Our guide to luxury Gloucestershire holidays
With honeyed villages and undulating hills, Gloucestershire is about as idyllic as it gets. The ancient Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are just some of its selling points; here’s the Unique guide to luxury Gloucestershire holidays.
If there’s one British county that’s earned its bragging rights, it’s Gloucestershire. Around every corner, you’ll find beguiling views calling out to be captured on Kodak, wildflower-strewn trails, and proper British pubs made for testing local pints after a morning spent exploring chocolate-box towns. Whether you’re dusting off your walking boots for a hike through the Coln Valley, christening a new notepad at the Literature Festival, or donning your finest tweed for a day at Cheltenham Racecourse, you’ll find everything you need to know in our guide to luxury Gloucestershire holidays here.
So, leave the guidebook at home, for we’ve covered where to eat, what to do, and all the must-see sights. From picking up picnic spoils at Stroud Farmers' Market to tucking into a cream tea fit for a King at Highgrove House, this is what we spend all year daydreaming about. As for where to lay your head in the Heart of England? There’s everything from island boltholes for two (yes, really) to chic 17th-century farmhouse retreats fit for hosting the whole crew – and the dog, too. From Cirencester to Bourton-on-the-Water, isn’t it high time you got off the beaten track and escaped to the country?
Locations in Gloucestershire
Whilst the towns of Cheltenham and Cirencester may vie for attention, from Bibury to Bentham, there´s plenty of sleepy villages steeped in history and winding woodland trails to explore across this charming county.
Collections in Gloucestershire
Seeking a romantic place to tete-a-tete or a country pile to fit a crowd? Our collections tick all the boxes, with hand-picked homes boasting bubbling hot tubs, tennis courts, private chefs, and secret gardens for sundowners.
Any day stays
From anniversary spots to party-ready manors, these luxury homes open their doors any day of the week, making them the ultimate flexi staycation.
View collection
Coastal Retreats
From modern beach houses to bohemian self-catering cottages by the sea, spend days watching the waves in one of our luxury coastal cottages.
View collection
Dog-Friendly Escapes
Luxury self-catering for dog-friendly escapes, these coastal cottages and country retreats are designed with discerning hounds in mind.
View collection
Couples´ Retreats
From Valentine´s breaks to honeymooner´s hideaways, these luxury cottages were designed for couples with romance in mind.
View collectionLuxury Homes with Pools
Feel the heat? Choose from our luxury holiday homes with swimming pools. Indoors, outdoors, heated, natural... we have them all.
View collectionFamily-Friendly Self-Catering
Unique family-owned homes creatively designed with relaxation in mind, our luxury child-friendly holiday cottages offer stress-free escapes.
View collectionLarge Self-Catering Groups
Our larger luxury self-catering homes and big country houses are just the ticket for a celebratory luxury group gathering.
View collectionHoneymoons
Start married life with the ultimate romantic honeymoon in a luxury retreat, from cosy cottages to beach hideaways.
View collectionLuxury Homes with Hot Tubs
Plot your escape to one of these exclusive, hand-picked luxury self-catering cottages with hot tubs for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating break.
View collectionLuxury Homes with a Private Chef
From romantic breaks where dessert is always on the menu to celebration homes where chefs make the family favourites; see our homes with catering.
View collectionCountry House Breaks
Our exclusive collection of country houses includes luxury manor houses, opulent mansions with pools and beautiful private estates.
View collectionWorking Remotely
Discover luxury self-catering with inspirational home office spaces, allowing for both work and play on your holiday.
View collectionLuxury Homes with Tennis Courts
From Victorian vegetable stores to fairytale millhouses, our luxury homes with tennis courts bring the best of Wimbledon to the country.
View collectionAlternative Group Option
Alternative holiday cottages for groups. Stay as a small group in one of our luxury self-catering holiday homes with our alternative group option.
View collectionHoliday homes 2-3 hours from London
Plotting a romantic escape from the city? These luxury coastal and country retreats within two to three hours’ drive of London are just the ticket.
View collectionEco-Friendly Escapes
Our luxury eco-friendly retreats include a beach hut Cornwall and a coastal cabin in Scotland. Good for the soul, and the planet.
View collectionBaby-Friendly Breaks
For families with a baby on board, our unique baby-friendly breaks provide luxury self-catering with safety, comfort and parents in mind.
View collectionElopement Weddings
Whether a luxury home by the sea or grand country manor, run away to enjoy the elopement wedding of your dreams at a unique private home.
View collectionSecret Garden Escapes
Our unique garden escapes feature woodland hideaways, secret garden cottages and exclusive private homes in Alice in Wonderland estates.
View collectionFilm and Photoshoot Locations
Whether you want a unique film shoot backdrop or luxury venue for a new product launch, these shoot and stay locations are one of a kind.
View collectionWaterside Living
Experience the charm and tranquility of living on the water´s edge at these unique waterside properties set by lochs, lakes, rivers or beaches.
View collectionWellness Retreats
Wellbeing venues with a difference, take exclusive hire of a private home for your next wellbeing, fitness or yoga retreat.
View collectionLuxury Solo Travel
Indulge in a little me time and create your own itinerary with an independent solo travel experience at an inspiring luxury homestay.
View collectionElectric Car Escapes
If you are looking for an eco-friendly holiday that supports your electric or hybrid car, these sustainable luxury properties will be just the ticket.
View collectionLong Let Holiday Homes and Properties
Relocating for work? Between houses? Make yourself at home! Enjoy a long let rental without the hassle at a private luxury holiday home.
View collectionCorporate Events
Our unique corporate event venues promise creative settings for inspired company retreats, ideal for team-building or company rewards.
