Things to do & places to visit in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Gloucestershire #60 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.33 based on 16.9k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 0:02.

Gloucestershire Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

61°F - 44°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze

Feels like

25%

Chance of rain

80.0 millimeters

Amount

14.7 mph

Wind speed

77%

Humidity

15.6

Daylight length

5:16 AM

Sunrise

8:54 PM

Sunset

45%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Briery Hill Llamas (716 reviews)
- Lovely afternoon getting to know Llamas
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Llama experience day in a superb and idyllic surrounding; with private lake and woodland. During your time here you will groom and walk your own llama. Prices start at £35 see website for more details. Cream teas/afternoon teas are available. Advance booking essential. See more..
5.0 Woodchester Valley Vineyard (658 reviews)
- A fantastic boutique vineyard
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Woodchester Valley Vineyard is a boutique, family owned vineyard & winery based in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty creating a selection of award winning still white, rose, red and sparkling wines. We offer pre-booked guided tours of our beautiful vineyard and winery all year round. See more..
5.0 The Forest of Dean (633 reviews)
- Blissful weekend
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Forests

You'll never be at a loss for something to see and do in the Forest of Dean. With the natural environment, fascinating history, industrial heritage and an array of attractions and activities you can feed your minds and tire your bodies, but will there be enough time to fit it all into one holiday? - Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Association. See more..
5.0 Hopewell Colliery (359 reviews)
- So pleased we bothered to visit
Speciality Museums • Mines

Saw the mine advertised in a local leaflet but it was close by where were were staying in Clearwell so we booked on line that day and went on their last guided tour of the day. It’s a working coal mine and we were taken taken down a steep decline to the coal face. We each got a hard hat with a light attached. I took my 14 and 10 old and they were fascinated even though both had initially moaned about going. Our guide, Rich I believe his name was, was very informative, knowledgeable and happy to answer lots of questions. We almost didn’t go but I’m so pleased we did, great bit of education for me and the kids. There is a free car park on site as well as a cafe and toilet and some outdoor seating. See more..
5.0 6 O'clock Gin Distillery (120 reviews)
- What a fabulous thing to do!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

6 O’clock Gin Distillery Tours are perfect if you want to see ‘behind the scenes’ at a working distillery and experience the sights, smells and flavours of our working week. Your guides will conduct you around the building and show you some of the secrets and techniques that go into the distillation of 6 O’clock Gin and Bramley & Gage fruit liqueurs. Tours take place at 11.30, 14:00 and 17:15 every Saturday and last for around 1 ½ hours. Tickets cost £25 and include a perfect serve of 6 O’clock Gin & Tonic when you arrive as well as various samples of our delicious drinks throughout the tour. To ensure a personalised and informative experience, we aim to limit each tour to 16 people. While we try to accommodate all guests, we unfortunately don’t possess a lift to take guests to the second floor. The minimum age for admission to the premises is 18 years (we don’t have a maximum). We don't offer tours during the week, but our shop is open Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm See more..
5.0 Bathurst Park (80 reviews)
- Lovely park with excellent fountains
Parks

Strolled around this park this afternoon. This is a real asset to Lydney with its excellent play areas, fountains and bandstand. I would certainly recommend at least 1 to 2 hours here depending on how much time you have and whether or not you want to use the cafe. See more..
5.0 Crocs R Us (75 reviews)
- Family experience
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

The best part was the pool with the alligaters Ali G and Tinkerbell. The handler was very knowledgable and friendly. Pete did the poisonus snake show which was another highlight all our questions answered kids and adults loved it. Best experience, only drawback was very hot day and it is so warm indoors also a bit topsy turvey as renovations are being done. Pete was full of stories about his adventures and all the reptiles they have , hung on his every word. Awesome place well worth the visit See more..
5.0 The Forest of Dean (633 reviews)
- Blissful weekend
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Forests

You'll never be at a loss for something to see and do in the Forest of Dean. With the natural environment, fascinating history, industrial heritage and an array of attractions and activities you can feed your minds and tire your bodies, but will there be enough time to fit it all into one holiday? - Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Association. See more..
5.0 Hopewell Colliery (359 reviews)
- So pleased we bothered to visit
Speciality Museums • Mines

