Living and working in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire’s Children’s Service covers six main areas; Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Stroud, Cotswolds and Forest of Dean. Depending on what lifestyle you are looking for, we have something that suits you and your family.
Local attractions
Gloucester
In Gloucester you’ll be at the heart of Premiership Rugby, near Kingsholm – the home of Gloucester Rugby. If your taste for adventure is a little more obscure, you are also in the home of Cheese rolling and of surfing the second biggest tidal range in the world – The Severn Bore!
Gloucester is continuing to grow into a modern, exciting city, whilst being home to many historical buildings and landmarks including Gloucester Cathedral. Gloucester Quays is one the city’s newest developments - providing a shopping outlet and family entertainment as well as a wide range of restaurants and night life.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham is home to many festivals including horse racing, food and drink, jazz, literature and science. Its town centre is well loved for its wide range of designer shops and restaurants as well as its beautiful buildings and gardens. Cheltenham borders the Cotswolds so you can still easily access all the wonderful and picturesque places that Gloucestershire has to offer.
Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury is a medieval market town and sits in the north of Gloucestershire, you can easily access the M5 and are only a short drive away from larger cities such as Birmingham and Bristol. Tewkesbury is home to the beautiful abbey and again hosts many festivals and markets throughout the year.
Stroud
Stroud is a market town around 20 minutes from Cheltenham. It’s well-known for its industrial heritage and visitors can spot the former textile mills along the valleys. Attractions in Stroud include former working mills open for guided tours at certain times. Stroud regularly hosts farmers markets and has a busy and growing high street!
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful parts of the country and is very popular for tourists to come and visit. It’s not surprising with the 51 Wildlife Trust Reserves in and around the area, many interlinked by 102 miles of “The Cotswold Way” - a National Trail Route which will take you across rolling countryside, chocolate box Cotswold villages and riverside rambles. If you love to explore and enjoy sightseeing - The Cotswolds is for you!
Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is one of the most fascinating regions of Britain nestling between the Wye Valley, the Vale of Leadon and the Severn Vale. With 27,000 acres of woodland there is plenty to do and explore at the heart of the forest. There are lots of outdoor activities for the family to get involved in. Despite its rural location you can still easily access the M50 and Gloucester is a 30 minute drive.
Housing
In Gloucestershire, you can make your money go further when buying a house.
See how our county compares to some of our neighbours:
|
Average cost across all house prices as at year ending Sept 2021 |
||
|
Location |
To buy |
To rent |
|
Gloucestershire |
£298,000 |
£785pcm |
|
Gloucester |
£223,000 |
£695pcm |
|
Cheltenham |
£310,000 |
£785pcm |
|
Forest of Dean |
£275,000 |
£650pcm |
|
Stroud |
£315,000 |
£695pcm |
|
Tewkesbury |
£301,000 |
£771pcm |
|
Cotswold |
£408,000 |
£875pcm |
|
Cardiff |
£240,000 |
NA |
|
Bristol |
£315,000 |
£1050pcm |
|
Oxford |
£430,000 |
£1250pcm |
|
London region |
£515,000 |
£1425pcm |
Gloucestershire is made up of six districts. These include Gloucester, Cheltenham, Forest of Dean, Stroud, Tewkesbury and the Cotswolds. House prices vary between the districts but no matter where you live in the county, you aren’t too far from the hustle and bustle of a town or city and only a stone throw away from the great outdoors.
Schools
If you have children to consider, Gloucestershire is an ideal place for family life.
Gloucestershire has a wide range of highly rated schools, some of which have been rated outstanding by Ofsted.
| Primary Schools rated “Good” or “Outstanding” | = | 86% |
| Primary Schools rated “Outstanding” | = | 17% |
| Secondary Schools rated “Good” or “Outstanding” | = | 83% |
| Secondary Schools rated as “Outstanding” | = | 21% |
Travel
If you like to travel the country or have friends and family spread across the UK, Gloucester is very well positioned to get you wherever you need to go.
Going North/South? The M5 runs between Cheltenham and Gloucester. If you’re heading east to London or west to Wales, the M4 is only 40 minutes away. There are easy train and bus links to London and you’re only an hour away from both Birmingham and Bristol Airports.
Watch why Gloucestershire is such a great place to live and work
Find out more about our county