Gloucestershire days out guide

SoGlos.com's Gloucestershire days out guide 2010 will help nature lovers, history buffs and culture vultures enjoy the perfect day out in Gloucestershire.

With so much on our doorstep, it’s no surprise that visitors flock from far and wide to enjoy the very best of what Gloucestershire has to offer.

From stunning castles and glorious gardens to wildlife havens and heritage hotspots, SoGlos.com’s guide will help you, and the whole family, plan the perfect day out in Gloucestershire.

And don’t forget, you’ll find all of these local days out destinations, as well as restaurants, hotels, pubs and much, much more, pinpointed on the UK’s first Gloucestershire Interactive Map.

Cheltenham days out 2010

Sudeley Castle and Gardens

Expect to find: A magnificent golden castle, nestled within the countryside of Winchcombe near Cheltenham, which is brimming with history. The series of ongoing exhibitions, extensive gardens and impressive pheasantry will be more than enough to keep grown-ups busy on a day out, while miniature swords and shields give young knights the chance to have fun doing battle.
SoGlos.com loves: The spectacular children’s wooden fort play area which was re-opened this year, complete with slides, a zip wire and towers galore to climb up before declaring you’re ‘king of the castle’.
For more info: See Sudeley Castle and Gardens or visit sudeleycastle.co.uk directly.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Expect to find: An unparalleled steam and diesel heritage railway, run entirely by volunteers with stations at Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham Racecourse. The steam and diesel engines which call GWR home are stunning, and while adults will enjoy hopping onboard for a nostalgic ride, kids of all ages won’t fail to be impressed either.
SoGlos.com loves: The chance to try your hand at locomotive driving with the Steam Firing & Driving and Diesel Driving Experience courses. Book very early to avoid disappointment, however.
For more info: See Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway or visit gwsr.com directly.

Cotswolds days out 2010

Snowshill Manor

Expect to find: A picture-perfect golden-yellow Cotswold manor house, surrounded by a terraced hillside garden designed as a series of rooms and run on organic principles. While inside an Aladdin’s cave of eccentric objects awaits – including the nation’s most important collection of samurai armour, no less – amassed by artist and craftsman Charles Paget Wade. Children are well catered for with the turf maze and garden quiz, as well as special events through the year.
SoGlos.com loves: Snowshill Manor’s famous cream teas – a quintessentially English treat, and the perfect accompaniment to a day out in the Cotswolds.
For more info: See Snowshill Manor or visit nationaltrust.org.uk directly.

Gloucester days out 2010

Nature in Art

Expect to find: The world’s only museum dedicated to art inspired by nature housed in a stunning Georgian mansion between Gloucester and Tewkesbury, which includes an array of permanent and temporary displays of art and artefacts. Art and nature lovers of all ages alike will be in awe of the diverse range of artwork on display, while little visitors will particularly enjoy the sculpture garden, and children’s activity areas.
SoGlos.com loves: The chance to see painters, sculptors, and craftsmen at work firsthand, thanks to Nature in Art’s vibrant Artist in Residence programme, running from February to November.
For more info: See Nature in Art or visit nature-in-art.org.uk directly.

Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal

Expect to find: A series of picturesque canals and locks, providing day-trippers with 34 miles of walking and cycling joy. A Canal Trust was established in 1983 and a passionate team of volunteers has since restored numerous sections, with Over Basin in Gloucester and Oxenhall Tunnel in Newent being unmissable achievements. Expect plenty of natural wonders too – with the canal route bursting with plants and wildlife.
SoGlos.com loves: Stopping off at The Wharf House for tea and cake before enjoying an afternoon stroll – and knowing that profits are being used to restore the canal.
For more info: See Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal or visit thewharfhouse.com directly.

Stroud days out 2010

Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Expect to find: ‘The birthplace of modern conservation’ and vision of naturalist Sir Peter Scott, which is home to an astounding array of wildlife including the world’s largest collection of flamingos, swans, geese and ducks. Adults and children will instantly fall in love with the array of wildlife while strolling around the centre’s grounds, while seeing the baby cranes being raised at Crane School or navigating the waters on a Canoe Safari are truly unforgettable experiences.
SoGlos.com loves: The brand new Welly Boot Land which opened in July 2008, giving children of all ages the chance to splash about in the water with their parents’ blessing.
For more info: See Slimbridge Wetland Centre or visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge directly.

Berkeley Castle

Expect to find: An imposing Norman castle steeped in a rich and gripping history – including the keep with its trip steps and guard room; the magnificent picture gallery with George Stubbs’ work as its centrepiece; the medieval larders, buttery and kitchen; and the famous gallery where King Edward II was imprisoned and murdered. Visitors of all ages will also enjoy the extensive gardens, while children will be captivated by the stories of great battles and ghosts.
SoGlos.com loves: Seeing the faces of little and big kids alike as they enter the Butterfly House – found on the opposite side of the car park to the castle entrance – with stunning butterflies and the world’s largest species of moth all to be found in this tranquil haven.
For more info: See Berkeley Castle or visit berkeley-castle.com directly.

Find all of these fantastic days out destinations pinpointed on the Gloucestershire Interactive Map, where you will also be able to get directions from anywhere in the UK and see nearby restaurants, accommodation, pubs and much, much more.

SoGlos.com
21 December 2009