Here in Gloucestershire we are blessed with an abundance of wonderful attractions, museums and fantastic countryside that are able to be enjoyed without having to spend a penny. Now that summer has well and truly arrived, here’s a list of ten of Gloucestershire’s best free events and attractions.

Pittville Park – Whether you’re looking for the perfect picnic spot or a peaceful walk along two stunning lakes, Pittville Park is the place to be. Just a 15-minute walk from Cheltenham town centre, the park, which is overlooked by the stunning Grade 1 listed Pittville Pump Room, is home to a fantastic collection of animals, including exotic birds kept in aviaries. The larger western park contains a lake that is open for fishing and boat rides.

Gloucester Cathedral – One of the most stunning historical buildings in the country, a visit to Gloucester isn’t complete without a trip to this wonderful cathedral. King Edward II is buried inside the cathedral walls and the Coronation of King Henry III took place here too. The Great East Window, installed in the 1350s, is one of the greatest landmarks of English medieval stained glass. The cathedral has featured in a number of films and television productions, including Harry Potter, Dr Who, and the award-winning BBC productions Sherlock and Wolf Hall.

St James City Farm – Located in the heart of Gloucester city centre lies St James City Farm. Run by a local charity – the Friendship Café – the farm is home to several different types of animals, including cows, horses, goats and sheep plus a hugely popular riding school that gives inner-city children an opportunity to learn how to ride horses.

The Wilson – Named after legendary explorer Edward Wilson, who was born in Cheltenham in 1872, The Wilson is one of Gloucestershire’s best museums and art galleries. Home to a stunning collection of fine art, the museum underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in 2013.

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail – The 3.5 mile long Sculpture Trail takes in a superb collection of art set in the woodlands in the heart of the Forest of Dean. There are currently 17 sculptures which can be seen on the trail, ranging from giant metal sculptures through to stained glass windows and wooden statues.

Enjoy live music at Café René – Covering rock, hip-hop, reggae and blues, Café René is one of the best live music venues in the county. The pub hosts the annual blues festival which gets underway on 21st July, with a number of talented musicians sure to put on a fantastic show.

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival – The leading festival of its kind in Europe, the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival has become one of the most popular events in the calendar for the people of Gloucestershire. The centrepiece of the two-day festival comes when the battle of Tewkesbury is replayed by a host of enthusiastic re-enactors dressed in chain mail and carrying weapons. As well as the battle re-enactment there’s also live music, a beer tent and stalls to keep visitors busy. This year’s event is held on Saturday 14th to Sunday 15th July.

Take a walk in the Cotswolds – We are blessed with some outstanding countryside here in Gloucestershire. The picture-perfect rolling hills and honey coloured stone walls of the Cotswolds are amongst the most beautiful countryside the UK has to offer. There are hundreds of fantastic walking routes to enjoy – one of my favourites is the Cranham to Sheepscombe route, which offers wonderful views across the Cotswold Commons.

Museum in the Park – The Museum in the Park is set in the beautiful grounds of Stratford Park in Stroud. Situated in a Grade II listed 17th Century wool merchant’s house, the collection tells the fascinating story of the Stroud District’s rich and diverse history. With over 4,000 objects on display, including dinosaur bones and historical paintings, the museum offers one of the most varied collections of artefacts in the country.

Coleford Music Festival – The annual music festival has become one of the highlights of the year for the Forest of Dean town of Coleford. An eclectic mix of established bands are joined by up-and-coming acts who play the three stages in the town centre. In recent years superstar bands such as The Four Tops have graced the main stage.