Big Cottages Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is a great location for group holidays. Often overlooked for more traditional staycation destinations like the Lake District, South East and Cornwall, Gloucestershire has tonnes to offer to groups of friends and relatives who are looking for a good time.
If you’re planning a special occasion or celebratory retreat, or want to treat the family or your friends to a getaway, then why not head to the rolling hills and thick forests of Gloucestershire?
We’ve done the hard work for you so all you need to do is find a property to suit you! Whether it’s a family-friendly farmhouse with a swimming pool, hot tub and games room; a dog-friendly holiday home in a pretty village; or a lodge with an enclosed garden hidden in the woods, there’s something for everyone at Big Cottages.
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 Dean
Best 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 Valley
Best 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 border
Best 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.