There are a lot of reasons that make Gloucestershire the perfect place for a self-catering cottage holiday. Take for example the areas of outstanding natural beauty like the Cotswolds with its ‘picture postcard’ limestone villages and tranquil countryside and The Forest of Dene which has been a national park since 1938.

Gloucestershire’s natural beauty is enhanced with a backdrop of historical towns and cities including Gloucester itself; home to Gloucester Cathedral with its stunning stain glass windows and cloisters and 1,000 years of history. Thanks to its appearance in the Harry Potter films, it should also appeal to younger visitors.

Also of historical interest is Tewkesbury, situated between the rivers Severn and Avon this town has some of the best medieval architecture in England and a wonderful abbey that goes back to Norman times. Coming slightly more up to date the regency town of Cheltenham Spa is beautifully presented and famous for its open parklands and floral displays.

Like most of Gloucestershire the Forest of Dene and Wye Valley is perfect for gentle walks and countryside cycling and has plenty of places of interest including castles and museums. The forest covers some 50 square miles of ancient woodland and has activities suitable for all ages from forest canopy zip-wires and paint-balling to butterfly zoos and the Dene Valley Railway. For those who enjoy our great British wildlife a visit to Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetland Trust must be at the top of the agenda. The trust was the vision of the renowned naturalist Sir Peter Scott who created one of the world’s most significant conservation projects which now manages to attract huge populations of swans, geese and ducks every year.

Family holidays can be enjoyed in this region with plenty of days out and things to do; For example The International Centre for Birds of Prey at Newent has a great collection of hawks, falcons and eagles from around the world and the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection at Bourton-on-the-Water takes you on a fascinating journey of the 20th century and is sure appeal to both children and adults. The Perrygrove Railway is a lovely little heritage railway runs to the edge of the Forest of Dene and offers plenty to keep the family entertained.

If you’re ready to begin your exploration of the region take a look at holiday cottages in Gloucestershire today.