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.
Top hotels in Gloucester
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Hallmark Hotel Gloucester
4 out of 5
Marlstone Close, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester, England
£52
per night
29 Nov-30 Nov
Situated in Gloucester, this spa hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre and within 3 miles (5 km) of Gloucester Quays and Gloucester ...…Situated in Gloucester, this spa hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre and within 3 miles (5 km) of Gloucester Quays and Gloucester ...WWW…
3.7/5Good! (627 reviews)
"Comfortable Hotel and good breakfast which was all that we needed. No Hot Chocolate though!"…""Comfortable Hotel and good breakfast which was all that we needed. No Hot Chocolate though!"WWW…"
Sawmills End, Corinium Ave A417, Gloucester, England
£29
per night
8 Dec-9 Dec
Situated in the business district, this hotel is within 3 miles (5 km) of Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucester Docks. Gloucester Quays is 2.3 ...…Situated in the business district, this hotel is within 3 miles (5 km) of Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucester Docks. Gloucester Quays is 2.3 ...WWW…
4.2/5Very Good! (1,046 reviews)
"The room was clean and the staff where friendly"…""The room was clean and the staff where friendly"WWW…"
Waterwells Business Park Quedgeley, Gloucester, England
£31
per night
22 Dec-23 Dec
Situated in Gloucester, this hotel is within 6 miles (10 km) of Gloucester Quays, Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Cathedral. Haresfield Beacon and Soldiers of ...…Situated in Gloucester, this hotel is within 6 miles (10 km) of Gloucester Quays, Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Cathedral. Haresfield Beacon and Soldiers of ...WWW…
4.2/5Excellent! (667 reviews)
"Gave us a disability room it was for someone in a wheel chair. Although I am older customer I am not quite Disabelled The room was ok the bed comfy and room ok"…""Gave us a disability room it was for someone in a wheel chair. Although I am older customer I am not quite Disabelled The room was ok the bed comfy and room ok"WWW…"
Once a thriving maritime port, this urban redevelopment is now a buzzing district of fashion outlets, riverside restaurants, museums and a working boatyard.
Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds & Oxford with Free Lunch Pack
£78
The Cotswolds Discover the captivating Cotswolds! Enjoy views of breathtaking countryside, sleepy villages, and bustling market towns on our panoramic tour of one of England’s most beautiful regions.
Walk the beautiful Wye valley to the ancient Tintern Abbey
£58
There are undoubtedly few rivers in the UK that come anywhere near to the beauty of the River Wye. The fifth longest river in the UK rises in the remote uplands of Mid Wales and flows through often mind-blowing scenery to the Severn Estuary.
Making a pot on the potter’s wheel is one of those ‘I’ve always wanted to do’ activities. This fun session offers the opportunity to do just that! Perfect for individuals, couples and small groups wanting to get creative with clay.
Convenient for Cheltenham Racecourse where I had a Tradestand and excellent value for the 5 day stay .
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
18 Nov 2019
Loved Gloucester town,cathedral and quays area all realy good and worth a visit
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
3 Nov 2019
Plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs. Shopping would suit all ages for retail therapy. We visited The Tall Ship pub close to the docks and had an excellent meal 5*
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
23 Oct 2019
There was a lot of traffic but signposting was good.
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveller
22 Oct 2019
We live in Gloucester an stayed at holiday inn 4 our wedding Anniversary as we got married there 2 yrs ago
