Gloucester Docks

Gloucester is an old Roman city. Its choice as a major centre for Roman occupation would have been based on its proximity to the River Severn. Gloucester Docks were once a hive of Industrial activity. Local products such as wool, cloth, agricultural products and iron would have been shipped from here in medieval times.

In 1580 Queen Elizabeth I bestowed upon Gloucester the status of a port and a new customs house was opened. This new status led to the expansion of Gloucester Docks and in the 1800's this was a busy and influential port for the region. The addition of a canal enabled the larger ships to travel without restrictions of the tidal flow. This canal runs from Berkeley directly to the Docks.

Gloucester Docks is one of the main attractions of the city of Gloucester. Old warehouses have now been converted and where there was once decay and dereliction, there is now a new kind of activity and renaissance of the shipping that these docks were famous for.

Today you will see leisure cruises, canal boats, motor launches and an array of shipping passing in and out of Gloucester Docks. Gloucester has done a fine job in revitalising its dockyard and utilising existing buildings for the purposes of museums, antique shops, restaurants and retail outlets.

The main attractions here are the National Waterways Museum, the shopping complex with its gift shops and woollen wares, the antique shops and the Gloucester Regiment Military Museum. Tall ships are seen from time to time at Gloucester Docks and the 'Onedin Line' was filmed here. Allow at least half a day for a visit round the Gloucester Docks. Ideal for families with small children. A river cruise should keep them amused for a while.

For more photos of Gloucester and Gloucester Docks click here or view Gloucester Docks on You Tube

 

Bishops Cleeve

Bishop's Cleeve is almost a town although it still retains its village status. Bishops Cleeve is close to Cheltenhanm but it falls under the Local Authority District of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. The church, shown above is St Michaels and All Angels which is a Norman church rebuilt in the 17th century.

The village is situated alongside the village of Woodmancote at the foot of Cleeve Hill. The village of Woodmancote and Bishops Cleeve are separated by the railway line which also acts as the border for the two villages. Other villages close by include Southam and Gotherington.

The village can be traced back to the 8th century and the Domesday Book in 1086 shows that approximately 100 people lived in Bishops Cleeve. The village still has a Tythe Barn and some of the older houses date from the 12th and 13th centuries.

This is a busy and thriving community with major employers situated here. Smiths Industries and Zurich Financial Services along with new housing and shops have all led to the expansion of the village.

The old railway line that runs through Bishops Cleeve had been closed but is now part of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway ( GWR ) and steam trains are now a regular feature as they pass through the village on their way to the Cheltenham Racecourse.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is typical of that dreamy idyllic Cotswold village. With its small shops and lanes, the River Windrush running through the centre and the ornate footbridges, it is a popular destination for tourists. There are several traditional craft shops and plenty of places to eat. For such a small village it has a large number of tourist attractions'

Places to visit include the model village, model reailway, Cotswold Motoring Museum, Birdland and the Dragonfly Maze. There is also a farmer's market on the fourth Sunday of each month. Bourton-on-the-Water has a good number of local footpaths and the Fosse Way Roman road runs close by. For those interested in Roman history the Chedworth Roman Villas are only a short drive away from here.

The River Windrush, which starts in the Cotswold Hills near Guiting Power, flows for approximately 40 miles and passes through Bourton-on-the-Water, the village of Windrush and into Oxfordshire where it continues through Burford, Witney, Duckington and Standlake.

Further information on Bourton-on-the-Water can be found here:

http://www.bourtoninfo.com/

For more photographs of Bourton-on-the-Water click here or view on You Tube

Dryham Park

Originally a Tudor house the property was transformed into a mansion in the Baroque style in 1704. Dyrham Park is situated just 8 miles north of Bath and just 2 miles from Junction 18 of the M4. Dyrham Park is noted for its Deer Park which is one of oldest in England.

For more photographs of Dryham Park click here or view on You Tube

Crickley Hill Country Park

Come off at Junction 11a of the M5 Motorway and head towards Cirencester. The dual carriageway takes you to an island and a well known local pub the Air Balloon. Head towards Cirencester and the Country Park is signposted about a mile ahead on your right.

Crickley Hill is a beautiful country park with some spectacular views over the Severn Vale. The park is managed by the National Trust and Gloucestershire County Council.