#1

Been invited to my first ever wedding, how exciting! Only problem is that it’s in Cheltenham which is forever away. Given its such a long drive I’ll have to stay over and put the dogs into kennels anyhow, I thought I might see if I can manage to afford a short stay in some countryside I would never normally visit.

Looking at a map there seem to be three obvious options: Cotswolds, Malvern Hills, and Wye Valley. I would like to see some countryside and do some fairly short walks, maybe a castle or something historic, and also visit some nice towns or villages with cafes etc to sit and read (might as well make the most of no dogs).

Not sure the Cotswolds are really my thing tbh judging from Google Images, but they are much closer (then again I could always stay the night in Cheltenham and travel on in the morning?).

It’s late May if that makes any difference.

Any pros/cons of the above or suggestions of good areas to stay or visit are appreciated as I feel overwhelmed by all the choice and my knowledge of anywhere between Yorkshire and Cornwall is nil…

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#2

My in-laws go to the Wye Valley quite a lot and they say it’s lovely. Looks like there are castles there (Goodrich Castle, St Brievel’s Castle), there are lots of hills and woodlands etc. I’ve been to Hay On Wye and that’s quite nice (if a little bit Guardian cliché) but there are book shops and cafés galore.

I always associate the Cotswolds with David Cameron but I’m sure there are nice bits of it as well.

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#3

I think I’m probably leaving towards the Wye Valley at the moment, seems to have quite a lot of variety. Main downside is that it’s more out of my way. Maybe I need to have a practice long drive and see how I manage it. I’ve never done more than an hour and a half before and have only driven on a motorway once for about ten minutes.

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#4

If you can get on and off a motorway and drive for 10 mins then you’ve cracked it tbf

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#5

Looking on a map, can you not take the A40 past Gloucester to Ross on Wye? (I’m sorry if the travel route chat sounds a bit father-in-law lol)

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#6

It started a new lane when I joined and just stayed on the inside lane until I rolled off (at a minor exit with a single lane roundabout). Definitely need practice.

#7

the forest of dean is lovely

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#8

Never been there, but I’d say its the best bet for a few days away.

The Malverns are nice for a day out, but there isn’t a great deal to do once you’ve had a potter around Great Malvern and wandered along the hills. A mooch around Worcester for a bit? Upton on Severn?

Cotswolds is for old folk. Just loads of quaint little villages with Cotswold stone buildings. And Birdland.

Depending on where you’re travelling up to Cheltenham from, you might get to sample the delights of Gloucester Services at least!

#9

Thought that was up near Shrewsbury for some reason. Could maybe tie that in with Wye Valley?

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#10

Oh, I meant the Motorway from up here down to Cheltenham and back - not sure if it will wear me down and make me not want to drive much further.

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#11

oh yeah that was meant to be a pro for going to wye valley, had some proper lush walks around in the bluebells there

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#12

I’ve actually been to Gloucester services a few times on the way to and from Cornwall! I got a dinosaur there a few years ago.

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#13

You’ll be fine. Motorway driving is easy, so much less stressful than town/city driving and much easier than country roads. Just cruising along, innit.

#14

Hmm, just having a look and wondering if train/bus hopping around towns might be cheaper/less stressful (might be able to get a lift down to Cheltenham)? Would be more limiting in terms of activities/accommodation though, and I would have to book the main journeys in advance to be able to afford them which means having rigid plans.

  • Drive - you’ll be able to go anywhere and do anything, but the journeys will be quite (maybe very) stressful and lonely.
  • Train/bus it - you’ll be able to relax a lot more but will likely be limited to towns and not have much flexibility.

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#16

Actually though just looked and the petrol cost isn’t as much as I thought. Might try driving to York one weekend via the motorway and see how I find it. Can’t test much further out because of the dogs, although could try a similar distance in the opposite direction I suppose.

#17

Important information. Keanu Reeves wants to move to the Cotswolds. Go and seek him out.

#19

First proper day out me and my wife went on was to Birdland tbf.

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#20

I actually live in Cheltenham so might be able to help. Depends what you’re into.

Cheltenham itself is pretty good if you like bars/restaurants and we have a cracking brewery with a good taproom.

Otherwise, countryside wise, I’d go to the Forest of Dean, which is about 40 minutes away. Tonnes to do there, we go a couple of times a year. Good biking, go ape, forest walks etc…

In the Cotswolds there are lots of nice villages with touristy shops that are lovely on a nice day. Broadway (and it’s tower), Stow on the wold, Bourton on the Water, Sudely Castle, Chipping Camden.

Ask if you need tips