Visit Gloucestershire, the guide for residents and visitors

Where to advertise Gloucestershire events?

A great way to promote your Gloucestershire event is through Visit Gloucestershire.

The Visit Gloucestershire website has a Gloucestershire Events page which promotes local events in Gloucestershire. And you can list your Gloucestershire event FREE OF CHARGE!

Visit Gloucestershire allows you to reach a wide audience of visitors and locals interested in Gloucestershire's happenings through our website and Social Media.

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What is Bisley most famous for?

Bisley is most famous for its long and distinguished history, its impressive parish church and its position within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Although today it is a relatively quiet village located a few miles east of Stroud, Bisley was once the centre of a much larger parish that included places such as Stroud, Chalford and Bussage. In medieval times it was one of the most important settlements in this part of Gloucestershire.

The village is particularly known for All Saints' Church, which may have origins as an Anglo-Saxon minster church and has served the community for many centuries. Bisley is also recognised for its attractive Cotswold stone buildings, historic wells and strong local traditions. Its combination of heritage, architecture and countryside setting makes it one of the most interesting historic villages in Gloucestershire.

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Why is St Briavels Castle important?

St Briavels Castle is one of the most historically significant castles in Gloucestershire. Built during the Norman period and developed throughout the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, it became the administrative headquarters of the Forest of Dean. From here, officials managed royal hunting grounds, supervised mining activities and enforced forest laws on behalf of the Crown.

The castle also played an important role in England's medieval iron industry. Iron produced in the Forest of Dean was used to manufacture weapons and tools, including large quantities of crossbow bolts for royal armies. The impressive twin-towered gatehouse, largely dating from the reign of Edward I, remains one of the finest surviving examples of medieval military architecture in the region. Today the castle operates as a youth hostel while remaining an important historic monument that attracts visitors from across the country.

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What are the top attractions in and around Tetbury?

Top attractions in and around Tetbury include:

• Highgrove Gardens - Open seasonally for public tours.
• Westonbirt Arboretum - A vast botanical collection and great for walks.
• Chavenage House - An Elizabethan manor featured in film and TV.
• Tetbury Market House - A historic building still used for events and markets.
• The Goods Shed Arts Centre - A local venue for music, theatre, and exhibitions.

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What is the story of the Bisley Boy?

The Bisley Boy is one of Gloucestershire's most famous local legends. According to the story, the young Princess Elizabeth, who later became Queen Elizabeth I, died while staying in the village. Fearing punishment from her father, King Henry VIII, local people supposedly replaced her with a boy of similar appearance who was then raised as the future queen.

The legend attempts to explain why Elizabeth I never married and became known as the Virgin Queen. Although historians do not regard the story as factual, it has remained popular for generations and forms an intriguing part of local folklore. The tale has inspired books, articles and discussions far beyond Gloucestershire, helping to give Bisley a unique place in England's collection of historical myths and legends.

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