and historic locations. Visitors can explore Lacock Village and Gloucester Cathedral, where iconic scenes from the Harry Potter films were brought to life, including Godric’s Hollow, Hogwarts classrooms, Snape’s potion room and the castle corridors.
Guided by an expert in English, the tour allows guests to wander the ancient streets, learn fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and even test knowledge with a game of Harry Potter trivia. The tour includes hotel pickup, transport, entry fees and lunch and offers an unforgettable opportunity to step directly into the world of Harry Potter.
Forest of Dean and Clearwell Caves
A moss‑clad, ancient woodland cloak, the Forest of Dean is one of England’s most historic and beautiful landscapes, once a royal hunting ground and later an industrial hub, before becoming the country’s first National Forest Park in 1938. Today it’s a living, working forest where visitors can explore ancient woodland, spot wildlife and enjoy everything from scenic walks and cycle trails to family adventures and peaceful lakeside views.
Beneath the Forest of Dean lies Clearwell Caves, a vast and historic network of natural caverns that have been mined for thousands of years. Guests can explore the spectacular show caverns, witness contemporary sculpture exhibitions or venture further on deep-level caving adventures that reveal the hidden depths beyond the public pathways. The caves tell the story of the Freeminers whose work shaped the underground world, while also serving as a magical backdrop for film and television productions such as Doctor Who, His Dark Materials and Willow.
Chedworth Roman Villa
Rediscovered by the Victorians over 150 years ago, Chedworth Roman Villa offers a fascinating glimpse into life in Roman Britain.
A modern conservation building allows visitors to get up close to the villa’s remarkable mosaic floors, hypocaust systems and bathhouse rooms. Meanwhile, a small museum displays a variety of artefacts and finds from the site. Set in a peaceful location with stunning views and abundant wildlife, the villa provides plenty of opportunities for walks, discovery and relaxation.
Woodchester Village Vineyard
Woodchester Valley Vineyard is a family-run vineyard in the South Cotswolds, known for its award-winning still and sparkling English wines. From its first experimental acre on the Amberley site, founder Fiona Shiner immersed herself in viticulture, learning everything from grape growing to tractor driving, gradually expanding the vineyards at Woodchester and Doverow Hill.
The three sites are ideally suited for varieties like Bacchus, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with vines planted on gentle south-facing slopes that benefit from excellent drainage and the vineyards sit near landmarks such as the Orpheus Roman pavement and sites mentioned in the Domesday Book. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, wine tastings in the welcoming cellar door and a stroll through the beautiful vineyards. There’s also on-site accommodation, from cosy cottages to rustic barns, that makes it a perfect choice for a short getaway.
Hidcote & Dyrham Park
Gloucestershire is home to some truly magnificent gardens and Hidcote, an Arts-and-Crafts-inspired oasis near Chipping Campden, is a particular must-visit. Its intricately designed outdoor rooms and extraordinary planting schemes are testament to artistry in horticulture.
Similarly, Dyrham Park is a 17th-century baroque mansion set within 270 acres of rolling parkland near Bath. Visitors can wander through historic gardens with ponds and wildflower orchards, explore the grand house filled with fine art and Delftware and enjoy wide open spaces perfect for family adventures, wildlife spotting and breathtaking views.
Woodchester Mansion
Woodchester Mansion is a Grade I listed Victorian Gothic house, tucked away in a picture-perfect Cotswold valley. Left incomplete since the mid-1860s, floors and ceilings were never completed, walls remain unplastered and windows are unglazed. This rare state of preservation reveals the secrets of its construction, offering an insight that visitors won’t find in any other country house.
The Mansion was the work of Benjamin Bucknall, a young architect from nearby Rodborough. His design created a Gothic Revival house that is a blend of traditional limestone with the visionary ideas of French architect Viollet-le-Duc. Many of the stone carvings are inspired by local plants, while others depict animals with remarkable realism.
Today, the property is owned by Stroud District Council and cared for by the Woodchester Mansion Trust. On Open Days, visitors can explore the unfinished house, admire its carvings and watch live CCTV of the resident bats.
Cotswold Villages & Countryside
To wander the Cotswolds is to step into a postcard: picture-perfect villages such as Broadway, Bourton‑on‑the‑Water (the “Venice of the Cotswolds”), Upper and Lower Slaughter and Stow‑on‑the‑Wold enchant with their timeless charm, cosy pubs and tea rooms.
Meanwhile, walks like the seven‑mile Cleeve Hill trail deliver breathtaking panoramas over the Severn Valley, woodland, grassland and even Neolithic burial sites. Guided tours are also available, ranging from private excursions to small-group tours that explore some of the Cotswolds most scenic spots.
Every corner of Gloucestershire, from its gardens, grand houses and rolling landscapes, reflects the enduring beauty and character that has truly captivated travellers for generations. Together, its culture, architecture and scenery make the county a place where every visit feels rewarding and provides a deep appreciation for England’s rich heritage.
