places to visit near gloucester uk

Top Things to Do in Gloucester, Cotswolds - Gloucester Must-See Attractions

Things to do in gloucester, explore popular experiences, tours in and around gloucester.

Cotswolds Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK

Guided walking tour : Ghosts & Giggles Of Gloucester

Harry Potter Tour of England by Black Taxi Tour from London

Harry Potter Film Locations of Lacock & Cotswolds - small group

The New Inn Ghost Tour

Full Day Cotswolds Tour; Where Opulence and Heritage Converge

Classic Cotswolds Private Tour

Cotswolds Private Day Tour

The Cotswold Tour

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Gloucester

Other Top Attractions around Gloucester

Cultural & Theme Tours

Walking & biking tours, what travellers are saying.

Places to visit in Gloucestershire

Elegant spa and market towns and stately homes presiding over rolling, green landscapes. Welcome to Gloucestershire. Trek between the honey-hued clusters that make up the picture-perfect Cotswold villages or cycle off the beaten track through oaks and beeches in the huge Forest of Dean – brake for wild boar and roe deer! An ever popular family day out, Gloucestershire towns will give you glimpses of regency high life and medieval market squares. This west county's lively sporting calendar is packed with high-end horse races, county cricket and even annual Double Gloucester cheese rolling. There’s never a shortage of attractions in Gloucestershire.

65 Experience Results

View results as:

• South East England (2) Apply South East England filter
• Cotswolds (37) Apply Cotswolds filter
• (-) Remove Gloucestershire filter Gloucestershire
• Boating (1) Apply Boating filter
• Cycling (4) Apply Cycling filter
• Extreme Sports (1) Apply Extreme Sports filter
• Going underground (1) Apply Going underground filter
• Tours and trails (7) Apply Tours and trails filter
• Walking and hiking (6) Apply Walking and hiking filter
• Watersports (3) Apply Watersports filter
• Budget (5) Apply Budget filter
• City (5) Apply City filter
• Areas of outstanding natural beauty (11) Apply Areas of outstanding natural beauty filter
• Forests and woodlands (16) Apply Forests and woodlands filter
• Gardens and Parks (3) Apply Gardens and Parks filter
• Lakes and waterways (1) Apply Lakes and waterways filter
• Wildlife and Nature Reserves (1) Apply Wildlife and Nature Reserves filter
• Festivals and carnivals (5) Apply Festivals and carnivals filter
• Literature, film and TV (7) Apply Literature, film and TV filter
• Museums galleries and libraries (4) Apply Museums galleries and libraries filter
• Music festivals in England (1) Apply Music festivals in England filter
• Outdoor art and sculpture (3) Apply Outdoor art and sculpture filter
• Seasonal celebrations (2) Apply Seasonal celebrations filter
• Days Out in England (2) Apply Days Out in England filter
• April events (1) Apply April events filter
• December events (2) Apply December events filter
• July events (1) Apply July events filter
• June events (2) Apply June events filter
• May events (2) Apply May events filter
• October events (3) Apply October events filter
• September events (1) Apply September events filter
• Attractions (1) Apply Attractions filter
• Outdoor Activities (1) Apply Outdoor Activities filter
• Toddler Friendly Holidays (1) Apply Toddler Friendly Holidays filter
• Afternoon tea (1) Apply Afternoon tea filter
• Cookery courses (1) Apply Cookery courses filter
• Eating out (1) Apply Eating out filter
• Food markets and experiences (1) Apply Food markets and experiences filter
• Abbeys cathedrals and sacred places (2) Apply Abbeys cathedrals and sacred places filter
• Archaeological sites (1) Apply Archaeological sites filter
• Castles and Historic Properties (6) Apply Castles and Historic Properties filter
• Industrial Maritime And Transport (2) Apply Industrial Maritime And Transport filter
• Courses Learning and Self Improvement (1) Apply Courses Learning and Self Improvement filter
• Luxury and indulgence (1) Apply Luxury and indulgence filter
• Spa Breaks (3) Apply Spa Breaks filter
• Romance (2) Apply Romance filter
• Autumn (16) Apply Autumn filter
• Spring (16) Apply Spring filter
• Summer (26) Apply Summer filter
• Winter (4) Apply Winter filter

A weekend in Gloucestershire

From Double Gloucester to Harry Potter.

Location: Gloucestershire

Heart-pumping mountain biking in the Forest of Dean

Feel the adrenaline flow through you as you experience downhill mountain bike tracks in the Forest of Dean.

Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Try a canoeing adventure along the River Wye

Become one with the water as you canoe through the rapid waters of the River Wye.

Discover a vibrant arts scene within the Forest of Dean

Discover a cultural scene that really breathes life in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

Uncover the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

For lovers of the great outdoors, the Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst showcases giant pieces created from materials you might find in the Forest.

Visit the home of the Dymock Poets in the Forest of Dean

In the quiet village of Dymock, literacy history was being made by six of the finest poets of the early 20th century.

Spot Poldark at Chavenage House

Come and see 'Trenwith', the Poldark family home, actually 'played' by Chavenage House in Tetbury and you may spot Aiden Turner as Ross Poldark!

Location: Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Explore the resting place of the last of Henry VIII’s six wives

Sudeley Castle’s magnificent gardens are world-renowned, providing variety and colour from spring through to autumn and the grounds are the final resting place of Katherine Parr.

Location: Winchcombe, Gloucestershire

Explore the Regency spa town of Cheltenham

This pretty spa town in Gloucestershire is the perfect place to explore and base yourself for a Cotswold sojourn.

Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Explore the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Combine art and the great outdoors as you follow a charming sculpture trail through woodlands in Gloucestershire.

Discover Laurie Lee Country

Take inspiration from the BBC adaptation of the classic novel ‘Cider with Rosie’ and follow in the footsteps of author Laurie Lee through the Slad Valley.

Location: Slad village near Stroud, Gloucestershire

Slow things down in Hidcote Manor Gardens

Forget about the outside world for a few hours in this perfect spot of Gloucestershire.

Location: Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire

Experience rock climbing in the picturesque Wye Valley

The spectacular Wye Valley cliffs offer a unique and beautiful playground for what is now one of the UK's largest participation sports.

Walk in the footsteps of Romans at Chedworth Roman Villa

Discover 4th-century Roman England at Chedworth.

Location: Fossebridge, Gloucestershire

Don’t be afraid to make a splash at Cotswold Water Park

Cotswold Water Park has more than 150 lakes to choose from – offering all kinds of watersports. Take your pick!

Location: The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

Go shopping for retro clothes on a Cotswolds vintage tour

Visit the Cotswolds and discover vintage treasures on a carefully designed retro-themed driving tour.

Location: Tewkesbury or Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

Get to the heart of the crafty Cotswolds

Allow yourself to be dazzled – and perhaps, learn to dazzle yourself – at a place where art comes to life.

Location: Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Spoil yourself with a bit of luxury at Ellenborough Park

Indulge in classically beautiful surroundings and enjoy a hotel that strives for excellence.

Seek out wild garlic flowers amongst Gloucestershire’s woodland

Wild garlic flowers are pretty little things to spot on a summer’s ramble in the Cotswolds, and make for a delicious addition to your salad bowl.

Indulge with the Cotswolds' Pudding Club

Join a foodie revolution where pudding is king in the Cotswolds.

Location: Chipping Camden, Gloucestershire

Explore the rooms and grounds of Snowshill Manor

From suits of Samurai armour to antique bicycles of all shapes and sizes, there are about 22,000 reasons to take a nose round Snowshill Manor.

Location: Snowshill, Gloucestershire

• See more results

Related Items

Nearby places to visit.

A skyline of dreaming spires, domed theatres and college gargoyles. Oxford inspires. Pack up picnics for pauses in deer parks, meadow flood plains and exotic botanic gardens in this central-southern city.

Visit Bristol, Banksy’s town and experience a wide range of attractions for all the family. From stunning bridges to modern museums, this South West city has something for everyone.

We've something we want to share

Want to receive travel tips and ideas by email?

VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Go to the survey

To add items to favourites …

… you need to be logged in.

If you already have an account, log in.

Or register a new account

Access your account

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gloucestershire

Things to do in gloucestershire, explore popular experiences, popular cities in gloucestershire.

Ways to tour Gloucestershire

Private Cotswold Village Tour - 4th & 5th guest travel FREE

Cotswolds Day Tour From Stratford Upon Avon Moreton In Marsh

Cotswold Way National Trail South Route (7 days, 6 nights)

3 hour Campfire Evening Experience at Notgrove

Cotswolds Summer Adventurer Tour

9-Day Self-Guided Cycling Tour in Cotswold

Cotswolds Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK

2 Day Tour of Cotswolds & Stratford-upon-Avon with Accommodation

4 Days Driving Tour in Cotswold by The Romantic Road

1 hour Axe Throwing Experience at Notgrove

Top attractions in gloucestershire.

Multi-day Tours

Tours & Sightseeing

Cultural & Theme Tours

Private & custom tours, what travellers are saying.

Top Things to Do in Gloucester - Gloucester Must-See Attractions

Things to do in gloucester, explore popular experiences, tours in and around gloucester.

Cotswolds Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK

Guided walking tour : Ghosts & Giggles Of Gloucester

Harry Potter Tour of England by Black Taxi Tour from London

Harry Potter Film Locations of Lacock & Cotswolds - small group

The New Inn Ghost Tour

Full Day Cotswolds Tour; Where Opulence and Heritage Converge

Classic Cotswolds Private Tour

Cotswolds Private Day Tour

The Cotswold Tour

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Gloucester

Other Top Attractions around Gloucester

Cultural & Theme Tours

Walking & biking tours, what travellers are saying.

What a prickle…

We're sorry – it looks like something's gone wrong

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Gloucester (Gloucestershire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Gloucester (Gloucestershire, England)

A historic inland port on the River Severn, Gloucester is at the entrance to England’s West Country on the cusp of the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean.

Originally this was the Roman fort of Glevum, defending a crossing on the Severn, and gained its town charter under Henry II in 1155. Gloucester’s cathedral has to be a priority, for its majestic Perpendicular tower and Norman nave.

In the 19th century the city’s fortunes were transformed with the construction of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, and striking Victorian warehouses still surround the city’s docks, which are now an upmarket residential district and mall.

After the war Gloucester had a blossoming aerospace sector, and you can view a rare collection planes made by the Gloster Aircraft Company at the Jet Age Museum.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Gloucester :

1. Gloucester Cathedral

The roots of Gloucester Cathedral go back to an abbey set up in the 670s.

The cathedral as we see it was completed between the 11th and 15th century and has a Norman Romanesque core, and embellishments from every phase of English Gothic architecture.

From a distance you can’t help but be drawn to the 15th-century Perpendicular tower, which is 69 metres high and topped with four intricate pinnacles.

The nave is unmistakably Norman, with powerful circular columns supporting semi-circular bays, under a later Early English Gothic vaulted ceiling.