View collectionSurf Retreats
Unique surfing holidays along the UK´s stunning coastline, where chic beach houses provide a luxury base for adrenaline-fuelled escapes.
View collectionValentine´s Breaks
Unique Valentine´s Day breaks for a get-away-from-it-all adventure, from iconic beach huts to remote woodland cabins for two.
View collectionUnique Hen Weekends
For sophisticated brides wanting an alternative hen weekend its got to be Unique Homestays. Think yoga barns, swimming pools and disco balls.
View collectionWilderness Retreats
Idyllic hideaways perfect for wild food foragers and barefoot wanderers, our wilderness retreats combine remote settings with natural style.
View collectionBoho Hideaways
Embrace your inner nomad with our boho cottages and hideaway homes, where eclectic décor and laid-back vibes combine to make the perfect boho luxury escape.
View collectionLimited Edition
Be one of the lucky few to stay in one of these unique private homes, available for only a select number of weeks per year.
View collection
Things to do in Gloucestershire
Stuff a backpack with cocoa flasks for a sunrise jaunt up Cleeve Common with only wildflowers and rare butterflies for company, or while away the afternoon riverside, returning with fresh trout for supper in the courtyard.
CP&Y: The Yoga Studio
Limber, loosen and relax with one of over 50 mat and equipment classes held each week at CP&Y: The Yoga Studio. For a little more focus, private one-to-one sessions are also available, ensuring the most perfect form and poise.
Explore Bibury
Bibury was once described by the Arts & Crafts movement founder, William Morris, as ´the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds´. One of the village´s most popular spots is the pretty Arlington Row, a group of 16th century cottages.
Things to see in Gloucestershire
Little ones can spy rare species at Cotswold Wildlife Park, whilst green-fingered groups gallivant through Sudeley Castle´s sprawling gardens. Brush up on your history at Blenheim or step right into scenes-of-old in Bibury.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Cotswold Wildlife Park is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House. It is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world.
Westonbirt Aboretum
One of the finest plant collections in the world featuring trees from across the globe, blooms aplenty and a crescendo of colours; whatever the season, the arboretum is sure to delight.
Where to eat in Gloucestershire
It´s no surprise foodies flock to Gloucestershire; here, you´ll find the best coffee this side of Bondi, delis decked with prime produce, and charming pubs specialising in Sunday roasts, roaring log fires, and convivial chatter.
The Green Dragon Inn, Cockleford
This renowned 17th-century inn, located in neighbouring Cockleford where the heirloom painting was created, is praised for its great food, fine wines, and real ales. Think roaring log fires and beamed ceilings with the dog at your feet.
The Bell at Sapperton, Cirencester
A charming eatery that sits in sleepy Sapperton, The Bell is known for its long canal tunnel and association with the 20th century Arts and Crafts movement. Come here for cosy corners in winter and a courtyard brunch in summer.
Journals about Gloucestershire
An owner´s tale of five generations of bucolic bliss, a deep dive into Gloucestershire´s finest private pools, and homes plucked from the pages of fairytales; here are odes to the county that claims the heart of all who visit.
Lifestyle
To the ends of the Earth
Ah, the ends of the Earth. From Ittoqqortoormiit to Alaska, all explorers have their own idea on the matter. But the notion that an “end” exists reveals a truth so often missed. Call it a reawakening.
Lifestyle
The Great British Spa-cation
Put the wrapping paper down and the feet up. This year, the most sought-after winter stays are all about warm water therapy, palatial living, and never missing out on poolside Champagne.
Lifestyle
The British Nordic
We owe much to The Nordics. Givers of Edvard Munch and the Moomins, of saunas and smörgåsbords. Here, we offer up our most earthen homes, built on hygge foundations.
Lifestyle
The best houses to rent for a New Year’s Eve getaway
From glittering affairs where grandparents waltz under crystal chandeliers to romantic getaways in cottages with hot tubs, New Year’s Eve parties are as unique as the folk who make them.
Gloucestershire FAQ´s
Looking for expert travel advice? Want to know the most famous filming locations in the county? If you have a Gloucestershire-specific query, you might find the answer here. For everything else, visit our general FAQs.
What is Gloucester famous for?
Gloucestershire boasts some of Britain’s most striking countryside. The majority of the coveted Cotswolds lies within its boundaries, as does the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
A haven for history buffs, Gloucestershire offers many landmark sites, including Chedworth Roman Villa and the impressive earthwork remains of Corinium Amphitheatre (now Cirencester), as well as the spa town of Cheltenham, with its Georgian and Regency architecture.
Was Harry Potter filmed in Gloucestershire?
Gloucester Cathedral’s impressive cloisters and corridors were once home to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Though Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid may have moved on, a trip to its hallowed halls is guaranteed to cast a spell on Potterheads across the ages.
How far is Gloucestershire from London?
Offering an easy escape from the rat race of city living, Gloucestershire is just 98 miles from London. The average journey time by train between Gloucester and London Paddington is under two hours, while driving takes on average 2 hours and 30 minutes. Ideal for a last-minute weekend of rosé-fuelled R&R.
Which notable people live in Gloucestershire?
A luxury self-catering stay in Gloucestershire promises plenty of opportunities for VIP-spotting. The Beckhams, Eddie Redmayne, Liz Hurley, and a handful of Royals – including Princess Anne, Zara and Mike Tindall, and even the King himself – all call the county home.
Own a property in Gloucestershire?
Are you the keeper of a wildflower-wrapped cottage? Or the custodian of a hilltop castle? From Cirencester to Upper Slaughter, we´re seeking Gloucestershire´s most unique homes to join our growing portfolio.
