Take a break from the day-to-day with a trip to the historic city of Gloucester. If you want stunning views alongside all the advantages of a city break, this is the ideal option. The River Severn, the Cotswolds, and the Forest of Dean will all soothe your soul and help to bring family and friends together. Our big cottages in Gloucester give you the chance to create a holiday that features something for everyone in your party, young and old and every age in between.
You can make cooking a sociable affair with an open plan area that features a fully equipped kitchen and living area, then dine together in a conservatory for a meal to remember. Maybe you’d prefer a chic apartment that has a picture-perfect village on your doorstep, a garden with outdoor seating, and a pub just a couple of minutes' walk away for getting the gang together.
Maybe you’re looking for a family break with lots of bracing walks around the Gloucester docks, the Forest of Dean, and the Barnwood Arboretum. We can help organise visits to Over Farm that kids will love. Or perhaps it’s a grown-up getaway, and you’re looking forward to checking out all the great pubs steeped in history with delicious food on the menu too.
Best locations for a large cottage near Gloucester
Find your top spot for an unforgettable break right here.
Best things to do in Gloucestershire
There are lots of fun activities to keep you busy during your stay so the Big Cottages team are on hand to bring you some of our favourites!
Treetop Challenge
Location: Forest of DeanBest for: Swinging through the trees
Swing through the trees, clamber up ladders and test out your balance 15m high up in the canopy with the birds and squirrels. Take on the Treetop Challenge atat Mallards Pike, in the Forest of Dean. This is the perfect activity for thrill-seeking groups and those who seek some adventure.
Pit-stop nearby:The Rising Sun in Moseley Green is a dog-friendly pub in the heart of the forest.
Canoeing on the River Wye
Location: Wye ValleyBest for: Getting out and about
Straddling the English and Welsh border, the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is made up of stunning landscapes and picture perfect panoramics. Why not explore the area on the water? Hire a canoe and paddle at your own pace or join a guided trip along the river and through the rapids.
Pit-stop nearby: Enjoy a cool drink and freshly baked cake at Symonds Yat Rock Cafe, nestled in the forest, in Coleford.
Hike up Stow Hill
Location: Stow-on-the-Wold Best for: Walking and views
The pretty market town of Stow-on-the-Wold is the highest of the Cotswold towns. Wander the twisting streets, peruse the market stalls or pick up some souvenirs in the boutiques. This is also a great place for hiking, with an abundance of walking routes and trails to choose from.
Pit-stop nearby: Choose from delicious cuts of rare meats in this quaint restaurant, The Old Butchers, set in an old butcher shop.
The Cotswold Water Park
Location: Gloucestershire/Wiltshire borderBest for: Getting wet and wild
Located just outside Cirencester, The Cotswold Water Park is a vast 40 square mile lake system created in the 1970s after the extraction of limestone gravel. Now it is a haven for wildlife and is made up of 147 lakes. It’s the perfect place to while away the hours with a group of friends.
Pit-stop nearby:Waterside Kitchen & Bar serves seasonal dishes made from local produce on the water’s edge.
Clearwell Caves
Location: Coleford
Best for: Bat-spotting
Follow in the footsteps of generations of miners in a 4,500-year-old labyrinth of caverns and tunnels in Clearwell Caves. Adventure deep underground to explore these churns - and keep your eyes peeled for the many species of bats who call this dark world their home.
Pit-stop nearby:The Dog House is a charming and cosy little pub in Coleford offering a wide range of beers and ciders.
