Think of the essential England and you're probably already thinking of Gloucestershire's village greens, cottage gardens, churches and characteristic pubs. The pub at Little Washbourne has been run by the same family since 1743. The Ragged Cot at Hyde has two log fires, whilst The Ostrich at Newland has creaky floors and candles on the tables. Locals will be happy to tell you about customs such as Cheese Rolling - the ancient art of chasing a Double Gloucester cheese down a hill. You can also hear of Forest Freeminers, The Severn Bore, Stroud Water Scarlet on traditional events such as the Tetbury Woolsack Races. There are also newer traditions such as The Three Choirs festival, which brings music to the awesome setting of Gloucester Cathedral, whilst nearby Cheltenham has world-standard festivals of literature, jazz and horseracing. England's Regency Spa town is renowned for its stylish shopping, colourful parks and floral displays, horse racing, music and literature festivals. Fine hotels and guest accommodation plus a wide variety of restaurants combine to make Cheltenham Spa an excellent choice from which to discover the romance of Cotswolds. Gloucestershire is also a centre for shopping and antiques. There are specialist shops in places such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Tetbury and Tewkesbury, whilst the enthusiastic bargain hunter can find intriguing shops all over the county - including Gloucester's dock-side Antiques Centre. No-one should miss Gloucestershire's glorious gardens: the National Trust gem at Hidcote Manor, the rose and knot gardens at Sudeley Castle, the Dutch-influenced water garden at Westbury Court or Painswick Rococo Garden. No lover of unspoiled natural beauty should miss the Forest of Dean or Wye Valley. Combine all this with excellent walking and cycle routes and outstanding hotels, B&B's, inns or farmhouse accommodation and you'll see why Gloucestershire is a 'must' for your next vacation itinerary.
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