Crickley Hill is located near Birdlip, in between Gloucester and Cheltenham, a short distance from the A417 and A436. 

From Gloucester
Take the A417 out of the city to the Air Balloon roundabout, take the first exit onto the A436 and take an immediate left onto Leckhampton Hill. The entrance to Crickley Hill is on the left. 

From Cheltenham
Head outwards on Leckhampton Road, eventually joining Leckhampton Hill. Follow the road towards Birdlip and before reaching the Air Balloon roundabout Crickley Hill can be accessed on the right-hand side. 

From the M5
Exit the M5 at junction 11A. Follow the A417 to the Air Balloon roundabout and take the first exit onto the A436. Take an immediate left onto Leckhampton Hill and the entrance to Crickley Hill is on the left. 

There is parking for 100 cars. Please note that the car park is not suitable for coaches, minibuses, or large motor homes. Parking is available at the reserve for blue badge holders in the top car park, making the great views easily accessible.

Parking is a flat fee of £2 and should be paid at the end of your visit. The payment kiosk is located by the cafe and we will have another kiosk installed in the lower car park in the coming weeks. You can also pay online at www.parkwithease.co.uk up to 48 hours after your visit.

(Members of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and The National Trust are NOT exempt from the cost of parking)

Please note that the site gates are closed and locked each evening, please ensure you exit the site ahead of the gate closure time indicated on the main entrance sign. You will be charged if you are locked in on site. 

Unfortunately, due to the topography of Crickley Hill, we cannot provide suitable or safe turning or parking space for coaches, minibuses or larger vehicles (e.g. motor homes) in the main car parks. 

There is a dedicated parking area specifically for coaches, minibuses and larger vehicles which must be booked at least 7 days in advance.

To enquire about availability email  info@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk  to chat with us about your needs and the availability of the coach park on the day. If its available, we'll then send you a link to the "Daily Coach Permit" booking page.

If you have booked a session with our learning team you do not need to make a separate booking for the coach park, the learning team will automatically make arrangements on your behalf.

Overnight parking is not available at Crickley Hill.
The main gates are locked each evening (please refer to the welcome sign for closing times as these vary throughout the year). There is a fee, payable to the security company, if you need to call them out to release your vehicle after the site is closed. Details can be found on the tariff boards in the car parks.

Please note that the site gates are closed and locked each evening, please ensure you exit the site ahead of the gate closure time indicated on the main entrance sign. You will be charged if you are locked in on site. 

The top car park, which offers several disabled parking bays, is located opposite the café and toilets. It is also possible to admire the stunning view from this car park. The ground is level between these parking spaces and the visitor facilities. 

The café and visitor hub are both wheelchair accessible and assistance dogs are welcome.

With thanks to the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, an accessible, circular trail was created in January 2019. The trail, while undulating and bumpy in places, is suitable for all-terrain pushchairs and wheelchairs.  

An all-terrain electric scooter is a great way to enjoy the accessible, circular trail. (Available Monday to Friday, whilst weather allows) The Tramper is currently available only to Countryside Mobility members at the moment.  Unfortunately we are unable to register new members at Crickley Hill currently but we can do so at Robinswood Hill, which would then enable you to use the Tramper at Crickley Hill.

To become a member please contact info@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk and we can arrange to register you at Robinswood Hill. 

To ensure availability, the Tramper must be booked in advance minimum 72 hours by emailing info@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk.  

Please also visit the Countryside Mobility webpage and watch the video about how to use the vehicle.

The Tramper is available between 9:30am and 4pm. The hiring cost is £5 for half day (available between 09:30am and 12:30 am and 1pm and 4pm). Please note, that we accept card payments only at the moment.

We’ve created a leaflet that features some tips for happy dogs at Crickley Hill, with a colour-coded map and set of paw symbols to help you identify which areas are designated as access land and where dogs can enjoy exercising off the lead between 1 March and 31 July.

Download a copy here

You can also help protect the reserves unique wildlife by following our top tips: 

Please clear up after your pooch 
There are complimentary poo bags available at the café and several dog poo bins located around the site. Dog poo can cause sickness in cows and people, particularly the children who visit our site on school trips.

Keep dogs on short leads between March and July
Some of the land at Crickley Hill is designated as open access land which means GWT and the National Trust have a legal obligation, in line with Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, to ensure dogs are kept on short leads between March and July. This is to protect vulnerable wildlife, such as ground nesting birds.
Over 65 acres of the reserve is not open access land, and is available for dogs to walk off lead during this time.  

Always keep dogs under close control
Help reduce disturbance to wildlife, grazing cattle, and other visitors by ensuring your four-legged friends are carefully controlled, year-round. 

Use the external café service points
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in the café with the exception of guide dogs. You are more than welcome to bring your dog and pick up a coffee and cake from the service hatch to enjoy on our picnic benches. We also have a covered seating area to protect you from the elements!
Water bowls, handmade dog treats, and Marshfield’s Scoops ice-cream for dogs are available for canine visitors.