Saw the mine advertised in a local leaflet but it was close by where were were staying in Clearwell so we booked on line that day and went on their last guided tour of the day. It’s a working coal mine and we were taken taken down a steep decline to the coal face. We each got a hard hat with a light attached. I took my 14 and 10 old and they were fascinated even though both had initially moaned about going. Our guide, Rich I believe his name was, was very informative, knowledgeable and happy to answer lots of questions. We almost didn’t go but I’m so pleased we did, great bit of education for me and the kids. There is a free car park on site as well as a cafe and toilet and some outdoor seating. See more..
4.5 Symonds Yat Rock (1.200 reviews)
- This is a must see!
Geologic Formations

We stayed at Forest Holidays and decided to walk to Symonds Yat Rock. The entire walk from cabin to Rock and back to cabin was 11k and it was a rewarding 11k. The views on the way to Symonds Yat Rock were beautiful but the view of Wye Valley at the end was breath taking absolutely breath taking! I would recommend anyone to visit here, you will not be disappointed at all. We also ate at the Symonds Yat Rock cafe - we both had cheese and ham toastie which was reasonably priced at £4.50 and was really nice. Great coffee too See more..
4.5 Aerospace Bristol (1.173 reviews)
- A hidden gem in North Bristol…not just Concorde
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

With the last Concorde ever to fly as its stunning star attraction, Aerospace Bristol is a fun family day out that whisks visitors away on an exciting journey through more than a century of remarkable aviation history. Enjoy amazing exhibits - including aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites and more - be inspired by a stunning show projected on to the iconic Concorde, and get hands-on with fun interactive activities. See more..
4.5 Clearwell Caves (1.094 reviews)
- Another great find we enjoyed these mining made caves we visited
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Caverns & Caves • Mines

While discovering the Forest of Dean, go beneath the Forest floor to discover a whole new world. This is a natural cave system mined for ochre pigments and iron ore for over 4,500 years. Nine large caverns and winding passageways are open to visitors, with exciting displays throughout your journey. On the surface, the Lamp Room Cafe serves delicious cakes, coffees and snacks. There's a great Gift Shop with studio ceramics, jewellery, gems and gifts. Children's play area. The Cafe, Gift shop and play area, can be visited separately from the Caves. Dogs are welcome in the cafe and shop but are not allowed underground. Nice walks over the surrounding common land (Clearwell Meend). Plenty of free parking. Exciting special events through the year, including underground music and theatre. Try the adventure caving, to the lower levels - check website for dates. Discover the Wonder of Under. See more..
4.5 Chedworth Roman Villa (947 reviews)
- Enjoyable educational visit.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Considered one of the most extensive and complete Roman villas in England, this structure was occupied from the late second century to the mid-fourth century. See more..
4.5 Perrygrove Railway (660 reviews)
- Loved the steam train/Christmas experience
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Treehouse, trains and treasure, whatever the weather! The Perrygrove Adventure Railway is the perfect family day out. You can ride the steam train as much as you like, stopping off at various stations along the line. Outdoor adventure can be had on the elevated treehouses, dens can be built in the woodland and children can play undercover at Foxy Hollow and crawl through a semi submersed tunnel maze. Children can enjoy indoor play in our newly refurbished Twilight Village. We are a dog friendly site and have a beautiful woodland walk through the site. Our cafe serves freshly prepared hot and cold food, drinks, cake and local ice cream from Chase Farm. No charge for extra rides and plenty to do, in all weather. Perrygrove is a great venue to host a wedding – visit www.perrygrove-wedding.co.uk for more details. BRAND NEW PLAY EUIPMENT FOR 2022 – play on our battery operated tractors at Perrygrove station. See more..
4.5 Newark Park (435 reviews)
- First time visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Newark Park stands proud on top of the Cotswold escarpment, looking down into the Ozleworth valley to the Mendips beyond. This remote corner of south Gloucestershire is a secret and unspoilt place, with barely a sign of modern life visible in any direction. A place of architectural intrigue, quaint gardens and sprawling parkland there is much to see and do at Newark.Founded by an influential English courtier to Henry VIII in 1550; the house and estate since went from boom to bust, to its dramatic rescue by a Texan architect in the 20th century. Newark has an incredible story to tell. See more..
4.5 Kelmscott Manor (392 reviews)
- A fascinating couple of hours
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Art Museums

