Gloucester Cathedral
The Cathedral offers a wealth of things to see and do from climbing the tower to special family activities and events. There is also a Coffee Shop you can relax in after exploring.
Explore the Local Area
Local Attractions in Gloucestershire
Gloucester Quays
Set in a stunning waterside location, Gloucester Quays is the cities thriving leisure quarter and features an outlet shopping centre, multi-screen cinema and the Waterways Museum as well as an exciting variety of new bars and restaurants open all year round.
The historic docks offer a stunning backdrop for the designer outlet as well as offering an insight in to the history of the area with local heritage trips and plenty of architecture to see.
Gloucester Waterways Museum
The National Waterways Museum charts the fascinating 200-year history of the docks and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.
With fun, interactive exhibits, café, museum shop and boat trips around the dock, you’ll discover the stories of the communities that lived and continue to thrive here.
The Famous Cotswold Villages
Stow on the wold, a classic Cotswold town filled with boutique shops, tea rooms and country pubs. Stow on the wold really is the perfect place to go to get that Cotswold experience.
Bourton on the Water, also known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, has regularly been voted the prettiest village in England. Bourton on the Water has a number of attractions including a museums, Birdland and some lovely shops and cafes.
Tewkesbury, a Beautiful Riverside Town
With a rich, vibrant history and a beautiful waterside setting, there is plenty for everyone to discover in Tewkesbury.
You can take in the stunning scenery by taking a stroll beside the River Severn, or a boat trip along the Avon.
Then head to Tewkesbury Abbey; an imposing feature of the town’s landscape for nearly 900 years. Renowned the world over for its fine Norman tower, ornate 12th Century ceiling and stunning stained-glass windows, the Abbey is one of Gloucestershire’s most popular tourist attractions, second only to Gloucester Cathedral.
Cheltenham
For the best of independent and artisan shops head to the Suffolks and Montpellier districts, the home of stylish eats and chic boutiques, from fashion and lifestyle to art and antiques, all surrounded by period townhouses and Regency architecture.
Cheltenham Promenade
The Cheltenham Promenade, High Street and Regent Arcade, on the other hand, are the best places for favourite big-name brands like John Lewis, Urban Outfitters, Primark, Sweaty Betty, Hatchards and so much more.
Cheltenham Racecourse
The home of jump racing, Cheltenham Racecourse features a comprehensive yearly schedule of horse racing action. Starting from day one in 2026 with the New Year’s Day Raceday, followed by the Festival Trials Day in January and the big one, the Cheltenham Festival, in March. Featuring four days of world-class, heart-thumping action, nothing feels like Cheltenham!
Local Celebrities
With various ‘celebrity-run’ businesses in Gloucesterhire, and famous faces flocking to the Cotswolds in droves, there’s always chance you might bump into somebody you recognise around.
- Fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper and Superdry boss Julian Dukerton can often be spotted frequenting local Cheltenham businesses, many of which they own, such as No. 131 and The Tavern. Close friends of Luther star Idris Elba, in 2023 the acting giant played a DJ set Julian’s Dunkertons Park. Fingers crossed we may get a repeat in 2025.
- Elsewhere, BBC Countryfile regular Adam Henson can be found at Cotswold Farm Park when he’s not filming, and fans of The Apprentice may recognise ambitious businesswoman Sophie Wilding from the 2022 series, owner of Imperial Haus.
- Further afield, we can’t not mention Jeremy Clarkson and his ever-growing countryside empire. His new pub, The Farmers Dog, is roughly 40 minutes from Cheltenham and has recently hosted the likes of Ellen DeGeneres.
- There’s no end of celebrities to spot at The Cheltenham Festival in March, with the likes of Emilia Fox, Ben Miller, Alexander Armstrong, and Hollywood star Jamie Dornan having all been spotted in previous years.
Famous Locations
Regarding famous film locations, head to Gloucester Cathedral for a magical insight into the world of Harry Potter. Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean has appeared in several films including Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. BBC’s Poldark and Wolf Hall both feature Berkeley Castle in their productions, whilst Cheltenham’s Town Hall can be seen in the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
Discover the Forest of Dean
Where England meets Wales, separated by the meandering River Wye, you’ll discover a place of timeless beauty and untamed nature. Pause for a moment at one of our many breathtaking viewpoints, walk or cycle our miles of traffic free paths, explore our iconic ruins and unique attractions, or sample our bountiful artisan produce. You won’t be disappointed!
Explore Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds
Cycle and Walking Routes near Hatherley Manor.
Why not explore the captivating Cotswold countryside while you’re staying at Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa. Below we have listed some of our favourite picks.
Hatherley Manor grounds
Hatherley Manor is set in over 30 acres of land and is the perfect place for a countryside stroll. You will find a flat walking route to the right of the hotel.
The Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean has stunning walking routes to places like Symonds Yat, picnic spots in Wenchford as well as family cycle routes through the national forest. Find out more here.
The Cotswold Way
Chipping Campden marks the start of the Cotswold Way with the finish in Bath, covering 100 miles in total. Dust off the walking boots and pack some snacks and explore the wonders of the stunning Cotswold countryside without seeing a single person for hours.
River Walks in Tewkesbury
The medieval town of Tewkesbury is just a short drive from Hatherley Manor and is the end point of the 88-mile The Shakespeare’s Avon Way, a challenging distance walk for the keenest of walkers. Find out more here.
Sharpness and Gloucester Canal
A flat and relaxing cycle along the canal gives views over the river Severn and the historic Gloucester docks. Keen bird watchers will have the good chance to spot some of the birds from Slimbridge wetlands on the ride.
Westonbirt and Batsford Arboretums
Both Westonbirt and Batsford arboretum provide a magical day out exploring trees from across the globe. Both arboretums are dog friendly and have toilet facilities.
Malvern Hills
The ideal spot for the serious walkers and those just wanting a gentle stroll in the countryside. Walks in the Malvern Hills go from tree lined ridge walks to calm walks along the river Severn. Find out more here.
Please note we are happy to store your bike at Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa, however we do request you bring your own lock and key. Thank you.