Look for the late Decorated Gothic East Window, which has Medieval stained glass, while the cloisters have England’s earliest fan vaults, produced between 1351 and 1377. The most important monument in the cathedral is the tomb for Edward II, who was murdered not far away at Berkeley Castle in 1327.

2. Gloucester Docks

Gloucester has England’s most inland port, which came about in the first decades of the 19th century when the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal was completed.

With the advent of railways and road freight the docks fell into disuse in the 20th century, before being revived as a stylish residential and commercial area in the 1980s.

There are 15 monolithic Victorian warehouses here, testifying to the volume of goods that passed through Gloucester when the port was at its peak.

You can also check out a chapel built for the city’s mariners in the 19th century, a dry dock in working order and all sorts of other historic infrastructure, beautifully preserved.

The warehouses have since been turned into museums and housing, while some have been adapted by the Gloucester Quays mall.

3. Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Opened in 1827, this 16.5-mile canal cuts across a loop in the River Severn between Gloucester in the north and Sharpness in the south.

When it was completed it was the broadest and the deepest canal in the world, allowing far larger ships to visit Gloucester’s docks than had been possible on this difficult stretch of the river.

The large span of the canal is crossed by bulky swing bridges, beside dainty bridge-keepers’ houses, which lend the canal a distinctive character.

For a peaceful day in the countryside you can amble along the towpath, stopping on the grassy banks for a picnic or pub lunch.

There’s a superb wetland centre at Slimbridge beside the canal where you can sight wildlife, from migrating waterfowl to otters.

4. Gloucester Life

This museum for Gloucestershire’s social history is in two stunning half-timbered houses on Westgate Street.

Side by side, these are a 16th-century Tudor merchant’s residence and a town house from the 1600s.

According to tradition John Hooper, the Anglican Bishop of Gloucester stayed in the merchant’s house the night before he was burnt at the stake by Queen Mary I in 1555. Some of the things to see inside these houses include equipment related to fishing on the River Severn, period costumes, a reconstruction of a classroom in Victorian times, scenes from domestic life over five centuries and the interior of a pin factory that used to be on this site.

5. Robinswood Hill Country Park

This 200-metre hill to the south of Gloucester once provided the city’s water supply.

Springs bubble through Robinswood Hill and were harnessed by Gloucester Abbey in the 1200s.

Reservoirs were dug in the 19th century, and these were filled in during the second half of the 20th century to provide facilities for the country park that occupies the hill today.

In these 250 acres you can take in stirring views over to the Black Mountains in the west, south to the Severn Bridge and Cotswolds, and north to the Malvern Hills.

A historic orchard has been restored on the hill, while the space is nature reserve, offering a habitat for species like badgers, foxes and red kites.

6. Nature in Art

A three-mile drive north of Gloucester will take you to this wonderful gallery of art inspired by nature, housed in the splendid Georgian mansion Wallsworth Hall.

This is claimed to be the largest collection of nature-based art in the world and comes in a host of media.

In the permanent collection are pieces by British painters and illustrators who devoted their careers to wildlife, like George Edward Lodge, Eric Ennion, Charles Tunnicliffe and Archibald Thorburn, as well as universally known artists like Picasso and an array of Flemish Masters.

There are bronze sculptures, works of contemporary glass, porcelain items from the Far East, watercolours, engravings and woodcarvings.

Kids can attend workshops in the school holidays, and there’s a coffee shop looking out over a sculpture garden.

7. Blackfriars Gloucester

Maintained by Gloucester City Council, Blackfriars is an unusually complete Dominican black friary that you can visit on Sundays and Mondays in summer.

The friary was founded beside Gloucester’s southern walls in 1239, with the backing of King Henry III. After the monastery was dissolved in the mid-16th century, Blackfriars was preserved as a mansion, while its cloisters became a cap factory and then dwellings in the 1700s.

Restored in 1960, the complex has lots of riveting things to check out, like the scissor-braced roof in the dormitory and the oldest purpose-built library to survive in the UK.

8. Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

This military museum in the former Custom House on the docks recounts the history of the Gloucester Regiment and the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars.

The objects on show span three centuries and relate to the many conflicts that these regiments have been involved in, from the Napoleonic Wars to peacekeeping in the Balkans in the 1990s.

The museum has two Victoria Crosses, the highest award for gallantry in the UK honours system.

There’s also a series of lifelike tableaux, archive footage, audio snippets, weapons, pieces of equipment, heavy machinery, paintings, silverware and uniforms.

9. Museum of Gloucester

In a Victorian Renaissance Revival building, the Museum of Gloucester is an engaging miscellany, covering fine art, applied art, palaeontology, archaeology and local history.

One piece to keep on your agenda is Rufus Sita Tombstone, a 1st-century Roman stele discovered on London Road and more than 1.2 metres in height.

In the art collection are works by Thomas Gainsborough and J. M. W. Turner, while there’s also Dutch Delftware and Arts and Crafts bowls by Alfred and Louise Powell.

Kids will be enthused by the dinosaur fossils, and one of the more peculiar exhibits is a portrait of Oliver Cromwell without his characteristic warts.

10. Gloucester Waterways Museum

In the Gloucester Quays development, the Gloucester Waterways Museum examines the 200-year history of Gloucester Docks, and shipping and navigation on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

The attraction is an a portion of the Llanthony Warehouse, constructed in 1873 and formerly used for alcohol, timber and grain.

In the galleries are interactive exhibits, models, vintage signs and a fleet of historic vessels like tugboats, barges and narrowboats.