ABOUT US This Tudor farmhouse, located adjacent to the River Thames, was built of local limestone in 1570. Later, the Manor became the Cotswold retreat of William Morris and his family, friends and colleagues. When Morris first saw the Manor in 1871, he was delighted by this 'loveliest haunt of ancient peace'; he signed a joint lease for the property with his friend and colleague Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the Pre-Raphaelite artist. The Manor is open from April to the end of October on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. See more..
4.5 Croft Farm Water Park (311 reviews)
- A great autumn base for exploring Tewkesbury and the Cotswolds.
Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks

This was just what we wanted. A lakeside pitch for our caravan. I managed to launch my paddleboard on 2 of our 5 days but had to pay a fee for all 5 days on check in which seems unreasonable. Showers and toilets were fine but bar and restaurant closed except on weekends. A great site and facilities in November but I don't think I'd like to visit in summer as it would be very busy on site, in the showers and on the water. A new reception and shop are under construction for next year. A shop will be useful. Loved it as a base for exploring Cotswolds and Malverns. See more..
4.5 Westbury Court Gardens (226 reviews)
- Remember to Book Ticket Online
Gardens

Worth visiting if your in the area and a NT member. Please note you need to book a timed ticket online - there is also a very small car park but could park on side of the road at the top of the lane if full. One way system in place round the garden. Lovely garden to walk around but only takes around 45 mins at most. Interesting to see the oldest evergreen Oak tree See more..
4.5 Thornbury Castle (215 reviews)
- Fit for a King!
Castles

Who hasn't dreamed of staying in a romantic castle tucked away in the English countryside? You can at the 16th-century Thornbury, which is a perfect home base for exploring the region of South Wales, the Cotswolds, Bristol, Wye Valley and Somerset. See more..
4.5 Forest of Dean Cycle Centre (143 reviews)
- Highly recommend, want to do again!
Biking Trails

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is the starting point for the Family Cycle Trail which consists of eleven miles of waymarked, surfaced tracks. Two singletrack trails have been designed for cyclists looking for a more adventurous ride. The 7.4 mile red grade (difficult) Freeminer Trail and the 7 mile blue grade (moderate) Verderers' Trail. For experienced riders only, there are a number of 'downhill' trails and an uplift service available. A pump track and advanced skills area has been built which can be used as a coaching area / taster area to mountain biking. A pump track is a short circular loop where the rider will go up and down over a series of humps. This propels the rider around using the momentum created by the down slopes without pedalling. As well as this, a couple of short downhill training lines with technical trail features has also been built on the advanced skills area so riders can gradually progress and build up the confidence. See more..
4.5 Wye Valley and Forest of Dean (66 reviews)
- Beautiful, peaceful, stunning forest, full of character
Spent More than 3 hours Valleys

Welcome to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Area - the perfect all year round, all weather holiday destination! Discover a host of great activities and entertainment ... for adventure-seekers, we have mountain biking, cycle tracks, zip-wires, kayaking, for explorers there's a great range of attractions, from the magical Puzzlewood to caves and steam trains, and for something more relaxing, enjoy the Sculpture trail, our many walks, the spectacular views and our many castles, museums and cathedrals. See more..
4.5 Symonds Yat Rock (1.200 reviews)
- This is a must see!
Geologic Formations

We stayed at Forest Holidays and decided to walk to Symonds Yat Rock. The entire walk from cabin to Rock and back to cabin was 11k and it was a rewarding 11k. The views on the way to Symonds Yat Rock were beautiful but the view of Wye Valley at the end was breath taking absolutely breath taking! I would recommend anyone to visit here, you will not be disappointed at all. We also ate at the Symonds Yat Rock cafe - we both had cheese and ham toastie which was reasonably priced at £4.50 and was really nice. Great coffee too See more..
4.5 Aerospace Bristol (1.173 reviews)
- A hidden gem in North Bristol…not just Concorde
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

With the last Concorde ever to fly as its stunning star attraction, Aerospace Bristol is a fun family day out that whisks visitors away on an exciting journey through more than a century of remarkable aviation history. Enjoy amazing exhibits - including aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites and more - be inspired by a stunning show projected on to the iconic Concorde, and get hands-on with fun interactive activities. See more..
4.5 Clearwell Caves (1.094 reviews)
- Another great find we enjoyed these mining made caves we visited
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Caverns & Caves • Mines

