South Gloucestershire boasts many attractions in its own right and enjoys good access to the historic cities of Bristol and Bath, the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley.
South Gloucestershire borders the Severn Estuary with its two magnificent bridges and encompasses the Vale of Severn and the edge of the Cotswolds.
The market towns of Thornbury and Chipping Sodbury and the National Trust properties at Dyrham Park and Horton Court are of particular interest.
By way of contrast, two of South Gloucestershire's most popular destinations are relatively new - the Second Severn Bridge Crossing which was opened in 1996 and the regional shopping centre in Cribbs Causeway which opened in March 1998. Other attractions include Oldbury Power Station Visitor Centre and Avon Valley Steam Railway.
South Gloucestershire has a number of high quality golf courses and South Gloucestershire Council manages modern leisure centres at Thornbury, Yate, Kingswood and Bradley Stoke.
The Badminton Horse Trials - one of the most popular events in the national sporting calendar, is held over four days in the first weekend of May.
Major footpaths and cycleways serve much of the area. The Frome Valley Walkway runs from Old Sodbury to Frenchay, the Cotswold Way runs along the western edge of the Cotswolds and the Severn Way runs north from the Second Severn Crossing. Cycleways include The Avon Cycleway, a circular 85 mile route that takes in many picturesque villages, historic landmarks and a variety of splendid landscapes and the Bristol and Bath Railway path, a 13 mile off-road route between Bristol and Bath.
Visitor guide
We publish a visitors' guide - 'South Cotswolds and Vale of Severn' in conjunction with Thornbury Town Council. This is available by contacting us on 01454 864950 or from Thornbury Town Council (01454 281638). You can also view this publication on the link provided.
Destination Bristol
We work closely with Destination Bristol who are responsible for promoting and marketing Bristol and South Gloucestershire as tourism destinations. The 'Visit Bristol' website link, managed by Destination Bristol, contains detailed information on the Greater Bristol area and offers an accommodation booking service.
Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Thornbury
More detailed information on Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Thornbury including information on accommodation, restaurants and local amenities can be found on the links provided on the right-hand side of this page.