10 things you should know before moving to Gloucestershire - The Coventry Observer

10 things you should know before moving to Gloucestershire

Coventry Editorial 24th Jun, 2022   0

Gloucestershire is an incredibly popular destination for movers, but what makes it so special – and what can you expect when you get there?

Here are ten things to prepare for.

1. You’ll need a strong pair of walking boots

Gloucestershire is famous around the world for its beautiful scenery, and an incredible network of footpaths, trails, and popular hikes to follow. From idyllic villages to parts of the




world that lie far from the beaten track – and away from any sign of modern life – Gloucestershire is an escapist’s fantasy.

For the more adventurous, there are plenty of chances for zip-lining, horse riding, kayaking and mountain biking.


Plenty of beautiful spots and hills are to be found just a stone’s throw from Gloucestershire’s busiest towns and cities. Cleeve, Leckhampton, Painswick and Robinswood are all favourites for a sunny day out.

2. Prepare yourself for a slower pace of life

If you’re coming from one of the bigger cities like London or Birmingham, then you may find Gloucestershire’s slower tempo to be a shock to the system for a little while.

Nevertheless, there is still plenty to encourage you beyond your own four walls. Cheltenham is a cultural hive, hosting many festivals throughout the year for jazz, science, literature, music and food – as well as hosting the celebrity-favourite Cheltenham Races each spring.

For a slice of history, there’s the annual cheese-rolling festival (although we don’t advise newcomers join in), as well as plenty of museums and historic landmarks to add to the bucket list.

3. The housing market is competitive

All this popularity certainly comes at a price, and we would recommend anyone considering moving to Gloucestershire gets realistic about just how popular homes are in this area.

That’s not to say it’s impossible to find a home here, however – you just need to have the right help on hand. Do your research on finding a knowledgeable estate agent early – and, of course, getting a local conveyancing solicitor on hand as soon as possible. Firms like Willans.co.uk boast an incredible understanding of the area, which makes it so much easier to navigate the buying process quickly.

4. Gloucestershire has excellent connections to the bigger cities

We think of Gloucestershire as being one of the more rural counties but, fortunately for everyone who lives there, it’s not nearly as ‘cut off’ as you might think.

The M5 is always close by, which offers great transport links to all of the major cities. Plus, towns like Cheltenham and Stroud enjoy easy access to London by train, which means that, even in the idyllic countryside, you’re not removed from the commuter belt.

5. It is steeped in culture and history

Gloucestershire enjoys a long and fascinating history, and plenty of reclaimed and restored areas capture that heritage. As a result, there is no shortage of fun days out, whether you want to explore a stately home, a national park, a ruin, or a museum.

6. You’ll find plenty of excellent schools for all age groups

From reception to further education, Gloucestershire boasts an incredible variety of schools. Stroud alone offers two grammar schools – Stroud High School and Marling School – with easy transport links, while Cheltenham plays host to the renowned Cheltenham College and Cheltenham Ladies’ College, as well as the university (which also has a campus in historic Gloucester).

7. Eating well will never be a problem

People who live well know how to eat well, and Gloucestershire is perfect proof of that. Cheltenham has seen a surge of trendy cocktail bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, while Gloucester’s beautifully restored docks is a waterside haven for gastronomes.

Plus, the countryside throughout the county boasts a rich selection of pubs that blend the rustic with the modern perfectly.

8. You might pick up a bit of an accent

Gloucestershire boasts a rich tapestry of accents, and for anyone moving to the area, it’ll be a challenge not to pick up at least a little of the dialect characteristic of the area – probably faster than you’d think.

9. Gloucestershire’s crime rates are significantly below the national average

Gloucestershire is a much safer place to live than many other parts of the country. In fact, the crime rate is around 1,500 lower than the UK national average of 10,000. It was recently rated  the fifth safest place to live in the country, which is great to know for anyone thinking of settling down within the borders.

10. You might just live longer

Saving best until last. According to the ONS, the average life expectancy of a Gloucestershire resident is higher than the average, at 80.1 years for men and 83.7 years for women. This could be in part thanks to the health care services in the county, as well as reduced air pollution (compared with cities), and a slower pace of life.

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