Gloucester: The Complete Guide

Visiting Gloucester offers a charming blend of urban culture and scenic surroundings in the heart of the South West England region. The city’s compact centre is easy to explore on foot, with a variety of shops, cafes, and markets creating a lively atmosphere. Visitors often enjoy strolling along the Gloucester Docks, a revitalized historic waterfront area filled with restaurants, galleries, and boutique shops that provide a relaxed and vibrant experience.
Gloucester’s location in Gloucestershire means it’s a great base for exploring nearby natural attractions like the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, and boating in the surrounding countryside. The city’s parks and green spaces also offer pleasant spots for relaxation, making it appealing for families and nature lovers alike.
Cultural offerings in Gloucester include theatres, museums, and festivals that reflect the city’s creative spirit. From live performances at the Guildhall to events celebrating local food and music, there’s often something happening to engage visitors. This combination of accessible city life with easy access to rural landscapes makes Gloucester a versatile and welcoming destination in the South West.
Table of Contents
- History of Gloucester
- Roman Gloucester
- Saxon and Viking Gloucester
- Medieval Gloucester
- Tudor and Stuart Gloucester
- Industrial Gloucester
- Modern Gloucester
- 8 Best places to See in Gloucester
- Gloucester Cathedral
- Gloucester Docks
- Gloucester Waterways Museum
- Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
- Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery
- Kingsholm Stadium
- Blackfriars Priory
- Robinswood Hill Country Park
- Gloucester Guildhall
- Beatrix Potter’s House of the Tailor of Gloucester
- Greyfriars Priory, Gloucester
- Museum of Gloucester
- Blackfriars Priory Gloucester
- The House of the Tailor of Gloucester
- Gloucester Cathedral
- Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
- Gloucester Waterways Museum
- Gloucester Historic Docks
- 15 Best Day Trips from Gloucester
- Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
- Chedworth Roman Villa
- Hailes Abbey
- Chepstow
- Bristol
- Bath
- North Leigh Roman Villa
- Newport
- Warwick
- Hay-on-Wye
- Oxford
- Birmingham
- Cardiff
- Coventry
- Old Wardour Castle
- Where to Stay in Gloucester
- Best Time to Visit Gloucester
- Visiting Gloucester in Spring
- Visiting Gloucester in Summer (Best)
- Visiting Gloucester in Autumn
- Visiting Gloucester in Winter
- How to get to Gloucester
History of Gloucester
Roman Gloucester
Gloucester was founded by the Romans in AD 48 as a military fort to guard a strategic river crossing. By AD 97, it had developed into a full Roman colony known as Colonia Glevum Nervensis, one of the most important Roman settlements in Britain. The city was laid out in a grid pattern, featuring a forum, temples, and bathhouses. Roman Gloucester thrived as a center for trade and administration until the empire’s decline in the 4th century.
Saxon and Viking Gloucester
Following the Roman withdrawal, Gloucester saw a period of decline before being revived by the Saxons in the 7th century. A monastery was established, and the town became a center for religious activity. In the 9th century, Gloucester was fortified as part of a network of defensive burhs to protect against Viking invasions. The remains of St. Oswald, a Northumbrian king, were brought to Gloucester in 909, turning the city into a pilgrimage site.
Medieval Gloucester
During the Norman period, Gloucester gained prominence, with William the Conqueror visiting in 1085 and commissioning the Domesday Book. The construction of Gloucester Castle and Gloucester Cathedral in the 11th and 12th centuries solidified its importance. The city became a center for trade, particularly in wool and leather. In 1155, Gloucester was granted its first charter, giving it self-governing rights. The Wars of the Roses saw Gloucester play a strategic role due to its fortified position.
Tudor and Stuart Gloucester
Gloucester remained a stronghold of Catholicism during the Tudor period, but religious tensions grew during the Reformation. The city supported Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War, successfully resisting a Royalist siege in 1643. This victory was crucial in shaping the outcome of the war. The 17th century saw Gloucester expand as a market town, with industries such as cloth-making and shipbuilding flourishing.
Industrial Gloucester
The 18th and 19th centuries brought industrial growth to Gloucester, particularly with the construction of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal in 1827, which improved trade routes. The city became a hub for engineering, manufacturing, and transportation. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century further boosted economic development, making Gloucester a key industrial center.
Modern Gloucester
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Gloucester evolved into a thriving city with a mix of historic charm and modern development. While traditional industries declined, new sectors such as finance, technology, and tourism emerged. The city’s rich heritage is preserved through its historic sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate its long and varied history.
Visiting Gloucester for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Gloucester on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
8 Best places to See in Gloucester
This complete guide to Gloucester not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Gloucester and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Greyfriars Priory, Gloucester