You can see what a canal repair yard would have looked like, entering its machine shop and forge, and checking out its hydraulic accumulator, heavy oil engine, steam crane and weighbridge.

11. St Mary de Crypt Church

On Southgate Street, this beautiful Medieval church has a blend of Gothic and Norman architecture.

St Mary de Crypt was consecrated in the first decades of the 12th century and then reworked in Perpendicular Gothic style in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Over the west door you can view a preserved Norman tympanum, depicting a lamb and flag, symbolising the Resurrection of Christ.

The nave dates to the 1400s and has a beautiful pulpit carved in the Renaissance style in the early 1600s.

One of the founders of Methodism, George Whitefield, gave his first sermon at St Mary de Crypt in 1736 before travelling to America to spread this denomination.

12. Highnam Court Gardens

On weekdays from March to September you can drop by this estate on Gloucester’s western outskirts to view the fabulous gardens that have been restored over the last 25 years.

The Mannerist house at Highnam court is one of just a few to have been built during the Commonwealth (Interregnum) in the 17th century, and was designed by a student of Inigo Jones.

Surrounding large ponds, the gardens were designed by the artist Thomas Gambler-parry, after he bought the estate in 1838. After a fallow period in the 20th century, the gardens have slowly been brought back to their former glory, with a boxwood knot garden, kitchen garden, wisteria walk and a Pulhamite winter garden, featuring waterfalls, waterfalls and rock gardens.

13. Jet Age Museum

In the post-war period Gloucestershire firms like the Gloster Aircraft Company, Smiths Industries and Dowty Rotol all contributed to the UK’s aviation boom.

That chapter of local history is recorded at the Jet Age Museum on the north side of Gloucestershire Airport.

It’s the only museum in the world with four complete Gloster Aircraft Company jets in one place.

These are two Gloster Meteors (T.7 and F.8) and two Gloster Javelins (FAW.4 and FAW.9). You can also find full-scale models of a Gloster E28/39 and a Hawker Hurricane, as well as the cockpits of an Avro Vulcan and a Hawker Siddeley Trident.

14. Severn Bore

A curious phenomenon occurs on the Severn, Britain’s longest river, when the rising tide surges up the river in the form of a wave.

If the bore takes place during the day you may see groups of surfers and canoers trying to catch it.

The Severn Bore can be seen around 260 times a year, taking place twice a day on 130 days.

The highest bores roll in around the equinoxes, although they can take place at other times of year: They are rated on star system, five being the highest, but even three-star bores are worth seeing.

If you’re in Gloucester during a bore, you can see it just west of the city, between Stonebench and Maisemore Weir.

15. Gloucester Quays

With upwards of 120 stores in 2018, the Gloucester Quays shopping centre has continually expanded since it opened in 2009. In 2017 it was announced that a further £100m would be invested into the development, adding an additional floor to the main centre.

What sets Gloucester Quays apart from typical malls is that the designer outlet department is housed in brick former warehouses on Gloucester Docks, with long alleys and waterfront terraces for alfresco dining in summer.

The 10-screen cinema complex, Cineworld, opened here in 2013, while new chain restaurants arrive by the year.

15 Best Things to Do in Gloucester (Gloucestershire, England):

• Gloucester Cathedral
• Gloucester Docks
• Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
• Gloucester Life
• Robinswood Hill Country Park
• Nature in Art
• Blackfriars Gloucester
• Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
• Museum of Gloucester
• Gloucester Waterways Museum
• St Mary de Crypt Church
• Highnam Court Gardens
• Jet Age Museum
• Severn Bore
• Gloucester Quays

• Route planner

The Top 18 Attractions around Gloucester

Plan. Save. Navigate. Your best adventures await.

Start today with a free komoot account.

Gloucester Cathedral

Bike Touring Highlight

Situated close to the River Severn, Gloucester Cathedral first appears in records in the 11th century. Built as an abbey church, it has a Norman nucleus as well as touches … read more

Robinswood Hill

Hiking Highlight

Robinswood Hill's nature trails and viewpoints are an absolute delight. Easily accessible from Gloucester, the park is a great place from which to survey the surrounding countryside. Rising to 650 … read more

Sign Up To Discover Places Like This

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Gloucester Docks

Road Cycling Highlight

Beautiful restored area of Gloucester - perfect for a wander around in any weather. If you get peckish... check out the Toasty shop on the far side of the docks... … read more

LV14 SULA Lightship

LV14 SULA is a nationally registered historic Lightvessel commissioned by the Humber Conservancy Board in 1959. Stationed on the Humber Estuary for 26 years until being decommissioned in 1985, for … read more

Cycling World Record

This plaque marks the spot that Gloucester Boy Jamie McDonald broke the world record for longest time ever spent on a static bicycle. Jamie made the decision to attempt the … read more

Tip by Anna McNuff

The Canal Path through Gloucester

Road Cycling Highlight ( Segment )

Apart from one very short (slightly muddy) section near the marina (100 yards), this section of the towpath is absolutely pristine and joy to ride on. It is by far … read more

Over the River Severn NCN Route 45

Ace, traffic-free trail. A nice break from some of the surrounding roads. :)

Gloucester Docks Area

Forget what Komoot says about the track between here and Elmore... it is pristine gravel or paving and very smooth. There's only one 100 yard stretch where it's a bit … read more

Tip by Ecce Homer

Booth steam crane, North Quay

Permanent feature on the Gloucester docks, you are not allowed to climb aboard unfortunately.

