Crickley Hill Country Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Cotswold Way is a long distance walk that runs for 102 miles (163km) from the medieval market town of Chipping Campden in the North Cotswolds, to the historic City of Bath. Although recognised as a suitable route for a National Trail in due course, the path was initially sponsored by Gloucestershire County Council, who had no powers of footpath creation, and so used only existing rights of way.

Great Witcombe Roman Villa was one of the largest Roman houses in Britain and was part of a cluster of very wealthy villas in the Cotswolds area. A rich family lived here, together with their slaves and freedmen, for around 200 years, until the end of the Roman period in Britain. The remains include a bathhouse complex and perhaps the shrine of a water spirit. Mosaic pavements hint at the villa’s opulence in Roman times.

One of the largest outdoor pools in the country, set in landscaped gardens within Sandford Park. The 50 metre main swimming pool as well as a childrens’ pool and paddling pool are heated to over 70 degrees. Basketball, volleyball and table tennis are also available – all included in the entrance charge. Light refreshments are available at the poolside cafe.

Cheltenham Town Hall is now home to an impressive all-year-round program of major festivals, entertainment, exhibitions and functions. Built in 1902-1903 as a venue for social events, it replaced the Assembly Rooms on the High Street, which had been demolished to make way for a bank. Interestingly, unlike most Town Hall's, this grand building in Cheltenham was not built as the seat for a Borough Council, which is instead found in the Municipal Offices across the road on the Promenade.

Pittville Park is the largest ornamental park in Cheltenham and features the magnificent Pittville Pump Room and lakes. This park is given a grade 2 listing under the English Heritage register of historic parks and gardens, with the Pump Room as a grade 1 historic building. Pittville Park provides 33ha of parkland, including an ornamental lake with elegant bridges dating from 1827 and a boating lake, formerly known as Capper's Fish Pond.

The Jet Age Museum is home to a unique collection of historic aircraft and artefacts charting the history of Gloucestershire's rich aviation heritage. The museum is themed on the early development of Jet aircraft, in particular the role played by the Gloster Aircraft Company and other local firms such as Dowty Rotol and Smiths Industries.