On and Beyond the Fringe
of the Cotswolds

Tour and Travel Information Guide to Places on and beyond the fringe of the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are located in the Heart of England and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the leading Hot Spot holiday destinations in the UK. This section covers other areas that are worthy of visiting whilst on holiday and touring the UK.

Here we recommend and give you essential details on those other beautiful and interesting locations that should be high up on the Tourist's list of Places to See.

We include the county of Worcestershire, The Royal Forest of Dean including the Wye Valley and Vale of Leadon all of which are on the immediate fringes of the Cotswolds.

Worcestershire

Worcestershire is a county of contrasts with charming villages, bustling towns and the magnificent cathedral city of Worcester nestling in a mixture of mature woodland, meandering river valleys, fruit orchards and farmland.

Worcestershire's location in the heart of England makes it supremely accessible and closer than you think. If you are flying into the area, then Birmingham International Airport is approximately 30 minutes away, Manchester is 1h 50, Heathrow is 2h 10 and Gatwick is 2h 50 away.

Herefordshire

Herefordshire - the county of unspoilt countryside, market towns of distinctive character and a wealth of varied landscapes - from the Historic City of Hereford to fascinating villages. The richness of the natural environment forms a backdrop to a more leisurely pace of life and where innovation and inspiration blend with the County's historic rural past.

The Royal Forest of Dean

Visitors discovering the Royal Forest of Dean for the first time are simply enchanted by this beautiful region. It is distinctly different and posseses a landscape, history, culture and character undeniably of its own.

The Royal Forest of Dean is one of England's few remaining ancient forests, covering over 27,000 acres of ancient woodland and is officially designated as a National Forest Park.

Nestled in between the River Wye on the South Wales border to the River Severn on the eastern border the Forrest of Dean offers you the opportunity to escape the stress of modern day life and relax in this peaceful haven of unspoilt natural beauty.

Wye Valley

The Lower Wye Valley journeys from Hereford to Chepstow, separating the borders between England and Wales. The natural beauty of the area is unrivalled , with each season bringing its own delights.

The Wye Valley is an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the 'Wye Tour' is a high priority in the pursuit of the picturesque.

The Vale of Leadon

The Vale of Leadon lies to the North of the Royal Forrest of Dean. It is a complete contrast to the Forest and Wye Valley and provides a mixture of market gardens, rolling farmland hills, vinyards and black and white timbered buildings.

The area is a perfect example of traditional English countryside and not hard to see why the six Dymock Poets, Lascelles, Abercrombie, Rupert Brook, John Drinkwater, Wilfred Gibson, Edward Thomas and the American poet Robert Frost, chose to live in the area before the Great War.

Places to Tour and Visit in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Royal Forest of Dean