Top reasons why people chose to live in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire offers a high quality of life with its natural beauty, historic towns, educational opportunities, employment prospects, cultural activities, and strong sense of community. Whether you prefer the tranquility of the countryside or the amenities of the towns, Gloucestershire provides a desirable living environment that caters to a range of lifestyles and interests.
- Natural Beauty: Gloucestershire is known for its stunning natural landscapes and picturesque countryside. The county is home to the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which encompasses rolling hills, quaint villages, and scenic trails. Residents can enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, explore walking and cycling routes, and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
- Historic Towns and Architecture: Gloucestershire boasts a rich history, with several historic towns and cities within its boundaries. Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Tewkesbury are notable examples, featuring beautiful architecture, charming streets, and historical landmarks. These towns offer a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, creating a unique and characterful atmosphere.
- Employment Opportunities: The county provides diverse employment opportunities across various sectors. Gloucester, Cheltenham, and Stroud, in particular, have growing industries such as technology, finance, and engineering. Additionally, Gloucestershire benefits from its proximity to Bristol and Birmingham, which further expands the range of job opportunities available.
- Cultural and Leisure Activities: Gloucestershire offers a vibrant cultural scene and a wide range of leisure activities. The county hosts numerous festivals, including the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, and Tewkesbury Medieval Festival. There are also art galleries, museums, theatres, and live music venues, ensuring there is always something to explore and enjoy. Probably the most famous event to take place in the county of Gloucestershire is the Cheltenham festival, which is one of the most highly anticipated and prestigious events in the horse racing calendar. You can read more about the Cheltenham Festival here.
- Community Spirit: Gloucestershire is known for its strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere. The county hosts numerous local events, markets, and fairs, providing opportunities for residents to connect and engage with one another. There are also several community-led initiatives and organisations that contribute to the vibrant community spirit.
- Excellent Transport Links: Gloucestershire benefits from good transport links, making it easily accessible from other parts of the UK. The M5 motorway provides connections to Bristol, Birmingham, and the wider motorway network. Additionally, the county has a well-connected railway network, with direct train services to major cities.
Best places to live in Gloucestershire
- Cheltenham: Known for its elegant Regency architecture, Cheltenham offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. It hosts the renowned Cheltenham Festival, attracting horse racing enthusiasts from around the world.
- Cirencester: Often referred to as the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” Cirencester is a historic market town with a rich Roman heritage. It has a charming town centre, picturesque countryside, and good transport links.
- Tetbury: Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Tetbury is a delightful market town renowned for its antique shops, independent boutiques, and traditional pubs. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and easy access to the countryside.
- Stroud: Surrounded by rolling hills and valleys, Stroud is a creative and environmentally conscious town. It hosts regular farmers’ markets and has a thriving arts scene, making it an attractive option for those seeking a bohemian lifestyle.
- Painswick: Known as the “Queen of the Cotswolds,” Painswick is a picturesque village with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. It offers a tranquil setting and easy access to the Cotswold Way walking trail.
- Nailsworth: Situated in the South Cotswolds, Nailsworth is a charming town with a lively community. It has a range of independent shops, excellent restaurants, and is surrounded by scenic landscapes.
- Winchcombe: Located at the northern edge of the Cotswolds, Winchcombe is a quintessential English town with historic buildings and quaint streets. It provides a friendly atmosphere and is close to the popular Sudeley Castle.
- Bourton-on-the-Water: Often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” Bourton-on-the-Water is famous for its picturesque riverside setting and low bridges. It attracts many tourists but maintains a peaceful charm.
- Tewkesbury: Situated at the confluence of the rivers Severn and Avon, Tewkesbury is a historic market town with a rich medieval heritage. It offers a range of amenities, including a stunning abbey and riverside walks.
- Painswick: Known as the “Queen of the Cotswolds,” Painswick is a picturesque village with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. It offers a tranquil setting and easy access to the Cotswold Way walking trail.
Best schools in Gloucestershire (not official rankings)
- Pate’s Grammar School – Cheltenham
- The Crypt School – Gloucester
- Cheltenham Ladies’ College – Cheltenham
- Dean Close School – Cheltenham
- Sir Thomas Rich’s School – Gloucester
- Balcarras School – Cheltenham
- The King’s School – Gloucester
- Ribston Hall High School – Gloucester
- Cheltenham College – Cheltenham
- Marling School – Stroud