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Crickley Hill
Distinctive landmark rich in wildlife and archaeology with a tremendous panorama, jointly owned with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Birdlip, Gloucestershire, GL4 8JY
Important notice
Higher than usual winds are forecast on Sunday 22nd December. Our property remains open but we encourage our visitors to take care in our woodland spaces.
Opening times for 21 December 2024
Asset Opening time Countryside 06:00 - 18:00 MTWTFSS2526272829301234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303112345OpenPartially openClosedCafé
The cafe is owned by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Dogs allowed
Dogs welcome and must be on leads at certain times of the year
Car park
Car parks - these belong to Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. All visitors are required to pay for their stay, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can pay by cash, phone, app or online. The charge to park is £2 and lasts all day.
Toilet
The toilets (owned and managed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust) are open from 9am until 6pm
Sloping and uneven ground – steep in places. Blue Badge parking. Accessible toilet (not NT). Assistance dogs welcome. Tramper hire from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
Accessible toilet
The toilets (owned and managed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust) are open from 9am until 6pm
Powered mobility vehicle available
A Tramper is available to hire from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Email info@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk or call the Crickley Hill visitor centre on 01452 383333 for more information and to book.
By road
Approximately 3½ miles from Gloucester and 2½ miles from Cheltenham on the A417
Parking: The car park belongs to Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. All visitors (including National Trust members) need to pay for their stay 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Sat Nav: For SatNav please use GL4 8JY
By train
For information about travelling to this site by public transport please visit the Cotswold AONB 'Explore the Cotswolds' website
By bus
For information about travelling to this site by public transport please visit the Cotswold AONB 'Explore the Cotswolds' website
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Crickley Hill with your dog
Find out all you need to know about walking your dog on Crickley Hill in Gloucestershire and the surrounding Cotswold countryside. Crickley Hill is a one pawprint rated place
Highlights
Countryside
Distinctive landmark rich in wildlife and archaeology with great views. Jointly owned with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
Cattle
Conservation grazing herd of Belted Galloway cattle roam the Cotswold escarpment.
The Scrubbs
Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its trees and wildlife.
Café (not National Trust)
Hot and cold drinks, baguettes, toasties and cake plus ice cream. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Visitor centre (not National Trust)
Home to exhibitions, information and interpretation.
Hillfort
Location of an Iron Age hillfort and home to one of the first battles in England.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Crickley Hill
Discover an area rich in bird, plant and tree life on Crickley Hill. Take a walk on the wild side and see what you can spot along the way.
Top trails
Trail
Ebworth Centre Cotswolds walk
From breathtaking views to secluded woodlands, explore the best of the Cotswolds on this National Trust trail.
Places to stay
2 High Street
In the centre of Lacock village, this 15th-century cottage is packed full of charm and makes a cosy base for exploring Lacock Abbey and the countryside nearby.
Fishlock's Cottage
A simple cottage for two, in the heart of Avebury’s prehistoric ramparts and stone circles.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Crickley Hill
This beautiful Cotswold countryside, which we manage jointly with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, boasts a wide variety of habitats and plants. The limestone grassland is extremely rich in plants, which in turn support a large variety of insects, especially butterflies.
Crickley Hill is a prominent spur of the Cotswold escarpment. It overlooks the Severn Vale, with magnificent views towards Robinswood Hill and May Hill, and the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountain beyond.
There's evidence of human activity on the hill going back to 4,000 BC. The area called the Scrubbs takes its name from the brushwood that existed before the planting of the present beech woodland in the 18th century.
History
Article
History of Crickley Hill
From brutal battles to an Iron Age hillfort, Crickley Hill is full of history. Explore a place rich in wildlife and archaeology.
Our work
Article
Woodland management at Crickley Hill
At the top of Crickley Hill, behind the café, is an area of woodland known as The Scrubbs. A site of Special Scientific Interest, you’ll discover ancient and veteran trees.
Article
Conservation grazing at Crickley
Discover how the grazing of Belted Galloway cattle is essential to the conservation of the grassland at Crickley Hill, and how they help wildlife to flourish.
Project
Project
Crickley Hill and the A417 Road Improvement Scheme
Follow the latest updates and our position on National Highways' ambition to deliver an effective landscape led road scheme at Crickley Hill here.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Crickley Hill.