Travel Information

The whole family are sure to enjoy a trip to Birdland Park and Gardens. It is a bird lovers paradise, with so much to see. They have over five hundred birds; Flamingos, pelicans, penguins, cranes, storks, cassowary, and waterfowl to name but a few! They have over fifty aviaries set in about 7 acres of landscaped parkland. The aviaries have parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, toucans, touracos, pigeons, ibis and lots more. Best of all will be the King Penguins as this is the only home of King Penguins in the UK. The lovely parkland is located around the River Windrush with re-establish reeds encouraging wildlife and preventing erosion. There are four picnic areas. There is also an indoor dry area called the Discovery Zone which provides lots of educational information. You can spend a great deal of time here, strolling around the park, the aviaries and displays. Try to time your visit so that you are there at 2.30pm and can watch the penguins being fed.  If you are driving in the area in your Cotswold Motorhome Hire with or without your family, this venue is well worth a visit. For admission prices and further information click the blue text below.

Birdland Park and Gardens
Rissington Rd
Bourton-on-the-Water
Gloustershire
GL54 2BN

Tel: 01451 820480

Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Forest of Dean, close to the Welsh border you can find Bracelands Caravan Park and Campsite. With its forest back drop, this is ideal for walkers and cyclists as there are many trails leading into the forest and beyond. Many of the trails are signposted from the site. The forest itself has some majestic mature copper beeches which make for a colourful autumn if you are staying there later in the season. For those of you who have families that crave excitement or are at all fit and athletic, there is there is a Go Ape high ropes course in the Forest, a fifteen-minute drive from the camp site. If you are not afraid of heights you can walk the high ropes in the forest canopy.  Some Motorhome hires allow pets on board and this site welcomes well behaved dogs here.  If you need plenty of shops, go to Coleford. There is also a good choice of restaurants and places to eat at Coleford. You can also visit the famous Clearwell Caves which are not far away. The site has hook ups and all the usual facilities and a £10 fully refundable cash deposit will be required for a barrier key. If you are in your Gloucestershire Campervan hire this is a good place to stop overnight or for a longer stay. For more details, click on the blue text below.

Bracelands Caravan Park and Campsite
Bracelands Drive
Christchurch
Coleford
Gloucester
England
UK
GL16 7NN
Telephone: 01594 837258

This is ideally situated for the forest with several walks straight from the campsite, so its easy to go walking without having to move your Motorhome. The site has a well-stocked shop, and a small café. There is also a children’s playground and bike hire on site. Electric hook-ups are available, as well as toilet and shower blocks. If you need to buy several groceries it is cheaper to go into the town of Coleford which is quite close. Here you will find plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants to eat out. If you are looking for excitement and a bit of an adrenalin rush try swinging from the high ropes at Go Ape!. The ‘high-ropes’ forest course is just a fifteen minute drive away. Alternatively on the nearby River Wye, you can hire a canoe or have a go at clay shooting at one of several outdoor centers locally. If you enjoy camping next to a forest, then Christchurch campsite is the place to book a pitch for your Gloucestershire Motorhome Hire holiday.For information on how to book click on the blue text below.

Christchurch Caravan and Camping Site
Bracelands Drive
Christchurch
Coleford
Gloucestershire
GL16 7NN.

Tel: 01594 837165

If like me, you have watched Adam Henson presenting on the T.V, on Countryfile, then don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Cotswold Farm Park. If you love farm animals and are interested in rare breeds this is the place to visit. Founded by his father, Joe Henson, this is a living museum of rare farm animal breeds. Joe was also the founder of the Rare Breed Survival Trust and his vision created this haven for our heritage farm animals. Your Cotswold Motorhome Hire can be made extra special by taking your family to stay on the farm. Adams team is delighted to accommodate motorhomes and have 40 grass pitches and 16 with electric hook up. Washing facilities, showers, toilets etc are available on site. There is also a site shop and ‘Adams Kitchen’ opens for delicious homemade cakes, light lunches and snacks. Booking information and camping site prices by following the Cotswold Farm Park link or telephoning :01451 850307. It is wise to book in advance if you wish to stay here overnight with your Cotswold Motorhome Hire. Popular with all the family, there is so much here to see and do. They are open daily from 19th March to 30th October. A family ticket (2 adults and two children) was £25 in spring 2011, but for individual and up to date prices and information consult their website. Be warned, satellite navigation systems will direct you into the village of Kineton and potentially through a deep ford. Avoid this, in your Cotswold Motorhome Hire, by following the brown and white tourist signs.

Cotswold Farm Park Limited
Guiting Power
nr Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
England
GL54 5UG

If you are traveling in your campervan or motorhome during August 2007, then you may want to include The Forestry Commissions The Festival Of The Tree at Westonbirt National Arboretum in your trip. This week long event has large scale tree carving, wooden sculpture and over 150 tree craft stalls. For more information including admission charges visit the Forestry Commission, westonbirt Website.

