One of the more laid back English counties, old Gloucestershire has a particularly English charm, seemingly unworried about marketing its features in the same way that its neighbor, the Cotswolds, does so well. A county of rustic stone villages, elegant Regency architecture and gothic cathedrals, as well as the obligatory landscape of rolling pastures, forests and walking trails, Gloucestershire would seem to have it all.
That includes a fascinating history; Gloucester and Cirencester were important roman cities and were at the epicenter of the Roman roads networks which had a huge impact on the layout of the whole United Kingdom. As such there a number of fascinating Roman sites worth a visit (such as Chedworth Roman Villa) in both cities and throughout the county.
The region also became a part of Mercia, the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom and then later, in the Middle Ages became a hub for the wool trade. As such there are hundreds of impressive historic sites across the county, from the historic houses and castles such as Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, Berkeley Castle, Snowhill Manor, or Rodmarton Manor. Other highlights include the Tudor country house of Thornbury Castle, the 15th century Southam de la Bere mansion and the magnificent mansion and estate of the Beauforts in Great Badminton.
Also essential to visit are the Pittville Pump Room in the Regency Spa Town of Cheltenham, the spectacular abbey in Tewkesbury, the church in Circencester and the cathedral of Gloucester. Others come for the Cheltenham Races, or to stroll around the gorgeous waterways and the National Waterways Museum in the historic Gloucester Docks. Lastly, there are the scenic wonders of the countryside with the tiny stone villages, green fields and the beeches and oaks of the Forest and Dean. A charming county.
Colston Hall, BristolJames Morrison, a BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter hails from Warwickshire, is a critically acclaimed artist who has produced several chart topping singles and albums that appeal to a large audience. Influenced by the likes of Otis Reading, Al Green and Stevie Wonder, he has built up a loyal army of fans, and his concerts and gigs often sell out quickly, so if you want to see James live in action here at "&venue_name&", you need to get tickets quick!…
O2 Academy Bristol, BristolHailing from Scotland, the classic eighties band, Big Country, are best known for their big anthems, In A Big Country, and Fields Of Fire. This gutsy guitar band have a truly authentic sound created by blending their big guitar sound with folk accents from their mother country. With eight albums and almost thirty singles under their belt, they are one of the best loved British bands around. During the eighties, they were seldom out of the charts with five Top Ten hits to their name. Their farewell tour took place in 2000. Following the death of the original lead singer, Stuart Adamson, …
Skrillex is an electronic dance music producer also known as Sonny Moore and has been previously known on the internet as Twipx. Skrillex is from LA in California and is the former frontman from an American band called The First To last. He began performing in clubs in LA in 2007. Skrillex embarked on his first solo tour, Team Sleep Tour with Team Sleep, Strata and the Monster in the Machine. He then toured North America on the Alternative Press Tour supporting bands including All Time Low and The Rocket Summer. Moore has also appeared on the cover of Alternative Press in the 100 Bands You Nee…
O2 Academy Bristol, BristolThe GZA, AKA the Genius, rose from poverty to fame as the founding member of seminal hip-hop group The Wu-Tang Clan in the early 90s. Like his fellow Wu-tang members, The GZA (real name Gary Grice) grew up on the impoverished streets of New York's Staten Island. The culture and events they experienced living on the harsh New York streets would eventually serve as the basis to forming their signature Wu-tang sound: a hardened combination of ghetto imagery and literary wit. Following the immense success of the Wu-tang Clan's debut album, Enter The Wu-tang, the GZA along with the group's other me…
Hailed by critics as "the greatest musical of the decade", Blood Brothers The Musical debuted in 1983, telling the fascinating story of twins, separated at birth, who meet again later in life. The brothers who have come from completely different backgrounds reunite, with tragic consequences. This musical has won many awards and became an international hit, with the first Australian production in 1988 including Russell Crowe. The contemporary story based around the 'nature vs. nurture' philosophy, is absolutely enthralling and with every show known to receive a standing ovation; this gem i…
Colston Hall, BristolAlthough best known through their seat in Alternative Music's class of 2005, Kaiser Chiefs originally began life as the less successful Parva in 1996. Their reinvention a decade later saw them take the country by storm, and with the combined song writing talents of Nick Hodgson and the natural stage presence of front-man Ricky Wilson they showed that they were a force to be taken seriously - despite their tongue-in-cheek attitude and songs such 'Everyday I Love you Less and Less'. After Mercury nominated debut 'Employment' the band went on to three more album, their latest - 'The Future is Med…
