Gloucester offers several distinct highlights when choosing a destination: Christian and medieval heritage, Roman traces, countryside, waterside activities and regional food. If you’re looking for a hotel in Gloucester, first decide which themes you want to shape your stay.
Cathedral and layered history
Gloucester Cathedral represents more than 1,300 years of Christian faith and heritage. Parts of its medieval cloisters appeared as Hogwarts in three Harry Potter films. Blackfriars is one of the most complete surviving Dominican friary complexes of the “Black Friars” in England. The two sites represent different aspects of religious and medieval heritage.
The Eastgate Viewing Chamber displays remains of the fortifications and Eastgate, dating back to Gloucester’s founding as a Roman fort around AD 68. Much of the remains can be seen through glass panels in the floor of Eastgate Street. The Museum of Gloucester’s archaeology collection includes the Birdlip Mirror. The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum tells the story of the soldiers from Gloucestershire who served in its regiments from 1694 onwards. Together, these places offer different ways to explore history: from Roman traces and archaeological finds to regimental history.
Green spaces, water and guided walks
Robinswood Hill is a 100-hectare country park on the south-east side of Gloucester. This adds a distinct countryside highlight to the historic sites. On the water, the Gloucester Docks Activity Hub offers taster paddling sessions in Gloucester Docks, using canoes, SUP boards and sit-on-top kayaks.
The Gloucester Docks to Sims Bridge Walk is a three-mile walk along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Another way to explore history with a guide is on the seasonal Gloucester Civic Trust Tours: the 90-minute walk takes in 2,000 years of history and is led by a knowledgeable Civic Trust guide. Each option has a different focus: paddling, walking along the canal or a guided look at the city’s history.
Market and regional food
The Orchard Street Food and Craft Market takes place on the first weekend of each month from March to October. It brings together locally sourced food and drink and crafts. Check the specific market dates before you travel if you want to plan your stay around a particular weekend.
The Gloucester Food Dock is home to twelve independent food and drink businesses from the South West; the number of businesses may change over time. The market and Food Dock offer two different opportunities to enjoy food and drink: a seasonal market with crafts and a place featuring independent businesses from the region.
Getting there and planning
Gloucester railway station is a short walk from the city, making it a useful point of reference when planning your journey. When planning your stay, it’s worth checking the dates of the seasonal Civic Trust Tours and the Orchard Street Food and Craft Market against your travel dates. You can choose between the other options based on what interests you most: cultural history, countryside or waterside activities.
Discover more destinations: South Cerney, Uley, Fretherne, Newland, Minchinhampton, Coleford, Tetbury, Lydney.
For the broader travel overview: Gloucestershire.