While discovering the Forest of Dean, go beneath the Forest floor to discover a whole new world. This is a natural cave system mined for ochre pigments and iron ore for over 4,500 years. Nine large caverns and winding passageways are open to visitors, with exciting displays throughout your journey. On the surface, the Lamp Room Cafe serves delicious cakes, coffees and snacks. There's a great Gift Shop with studio ceramics, jewellery, gems and gifts. Children's play area. The Cafe, Gift shop and play area, can be visited separately from the Caves. Dogs are welcome in the cafe and shop but are not allowed underground. Nice walks over the surrounding common land (Clearwell Meend). Plenty of free parking. Exciting special events through the year, including underground music and theatre. Try the adventure caving, to the lower levels - check website for dates. Discover the Wonder of Under. See more..
4.5 Chedworth Roman Villa (947 reviews)
- Enjoyable educational visit.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Considered one of the most extensive and complete Roman villas in England, this structure was occupied from the late second century to the mid-fourth century. See more..
4.5 Perrygrove Railway (660 reviews)
- Loved the steam train/Christmas experience
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Treehouse, trains and treasure, whatever the weather! The Perrygrove Adventure Railway is the perfect family day out. You can ride the steam train as much as you like, stopping off at various stations along the line. Outdoor adventure can be had on the elevated treehouses, dens can be built in the woodland and children can play undercover at Foxy Hollow and crawl through a semi submersed tunnel maze. Children can enjoy indoor play in our newly refurbished Twilight Village. We are a dog friendly site and have a beautiful woodland walk through the site. Our cafe serves freshly prepared hot and cold food, drinks, cake and local ice cream from Chase Farm. No charge for extra rides and plenty to do, in all weather. Perrygrove is a great venue to host a wedding – visit www.perrygrove-wedding.co.uk for more details. BRAND NEW PLAY EUIPMENT FOR 2022 – play on our battery operated tractors at Perrygrove station. See more..
4.5 Newark Park (435 reviews)
- First time visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Newark Park stands proud on top of the Cotswold escarpment, looking down into the Ozleworth valley to the Mendips beyond. This remote corner of south Gloucestershire is a secret and unspoilt place, with barely a sign of modern life visible in any direction. A place of architectural intrigue, quaint gardens and sprawling parkland there is much to see and do at Newark.Founded by an influential English courtier to Henry VIII in 1550; the house and estate since went from boom to bust, to its dramatic rescue by a Texan architect in the 20th century. Newark has an incredible story to tell. See more..
4.5 Kelmscott Manor (392 reviews)
- A fascinating couple of hours
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Art Museums

ABOUT US This Tudor farmhouse, located adjacent to the River Thames, was built of local limestone in 1570. Later, the Manor became the Cotswold retreat of William Morris and his family, friends and colleagues. When Morris first saw the Manor in 1871, he was delighted by this 'loveliest haunt of ancient peace'; he signed a joint lease for the property with his friend and colleague Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the Pre-Raphaelite artist. The Manor is open from April to the end of October on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. See more..
4.5 Croft Farm Water Park (311 reviews)
- A great autumn base for exploring Tewkesbury and the Cotswolds.
Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks

This was just what we wanted. A lakeside pitch for our caravan. I managed to launch my paddleboard on 2 of our 5 days but had to pay a fee for all 5 days on check in which seems unreasonable. Showers and toilets were fine but bar and restaurant closed except on weekends. A great site and facilities in November but I don't think I'd like to visit in summer as it would be very busy on site, in the showers and on the water. A new reception and shop are under construction for next year. A shop will be useful. Loved it as a base for exploring Cotswolds and Malverns. See more..
4.0 Puzzlewood (1.513 reviews)
- Magical place
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Puzzlewood - A Magical Day Out in the Forest of Dean. Why is Puzzlewood magical? Is it the maze of pathways winding through deep gulleys of moss covered rocks, the twisted roots of the Yew trees or the bridges, ‘lookouts’ and features to find on your way round? Puzzlewood is enchanting; it has an atmosphere quite unlike any other woodland. Here you can imagine that you are in a fantasy film, and that fantastic creatures lurk round every corner. Puzzlewood is used for Merlin, Dr Who and recently for a new Warner Bros movie called Jack the Giant Killer (release date June 2012). Also onsite are farm animals, willow maze, indoor maze, playground, picnic tables, café and gift shop. See more..