Gloucester, UK – A Port City with a Rich History
The city of Gloucester, UK is situated on the River Severn and has a history that extends more than 2,000 years back to Roman times. You can still explore the city’s history today by visiting its architecturally wondrous churches and cathedrals. Or, visit the Gloucester Docks for a mix of modern-day points of interest and tributes to the Victorian port. Spend a day museum hopping, then enjoy a bite to eat at one of the city’s international eateries. With an abundance of historical sites, attractions, and a broad range of hotels and B&Bs, the city is a premier tourist destination for travellers of all ages.
Historical Sites
One of the city’s most noteworthy historical sites is Gloucester Cathedral, a medieval building where you can tour the Crypt, climb 269 steps to the tower’s topmost point, and see the Great East Window. The cathedral’s origins trace back to the 670s, and over the course of English history, a number of bishops and noteworthy figures, including Edward II of England, have been buried there. The cathedral has also been a filming site for popular movies, including some of the Harry Potter films. Another historical site is the Great Witcombe Roman Villa Remains, which date back to 250 AD. You can also make your way to Hillfield Gardens, a public house which was originally the site of a Victorian house built in the 1860s. In addition to historic structures, the grounds are also home to some of Gloucester’s oldest trees. Many hotels in Gloucester are convenient to the city’s popular historical attractions, and there are also guided walking tours available to ensure that you don’t miss any prominent sites.
The Historic Docks and Quays
Originally a Victorian port, the Gloucester Docks now also feature modern-day facilities. If you’re interested in learning about the boats of yesteryear, you can visit The National Waterways Museum, which is housed at the Docks’ Llanthony Warehouse. There’s also the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, which occupies the former Custom House and details the history of Gloucestershire soldiers from the past 300 years. The Docks are also a perfect location to climb aboard a leisure cruise for a tour of the canal and River Severn, and there are a number of dockside restaurants, pubs, and cafes available for a meal or a brew as well. If you’re traveling with any shoppers, you’ll want to head to the Gloucester Quays, where you can find an array of clothing and specialty goods outlets, restaurants, and a multiplex. A few of Gloucester’s budget-friendly hotels are located within close proximity of the Docks and shopping centre.
Many Museums
In addition to the museums located at the Docks, Gloucester has many other destinations for museum goers. For one, there’s the Jet Age Museum, which is located on the north side of Gloucestershire Airport. It is home to the Gloucestershire Aviation Collection and displays aircraft, engines, and other aviation exhibits. If you’re staying at one of the hotels near the airport, you can use local transportation to access the museum, as it runs there every ten minutes during peak times. You can also take a trip to Museum of Gloucester, which features dinosaur skeletons, archaeological artefacts, Roman and medieval exhibits, and displays by prominent artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and J. M. W. Turner. Next, there’s the Nature in Art Gallery and Museum, which is dedicated to artwork with nature themes. It features pieces crafted by artists from more than 60 countries, including one mosaic work that dates back 1,500 years. Finally, Gloucester Life is a museum devoted to the city’s social history, which is located in two of Gloucester’s oldest houses.
Family Fun
Should you tire of Gloucester’s museums and historical sites, you can let loose at Kingsholm Stadium, the city’s premier destination for all things rugby. Take the whole family to a match at the stadium, where more than 16,000 fans can gather. Or, head to St. James City Farm, a sanctuary for cow, sheep, and other livestock. Guests can enjoy hands-on experience with lambs, goats, and rabbits, and observe creatures like waterfowl and pigs for a first-hand look at country life. For more animal encounters, stop by Prinknash Bird and Deer Park, where feathered beauties like peacocks and other exotic avian life dwell, as well as reindeer, fallow deer, and pygmy goats. Or, enjoy an unforgettable encounter with birds of prey at The Barn Owl Centre, a sanctuary for owls, hawks, and other winged creatures.
Delicious Dining & Drinks
Gloucester has an array of eateries with virtually every type of cuisine you could imagine, but while you can enjoy International cuisine of exceptional calibre within the city, it is perhaps best known for its historic pubs. Many of these traditional facilities offer real ales, pub fare like fish and chips, and a cheery ambiance. A number of the pubs are also housed in historic inns, such as the New Inn hotel, which is situated in a 14th century building. If traditional British eats aren’t what you’re after, you can choose among authentic Mediterranean restaurants, Greek cuisine, as well as African and Asian eateries. Don’t forget to seek out the region’s famous cheese while you’re in Gloucester! Smart’s Traditional Gloucester Cheeses invites guests to witness the art of cheese making at their farm and has some of the delicious, crumbly dairy treats available for purchase.