Nestled between rolling countryside and vibrant urban towns, Gloucestershire offers a unique blend of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and thriving towns.
Live and work
Love
Gloucestershire
With a strong sense of community, Gloucestershire is an ideal place to build your career while enjoying a relaxed pace of life. The outdoors are right on your doorstep, the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean, rivers, hills, trails. It’s all there, ready to explore! If you’re looking more than just a job, if you want a place to put down roots, meet great people, then explore what Gloucestershire has to offer.
Shopping and leisure
From the stylish boutiques in Cheltenham to the vibrant Gloucester Quays and the independent shops tucked away in market towns like Stroud, Gloucestershire is a haven for shoppers. Whether you’re enjoying a riverside lunch at in Bourton-on-the-Water, or attending one of the many cultural festivals, Gloucestershire has something for everyone, making it an ideal place to relax and explore.
Gloucester Rugby is the beating heart of this proud city. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or new to the game, the energy on matchday at Kingsholm Stadium is unforgettable. Just a short walk from the stadium lies one of the city’s greatest treasures, the historic Gloucester Docks. Once an industrial hub, the docks have been beautifully transformed into one of the UK’s most attractive waterfront destinations. Independent shops, waterside restaurants, and stylish cafés line the old warehouses. At the city’s core, Gloucester Cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and it’s also a star in its own right, having featured in the Harry Potter films!
Cheltenham Spa is a town internationally renowned for its racecourse, which hosts some of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar, including the iconic Cheltenham Festival. It also plays host to a celebrated series of annual cultural festivals covering literature, jazz, science, and music events that attracts a global audience.
Schooling and education
Gloucestershire offers outstanding educational opportunities, making it a top choice for families. The county has a range of prestigious independent schools and highly respected grammar schools, providing exceptional academic pathways for children of all ages. Its strong educational reputation is further enhanced by close connections with two renowned universities. Cheltenham, in particular, stands out as one of the most desirable places to live in the UK. In 2025, The Sunday Times ranked Cheltenham second nationwide, praising its “excellent schools” and high quality of life.
Discover and explore
Gloucestershire.
From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the
vibrant towns, Gloucestershire blends natural
beauty with dynamic communities, outstanding
schools, and excellent transport connections.
Living in
Gloucestershire
Buying or renting in Gloucestershire offers a range of options from picturesque countryside cottages to properties in vibrant towns. There are many places to live all within reasonable commuting distances to our hospitals. Many of our staff chose to travel into work each day from nearby towns and villages, such as Quedgeley, Brockworth, Bishop’s Cleeve, Prestbury and Tewkesbury.
The great outdoors
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides ample opportunity to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Gloucestershire is rich in history, boasting landmarks including Gloucester Cathedral, Sudeley Castle and Westonbirt Arboretum. Whether you’re an avid hiker, cyclist, or nature lover, Gloucestershire offers some of the most stunning outdoor places to explore. The Forest of Dean, is a magical area of ancient woodland, tranquil lakes, and miles of scenic trails. It’s perfect for a weekend walk, an adventurous bike ride, or simply soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Location and travel
As a Gloucestershire Hospitals employee, you can travel between hospital sites for free on the 99 bus, by showing your staff ID badge. Buses run between Cheltenham and Gloucester, Monday to Friday and from early mornings to mid evenings. Gloucestershire has regular train connections across the UK and directly into London as well as Bristol Airport providing direct flights to all major European cities. Gloucester lies on the River Severn, between the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean. Easily accessible from the M5, just over 100 miles west of London and 35 miles from Bristol. The county has good transport links with major motorways, providing access to cities like Bristol, Birmingham, and London.