Location: Greyfriars Walk, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2EZ | Hours: Any reasonable daylight hours | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Greyfriars Priory, Gloucester
Museum of Gloucester

| Hours: PEAK SEASON (February half-term to end October half-term) Tuesday-Saturday | 10am-5pm and Sunday | 11am-4pmOFF-PEAK SEASON (End October half-term to February half-term) Tuesday-Saturday | 10am-4pm and Sunday | 11am-3pm | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Museum of Gloucester
Blackfriars Priory Gloucester

| Hours: The priory is open Sunday to Tuesday from 10am to 3pm | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Blackfriars Priory Gloucester
The House of the Tailor of Gloucester

Location: 9 College Court, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2NJ | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting The House of the Tailor of Gloucester
Gloucester Cathedral

| Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Gloucester Cathedral
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

Location: Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, Commercial Road, The Docks, Gloucester, UK | Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (10am - 4pm) including EasterPlease note that the last entry is at 3pm. | Price: Adult £5.00 per ticket Child £3.00 per ticket Concessions £4.00 per ticket Family £12.00 per ticket | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
Gloucester Waterways Museum

Location: National Waterways Museum Gloucester, The Docks, Gloucester, UK | Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Open daily over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, 2nd to 5th June. | Price: Adult (16+) £8.50. Child (6-15) £5.00. Child (5 and under) Free. Family £20.00. Concession £7.50. Boat trips charged seperately. | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Gloucester Waterways Museum
Gloucester Historic Docks

Visiting Gloucester Historic Docks
Best Day Trips from Gloucester
A day trip from Gloucester offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Gloucester provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.
Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

| Website | Distance: 9.6km
Visiting Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
Chedworth Roman Villa

Location: Chedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham, UK | Hours: 10am-5pm Apr-Oct, to 4pm mid-Feb–Mar & Nov | Price: adult/child £10.50/5.25 | Website | Distance: 22.1km
Visiting Chedworth Roman Villa
Hailes Abbey

| Hours: 10am-6pm Jul & Aug, to 5pm Easter-Jun, Sep & Oct | Price: adult/child £5.90/3.50 | Website | Distance: 24.3km
Visiting Hailes Abbey
Chepstow

Visiting Chepstow
Bristol

Visiting Bristol
Bath

Visiting Bath
North Leigh Roman Villa

Location: North Leigh, Witney, Oxfordshire , OX29 6PZ | Hours: Open any reasonable time during daylight hours| Price: Free | Website | Distance: 56.0km
Visiting North Leigh Roman Villa
Newport

