Car Hire Cambridge

Strategically positioned on the A38 between Bristol and Gloucester, Cambridge offers excellent accessibility for exploring both the Severn Vale and the wider region. This charming hamlet in the Stroud district sits just 3 miles from Dursley and 11 miles from Gloucester, with convenient access to M5 junctions 13 and 14. This small community enjoys the temperate Gloucestershire climate – spring temperatures of 7-16°C encourage countryside exploration and canal-side cycling, summer provides warm 18-22°C conditions perfect for wetland visits and outdoor pursuits, whilst autumn and winter deliver crisp weather ideal for scenic canal walks, cosy pub visits and indoor wildlife experiences at nearby nature reserves.

Attractions In Cambridge

Browse local village amenities and countryside access points, offering traditional Gloucestershire architecture, community facilities and peaceful rural walks through unspoilt agricultural landscapes and historic settlements.

WWT Slimbridge

Open daily from 9:30 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon at Bowditch, this world-renowned wetland centre boasts an exceptional 4.7-star rating from over 5,000 visitors, making it the region’s top-rated attraction. You’ll discover diverse wildlife habitats across 800 acres, multiple bird hides for observation, extensive educational facilities and family-friendly play areas that combine conservation education with memorable outdoor experiences throughout the year.

Coaley Peak

Always accessible at 21 Rock Road in Dursley, this spectacular scenic viewpoint provides breathtaking panoramic vistas across the Bristol Channel toward the distant Welsh hills. We particularly appreciate the elevated perspective that reveals England’s lush countryside contrasting with Welsh mountain landscapes, whilst surrounding woodlands filled with wild garlic and historical ruins create an atmospheric setting for contemplation and photography.

Cam Peak

This magnificent national reserve on the Cotswold Way remains open continuously, showcasing some of Gloucestershire’s most spectacular seasonal displays. You can witness internationally-renowned bluebell carpets that attract visitors from Japan and Korea, whilst the elevated position provides stunning views across surrounding areas and serves as an excellent starting point for extended Cotswolds walking adventures.

Rosie’s Wood

Located at 11 Ryalls Lane, this community woodland has flourished since 1992 when over 4,000 trees were planted along the River Cam banks. We find this peaceful haven offers contemplative walking paths, memorial gardens where people commemorate loved ones and vibrant community events including Easter egg hunts, barbecues and the beloved annual ‘Jazz in the Wood’ celebration.

Elm Farm C&CC Certificated Site

This practical campground at Elm Farm provides straightforward overnight accommodation with essential amenities including electric hookups, clean toilet facilities and security barriers. You’ll appreciate the no-frills approach that offers reliable stopping facilities for travellers heading toward Cornwall, with functional infrastructure that prioritises safety and basic comfort over luxury amenities.

Exploring the surrounding region becomes effortless with excellent road connections to these nearby destinations:

• Dursley
• Stonehouse
• Newport
• Randwick
• Stroud
• Wotton under Edge
• Lydney
• Quedgeley

Purton Ships Graveyard

This fascinating historical landmark at Berkeley showcases an ingenious conservation solution where deliberately beached vessels protect the shoreline from erosion. You’ll discover detailed information plaques explaining each vessel’s history, though we recommend patience when locating this hidden gem as parking can be challenging – the effort rewards visitors with unique maritime heritage experiences.

Uley Long Barrow

Dating from 3500 BC in Uley, this remarkable Neolithic burial chamber contains the remains of around 15 individuals along with significant archaeological finds like boar’s tusk pendants. We find the peaceful setting overlooking the Severn Valley particularly moving, whilst the small chambers and surrounding folklore about Roman soldier ghosts add mystique to this ancient monument.

Nympsfield Long Barrow

Located on the Cotswold Way, this 5,000-year-old burial site provides a glimpse of ancient culture and its people that once dwelled in this region. You can explore the open-access barrow whilst enjoying generous picnic facilities including benches and tables, supported by ample car parking that makes this an ideal spot for combining historical exploration with outdoor relaxation during warmer months.

The Old Severn Ferry Crossing

This historical landmark in Newnham represents an important river crossing point that served communities for generations before modern bridge construction. We recommend exploring the surrounding area to appreciate how this transportation link shaped local development patterns and connected communities across the Severn’s waters throughout different historical periods.

Queen Elizabeth II Memorial

Located on the A48 in Newnham, this commemorative site features a dedicated stone plaque and planted tree honouring the late monarch’s legacy. You can pause to reflect at this simple yet meaningful memorial that represents community respect and remembrance whilst exploring the broader historical context of Newnham’s royal connections.

Newnham Clock Tower

Standing proudly at the intersection of High Street, Lower High Street and Station Road, this Grade II-listed 1875 structure exemplifies Florentine architectural style. You’ll admire the ashlar construction, battered base, crenellated clock section, viewing gallery with turret and conical roof with ball finial – renovated in 1956 when the clock mechanism was renewed.

Newnham Railway Tunnel Viewpoint

This historical viewpoint at 25 Sheens Meadow marks the former departure point for passenger trains to Cinderford, representing important local transportation heritage. We encourage visitors to contemplate how this railway connection once linked rural communities to broader networks, whilst the viewpoint provides perspectives on landscape changes since the railway’s closure.

Cambridge Arm Swing Bridge

This charming manual swing bridge over the Gloucester Canal requires exactly 70 turns of the wheel to open or close, operated by dedicated Canal & Rivers Trust volunteers. You can appreciate traditional engineering whilst enjoying pleasant walks between here and Black Shed bridge at Slimbridge, experiencing authentic canal heritage in active use.

Splatt Swing Bridge

Located in Frampton on Severn, this picturesque canal bridge offers tranquil waterway experiences with far-reaching views toward the river beyond. We particularly value the spectacular sunset opportunities, excellent walking routes and diverse birdwatching prospects including cranes, bitterns, herons, kingfishers, various duck species, geese and terns throughout different seasons.

Patch Swing Bridge

This automated swing bridge on Newgrounds Lane provides access to excellent canal walking opportunities with complimentary car parking. You’ll discover the nearby Black Shed café and Tudor Arms pub alongside the bridge, whilst nature and heritage information boards provide educational context for the scenic canal surroundings and local wildlife observations.