Plan your visit to Gloucester, United Kingdom
Medieval monuments, energetic docklands, museums, live music and exciting rugby make the largest city in the Cotswolds an attractive destination.
Gloucester is an absorbing blend of history, entertainment and recreation. Discover centuries-old landmarks, watch concerts by international acts, dine at waterside cafés and shop at contemporary retail districts. Settled in Roman times and captured by the Saxons, Gloucester became an important medieval wool-trading center and was the site of an English Civil War battle. Today, it’s a lively university city in the picturesque Severn Valley and surrounded by the Cotswold Hills.
Get around Gloucester’s city center comfortably on foot. It centers on two crisscrossed pedestrian-friendly streets. Admire the beautiful 1,300-year-old Gloucester Cathedral, which holds the tomb of King Edward II and was a filming location for the Harry Potter movies. Ring the church bells of 15th-century St. Michael’s Tower. Visit the ancient ruins of St. Oswald’s Priory and the timber-roofed Blackfriars Priory, established in 1239.
Spot dinosaur fossils, paintings by J.M.W. Turner and Roman-era relics at the Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery. Learn about Gloucester’s industrial heritage and social history at the Gloucester Life Museum.
A short walk from the city center is Gloucester Docks. Once a shipping wharf and Britain’s most inland port, its Victorian-era merchant warehouses have been converted into waterfront museums, restaurants and shops. Learn about the military history of area citizens at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum. Do some shopping at the Gloucester Quays shopping village.
Explore the city’s selection of traditional pubs. The New Inn dates back to the 1400s. Shakespeare’s company may have performed here.
At night, attend concerts at the intimate Gloucester Guildhall. Previous performers include British rock bands Oasis and Radiohead. Alternatively, watch a match featuring Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm Stadium.
Located in southwestern England, Gloucester has direct train links to Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and London. It’s also a gateway to several natural and outdoor attractions. Follow walking trails in the Forest of Dean, hike to the summit of Symonds Yat Rock and kayak along the Wye River.
Gloucester Cathedral - Home to the tomb of King Edward II, this magnificent 1,300-year-old cathedral was also a filming location for the Harry Potter movies.
Gloucester Docks - Once a thriving maritime port, this urban redevelopment is now a buzzing district of fashion outlets, riverside restaurants, museums and a working boatyard.
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum - Original flags, photos, regalia and weapons are just some of the military memorabilia celebrating Gloucestershire’s soldiers at this excellent museum.
Gloucester Waterways Museum - Play around with interactive exhibits, study educational displays and examine an extensive collection of boats at this quayside museum.
Gloucester Quays - During your visit to Gloucester, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Gloucester Quays. Discover the beautiful countryside and lively bars in this relaxing area.
Hartpury University and Hartpury College - Walk around the campus at Hartpury University and Hartpury College as part of your travels around Gloucester. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the lively bars.
Kingsholm Stadium - Catch an event at Kingsholm Stadium during your trip to Gloucester. Check out the spas and lively bars in this culturally rich area.
Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre - Explore the great outdoors at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, a lovely green space in Gloucester. Check out the lively bars or charming coffeehouses in this relaxing area.
Small-Group Complete Cotswolds Tour (From London) - Join this small-group day tour to the Cotswolds from London, and explore the highlights of the beautiful English countryside. Travel in a minibus in small, friendly groups as your Driver-Guide explains the history of the region and tells you the local stories.
Villages of The Cotswolds Small Group Tour - Take a trip through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, the largest designated Area of Natural Beauty in the UK. The Cotswolds Covering almost 800 square miles, and no fewer than five English counties, the Cotswolds are the single largest designated Area of Natural Beauty in the UK.
Cotswolds Private Day Tour - We are the only registered company by Cotswold tourism board and visit Britain. Each and every of our tour guides/drivers are fully DBS checked and license holders. This is a family run business run by people who was born in Cotswolds and we are passionate about what we do.
The Cotswolds Guided Day Tour from London - Our Cotswolds tour covers one of the most beautiful areas of England. This tour is designed to give you as much time as possible to explore this beautiful area. Included in this day trip is return luxury coach travel, the services of a tour manager plus plenty of free time explore Burford and Bourton on the Water.
Private Day Tour from Bath to the Southern Cotswolds with Pickup - Explore the beauty and charming character of the Southern Cotswolds, which lie just beyond Bath. This memorable day will feature visits to some of the region's hidden gems and prettiest villages, such as Castle Combe, Lacock, Corsham and Bradford-on-Avon.
Cotswold Way National Trail South Route (7 days, 6 nights) - Starting in the pretty Cotswold market town of Painswick, the southern section of this National Trail follows the ridge of the Cotswold escarpment through delightfully undulating countryside and picturesque villages to Bath.
Cotswold Way National Trail North route (7 days, 6 nights) - Starting in the pretty Cotswold market town of Chipping Campden, this 102-mile route follows the ridge of the Cotswold escarpment through delightfully undulating countryside and picturesque villages to Painswick.
Discovering Cheltenham: A Self-Guided Audio Tour - Are you looking for a way to see Cheltenham, the party capital of Regency era England without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Discover how the humble pigeon transformed the town into a leading Regency resort town that attracted royal patronage.