Things I love about Gloucestershire by Denise Alterskye

Published: February 24, 2021 - Last updated 17 July 2024 - Please note: This blog was first published more than a year ago.
Denise Alterskye

When we arrived in the UK it was my wish that we could set up home in the Cotswolds. As events unfolded we settled in Gloucester where I shall begin to share my thoughts.

Gloucester

Living at the Gloucester Historic Docks/Quays has been a mixture of emotions. The advantages of being in a work/play/live scenario has its benefits which include convenience of shops, supermarkets entertainment as well as changing scenery around canals barges cruise boats and tall ships - an annual event keenly anticipated by the locals. Due to the foot traffic in the precinct if it's peace and quiet you are looking for in a residence then this area would not be for you! Thank goodness for windows with double glazing!

The listed warehouse buildings provide unique appeal. The interesting Waterways Museum located within the Docks precinct provides the history of the canals and vessels of the past. There is a monthly food & craft market which covers an entire open section of a square called Orchard Square. The many locks are fascinating to watch as they operate their functions of dropping the levels of water to accommodate yachts and barges entering and departing from the main basin. A mechanical masterpiece.

The beautiful Gloucester Cathedral has links as far back as King Henry VIII. Another attraction of historic interest is the nearby Over Bridge designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1828 which spans the Severn River. The Over Farm close by is a typical farm shop with a good variety of farm fresh vegetables, cakes and home- made pies and quiches. Good quality meat and dairy produce. Plants and fresh flowers are also available. A new addition at the farm is an activity trail for children with animals and PYO opportunities.

Towns and villages in the Cotswolds

We have visited several small villages in the Cotswolds area. The first one being Minchinhampton the delightful market town with its European architectural type market square. The village also has a magnificent "common" where cows roam freely during certain months. This area provides the locals with a large green space for walking their dogs. The adjacent walking paths have beautiful scenic views.

Nailsworth

Nailsworth is another stunning town attracting many talented artists and boutique style shops not to mention the award-winning restaurants many of whom are in the top ten rating for the Greater Gloucestershire area. The village of Woodchester just outside of Nailsworth is where the Woodchester Valley Vineyard is and who produce a great selection of award-winning wines. We were fortunate to indulge ourselves in a wine tasting experience at this fantastic venue.

Tetbury and Cirencester

Tetbury is a delightful market town with similar shops including selective delicatessens as well as speciality craft shops and my very favourite, vintage shops! Not to forget the towns famous local resident HRH Prince of Wales! One of the local shops supplies items from the Prince's estate. For those who are energetic a walk around the Arboretum is a nature lovers treat.

Cirencester is the largest town of the Cotswolds. It's here that you will see many examples of the beautiful honey coloured Cotswolds stone used in their buildings. The town also hosts Antiques & Collectables Markets. The Corinium Museum is located at the heart of Cirencester. Its principle collection includes highly significant finds from the Roman town of Corinium.

Stroud

Stroud is a town rather than a village located in the south of the Cotswolds. Stroud has earned the right to display a welcome sign "A Britain in Bloom"! I love the happy message the sign invokes reflecting the independent spirit of the residents. The market town is often referred to as the "Covent Garden" of the Cotswolds known as a centre for contemporary arts encircled by five beautiful valleys. Their weekly market in the High Street provides artisan cakes as well as the usual farm fresh vegetables cheeses fresh meat & fish. The street food is a hit with locals. Also available are clothing and antique stalls. It has an almost hippy type of vibe.

Painswick

Painswick, a village just before Stroud has the magnificent attraction of a Rococo style garden designed in the 1740s and covering a very large area. The venue is very popular with families providing special seasonal fun filled activities for children with a playground and a dam with ducks. Sheep roam happily on the neighbouring space. Another splendid attraction is a magnificent row of yew trees which line the path to the Cathedral in Painswick.

Tewkesbury

Finally, the riverside town of Tewkesbury needs no introduction with its magnificent Abbey and medieval streets with quaint pubs. Boating is a popular past time.

And my favourite place in Gloucestershire is....?

If I was asked to choose which one of these delightful villages I favour it would be a difficult decision to make - they are ALL beautiful!

Denise Alterskye