Gloucester: 5 days of history, culture, and fun!

Discover the charm of seafaring history and stunning coastal landscapes in Gloucester, UK.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, a trip to the picturesque Gloucester city will offer a unique blend of historic and modern attractions. Visitors can stroll through the cobbled streets of the medieval Gloucester Cathedral, explore the fascinating exhibits at the Gloucester Folk Museum, and enjoy the charming waterfront views at the Gloucester Docks. With its rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes, Gloucester is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an authentic British experience.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival:

  • Check into your cozy room at the New Inn, a charming 14th-century hotel in the heart of Gloucester.
  • Stroll down Westgate Street, lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings, and stop by the Gloucester Cathedral.
  • Grab some fish and chips from the Golden Cross, one of the best hole-in-the-wall joints in town.
  • Take a ghost tour of the city, led by the infamous paranormal investigator, Eddie Price.
  • End the day with a pint of locally brewed ale at the Dick Whittington.
Day 2

Exploring the countryside:

  • Embark on a scenic drive to the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
  • Stop by the picturesque villages of Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold for tea and scones.
  • Visit the Snowshill Manor and Garden, a National Trust property featuring a collection of eccentric objects and a stunning hilltop garden.
  • Have dinner at the award-winning No. 131, a stylish restaurant serving modern British cuisine.
Day 3

Maritime history:

  • Visit the National Waterways Museum, housed in a restored Victorian warehouse, and learn about the history of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
  • Take a boat tour of the canal, passing through locks and swing bridges.
  • Head to the Gloucester Quays, a revamped dockside area with designer outlet stores and waterfront restaurants.
  • Grab lunch at TGI Friday's, a high-energy spot with a wide range of American-style dishes.
  • Visit the Soldiers of Gloucester Museum, dedicated to the county's infantry regiment.
Day 4

Art and culture:

  • Spend the morning at the Gloucester Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases fine art, archaeology, local history and natural science.
  • Catch a show at the Gloucester Guildhall, a lively venue for live music, comedy and theater.
  • Have a light lunch at Caffe Nero, a popular chain with a cozy atmosphere and tasty snacks.
  • Check out the Gloucester Antiques Centre, a treasure trove of vintage finds and oddities.
  • Dine at Pepper's Brasserie, a friendly eatery serving classic French and English dishes.
Day 5

Sports and shopping:

  • Head to the Kingsholm Stadium, the home of Gloucester Rugby, and watch a thrilling match.
  • Grab lunch at the Gloucester Services, a unique farm shop and café located on the M5.
  • Explore the Gloucester City Centre, a bustling shopping district with a mix of independent shops and high-street brands.
  • Have a farewell meal at the Greek On The Docks, a fantastic restaurant serving authentic Greek cuisine.
  • Say farewell to Gloucester, but not before stopping by the Katharine Lady Berkeley's School, the inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Gloucester by plane is to fly into Bristol Airport and then take a train or bus to Gloucester. Alternatively, you can fly into Birmingham Airport and then take a train or bus to Gloucester.

Car

The best way to get to Gloucester by car is to take the M5 motorway and exit at Junction 11 for Gloucester. Alternatively, you can take the A40 from London or the A38 from Birmingham to get to Gloucester.

Train

The best way to get to Gloucester by train is to take a direct train from London Paddington to Gloucester. Alternatively, you can take a train from Birmingham New Street to Gloucester.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Gloucester, but you can take a boat tour along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal to reach the city. Alternatively, you can take a boat to a nearby city like Bristol or Birmingham and then take a train or bus to Gloucester.

Bus

The best way to get to Gloucester by bus is to take a National Express coach from London Victoria Coach Station to Gloucester. Alternatively, you can take a Stagecoach bus from Birmingham to Gloucester.

Destination

Gloucester

Welcome to the city where every local accent sounds like an audition for a Shakespeare play. If you're feeling lost, just ask for directions in their native tongue: Ow a' be then, my lovely.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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