St. Oswald's Anglo-Saxon Minster and Medieval Prior

The standing wall on this site incorporates remnants of the church built about 900 AD by Æthelflæd, the daughter of King Alfred the Great and also known as the Lady of Mercia. read more

Popular around Gloucester

Road Cycling Collection by komoot

Running Collection by komoot

Hiking Collection by komoot

Mountain Biking Collection by komoot

Explore the most popular Tours around Gloucester

Are you keen on exploring more awesome places nearby? Browse our guides:

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

• Cotswolds Aonb
• Forest Of Dean

Regions of Gloucestershire

• City of Gloucester
• Cheltenham Spa
• The Cotswolds
• The Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
• The Severn Vale
• Maps of Gloucestershire
• Travel Information
• Gloucestershire Webcams
• Promote your Business

What's On / Events

• Gloucestershire What's On Homepage
• Gloucestershire What's On this June
• Family Events in Gloucestershire
• School Holidays in Gloucestershire
• Christmas in Gloucestershire
• Family Events
• Local News & Reviews
• Promote your Event

Things to Do

• South Gloucestershire & Severn Vale
• Discounts & Offers
• Visitor Attractions
• Fun & Activities
• Museums & Heritage
• Places of Interest
• Gloucestershire Walks
• Childrens Birthday Parties
• Gloucestershire Weddings

Food & Drink

• Food & Drink Homepage
• Food & Drink Festivals & Events
• Country Pubs
• Eating Out Offers
• Farm Shops & Markets

Where to Stay

• Where to Stay Homepage
• Tewkesbury & Severn Vale
• B&Bs / Guest Houses
• Self Catering Accommodation
• Caravan & Camping

Offers & Competitions

• June Competition
• Latest June Offers...
• Offers by Categories
• Gloucestershire Gift Vouchers
• Photography Competition
• Special Competitions
• Past Competition & Answers

Event Search

Places search.

Days Out in Gloucestershire

• Gloucestershire Arboretums, Parks & Gardens

Family Days Out in Gloucestershire

Historical buildings in gloucestershire.

• Museums of Gloucestershire
• Transport & Heritage Railways in Gloucestershire
• Animal Parks & Zoos in Gloucestershire

Get More from Explore!

Things to Do in Gloucestershire

There is a plethora of amazing days out in Gloucestershire - from wildlife parks to historic castles, there are many wonderful days out in Gloucestershire to enjoy!

Take a look at our Great Days Out in Gloucestershire Guide - we're sure you'll find exciting things to do in Gloucestershire for the family, things to do in Gloucester, planning a group visit to the Cotswolds or school trips for exciting adventure activities in the Forest of Dean.

Explore and enjoy!

Arboretums, Parks & Gardens in Gloucestershire

Days Out in Gloucestershire with some of the finest arboretums, parks and gardens in the whole of Britain.

There are plenty of great days out in Gloucestershire for the family.

Museums in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Days Out at museums and heritage sites throughout Gloucesetershire .

Castles, Roman villas, old English lodges, and many other historical buildings for great days out in Gloucestershire.

Railways & Transport in the Cotswolds

Days Out in Gloucestershire must include a trip on a steam railway or visit to a transport museum.

Wildlife & Animal Park Days Out in Gloucestershire

From butterflies to birds and anteaters to giraffes, Gloucestershire has an abundance of great animal and wildlife park visitor attractions.

Search for Days Out in Gloucestershire and Visitor Attractions on our interactive Gloucestershire Map

A great way to find out things to do in Gloucestershire with our Days Out in Gloucestershire interactive map.

Featured Days Out in Gloucestershire

Berkeley Castle

Batsford Arboretum

Forest Adventure Outdoor Centre

Clearwell Caves

Amazing Hedge Puzzle

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo

Wye Valley Miniature Golf

Gloucester Cathedral

Sudeley Castle and Gardens

Nature in Art at Wallsworth Hall

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Birdland Park and Gardens

Cotswold Falconry Centre

Wye Valley Warfare Laser-Ops

Cotswold Motoring Museum

Painswick Rococo Garden

Corinium Museum

Axe Play at JDR Karting & Activity Centre

270 Climbing Park

Archery at JDR Karting & Activity Centre

Over Farm Countryside Adventure

Cotswold Country Park & Beach

Darklight Lasertag JDR Karting & Activity Centre

Bibury Trout Farm

JDR Karting & Activity Centre

Forest Segways at Go Ape!

Go Ape Tree Top Adventure

Holst Victorian House

Sandford Parks Lido

Woodchester Mansion

Dean Heritage Centre

Dick Whittington Park

Whitemead Forest Park Adventure Golf

Forest of Dean Adventure Golf

Eastgate Viewing Chamber

Caving at Clearwell Caves

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

The Wilson: Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum

Woodchester Park

Perrygrove Railway

Westbury Court Garden

Lydney Spring Gardens

Tewkesbury Museum

Stanway House and Fountain

Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Bourton House Garden

Abbey House Garden

Hailes Abbey

Kelmscott Manor

Newark Park House

Rodmarton Manor

Old Mill Museum

Hidcote Manor Garden

St Augustines Farm

Owlpen Manor

What's On & Upcoming Events

• Forthcoming events
• School Holiday Events

Regions of Gloucestershire

• The Cotswold
• The Forest of Dean

Things to See & Do

Where to stay in gloucestershire, places to eat food & drink, offers & competitions.

• Monthly Competition
• Latest Offers
• Offers by Category

Top Things to Do in Gloucester, Cotswolds

Places to visit in gloucester, explore popular experiences, tours in and around gloucester.

