Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Gloucester, Gloucestershire to Gloucester, Gloucestershire in Gloucestershire, England.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Culture, Nature, Classic road trip.

Gloucestershire Loop: Cathedral City, Forest of Dean and the Severn Vale

Q: How long is the Gloucestershire Loop: Cathedral City, Forest of Dean and the Severn Vale route?

This route takes 6 days taking in 5 stops.

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The route · 5 stops

1
Gloucester
2 nights
The county city of Gloucestershire on the site of the Roman fortress of Glevum. The Cathedral's fan-vaulted cloisters stood in as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films; Edward II's elaborate tomb is in the north ambulatory. The historic Docks, England's most inland working port, form a museum quarter two minutes' walk away.
The county city of Gloucestershire on the site of the Roman fortress of Glevum. The Cathedral's fan-vaulted cloisters stood in as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films; Edward II's elaborate tomb is in the north ambulatory. The historic Docks, England's most inland working port, form a museum quarter two minutes' walk away.
Book Cathedral entry online; the fan-vaulted cloisters are free to walk. The National Waterways Museum in the historic Docks is a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral.
2
Tewkesbury
1 night
A medieval market town at the confluence of the Severn and Avon, and one of England's most unspoiled. The Abbey is the second largest parish church in the country, a Norman masterpiece with a great tower added in the 15th century. The narrow half-timbered streets of Church Street and the Alley conceal medieval inns and shops.
A medieval market town at the confluence of the Severn and Avon, and one of England's most unspoiled. The Abbey is the second largest parish church in the country, a Norman masterpiece with a great tower added in the 15th century. The narrow half-timbered streets of Church Street and the Alley conceal medieval inns and shops.
The Tewkesbury Battlefield, site of the 1471 Wars of the Roses battle, is signed from the town centre and free to visit. Park in the main Oldbury Road car park.
3
Coleford
2 nights
The Forest of Dean is England's only statutory forest: 110 square kilometres of ancient oak laced with cycling trails and wildlife. Base in Coleford to reach Clearwell Caves (4,500 years of iron mining, nine lit chambers), Puzzle Wood's mossy pathways, and the Dean Forest Railway steam line.
The Forest of Dean is England's only statutory forest: 110 square kilometres of ancient oak laced with cycling trails and wildlife. Base in Coleford to reach Clearwell Caves (4,500 years of iron mining, nine lit chambers), Puzzle Wood's mossy pathways, and the Dean Forest Railway steam line.
Clearwell Caves and Puzzle Wood are half a mile apart; book ahead in school holidays. Hire bikes from Pedalabikeaway in the forest interior for the waymarked Freeminers Trail.
4
Berkeley
1 night
Berkeley Castle has been home to the Berkeley family since 1153 and has survived remarkably intact. Edward II was murdered here in 1327; his body was carried to Gloucester Cathedral where he now lies in an elaborate tomb. Five miles south, the WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, founded by Sir Peter Scott, is the world's largest collection of wildfowl.
Berkeley Castle has been home to the Berkeley family since 1153 and has survived remarkably intact. Edward II was murdered here in 1327; his body was carried to Gloucester Cathedral where he now lies in an elaborate tomb. Five miles south, the WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, founded by Sir Peter Scott, is the world's largest collection of wildfowl.
Berkeley Castle is open seasonally; check dates before travelling. Slimbridge WWT (5 miles south) requires a full half-day. Combine both in one day if time allows.
5
Gloucester
The loop closes in Gloucester, a 30-minute drive north on the A38 from Berkeley.
The A38 gives a direct 30-minute return to Gloucester from Berkeley.
The loop closes in Gloucester, a 30-minute drive north on the A38 from Berkeley.
The A38 gives a direct 30-minute return to Gloucester from Berkeley.

Gloucestershire Loop: Cathedral City, Forest of Dean and the Severn Vale

The route · 5 stops

Gloucester

Tewkesbury

Coleford

Berkeley

Gloucester

Route highlights

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Gloucestershire Loop: Cathedral City, Forest of Dean and the Severn Vale

The route · 5 stops

Gloucester

Tewkesbury

Coleford

Berkeley

Gloucester

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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