Monday 15th August

We drove to Gloucester to explore the docks development. There were lots of warehouse conversions, restaurants, new shops and an arts centre.



We strolled into the centre of  Gloucester to see the cathedral which was very impressive.

After lunch we visited the Gloucester Waterways Museum, formerly the National Waterways Museum, which told the story of the development of canals and was sited in an old warehouse.
http://www.gloucesterwaterwaysmuseum.org.uk/

Later in the day we drove to Crickley Hill which has stunning views of Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Sunday 14th August

As the forecast was good we spent the day at Westonbirt Arboretum.

www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

We spent the morning in the Old Arboretum and then had a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon we followed the Summer Trail in Silk Wood, woodland that dates back to the thirteenth century.

Saturday 13th August

We visited Newark Park, a Tudor house which has been extended and lived in for 450 years. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/newarkpark



As the house is on high ground there are some wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

The bottom borders by the lake were at their best.

There were peacocks, peahens and their chicks everywhere.

We toured the inside of the house and talked quite a lot with the room guides. This was the view of the main staircase window with the family coat of arms in the centre.

After lunch we walked to Uley Long Barrow near Stroud.

Half a mile further on we joined the Cotswold way where there are these spectangular views over the Severn Valley.

Further on the route took us through woodland.

Nearby was Nympsfield Long Barrow which has been opened up to show the interior.

Friday 12th August

We drove to Hidcote to visit one of Britain's best gardens.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-hidcote.htm

This is an Arts & Crafts garden that has been returned to its 1930's heyday. It is a garden of rooms with each one having its own special atmosphere.