Gloucestershire is such a beautiful county to live in. Today I thought I would share some of my favourite places to jump in the car and explore at weekends. Now that the days are longer, the weather warmer and the skies clear I plan to make the most of what is on my doorstep. I have been inspired to write this post as www.chill.ie/car-insurance recently put together an ebook of hidden drives in Ireland which can be viewed here. In Gloucestershire, we too have beautiful scenery and Hidden Gems in Gloucestershire to Drive to at Weekends.
Secret Places in Gloucestershire
Here is a round up of 17 secret places in Gloucestershire that residents don’t necessarily want you to know about! They like to keep these secret walks in Gloucestershire all to themselves!
- The Forest of Dean has so much to offer. Whether you are looking for caving, abseiling or kayaking the Forest has it on offer. I have rowed down the River Wye many times. I first enjoyed it when I was a student and opted to try water sports. In addition to sports, there are craft opportunities or bushcraft for children to learn.
- Secret walks into the Forest of Dean that are free. Download the Gruffalo App and head to Beechenhurst which is a fun walk for all children. At this time of year, there are Bluebell fields also which make for beautiful photos.
- Sticking to the Forest area is for water fun for children and dogs head to Wenchford Picnic Ground in Blakeney (known locally as Blakeney Straits). It’s one of the Forestry Commission sites so members get free parking. This secret walk in Gloucestershire is one of our worst kept secrets! Many have BBQs during the summer and spend hours here.
- Bourton on the Water is a picture-postcard village in the Cotswolds. Bourton is a magnet for tourists visiting the Cotswolds. Especially for overseas visitors. However many locals also like to visit because it has so much to offer. We enjoy the model village and then getting an ice cream and sitting by the stream. You will find children paddling and feeding the ducks. It is well worth a nice walk on a sunny afternoon.
- South Cerney beach is a man-made playpark. This is where I learnt to sail but has been developed to offer even more. Paddling and bathing beach, boat hire, lakeside walks, play areas, cafe etc are all onsite and it is a popular family day out in the summer. Kids love Aquaventure and you can easily spend a full day here. Booking is essential though.
- Stroud is full of quirky artisan shops and a creative hub. It also has great soft play if you need something indoors.
- Woodchester Park and Mansion for walks. Especially for the wild garlic. The little cafe there too during spring/summer season. Woodchester is definitely a hidden gem in Gloucestershire and in the summer many locals will be swimming and having fun in the lakes. Teenagers love hanging out here and my own have taken paddleboards and our kayak here for a fun day on the lake. It has become a popular spot with wild swimmers in recent years and no wonder – it’s such a pretty place.
- Crickley Hill is a good one for walks/views/cafe – not exactly hidden gem as the hills can be seen for miles but a beautiful area nonetheless with a cafe serving hot drinks and snacks. You need to pay for the car park but it is reasonable. There are several walks and there are hidden rope swings to keep the kids entertained on your walk.
- Roccoco Gardens was designed in the 1740s as a fanciful pleasure garden for the owner of Painswick House and his guests, today it’s a place to roam free, to get up close and personal with nature, or to feel the warmth of the sun on your face as you take in the spectacular views of the Cotswold countryside and magical follies. They have events on throughout the year and the Snow Drops are a sight to behold when it is the right time of the year.
- Leaf and Ground in Dursley is a children’s play heaven that also has a deli, walled garden, cafe and more. It is dog friendly (apart from the Deli) and a great place for a wander.
- Cheltenham itself has fantastic shopping and street cafes. It is the place to go shopping and then watch the world go by. Pittville Park is within walking distance and keeps children entertained for hours. It is a well-loved and used park that also has a lake. Park up in Pittville Pump Rooms and pop in a try the Spa Water which is what made Cheltenham the go-to place in the Victorian days.
- Slimbridge is a wetlands center that has vast open spaces where you can see nature in all its glory from the feeding ducks to Flamingoes it really is a wonderful experience. Welly Land is a wet play area for children. There is always something going on and lots for everyone to learn about.
For Food!
Gloucestershire has many amazing Cafes and restaurants but I asked friends for their favourites and here is what came up!
Hungry Bean is a must-visit cafe for brunches and breakfasts, based in Kingsholm and with a fast-growing reputation, you need to try it for the pancakes!
Bangkok canteen on Westgate Street, is a completely gluten-free restaurant! You wouldn’t even know it’s gluten-free! Absolutely incredible food and always tastes so fresh and yummy!
There’s an amazing cafe at Saul Junction on the canal. It’s a gorgeous walk and then when you get tired they do amazing cakes! This is a great dog walking place too and you can sit outside this cafe in warmer days with your pup!
Another popular breakfast spot is The Roastery Coffee House in Quedgeley. Best brunch I’ve had in my life, according to one friend. Highlight: smashed avocado on sourdough toast with chilli, lime and coriander, stop there if you’re vegan but I always go for the extra bacon and egg. Nom nom nom.
The ox restaurant in Cheltenham has the best steak ever! I can also vouch for this read The Ox Review for more!
Have you visited Gloucestershire? Where did you visit let me know in the comments?