Cotswolds Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK

Guided walking tour : Ghosts & Giggles Of Gloucester

Harry Potter Tour of England by Black Taxi Tour from London

Harry Potter Film Locations of Lacock & Cotswolds - small group

The New Inn Ghost Tour

Full Day Cotswolds Tour; Where Opulence and Heritage Converge

Classic Cotswolds Private Tour

Cotswolds Private Day Tour

The Cotswold Tour

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Gloucester

Other Top Attractions around Gloucester

Cultural & Theme Tours

Walking & biking tours, what travellers are saying.

Sign Up Today

Start your 14 day free trial today

The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 of the Best Historic Sites in Gloucestershire

Nestled amongst the cotswold hills, forest of dean and river severn are some historical gems not to miss in gloucestershire..

Lucy Davidson

19 may 2022, @lucejuiceluce.

Gloucestershire, a country in South West England, is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as early as the 10th century. The area, which includes the Cotswold Hills, part of the River Severn and the entirety of the Forest of Dean, has witnessed a range of significant historical events.

The Battle of Tewkesbury took place in Gloucestershire in 1471, and proved to be one of the most decisive of all battles in the Wars of the Roses. Similarly, the last battle of the English Civil War took place in 1646 close to Stow-on-the-Wold.

Today, the county is home to a number of fascinating historic sites which attest to its varied heritage. From medieval abbeys to Jacobean manor houses, here are 10 of the best historic sites in Gloucestershire that you can visit today.

1. Chedworth Roman Villa

Located in a beautiful valley in Cheltenham are the remains of one of the grandest Roman villas ever discovered in Britain. Evidence of the first stone structure at Chedworth Roman villa dates to the 2nd century AD, and consists of three detached buildings of a few rooms each. Over the following centuries, the villa was extended until it was at its most lavish in the 4th century AD; it featured large bath houses, stunning mosaic floors and marble features. However, it was abandoned after the Roman Empire pulled out of Britain in 410AD.

Centuries passed, and it was not until a gamekeeper unearthed it in 1864 that the full scale and grandeur of the villa was discovered. The outline of the villa was then reconstructed by placing local stone on top of surviving walls, and a lodge and museum were built nearby. In 1924, the property was passed to the National Trust. Today, the remains of the villa – including the stunning mosaics and sophisticated flushing toilets – are open to the public.

2. Berkeley Castle

Located in the town of Berkeley, Gloucestershire, Berkeley Castle is a grade I listed building that dates to the 11th century. Originally a motte-and-bailey castle, it was held by three generations of the Berkeley family. Much of the castle dates from the 14th century, when it was expanded. It is known as having been the likely site of the murder of King Edward II , and for having been visited by Queen Elizabeth I .

Today, the castle is the third-oldest continuously occupied castle in England (after the Tower of London and Windsor Castle ), and the oldest to continuously be both owned and occupied by the same family. Visitors can enjoy the finely decorated rooms which feature chandeliers and silver lamps, as well as paintings dating from the 16th to 20th centuries, fine furniture and a spider’s web ceiling.

3. Thornbury Castle

Grade I listed Thornbury Castle is a Tudor castle located in Thornbury. Construction on the castle began in 1511 as an additional residence for the Duke of Buckingham. When the 3rd Duke of Buckingham was beheaded for treason in 1521 on the orders of King Henry VIII , the castle was confiscated by Henry, who lived there for 10 days with Queen Anne Boleyn in 1535. After the Civil War , the castle fell into disrepair; however, it was renovated in 1824 by the Howard family.

Today, the castle is a 26-room luxury restaurant and hotel as well as a popular wedding venue. From 1966 to 1986, it was operated as one of the UK’s top restaurants by Kenneth Bell MBE along with Nigel Slater and Simon Gault. Today, it maintains an excellent reputation for its food.

4. Gloucester Cathedral

Located in the north of Gloucester near the River Severn, Gloucester Cathedral originated in around 678 AD with the foundation of an abbey, which was later dissolved by King Henry VIII . A church of St Peter was built in the same location in 1058. It consists of a Norman nave, with a notable monument in the cathedral being a shrine to Edward II of England, who was murdered at the nearby Berkeley Castle in 1327.

Today, the cathedral is a practicing religious building as well as a tourist attraction. Popular features are a stained glass window which depicts the earliest images of golf, which dates to around 1350, and a carved image of people playing a ball game, which is believed by some to be a very early image of medieval football.

5. Hailes Abbey

Richard of Cornwall is said to have founded this abbey following his involvement in a near-fatal shipwreck. The abbey was consecrated in 1251. In 1270, the abbey acquired a vial that was said to contain the Holy Blood. It then became a popular pilgrimage destination. Hailes Abbey fell victim to Henry VIII’s Reformation in 1538 , when the phial of Holy Blood was removed from the site and found to be ‘honey clarified and coloured with saffron’.

Today, the site is home to the stunted yet elegant ruins of the abbey – the cloisters’ fine arches remain, overgrown but dignified. Nothing’s left of the church, save the outlines of its foundations. There’s also a fascinating little museum displaying items from the site, including floor tiles, carved ceiling bosses and an exceptionally rare fragment of a 14th-century monk’s spectacles. A free audio tour really brings the site to life.

6. Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre

Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre was constructed in the early 2nd century to hold a capacity of 8,000 spectators. Located in the major Roman city of Corinium, today known as Cirencester, Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre would have attracted visitors from around  Roman Britain .

Though Corinium was the second-largest city in Roman Britain after Londinium , following the Roman retreat from Britain in the 5th century however, the once-thriving community rapidly declined. The amphitheatre fell into disuse as a centre of entertainment. It was briefly used as a medieval fortress, then it was abandoned again until the Abbot of Cirencester began using it as a rabbit warren.