Westonbirt ‘The National Arboretum’
Nr Tetbury
Gloucestershire
GL8 8QS
England

Telephone:01666880220

For an invigorating walk that is almost a treasure trail, the whole family will enjoy the Forest of Dean Sculpture Park. Sculptures in the park are inspired by the surrounding settings, some are gently degrading, but all are jewels in the landscape. Children will love the adventure of walking through the forest to view these treasures. There is a huge glass stained glass window suspended in the trees by artist Kevin Atherton. A steel and wire scuplture of a deer stands in the bracken and then a giant’s throne on a small hill inspires the smallest walker to consider the possibility of forest giants! There are many more sculptures, each is a pleasure to discover. The paths are tarmac in part but can be muddy on wet days so take appropriate footwear. Some of the paths can be very steep in places and are not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, but you can pick and choose your route depending on how energetic your party is. The forest itself was recently used for inspiration for Merlin the TV programme, and it certainly feels a magical place.
Traveling in your  Gloucestershire Motorhome Hire to the Forest of Dean continue from Coleford to Cinderford on the B4226 then to the junction of the B4234 (Parkend to Lydbrook Road) continue on Speech House Road for 500m before turning into beechhurst. There is a parking charge for your motorhome. A SAT Nav is not recommended, as apparently it takes you to Broadwell near Coleford.

Contact:
Forest of Dean
Recreation Ranger
Tel: 01594 833057

A trip through Gloucestershire in your motorhome would not be complete without a visit to Gloucester Cathedral.

The site of Gloucester Cathedral has been a place of worship for over 1300 years. By visiting today not only can you experience the magnificent architecture, but you can also learn about the history of worship at the Cathedral. Discover more about stained glass and sculpture while you enjoy a walk around the Cathedral.

Gloucester Cathedral
2 College Green
Gloucester
GL1 2LR
TEL: (44) 01452 528095

Hidcote is considered by many to be one of the finest gardens in Britain. It is filled with a plethora of rare and exquisite plants and set out as garden ‘rooms’, each having its own unique character or ‘décor’. This lovely property sits in the heart of the beautiful Cotswold region and enjoys lovely views across the Vale of Evesham. The garden itself was the life’s work of Lawrence Johnston, an American born in Paris who studied at Cambridge University and suffered horrific injuries in the First World War. It was his mother who had purchased the property at Hidcote but it was Lawrence himself who had the idea of creating a large garden in the fields surrounding the house. Over 41 years, he developed the garden in the Arts and Crafts style.  He relied on hedges and topiaries to create walls and interest within each separate room, theming some by colour and others by plant variety. Lawrence employed a team of 12 gardeners to help him with the 10 acre plot; he was heavily influenced by Gertrude Jekyll and was himself an excellent plantsman. He took part personally in many plant hunting expeditions, but also sponsored others to ensure that he was constantly obtaining the rarest and best plants for his garden. His work was greatly admired by many enthusiasts of the time including Vita Sackville-West, herself co-creator of the splendid gardens at Sissinghurst along with her husband Harold Nicholson. Indeed today some of the popular lavenders used in gardening are ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Hidcote Pink’. If you find yourselves near Chipping Campden in your Gloucestershire campervan rental you would be crazy to miss a visit to this delightful garden. For further information, please click the blue link below.

Hidcote
Hidcote Bartrim
Near Chipping Campden
Gloucestershire
GL55 6LR
Telephone: 01386 438333

Whilst in Gloucestershire in a motorhome why not take a trip to visit the International Centre for Birds of Prey for an exciting day out. The centre is dedicated to the conservation, rescue, rehabilitation and breeding of birds of prey, and is also open to the public to allow visitors to witness these stunning birds.

Over 170 birds of prey reside at the site, including many species of owls, eagles, hawks and falcons. Falconry and photography courses and experience days are also available for those looking to take even more away from their visit.

