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Rural pleasures await in the Malvern Hills AONB, just north of Gloucester. Hike through wooded valleys or bluebell meadows, pitch your tent amid rolling farmlands and fruit orchards, or check into a glampsite with tipis or treehouses in the heart of the forest. Must-sees include the view from Worcestershire Beacon and the Iron Age hillfort at British Camp.
Forest walks and riverside strolls draw nature lovers to the Wye Valley, a 30-minute drive west of Gloucester. Paddle along the Wye River in a canoe, hike through wildflower meadows, then enjoy lunch at a riverfront pub, accompanied by a glass of the region’s famous cider. Over the Welsh border, admire the picturesque ruins of Tintern Abbey, visit the market town of Chepstow, or hike part of the Offa's Dyke trail.
Gloucester is a year-round destination—come in the summer to enjoy water sports along the river or cosy up at a quayside pub in the winter months. Summer (June through August) is festival season and brings the biggest crowds to the city, so book accommodation in advance. Mild temperatures make spring and autumn ideal for hiking in the AONBs, and the forests are particularly photogenic in fall.