The cathedral city of the Cotswolds, Gloucester has its roots stretching back to Roman times and has continued to be an important English city, boasting over 2,000 years of history. The country's most inland port, the city has seen unprecedented regeneration in the last decade, most visibly at the city's historic docks.
In 2015, Gloucester was a host city for the Rugby World Cup, with the country's most passionate rugby fans welcoming visitors from across the globe.
Things to Do
You will find so many wonderful and interesting things to do the city of Gloucester that one visit won’t be nearly enough.
The city of Gloucester enjoys a superb variety of fantastic attractions for everyone to enjoy day or night, rain or shine, and is fast becoming the go-to place for Hollywood royalty.
A trip to Gloucester wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the 11th century Gloucester Cathedral, resting place of King Edward II, home of the majestic Great East Window and recently a hugely popular film and television location. Most famously it has been used to shoot scenes for the Harry Potter series of hit films, as well as Sherlock, Wolf Hall and Doctor Who. Why not explore the magnificent fan-faulted cloisters and see if you can spot them? The historic Gloucester Docks just a short walk away were used to shoot scenes for the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster Alice In Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass starring Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter. With its dramatic waterfront, converted warehouses and an array of restaurants and bars, it is easy to see why Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Quays are places to be for locals and visitors.
The Tailor of Gloucester Beatrix Potter Museum and Shop is located in the original building used by Beatrice Potter in her story The Tailor of Gloucester – a real-life mystery based on the city’s John Pritchard.
The Glorious Glosters – the most decorated regiment in the British Army – are celebrated at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, while there are thousands of fantastic exhibits at the Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery, Gloucester Folk Museum and Gloucester Waterways Museum.
Visit the viewing chamber in Eastgate Street for a fascinating look back at centuries of history with the site including Roman remains, the base of a 13th century tower and a place where in Tudor times animals were cleaned up before they went to market.
Food & Drink
Whatever you and your family’s tastes, or whether you are looking to unwind or enjoy a great night out, there are lots of brilliant places to eat and drink in the city of Gloucester. It doesn’t matter if you are exploring locations for the Harry Potter films in the 11th century Gloucester Cathedral, relaxing by Gloucester Docks, or enjoying superb attractions on the outskirts of the city, you are never far away from one of Gloucester’s fantastic range of pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes.
Local Produce
Gloucestershire is a foodie's paradise, boasting world-renowned produce including the Double and Single Gloucester cheeses. The UK's first pedgree breed pig, the Gloucestershire Old Spot, is quite rightly sought after by the top chefs in the country for its succulence and flavour. The River Severn is famed for its rare elvers (baby eels) which fetch a high price in restaurants in Japan.
Restaurants and cafes
If it is fine food, lunch on the run, or dockside dining, you should have no problem finding somewhere to suit your tastes in the city of Gloucester. From Michelin star restaurants to takeaways, gastro pubs to sandwich shops, or family-run businesses to national chains, there is plenty of tasty fare to get your teeth into. Foodies are spoilt for choice with traditional English and authentic Mediterranean, Chinese, Indian, African and Greek cuisine all on the menu, plus the restaurant quarter at Gloucester Quays.
Pubs and clubs
The city of Gloucester is home to a brilliant range of pubs and clubs featuring all types of beers and brews to refresh and satisfy any thirst. What could be better than sipping a cool drink and enjoying a tasty bite to eat while kicking back and taking it easy enjoying the surroundings at Gloucester Docks, or sipping a pint while sitting in front of a crackling log fire in one of Gloucester’s historic pubs? Maybe you fancy testing your knowledge with a pub quiz, or enjoying a tasty Sunday lunch, while for night owls there is a variety of clubs at which to dance the night away. And make sure you don’t leave the city without trying a pint of Gloucestershire real ale – we are sure you won’t be disappointed!