Newent
Gloucestershire
GL18 1JJ
TEL:(44) 01531 820286

If you love gardening, you will not be disappointed by a day out at Kiftsgate Court. This spectacular show of horticulture is the brainchild of three generations of women. Beginning with Heather Muir in the 1920’s the grounds started their journey to becoming one of the country’s finest private gardens. From 1950 the mantle was taken over by Heathers daughter Diany Brown and today her daughter Anne Chambers is proud to be at the helm of ship. Anne does however credit her husband and children with a little help! The property came into the ownership of the current family when Anne’s grandparents bought the property and undertook considerable renovations on the house which had been built between 1887-91. Since this time the family have continuously upgraded and modernized at Kiftsgate. Throughout this period of ownership the women of the family have passionately tended the lovely gardens and each of them have made their mark. It is no coincidence that the family was friends with the garden enthusiast Major Johnson who made his garden at the neighbouring Hidcote Manor his legacy. Indeed he was a steadfast influence on Heather Muir and even painted a picture of flowers directly onto the wall at Kiftsgate which has subsequently been moved to the tea room at Hidcote Manor. Over the years the family has collected species from all over the world, one such plant is the famous Kiftsgate rose which is said to be the largest rose bush in the UK and is over 60 feet high. It is well worth a visit to see it in flower in July. Many areas of the garden have a traditional feel to them, the water garden is however very formal and contemporary. Built on the site of the old tennis court the minimalist garden is set off by a sculpture consisting of 24 steel stems with finials of gilded bronze leafs. When traveling in your Gloucestershire motorhome hire it is well worth a visit to Kiftsgate. For further information on the lovely gardens, please click the blue link below.

Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Chipping Campden
Gloucestershire
GL55 6LN
Telephone: 01386 438 777

If you love birds or just enjoy walking in beautiful and scenic surroundings then you will enjoy a visit to Prinknash Bird and Deer Park in Gloucestershire. Created in 1974 by Philip Meigh MA RCA, this is a wonderful private collection of water foul. Philip Meigh was a cartoonist and artist living locally who also restored the original monastic fish ponds that had once supplied the City of Gloucester with its fresh fish. Philip had a vision of giving a superb landscaped parkland in which his birds could be seen to best advantage. His flair for landscaping was on a grand scale and he created lakes, ponds and walkways and built follies around the park. The parkland is also home to fallow deer and pygmy goats that wander through this landscape and create their own picturesque scene. This is a place that will encourage you to take photographs! After his death in 2008, Philips daughter, Melanie Meigh, continues carefully adding to the collection with the view to keeping the dream alive. The Bird Park has established a new enclosure forming a wild conservation area in a previously unused section of the park. The main aim of the area is to attract wild birds here you will find various interactive study centers for children to learn and enjoy.  At 10.30 am, in the park, it is the bird feeding time. This is the time that children will love to see so get there early! The deer in the park are also quite tame and can be fed by hand. If you are in Gloucestershire on your London Campervan Hire holiday this place is well worth a visit. For information on admission prices and more details about the park, click the blue text below.

Prinknash Bird and Deer Park
Prinknash
Cranham
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
GL4 8EX

Telephone: +44 (0) 1452 812 727

There is nothing quite like a walk in a country park, surrounded by glorious scenery to raise the spirits and stretch those legs! Just miles away from Gloucester City Centre, within sight of the city itself you can find 250 acres of countryside to explore. The country park is managed by Gloucester City Council’s Countryside Unit. The unit also manages three areas of conservation in the city. They are all available throughout the year for the public to enjoy. The country park does have toilets but reviews suggest they are not always clean. There is a large hard standing car park. The real attraction to this park is Robinswood Hill itself, which if you are athletic, and like uphill walking, is well worth the effort. The views are stunning. Children will love a visit to the Hill farm and rare breed centre. If you are in the Gloucestershire area in your Cotswold Campervan Hire you may enjoy a walk in this country park. For more information click the blue text below.

Robinswood Hill Country Park
Reservoir Road,
Gloucestershire.
GL4 6SX

Tel: (01452) 303206

Whilst exploring the Cotswolds in a motorhome, why not take a detour to visit the Rococo Gardens, famous for its magnificent snowdrop display. Discover more about classic English Garden Design at Rococo which has remained relatively untouched since the 18th century. There are many nature and design events to enjoy along with several unique guided garden walks and as well as exciting art courses.

Rococo Gardens is also a great venue for weddings and celebrations with many intriguing and picturesque settings for the perfect photo opportunity.

Painswick Rococo Garden
Painswick
Glos
GL6 6TH
Tel 01452 813204
Fax 01452 814888
Email info@rococogarden.org.uk

The Forest of Dean is set in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside. It is an ancient forest covering 110 square kilometers of land. The forest offers a wide range of lesure activities such as walking, cycling and canoeing.

Owned by the National Trust this property houses a treasure trove of eclectic objects purchased around the world. Charles Wade spent his inheritance amassing extraordinary things from around the globe.  Some are every day items and others vary from Japanese Samurai Armour to childrens toys. This manor house is packed to the rafters with amazing things collected over his life time. Eventually his possessions filled his home until there was no place for him to live! Charles moved out to priest house cottage. He named each of the rooms in the manor. It is a wonderful house to wander through and what you see will give you an insight into the truly eccentric life that Charles led. The surrounding gardens are also laid out as ‘outdoor rooms’ with some of of the outbuildings also filled with his collections. Snowshill Manor should be on your list of places for all the family to see when you are on your Gloucestershire Motorhome Hire holiday. For admission prices and opening times check the National Trust website by clicking on Snowshill Manor.