Visiting Newport
Warwick

Visiting Warwick
Hay-on-Wye

Visiting Hay-on-Wye
Oxford

Visiting Oxford
Birmingham

Visiting Birmingham
Cardiff

Visiting Cardiff
Coventry

Visiting Coventry
Old Wardour Castle

Location: Old Wardour Castle, Tisbury, Salisbury, UK | Hours: 10am-6pm Apr-Sep, 10am-4pm Oct, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun Nov-Mar | Price: adult/child £5.40/3.20 | Website | Distance: 92.6km
Visiting Old Wardour Castle
Where to Stay in Gloucester
In Gloucester city centre, visitors will find a range of accommodation options that put them close to the historic docks, shops, and cultural attractions. Staying here means easy access to landmarks like Gloucester Cathedral and the Gloucester Quays shopping outlet. The area offers several comfortable hotels including The New County Hotel, known for its blend of classic charm and modern amenities. For those wanting a stylish yet central base, Holiday Inn Gloucester - Cheltenham is a popular choice.
Just outside the city centre, the Longlevens area provides a quieter stay with good transport links to Gloucester’s main sights. This suburban district is ideal for visitors seeking a more relaxed environment without sacrificing convenience. Here, smaller boutique hotels and guesthouses offer a homely atmosphere. One well-regarded option is The Angel Hotel, which combines comfortable rooms with easy access to nearby parks and local eateries.
For those travelling by car or looking for countryside charm, accommodation on the outskirts of Gloucester offers tranquil settings surrounded by green spaces. Locations such as Quedgeley and Churchdown provide a peaceful retreat while still being within short driving distance to the city centre. Some countryside inns and converted farmhouses deliver a cozy stay with a touch of rural character. A recommended choice in this category is The Greenway Hotel & Spa, offering wellness facilities alongside traditional comfort.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Gloucester. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Gloucester Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Gloucester
Visiting Gloucester in Spring
Spring in Gloucester brings mild temperatures averaging between 10°C and 15°C, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s historic docks and nearby countryside. This season sees the city come alive with events like the Gloucester History Festival, which celebrates local heritage with talks, tours, and exhibitions. The spring months offer fresh blooms in the city parks and gardens, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors.
Visiting Gloucester in Summer (Best)
Summer is the best time to visit Gloucester, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C, perfect for enjoying the vibrant outdoor spaces and festivals. The city hosts the popular Gloucester Tall Ships Festival, which attracts visitors with impressive sailing vessels, live music, and family-friendly activities along the waterfront. Longer daylight hours allow for extended sightseeing and enjoying the surrounding Cotswolds countryside.
Visiting Gloucester in Autumn
Autumn in Gloucester offers cooler temperatures between 10°C and 15°C and a more tranquil atmosphere as the summer crowds lessen. The city’s parks and nearby woodlands display beautiful autumnal colours, ideal for peaceful walks and photography. Autumn also features local food and craft markets that highlight seasonal produce, providing a taste of Gloucestershire’s culinary scene.
Visiting Gloucester in Winter
Winter in Gloucester is generally mild but can be damp, with temperatures often between 2°C and 8°C. The festive season lights up the city centre with Christmas markets and events, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Though the weather may limit some outdoor activities, the city’s museums, galleries, and theatres offer warm indoor options for visitors during the colder months.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 7°C 48°F
- February 9°C 51°F
- March 11°C 55°F
- April 15°C 63°F
- May 16°C 64°F
- June 20°C 71°F
- July 23°C 76°F
- August 23°C 78°F
- September 19°C 69°F
- October 14°C 62°F
- November 10°C 54°F
- December 10°C 53°F
How to get to Gloucester
Getting to Gloucester by Air
Nearest airports:
The closest major airport to Gloucester is Bristol Airport, about 50 miles away, offering flights from many UK and European cities. Birmingham Airport, around 60 miles from Gloucester, is another convenient option with extensive domestic and international connections. London Heathrow Airport, approximately 90 miles away, is also used by many visitors traveling to Gloucester due to its global reach.
Getting to Gloucester by Train
Gloucester is well connected by rail with frequent services to and from major cities such as London, Birmingham, and Cardiff. Direct trains run regularly from London Paddington and London Waterloo, making it accessible for day trips or longer stays. National Rail operators serving Gloucester include Great Western Railway and West Midlands Railway. For train times and bookings, visit National Rail Enquiries.
Getting to Gloucester by Car
Gloucester is easily accessible by car via the M5 motorway, with Junctions 11 and 12 providing entry points to the city. The A40 and A417 also connect Gloucester with surrounding towns and regions, making it a convenient base for exploring the Cotswolds and South West England. Parking is available in various city centre car parks and on-street spaces.
Travelling around Gloucester
Gloucester offers a good network of local buses that connect the city centre with suburbs and nearby towns. Walking and cycling are popular options within the compact city centre. Taxis and ride-sharing services provide additional convenience for visitors. For longer journeys by train, Gloucester station links well with regional and national destinations.