Self-catering holiday cottages in and around Gloucester

We all recognise Gloucester as the town from the nursery rhyme ... Dr.  Foster went to Gloucester... and realise from the name that there is a Roman heritage, but otherwise what do we know about this city?

• Country cottages and self-catering in Gloucestershire.

The Cathedral

Gloucester is situated just north of the Bristol Channel, close to the Welsh border.  It possesses an truly magnificent cathedral which featured in certain scenes of  'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'.  It's an enormous vaulted building, with wonderful 14th century fan vaulted cloisters which in themselves impart a sense of the spiritual and heavenly. There's a welcome in Gloucester Cathedral that many other cathedrals seem to lack.  People walk around and enjoy the historical and religious aspects, the art work.  Guides are willing to provide an informal and free tour of the Cathedral so that visitors are able to appreciate it fully. 

This is a vast building, there are a number of areas where several church services could be held simultaneously.  Like many other cathedrals, it contains tombs of important clerics and the wealthy, including the much admired effigy of Robert, Duke of Normandy which dates from circa 1260. 

There are the tombs of the two daughters of Bishop Miles Smith, both of whom died in childbirth in successive years.  The poignant effigy of an infant lies beside its mother and sadly reminds us of the former dangers of childbirth.  

But Gloucester Cathedral is not entirely a house of the dead, there is inspirational modern stained glass in heavenly shades of blue, in a side chapel to the south of the Cathedral. Another modern panel reminds us that this Cathedral continues to live in the present as well as remember the past. A display of paintings and art work by a contemporary artist in residence adorn the walls and engage the soul as well as the body.

We were intrigued by the Biblical images set into the floor of the Lady Chapel and spent several minutes trying to identify which Biblical event each depicted. 

An ancient 11th century Norman font is still used for baptisms.  There are plenty of other features to satisfy the artist, architect, historian and philosopher. Above all, this cathedral reminds us that it is primarily a place for Christian worship.  Do stop for a visit, even if it's the only place that you ever visit in Gloucester. 

Gloucester Docks

The area around the docks and the River Severn has been redeveloped in recent years to create a shopping and entertainment complex.  Fifteen large Victorian warehouses have been converted to accommodate the National Waterways Museum (Tel: 01452 318 054) , Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, an Antiques Centre (01452 422 900), shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs. There are guided walks and boat tours during the summer months.  

A tourist information stand in the shopping centre has leaflets about Gloucester which offer '2 tickets for the price of one' to many of the tourist attractions.

A special mention must be given to the tiny sweet shop in the shopping centre that stocks numerous jars of old-fashioned sweets that it serves by the quarter in small twisted paper bags, and the wonderful hand-made truffles. 

Arty Things

Just two miles north of Gloucester is 'Nature in Art' which is the world's first museum dedicated to art inspired by nature.  A David Shepherd painting and a sketch by Picasso are on display among many other fine works. There is an artist in residence, a coffee shop, well stocked gift shop, and good free parking.  A small entrance fee is charged.

If you're interested in arty things, then you may also wish to pay a visit to the Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery, Tel: 01452 396 131, Open Tues-Sat. 10am - 5pm.

Gloucester City Walks

Explore historic Gloucester under the guidance of a qualified Civic Trust Guide. Discover its Roman past and development to the present day.  Telephone: 01452 396 572 .

Self-catering holiday cottages within easy travelling distance of Gloucester 

Country Cottage, Sleeps  4-5 in Whitminster, near Gloucester The Stable.  Formerly used for cider-making and stabling working horses, this thoughtfully converted 200-year old detached cottage features a wealth of splendid elm timbering. Located on a working farm, it's cosy and comfortable with oil-fired central heating, electricity, linen and towels provided. Downstairs: large, well-equipped Kitchen/Dining Room with oil-fired Range Cooker, CD/Radio and sitting area. Upstairs: spacious bed/sitting room with king-size bed, sofa, widescreen TV, Video and views across the garden to fields; a twin-bedroom with additional pullout bed; separate bathroom/WC with shower over bath. Outside: fenced-in, lawned garden lined with mixed trees; patio with garden furniture and barbecue. The village, half a mile away, has a post office, Chinese Takeaway/Chip Shop, shop and pub serving meals. Public Footpaths can be joined directly from the farm. Please view details under Gloucestershire in the menu on the left. Telephone Ashley on 01452-740969 or click on cottage photograph to find about more about self-catering near Gloucester.

Granary Cottage, sleeps 2-3, in Elton, near Gloucester

Granary Cottage - sleeps 2-3 at edge of Royal Forest of Dean Granary Cottage is situated at the end of a quiet country lane at the northern extremes of the Royal Forest of Dean, in the small hamlet of Elton near Gloucester. The cottage was built in the late 17th Century and is set in the grounds of Upper Hall, a country farmhouse of the same period. The cottage has been converted to a high standard with all modern conveniences whilst retaining the original character of the period. Granary cottage has a private garden with garden furniture, barbecue and ample parking for 2 cars.  Perfect for touring the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley. Telephone 01452 760243 for availability and bookings.

Orchard Barn within driving distance of Gloucester - sleeps 7

Orchard Barn is a Grade II listed spacious detached stone barn with good country views near Newnham-on-Severn in Gloucestershire/south Cotswolds is a superb August 2008 conversion.  Approached by a country lane and standing on the edge of its own 6 acre meadow (leading to ancient woodland) it is ideal for walking, bird watching, spotting deer etc or simply relaxing to watch the trees grow.  Orchard Barn is mid-way between Newnham on Severn, Ross on Wye and Monmouth and very close to Symonds Yat and the Lower Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the heart of The Forest of Dean with its miles of cycle tracks and footpaths.

Harmony Cottage in Lydney, on the train from Gloucester. Cottage sleeps 9.

Spacious, detached and set on the hillside in the heart of the Royal Forest of Dean, the Grade II cottage is a wonderful retreat surrounded by mature gardens on various levels from which to absorb the glorious views which are far reaching and take in the River Severn.  Harmony Cottage sleeps 9 and offers much warmth, charm and character with inglenook fireplaces, beams and flagstone floors at different levels. This property has central hearing and is ideal for family get togethers because it has a dining hall plus three separate sitting rooms affording much space. Ideal location for visiting Gloucester as well as enjoying walking and outdoor pursuits in the area. Click on the photograph of the cottage for details of self-catering in the Forest of Dean.   self-catering accommodation in the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley country cottages and self-catering in Gloucestershire

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