Snowshill Manor
Near Broadway
Gloucestershire
WR12 7JU

Displays of photographs and equipment show the history of policing. The resident Sergeant is on duty in the station watching over the prisoners, local trouble makers and the public.

Tetbury Police Museum.
The old courthouse
63 Long Street
Tetbury
Gloustershire
GL8 8AA

Telephone 01666 504670.

Why not do something completely different on your holiday this year and visit the Cotswold Perfumery. Not only can you enjoy an interesting factory tour and learn about the process of creating perfume, you can also enrol on a day long course and actually create a unique scent just for yourself. The owner and head perfumer, John Stephen takes this fabulous course himself so you can be assured that you are learning from the best teacher available. Students will follow a step by step process using only the finest perfume making materials, which will result in you taking home your very own unique bottle of perfume. John has even created perfume for the Queen and other well known names such as Elton John and like them, once you have created your perfume, the formula will be kept so you can order more of your personalised perfume in the future. If you decide that you aren’t ready to take a day long course, but are nonetheless interested in the process of perfume manufacture, then take the factory tour and meet the dedicated team and have a look at the world where everything revolves around scent. You can also order ingredients and equipment on line on an ongoing basis if you get the perfume making bug. The perfumery is only one of three manufactures and retailers of perfume in the whole of Europe so it really is an unusual day out and something you will definitely remember. You will find the perfumery in your Gloucestershire motorhome rental in the beautiful village of Bourton on the Water. Please note that both factory tours and courses have to be booked in advance, so for further information on either option please click the blue link below.

The Cotswolds Perfumery
Bourton on the Water
Cheltenham
GL54 2BU
Telephone 01451 820698

Located on the high street of the village of Westbury-on severn the garden is adjacent to the River Severn. This is an ideal place for garden lovers to stroll and enjoy the lovely surroundings and stunning views. This is the only restored Dutch water garden in the country and is a real treat to view. Developed between 1696 and 1705, the garden’s centrepiece is a 137 metres (449 ft) long  Canal, which is flanked by flanked by yew and holly topiary in pyramids and balls. There is also a small walled garden of cottage plants. In the fruit orchard you can find an ancient oak, said to have been planted in the 17th century, and said to be the largest and oldest oak ever recorded. There are huge tulip trees that flower at the end of June. This is an outstanding garden to visit and well worth a visit in your Gloucestershire Motorhome Hire. Managed by the National Trust, if you require further details click the blue text below.

Westbury Court Garden
Westbury-on-Severn
Gloucestershire
GL14 1PD

Telephone: 01452 760461

South East of Winchcombe town, this is an ideal place to stay if you are a keen fisherman. Pack those rods and ensure your Environment Agency rod licence is up to date, as fishing is available from the site. The site is located in the heart of the Cotswolds, surrounded by lovely scenery, and interesting towns and villages filled with golden Cotswold-stone architecture. The campsite has a good shop selling basics which include local free-range eggs and apple juice from a farm nearby. For a larger fruit juice selection, go to Hayles Fruit Farm which produces and stocks a range of fruit juices and has an outlet in Winchcombe. If you want to eat out, the local pub, The Gardeners Arms does meals. Animal lovers will enjoy a trip out to visit The Cotswold Farm Park, with its collection of rare breeds of British farm animals. Alternatively combine animals with a trip to a castle by visiting Sudeley Castle. It has lovely gardens and a pheasantry, and is home to fifteen rare and endangered species. Motor enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Bourton-on-the-Water to the Cotswold Motor Museum. If you want to try steam travel go to Toddington. Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway runs steam and diesel trains over ten miles of track between Toddington and Cheltenham. Cheltenham is an elegant Georgian spa town to the south west, and hosts many events during the year, including jazz and literature festivals. There is a great deal to see in this popular holiday area and there is no better way to holiday than in your Midlands Campervan Rental. For details of the campsite facilities click on the blue text below.

Winchcombe Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Brooklands Farm
Alderton
Nr Tewkesbury
Gloucestershire
GL20 8NX

Telephone: 01242 620259 (No calls after 8pm please.)

Whilst taking a motorhome holiday in Gloucestershire, Woodchester Park is a great place for a day trip.

Woodchester Park is a delightful and secluded wooded valley, perfect for walks, picnics and cycling. Set in the picturesque Cotswolds, Woodchester Park is owned by the Natural Trust and contains the remains of an 18th century landscape park, a mansion and 5 lakes.

There are plenty of signposted walks to explore for people of all abilities. Visitors can also visit Woodchester Mansion which was recently featured on Channel 4′s The Hotel Inspector.

Nympsfield
nr Stroud
Gloucestershire
GL10 3TS
Telephone: +44 (0)1452 814213