Holiday rentals and lettings in Gloucestershire

• Diverse accommodation types: Choose from charming stone cottages, barn conversions, glamping retreats, and unique treehouses, catering to couples, families, and groups of all sizes and preferences throughout the region.
• Essential modern amenities: Properties feature hot tubs, outdoor spas, fast WiFi, well-equipped kitchens, and reliable internet, combining contemporary convenience with countryside charm and character features.
• Picturesque locations: Explore distinctive areas including the Forest of Dean's ancient woodlands, quintessential Cotswold villages, cultural Cheltenham, artistic Painswick, and the dramatic River Wye gorge for varied holiday experiences.
• Authentic character elements: Enjoy exposed beams, open fireplaces, woodburners, stunning gardens with countryside views, secure parking, and outdoor entertainment spaces reflecting genuine regional heritage and hospitality.
• Highly rated guest experiences: Properties consistently earn praise from guests for their exceptional charm, natural surroundings, authentic character, and genuine sense of escape throughout their stays.

Gloucestershire offers a diverse selection of holiday rentals, from charming stone cottages and rustic cabins to unique glamping retreats and treehouses. Look out for amenities such as:

• Pet-friendly policies
• Hot tubs and outdoor spas
• Well-equipped kitchens
• Exposed beams, open fireplaces, and woodburners

Gloucestershire is one of the most popular spots for camping in England. You could also stay here as a stop on a longer holiday, which may also involve cottages in Cornwall or the Cotswolds.

What are the best areas to stay in Gloucestershire?

The table below details areas for specific interests:

Gloucestershire's top-rated properties consistently earn glowing reviews from guests, who praise the authentic character, stunning natural surroundings, and genuine sense of escape they experience.

1. Jackdaw's Roost - 9.8+: An off-grid stone cottage with exposed beams and countryside views; guests consistently praise its exceptional charm and character, making it a perfect romantic escape.
2. The Downs barn lodge with garden - 9.5+: Guests love the charming exterior of this traditional stone cottage, as well as the modern amenities found within. It sleeps four and welcomes pets.
3. Rose Cottage with garden - 9.6+: This four-person thatched cottage looks like it has come straight from the pages of a storybook. Guests fall in love with its rural charm and beautiful location.

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds in England's West Country, Gloucestershire is celebrated for its picturesque countryside, historic villages, and charming market towns that blend tradition with contemporary culture.

✈️What is the best way to get to Gloucestershire?

Gloucestershire is well connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By car: The M5 runs the length of the county, with the A40 and A417 providing routes into the Cotswolds and towards Cheltenham and Gloucester.
• By train: Direct services run to Gloucester and Cheltenham from London Paddington, with journeys taking around two hours.
• By air: Bristol Airport and Birmingham Airport are both around an hour's drive away, with Gloucestershire Airport offering smaller regional flights.

🍴Where to eat in Gloucestershire?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Farmer's Dog is the best rated restaurant in Gloucestershire. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Sophie recommends Purslane in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire: this small, independent seafood restaurant sources sustainably-caught fish from day-boats off the Cornish coast, pairing it with the best seasonal produce the Cotswolds has to offer.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Gloucestershire is summer, when the Cotswold villages and countryside are at their most inviting.

Summer

• Best for: Exploring Cotswold villages and outdoor activities along the River Wye.
• Weather: Mild to warm, with generally the driest and sunniest conditions of the year.
• Atmosphere: Busy and lively, with popular villages and racecourse events drawing crowds.

Winter

• Best for: Cosy stays by the fireplace and quiet countryside walks.
• Weather: Cold, with shorter days and a higher chance of rain.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and low-key, with a peaceful feel across the county.

Shoulder season (spring and autumn)

• Best for: Walking the Forest of Dean and Cotswold trails without the summer crowds.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with fewer extremes than summer or winter.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and considerably quieter than the summer months.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our local Gloucestershire hosts recommend visiting in October for the Cheltenham Literature Festival. This is the world's oldest and largest literary festival, and features a range of events for adults as well as keen young readers.

1. Marvel at Gloucester Cathedral
2. Explore Robinswood Hill Country Park
3. Discover the Jet Age Museum
4. Visit Nature in Art at Wallsworth Hall
5. Wander around Gloucester Quays

1. Marvel at Gloucester Cathedral

   Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, this architectural gem blends English Gothic style with a Norman Romanesque core, and is home to remarkable works of art and sculpture.

2. Explore Robinswood Hill Country Park

   Enjoy sweeping views and beautiful sunrises at this country park, home to a nature reserve where foxes, badgers and red kites make their home among the open spaces.

3. Discover the Jet Age Museum

   Located near Gloucestershire Airport, this is the only museum in the world to house four Gloster Aircraft Company jets in excellent condition - a treat for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.

4. Visit Nature in Art at Wallsworth Hall

   This Georgian mansion houses a museum dedicated to nature-inspired art, from bronze sculptures to woodcarvings and watercolours, plus a hands-on art workshop for children.

5. Wander around Gloucester Quays

   With over 120 shops, cinemas and plenty to do, the historic Gloucester docks area makes for a great day out combining shopping, dining and waterside views.