Gloucestershire – Birthplace to J. K. Rowling and Harry Potter
Gloucestershire is a county located in the South West of England and was originally inhabited by people from the Iron Age (ancestors of the Welsh and other British Celtic people). It was these same people that regained some control over the region when the Romans departed.
A West Saxon tribe called the Hwiccas later occupied the area, but this became a dependency of Mercia in the 7th century. It is believed that Gloucestershire became a shire in the 10th century at around the same time as the Norman invasion.
Gloucestershire was the victim of the worst flooding in recorded British history in July 2007. Thousands of residents were affected by the floods and the RAF were called in to carry out the largest peace time domestic operation in its history.
Reasons to visit Gloucestershire
There are a number of interesting attractions in the county including Badminton House, a country house and the principal seat of the Dukes of Beaufort since the late 17th century. The county has a few castles such as Berkeley Castle, Beverston Castle (founded 1229) and Sudeley Castle, which dates from the 10th century.
Other areas of interest include Chavenage House (an Elizabethan era manor house), the very scenic Dyrham Park, Gloucester Cathedral (dates built 1089–1499), The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (heritage railway), the ruins of Hailes Abbey, Newark Park (a country house of Tudor origins), the splendid Tewkesbury Abbey and WWT Slimbridge (a wetland reserve). There are many more historic buildings available for viewing.
Entertainment and Dining in Gloucestershire
Entertainment can be found in Theatres, Cinemas, Nightclubs and Pubs. Eating places in the county include The Greenway in Cheltenham, the 947AD Restaurant (in the Royalist Hotel) Stow-on-the-Wold and The Old Butcher’s Restaurant.
Accommodation in Gloucestershire
There are many beautiful cottages to rent, in addition to Guest Houses and B&Bs. You can also find many suitable sites for camping. Hotels include the Barcelo Cheltenham Park, Ibis in Gloucester and Brook Tewkesbury Park Hotel Golf & Country Club.