Horton

The real reason to venture out here is the railway history embedded in the landscape. From the 1980s onwards, Cotswold Rail operated from this spot, running a locomotive company that hired out steam and diesel engines to heritage railways and special services right across Britain. During an era when many vintage locomotives were being broken up for scrap, this outfit played a genuine role in keeping railway history alive.

The working railway infrastructure that once supported the operation has largely disappeared now, but if you're paying attention to the surroundings, you can still spot remnants of that industrial heritage scattered about. Horton itself remains quiet and rural, really appealing to anyone with a serious interest in railway preservation or those simply enjoying countryside walks through the area. Being positioned close to Gloucester makes it straightforward to work a visit into a wider tour of the region's transport history, and it pairs well with time spent in Cheltenham or exploring other parts of the Cotswolds.

There aren't visitor amenities within Horton itself, so bring what you need and plan to head into the larger towns nearby for food and services.