Who doesn’t love a good English shire? Gloucestershire is one of the most popular among locals and tourists alike, thanks to its forestry, horse racing, and tasty cider. But don’t be fooled; this shire is definitely unique – it’s not just any other green and pleasant land. Here are some fun facts about Gloucestershire to get you up to speed.
1. It borders Wales and several counties in the south of England.
Gloucestershire is a county in South West England. It is bordered by Wales to the west, Herefordshire and Worcestershire to the north, Oxfordshire to the east, Wiltshire to the south, and Bristol and Somerset to the southwest.
2. Gloucester is its county town.
Funnily enough, it should come as no surprise that the county town of Gloucestershire is Gloucester. The town is well known for its historic cathedral and docks.
3. Part of the county is an AONB.
Gloucestershire is home to a big part of the Cotswolds, a stunning green area famous among walkers and photographers alike. The region has been received the designation of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) thanks to its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and limestone cottages.
4. It is home to Gloucester Cathedral.
Gloucester Cathedral can be found in the county town. It was formerly referred to as the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity. It’s a truly notable architectural and historical landmark in the area, and dates back to the 11th century! It has also been famously featured in movies and TV series, including the Harry Potter films.
5. Cheltenham is located in Gloucestershire.
You may have heard of the town of Cheltenham. It is a spa town famous for its Regency architecture, cultural festivals, and the Cheltenham Festival, a prominent horse racing event.
6. You can also find the Forest of Dean here.
If you are interested in nature, then the Forest of Dean is the perfect place to visit. It is located in the western part of Gloucestershire, and is a historic forest known for its scenic beauty, ancient woodlands, and diverse wildlife. It’s said to welcome more than a million visitors every year.
7. The area has a strong cider tradition.
Gloucestershire is also known for having a strong tradition of cider-making. The county is known for producing traditional English cider, and there are many orchards and cider mills in the region.
8. It has its own pig species, too!
The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a rare breed of pig that originated in the county. It is known for its distinctive black spots and has become a symbol of traditional farming in the region.
9. It is home to an important bird sanctuary.
Pigs aren’t the only animals that Gloucestershire treasures. Slimbridge Wetland Centre, founded by Sir Peter Scott, is a renowned bird sanctuary and wetland reserve. It is an important site for birdwatching and conservation.
10. It is home to multiple historical buildings, too.
Gloucestershire has a rich history which can be seen in many of its buildings. For example, Tewkesbury Abbey, located in the town of Tewkesbury, is a medieval abbey with impressive Norman architecture. There is also Berkeley Castle, situated in the town of Berkeley. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in England! It has a history dating back over 900 years!
11. You can see the area from the train.
If you would like to see more of the area, and the Cotswolds in particular, then the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is the best way to go. This heritage railway runs between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway and offers stunning journeys through the Cotswolds countryside.
FAQs about Gloucestershire
What is Gloucestershire famous for?
Gloucestershire is mostly famous for its stunning landscapes, thanks to playing host to much of the Cotswolds in the county. It is also known for its cider-making and rich history.
Is Gloucestershire expensive to live in?
Parts of Gloucestershire can be expensive to live in. For example, the Cotswolds are known for being highly costly if you’re a resident. However, given the area’s beauty, it can be considered worth it!
Is Gloucestershire a nice place to live?
Generally speaking, yes, Gloucestershire is a nice place to live. The area is known for being beautiful and regularly plays host to festivals and cultural events.
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/UK
https://www.visitengland.com/things-to-do/gloucestershire
https://www.visitgloucestershire.co.uk/
Do you know any interesting facts about Gloucestershire? Share them in the comments below!