Things to do in Gloucestershire

Places to visit

One of England’s most beautiful counties, Gloucestershire is steeped in history. From medieval Tewkesbury, historic Gloucester Docks and the stunning Gloucester Cathedral, ancient Forest of Dean, Regency Cheltenham with all its festivals, the iconic Cotswolds and Stroud, the birthplace of the organic food movement and home to the award winning Stroud Farmers Market. History, culture and heritage is all around you.

Music and nightlife

From folk, classical or jazz festivals, to summer opera and concerts in the open air, Gloucestershire has plenty to offer music lovers. There is also the prestigious classical music celebration, the Three Choirs Festival every 3 years.

Food and drink

Gloucestershire offers plenty of fantastic food and drink, from smart gastropubs to traditional inns and quirky cafes. If you enjoy a tipple, don’t miss the local wines and ales. You’ll also find farmers’ markets, delis, farm shops and prize-winning cheese producers all selling the freshest local produce.

Sports and outdoors

Gloucestershire is horse-riding heaven, with the Cheltenham Festival – including the Gold Cup – taking over for a week in March, plus more horse-related events at Gatcombe and Badminton. There is top-class rugby in Gloucester. Cheese rolling at Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester. Plus there’s over 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways to explore.

Shopping

Head to the Historic Gloucester Quays or Regency Cheltenham with its famous Promenade of boutique shops, in the north of the county explore the traditional antique shops at Stow-on-the-Wold and in the south, Tetbury, you’ll find a great choice of local shops in Gloucestershire.

Cotswold Canals Connected

Discover Stroud and the canal corridor of the Golden Valley with two trail maps developed in partnership with Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership. Choose from a Walking and Cycling map, which includes a canal rail trail, or the Food and Farms map to explore local produce from Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.

Discover more at visit-gloucestershire.uk/discover

Where do GWR trains to Gloucestershire arrive and depart?


GWR trains run to several convenient stations in Gloucestershire, with the mainline London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa route calling at Stroud, Stonehouse and Gloucester on the way. From the south, GWR trains from Bristol also serve Yate, Cam & Dursley as well as Ashchurch for Tewkesbury (on the Worcester/Great Malvern line).

What’s the best way to get around Gloucestershire?


Beyond the rail network in Gloucestershire, the county offers some excellent walking routes from many train stations, as well as a comprehensive bus network from Gloucester’s Transport Hub just opposite the train station.

The Cotswolds Discoverer One Day Pass is the perfect and hassle-free way to travel around parts of Gloucestershire and explore the scenic Cotswolds by train and bus on just the one ticket.

Travel on GWR services between:

  • Swindon and Cheltenham Spa/Ashchurch for Tewkesbury
  • Gloucester and Yate
  • Oxford and Moreton-in-Marsh
Plus, travel on Johnson’s Excelbus, Stagecoach or Swanbrook buses to connect between train stations and the wider Cotswolds region.

Find out more at cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

Buy your Cotswolds Discoverer One Day Pass online and collect your pass from a ticket machine at your preferred station.

Cheap tickets to Gloucestershire

By using Railcards or booking tickets in advance, you’ll be able to make big savings on your train tickets to Gloucestershire. Check out our range of money saving ticket options below and find the best fares for your journey.