Fresh from The Thick of It, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You and his sell-out 2010 tour, Chris Addison, the man who put the 'Chris Addison' into, 'I see Chris Addison is touring again,' is touring again. He's written a brand new show, The Time Is Now, Again, specifically for the venue this website refers to.* (*And about 40 others, but the point still stands.) Top class stand-up from one of the classiest, toppiest stand-ups around. You should come and see him. …
O2 Academy Bristol, Bristol2011 and has been a triumphant year for twenty-three year old Ben Howard. With catchy single "The Wolves" he caught the attention of potential fans away from his growing fan base in Devon and Cornwall - Howard being both a Totnes resident and former Falmouth University student - due to extensive plays on both national radio and TV. Through this song he proved that comparisons to the lengendary John Martyn was just, but also that he should not be dismissed as just another new folk act on the scene. Debut album "Every Kingdom, released just last November, is sure to place him firmly in the publi…
The Trinity Centre, BristolEnglish Folk musician Seth Lakeman was born and raised in Devon and along with his brothers Sam and Sean has played a variety of instruments and recorded folk music in their own band first of all. Seth's solo career was launched in 2002 when he released his debut album 'The Punch Bowl' to much critical acclaim. Subsequent album releases were; 'Kitty Jay' in 2004, 'Freedom Fields' in 2006, 'Poor man's Heaven' in 2008 and 'Hearts and Mind's' in 2010. Seth's instrumental range includes vocals, banjo, fiddle, viola and guitar.…
At just twenty-one, Laura Marling has had a career many of her peers would dream of. Currently nominated for a second, successive Brit Award thanks to the fantastic 'A Creature I Don't Know - released last September - she has truly broken away from her time in Noah and the Whale and the catchy, pop hit 'Five Years Time' to become a respectable artist in her own right. Double Mercury nominated, this fresh-faced voice of the folk revival may not be hitting the top spots of the charts - the rousing, brilliance of 'Devil's Spokes only reaching the undeserved number 97 - but she is winning the resp…
Wurzels Tribute Night with the MangledwurzelsFriday, 17 February 2012An evening of Wurzels-flavoured, cider-fuelled Scrumpy & Western entertainment from The Mangledwurzels! The Mangledwurzels are a three-piece Scrumpy & Western band based in Somerset writing and performing in the style of Adge Cutler. Formed in early
Other concerts, music and gigs in Gloucestershire are:
GZA18 Feb, BristolSpector24 Feb, BristolUKF Bass Culture25 Feb, BristolMax Raptor26 Feb, BristolSeth Lakeman1 Mar, BristolBristol Concert Orchestra Mozart and Shostakovich3 Mar, BristolSharon Jones and The Dap Kings3 Mar, BristolThe Duke Spirit5 Mar, BristolThe Acacia Strain6 Mar, BristolCannibal Corpse7 Mar, Bristol
Sport in Gloucestershire
Cheltenham Art Gallery and MuseumStarting upstairs, the first displays are devoted to Cheltenham's history. These are followed by galleries of ceramics and oriental art. Don´t miss the small room devoted to Edward Wilson, the Cheltenham-born explorer who went to the Antarctic with Captain Scott. The Summerfield Galleries include Gl…Location: Cheltenham
Some other fun family days out in Gloucestershire are:
Gloucester Folk MuseumEdward Jenner MuseumBatsford ArboretumNational Birds of Prey CentreCotswold Farm ParkEdward Jenner MuseumCotswold Falconry CentreNational Waterways MuseumHolst Birthplace MuseumGloucester City Museum and Art GalleryAvon Valley Adventure And Wildlife ParkHailes Abbey
Hidcote Manor GardenHidcote Manor Garden is a celebrated 20th Century garden in the beautiful North Cotswolds, featuring one of Englands greatest gardens, an arts and crafts masterpiece. One of England's great gardens, Hidcote was designed and created in the Arts & Crafts style by the horticulturist Major Lawrence Joh…Location: Mickleton
Some other notable historic attractions in Gloucestershire are:
Edward Jenner MuseumBristol Aero CollectionNational Waterways MuseumChedworth Roman VillaHolst Birthplace MuseumWestbury Court GardenWWT SlimbridgePrinknash Bird and Deer ParkChavenage HouseBirdlandPainswick Rococo GardenSudeley CastleModel VillageCheltenham Art Gallery and Museum
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By Amanda ArnoldEd Sheeran's debut album '+' returns to the top of the UK album charts.
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10 must-have books for British touristsEach year millions of tourists step foot onto British soil to experience the culture and history of this beautiful land. BritEvents brings you our list of ten must-have books for tourists to Britain.
Great British food festivalsThe French may think that we're just a nation of 'les rosbifs', but ask any Brit what they think of our cuisine and they'll tell you that we're a world-leader in high quality food. To celebrate and bring together the diversity of cuisine in Britain, food festivals are popping up all across the country. It's enough to make those Gallic chefs choke on their snails.
Camden Market casts new spellFans of 'Twilight' would-be fairy queens, Goths, punks and anybody looking for a very special costume should head to Camden Town Market in London. for a unique and somewhat overwhelming shopping experience in England's largest outdoor marketplace. We present a mini-tour of the marketplace and some nearby attractions.
Top British Music FestivalsWhat better time to plan a trip to one of this summers music festivals? See both new and established bands and solo artists playing live - and perhaps be able to brag that 'I was there' at their first gig or festival, when they make the big time!