Today, Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre is managed by English Heritage and is open to the public. Very little of its structure remains however its large earthworks are still visible, giving an insight into the size of the former theatre – one of the largest in Britain.

7. Sudeley Castle

Grade I listed Sudeley Castle in Sudeley, near the Cotswolds, is part of a 1,200-acre estate in the Cotswold hills. It was initially built in 1443 on the site of a former 12th-century fortified manor house. It was later seized by the crown, becoming the property of King Edward IV and King Richard III , who built its famous banqueting hall. King Henry VIII and his wife Anne Boleyn visited the castle in 1535, and it later became the resting place of King Henry VIII’s final wife, Catherine Parr. The castle was used as a military base during the First English Civil War , then was besieged and slighted by parliament. It remained in ruins until it was purchased and turned into a family home in 1837.

Today, the castle is known for its stunning interiors, art collection and its 10 gardens covering some 15 acres. It remains one of the few castles left in England that is still a private family residence.

8. Newark Park

Situated on top of the Cotswold escarpment, Newark Park is made up of a 750 acre estate which features a former Tudor hunting lodge, built in 1550. Over successive centuries the lodge changed hands and was added to, most notably by the Low family of London, who significantly extended the building in 1672 by adding a four-storey building to the west. In 1949, the property was gifted to the National Trust, who initially turned it into a nursing home. After falling into a state of disrepair, it was saved by Texan architect Robert Parsons in the 1970s, who highlighted many of the property’s original features.

Today, the informal gardens at Newark Park are popular amongst visitors. The National Trust hosts a range of events throughout the year such as Easter trails, a classic car show, a Christmas weekend and outdoor theatre performances.

9. Stanway House

A Jacobean manor house near the village of Stanway in Gloucestershire, Stanway House was constructed in the late 16th and early 17th century for the Tracy Family, the Earls of Wemyss and March, who still live there. A Grade I listed building, it is known for its elegant furniture, fascinating gatehouse, 14th century tithe barn, 18th century water garden, church and parkland.

The current Earl of Wemyss and March has pursued a programme of restoration for years, such as on the 18th-century water garden, which features a single jet fountain that reaches 300 feet high, making it the highest fountain in Britain, and the highest gravity fountain in the world. Today, the house and grounds are open to the public on a limited basis every year.

10. Odda’s Chapel

One of the most complete surviving Anglo-Saxon churches in England, Odda’s chapel lay undiscovered for centuries, its walls hidden amongst the winding rooms of a 17th-century farmhouse, Abbot’s court. The nave had been converted into a kitchen, while the chancel was used as a bedroom. Originally established by the eponymous local nobleman in the 1050s, it was dissolved by during the Dissolution of the Monasteries , at which point it became a farmhouse.

In 1865, a local vicar realised that there had once been a chantry chapel nearby. However, it was only in 1885 during repairs to Abbot’s Court that a blocked Anglo-Saxon window was discovered hidden behind plaster. Today, the chapel is open to the public. Walks in the area are also popular. 

Top Things to Do in Gloucester - Gloucester Must-See Attractions

Things to do in gloucester, explore popular experiences, tours in and around gloucester.

Cotswolds Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK

Guided walking tour : Ghosts & Giggles Of Gloucester

Harry Potter Tour of England by Black Taxi Tour from London

Harry Potter Film Locations of Lacock & Cotswolds - small group

The New Inn Ghost Tour

Full Day Cotswolds Tour; Where Opulence and Heritage Converge

Classic Cotswolds Private Tour

Cotswolds Private Day Tour

The Cotswold Tour

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Gloucester

Other Top Attractions around Gloucester

Cultural & Theme Tours

Walking & biking tours, what travellers are saying.

• Home take me
• Travel Guides
• Itineraries
• Travel Tips
• North America
• About me learn more
• Contact get in

7 Very Best Things To Do In Gloucester, United Kingdom

Last Updated on 9 January 2023

*This post may contain affiliate links , which means that if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you! This allows me to continue bringing you valuable content for free and any purchases you make via these links are gratefully appreciated. Please refer to my Disclosures for more information.*

Are you spending the weekend in gloucester.

Because staycations are the in thing right now and the only real hassle-free way to travel, I recently went on a city break to Gloucester (this isn’t such a bad thing, because it’s got me and many others exploring our home countries). I would usually be gallivanting around on some of the best summer city breaks in Europe or ticking off my Southeast Asia bucket list right now, but instead decided to spend a grand total of 2 nights in Gloucester (and had an absolute ball). Before going, I researched the best things to do in Gloucester and having now road-tested these, I want to share them with you so you don’t miss out on any of the good bits!

Is Gloucester worth visiting?

Yes, Gloucester is definitely worth visiting and makes for the ideal UK city break. But if you were there for more than 2 nights I think you would probably run out of things to do in the city centre, unless you are into museums, want to literally shop until you drop, or intend to do various day trips out of Gloucester (this is just my opinion). I would definitely go back in the future for a couple of nights, because it makes for the ideal getaway .

What’s Gloucester famous for?

Gloucester is probably most famous for its historic dock s and impressive cathedral . The city has also acted as the setting for one of Beatrix Potter’s well-loved stories , The Tailor Of Gloucester, which was inspired by a visit to the city. Gloucester is also located a stone’s throw from the Cotswolds , which is scattered with traditional English villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe. 

So what are the top things to do in Gloucester?

1. explore gloucester docks.

