One of the great things about going on any holiday is that it gives you time to relax and just watch the world go by. The Cotswolds are a fantastic place to do just that. Whether you are sitting in a pub, enjoying a lazy afternoon with a picnic in some secluded spot or anything else, you'll watch the world go by at a slower pace while you are staying here!

But of course there are plenty of other tranquil places and settings you can enjoy too. One classic example is Gloucester Cathedral. It is a wonderful place to go for a few hours during your stay, and as it is situated to the west of Cheltenham it isn't that far to get there either.

Movie goers will certainly want to pay a visit since it is actually the real life version of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the well known Harry Potter films. As soon as you start wandering around the Cathedral you will no doubt recognise portions of it from the films. But there is nothing quite as humbling as seeing this majestic and magnificent Cathedral in the flesh, so to speak - regardless of whether you are religious or not.

Needless to say the building has a long history - even longer than many other similar buildings. Worship began here as far back as the year 678. So as of 2009, one thousand three hundred and thirty one years have gone by since people first started using it! That is an incredible length of time that really makes you think about the building in an entirely different way once you set foot inside it. It is rare that you ever walk through a building that has so much history and so many events already witnessed within its walls.

Former king Edward II is buried here, and his tomb has recently been repaired. It is also thought that the presence of Edward II's tomb is what steered the infamous Henry VIII away from meddling with the Cathedral back in the 1500's. That should give you a further idea of the history and people who have been involved with this building throughout its long life. And it is still standing to welcome in many new people every single year in our modern times.

The best thing about visiting is that everyone is welcome. It doesn't matter if you want to drop by to marvel at the stained glass, or you would like to experience one of the many services that happen here. You will be welcomed just the same and it can turn out to be one of the nicest, most tranquil and insightful visits of your entire holiday in the Cotswolds.

And of course the local area is lovely for you to visit too! Make sure you make a whole day of it, no matter where in the Cotswolds you might actually be staying. You will be glad you did.