GLOUCESTERSHIRE
If you really want to appreciate the richness of the UK’s countryside, then make sure you pay a visit to Gloucestershire. This is the county that boasts the largest areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty of anywhere in the country. You’ll find it in the South West, situated on the beautiful Severn Estuary and bordered by a number of other counties including Monmouthshire, Herefordshire and Oxfordshire.
Art at the Heart of Gloucestershire
Gloucester is at the heart of the county; an impressive and historic city bustling with shops and imposing architecture. The other major towns are Tewkesbury, Stroud, Cheltenham and Cirencester. You’ll find that this county has a very artistic undercurrent: Tewkesbury is home to the Roses Theatre and Cheltenham plays host to one of the most important and spectacular literary festivals in the UK.
From ‘The Dream’ to Alcatraz
The county is steeped in history, with plenty of attractions to visit. Berkeley Castle is one of the most outstanding examples of Medieval architecture, with manicured gardens and is said to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. For something a little more imposing, families may enjoy a visit to Littledean Jail, known as ‘The Alcatraz of the Forest of Dean’.
Britain’s Most Beautiful Playground
A visit to Gloucestershire wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Forest of Dean. While it offers splendid, rolling scenery, it also offers plenty of activities for fans of extreme sports and family groups. With abseiling, horse-riding, rafting and a huge variety of other things to do, it's little wonder that the Forest has become known as one of the biggest and most beautiful playgrounds in Britain, and the perfect location to unwind and relax from the stresses and strains of everyday life.