One of the top things to do in Gloucester and a necessary component of any visit to the city is to wander around the historic docks . Gloucester Docks is one of the UK’s most inland docks, and are home to 15 Victorian dock buildings, Mariner’s Chapel, a working dry dock where boat repairs are still made, tall ships, canal boats and the odd yacht or two.

They are lined with an abundance of sociable dockside cafes, restaurants and bars, making it one of the best places to wine and dine in the city. Whilst wandering around, let your imagination run wild back to a time long ago when the docks were bustling with cargo ships arriving to offload their goods.

2. Shop ’til you drop at Gloucester Quays

Located within Gloucester Docks is Gloucester Quays . Alongside the docks and the Cathedral, Gloucester Quays is probably one of the main reasons people pay a visit to the city. Dotted with cafes and restaurants, Gloucester Quays is a designer outlet shopping centre , where you will find a mix of high street and designer shops and might be able to snap up a bargain at up to 70% off of the retail price. Gloucester Quays is one of the best places to visit in Gloucester if you fancy a spot of retail therapy or need to do some Christmas shopping!

3. Wander around Gloucester Cathedral

Located smack bang in the middle of the city centre and one of the most notable things to see in Gloucester is Gloucester Cathedral . The resting place for some renowned humans such as Edward II and Robert of Normandy (the eldest son of William the Conqueror, who is buried somewhere beneath the building), Gloucester Cathedral was built mostly in the 13th and 14th centuries.

A place of worship for Christians for over 1,300 years, Gloucester Cathedral has also featured as a film set for various Harry Potter movies . To walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, you’ll need to visit the cloisters. At the time I visited, there was no entrance fee for visiting Gloucester Cathedral but a donation will always be greatly appreciated.

Tip: Gloucester Cathedral has a 225ft tall central tower, making it visible from across the city centre. So if you get lost in Gloucester (which you shouldn’t because the centre is fairly small and Gloucester’s attractions are clumped together), then just look for the tower to guide your way.

4. Visit the House of the Tailor of Gloucester

Set in a quaint alleyway a stone’s throw from Gloucester Cathedral, the House of the Tailor of Gloucester is a museum and shop dedicated to Beatrix Potter . The House of the Tailor of Gloucester is sketched in Potter’s book, The Tailor of Gloucester.

She took inspiration for this story when visiting a friend near to the city, and took a trip into the city to sketch buildings and visit 43 Westgate Street which was home to the Tailor of Gloucester her friend had told her about. A visit to the House of the Tailor of Gloucester is one of the best free things to do in Gloucester , but a donation or purchase of a souvenir will go a long way towards the upkeep of the exhibition.

5. Feast at Greek on the Docks 

Located along the historic Gloucester Docks, Greek on the Docks is a Greek and Mediterranean restaurant which I would highly recommend you eat at during your trip to the city. With uninterrupted views of the old warehouses and docked boats, Greek on the Docks makes for a truly atmospheric place to dine. They serve the most scrumptious and fresh Souvlaki , and the portion sizes were generous too. I visited one lunchtime to sample their lunch menu, and because the prices were reduced during this time I got to have a three-course meal for an unbelievable price (check their website to see up to date deals and menus).

6. Do a day trip to Bourton-on-the-Water 

One of the best things to do near Gloucester is to take a day trip to the Cotswolds . Running through 5 counties and covering an area of nearly 800 square miles, the Cotswolds is full of market towns, quaint villages, natural beauty and castles.

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds , owed to its picture-postcard perfection and tranquil river that runs through the centre. There are lots of things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water itself, but during a day trip from Gloucester some of the must-dos are getting chips from The Chip Shed and sitting alongside the River Windrush, and visiting the Cotswold Motoring and Toy Museum .

7. Get a drink at the Lord High Constable of England

For many of us Brits, Wetherspoons are a quintessential part of UK culture. They are a chain of pubs which serve affordable food and drinks, and can often be found in the most unique of buildings. The Lord High Constable of England is located within the historic docks . The middle section of the building was a Victorian saw mill, and the front and back sections were school rooms and offices. But what makes having a drink at the Lord High Constable of England one of the best things to do in Gloucester is the outdoor seating at the rear of the building, which offers views across the docks.

Book your Gloucester accommodation

Pssst… sharing’s caring! Pin this post using one of the images below, so you can find it easily later!

The Scrapbook Of Life

Posts by The Scrapbook Of Life

You Might Also Like

Amsterdam During Christmas – 5 Festive Things To Do In December

 Top 10 Things To Do In Marmaris, Turkey

A Quick Travel Guide To Langkawi, Malaysia [3 Minute Read]

Marmaris Excursions – 7 Very Best Day Trips From Marmaris, Turkey

10+ Things To Do In Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Germany’s Fairytale Town

9 Very Best Things To Do In Zadar, Croatia

3 Days In Amsterdam – The Perfect Itinerary + How Much It Costs

Big Buddha Hong Kong – Visitors Guide, How To Get There + FAQs

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gloucester

Things to do in gloucester, explore popular experiences, tours in and around gloucester.

Cotswolds Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK

Guided walking tour : Ghosts & Giggles Of Gloucester

Harry Potter Tour of England by Black Taxi Tour from London

Harry Potter Film Locations of Lacock & Cotswolds - small group

The New Inn Ghost Tour

Full Day Cotswolds Tour; Where Opulence and Heritage Converge

Classic Cotswolds Private Tour

Cotswolds Private Day Tour

The Cotswold Tour

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Gloucester

Other Top Attractions around Gloucester

Cultural & Theme Tours

Walking & biking tours, what travellers are saying.