Gloucestershire is a rich tapestry of landscape, history and exciting experiences and no more so than the south west corner of the County, the Cotswold Edge and Severn Vale. Framed by the River Severn to the west and the Cotswold escarpment to the east, this is a rich and often overlooked escape for those looking for more than the usual vacation experiences. For travellers along the Cotswold Way, a short descent through the market towns of Dursley and Wotton under Edge brings us onto the glorious Severn Vale with its panoramic views back to the Cotswold Edge and dominated by the wide expanse of the Severn, rolling down towards the Bristol Channel. The River has the third highest tidal range in the world and visitors will be intrigued by the Severn Bore, a natural wave rushing 20 miles upriver and reaching up to 2.8 metres high.
The rich and varied history is inextricably linked to the City of Gloucester through the brutal murder of King Edward the Second at Berkeley Castle and the trail to his final Royal resting place at Gloucester Cathedral. Further back in the mists of time the Vikings established a settlement at Sharpness, by the River Severn, and Roman remains and artefacts can be found throughout the area. Civil War scars can still be seen at Berkeley Castle and the nearby Church of St Mary, which has a curious bell tower built at a distance from the main Norman structure, reputedly on the site of a former Saxon church.
The area is home to some of the most exciting attractions in the County. Berkeley Castle, Cattle Country Farm Park, Edward Jenner’s House and the internationally renowned Wildlife and Wetlands Trust reserve at Slimbridge attract many tens of thousands of visitors each year. Many more travel the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal and stop off at the longest village green in England, Frampton on Severn to enjoy the rustic charm of its hostelries.
Heritage and history lovers will find boundless locations with links to the industrial past and Royal interests over the centuries, not forgetting the film settings for recent blockbuster movies such as the White Queen and Johnny English.
Discover more at Berkeley Vale Tourism or browse the pages of local information at Dursley Town Council to whet your appetite for your next visit to the enchanting Cotswold Edge and Severn Vale.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
