Coombe Hill

The Coombe Hill Canal operated for just eighty years from 1796 before flooding damage forced its closure in 1876, and the waterway now forms the centrepiece of a nature reserve managed by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Walking along the old towpath gives you a real sense of the canal's industrial past while you're surrounded by nature reclaiming the waterway.

The real draw here is the wet meadowland that extends across the reserve. Winter flooding transforms the area into a haven for wildfowl—you'll see hundreds of birds during the colder months, making it exceptional for birdwatching. The northern and southern meadows each have their own character, and the flat terrain makes for easy, peaceful walks regardless of season. Spring brings wildflowers, while summer offers quieter exploration away from busier attractions.

The location sits conveniently between Gloucester and Tewkesbury, just west of the A38, so it's accessible whether you're basing yourself in either town. There's a proper car park and good facilities. It's the kind of place that rewards a slower pace—bring binoculars, a notebook, and time to simply observe. This is working conservation land, so you're also directly supporting important habitat management while you visit.