North Gloucestershire

North Gloucestershire activities for every age

Add North Gloucestershire to your travel bucket list for 2025. This beautiful region offers unforgettable family days out, from the popular Over Farm Park near Highnam with seasonal shows and a superb farm shop, to Sherdons Adventure Golf where kids can hunt pirate treasure come rain or shine. Little ones will love the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, with free crafts at Winchcombe in August. Aviation fans of all ages can explore the Jet Age Museum in Staverton, a free attraction packed with aviation history.

Sleep under the stars or stay in comfort

Hayles Fruit Farm near Winchcombe offers camping with fruit picking and nature trails. Prefer a self-catering stay? Try Swallows Rest Cottage near Laverton, perfect for families.

Nature experiences to soothe the soul

Covering 160 square miles, North Gloucestershire includes rivers, nature reserves and the western Cotswolds. Cotswold Lavender near Snowshill opens mid-June to early August with fields of colour and wildlife. Gardens at Stanway House, Sudeley Castle and Croome offer inspiration for garden lovers.

Tewkesbury and Beckford nature reserves buzz with wildlife and offer calm walking paths. Nature in Art in Twigworth blends nature with creativity through exhibitions, artist residencies and workshops.

Perfect spots to stay

Cleeve Hill Hotel, The Rising Sun and Malvern View B&B all provide lovely views and easy access to scenic trails. For luxury, Ellenborough Park Hotel delivers style, spa treatments and countryside peace.

Step back into fascinating history

Castles, abbeys and medieval tales

Tewkesbury Abbey, with its grand tower and medieval stained glass, draws thousands of visitors. Discover more at Tewkesbury Museum or the annual Tewkesbury Medieval Festival each July.

Visit Sudeley Castle, St Mary’s Church, Odda’s Chapel, Hailes Abbey, and Belas Knap for stories spanning centuries. For a stay with historic charm, Sudeley Castle Cottages and Tudor House Hotel are ideal.

Thrills, trails and sporting escapes

Adventures for active travellers

Cycle the Hell of the North Cotswolds at Sudeley Castle this August or enjoy high ropes at 270 Climbing Park. Try mountain biking at 417 Bike Park or take a vintage car day out at Prescott Speed Hillclimb.

Walk the Winchcombe Way or join May’s Walking Festival. Paddle, sail or kayak at Croft Farm Water Park and stay lakeside for easy access to water sports.

Enjoy a child-free escape

Relaxation without compromise

Book a spa break at The Greenway Hotel or Hatherley Manor. Browse hand-printed silks at Beckford Silk or dine beside the Avon at The Fleet Inn. The Cotswold Designer Outlet opens summer 2025, perfect for retail therapy.

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.