Surrounded by rolling Cotswolds countryside, Gloucester is a pocket-sized city with medieval roots, including Roman, Anglo-Saxon and English royalty occupation. Stroll around the bustling Gloucester Docks district, reliving the legacy of Beatrix Potter and gazing up at the magnificent cathedral.
Things to do in Gloucester
One of England's most beautiful buildings, Gloucester Cathedral was built in the English Perpendicular Gothic style. It's the final resting place of Edward II, who was buried here in 1327. Inside you'll find soaring pillars, gleaming wooden choir stalls and the magnificent Great East Window. Harry Potter fans will recognise the fan-vaulted Great Cloister, which appeared in several of the films.
Hidden away in a narrow lane near the cathedral, the Tailor of Gloucester Museum celebrates the legacy of Beatrix Potter. She was inspired to write the enchanting “Tailor of Gloucester” storybook while visiting her cousin in 1894. The tiny museum also features a charming on-site gift store.
History buffs shouldn't miss the Gloucester Life Museum. It spotlights British folk culture and is filled with antiques, Civil War weaponry and vintage farming tools. The museum is spread across a handful of creaky Tudor and Jacobean buildings that date back to the 16th century.
Housed in an old Victorian warehouse, the National Waterways Museum Gloucester introduces you to Britain’s inland waterways. You can climb aboard antique boats, watch educational films and check out a host of interactive displays on the country's vast network of canals, rivers and locks.
Getting around Gloucester
The Gloucester town centre is easy to get around on foot. Gloucester is well-serviced by a rail network, with trains running to London in around two hours. You'll also find fast connections to Bath, Bristol and Cardiff.