Cotswold Way - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

A beautiful country park that covers an area of 143 acres of grassland and beechwoods situated on the Cotswold escarpment. Site of archaeological interest with panoramic views and waymarked trails. The park is a haven for nature and home to many birds, reptiles and mammals and is recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wonderful variety of wildflowers. Rising above the city of Gloucester, Crickley Hill it also boasts breath-taking views over the Severn Vale, the Brecon Beacon

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.

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.

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.

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.