Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Gloucester has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Gloucester.
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Sights in Gloucester
Gloucester is an historic city in southwestern England. The city is built on the River Severn and is located about 80 miles (130 km) southwest of London. Gloucester is the county town of Gloucestershire and is governed by Gloucester City Council.
The city is home to a number of important landmarks including Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester Docks, and the National Waterways Museum. The cathedral, founded in 681, is renowned for its beautiful architecture and is a Grade I listed building. The docks, which date back to the 14th century, are now a popular leisure destination with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. The museum is dedicated to the history of the UK’s canals and rivers and is located in one of the historic warehouses at the docks.
Gloucester is also well known for its annual International Festival of Making which celebrates the city’s rich heritage of making and manufacturing. The festival takes place over a weekend in May and features a range of events and activities including workshops, demonstrations, and talks.
History of Gloucester
Gloucester has a long and proud history dating back to Roman Britain, when the town was known as Colonia Glevum Legio II Augusta. The Romans built a fort here around AD 50, which grew into a town with a baths, amphitheatre and market. The town flourished until the Romans left in the 4th century.
After the Romans left, the town was taken over by the Saxons who called it Gleawecastre, meaning bright fort. In Saxon times, Gloucester was an important trading centre and had its own mint. The town was also the site of a battle in 577 between the Saxons and the Britons.
The Normans captured the town in 1066 and renamed it Gloucester. The Norman castle was built in 1070 and became a royal castle. Gloucester Cathedral was started in 1089 and completed in 1100. It is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England.
During the Middle Ages, Gloucester was an important town and port. It was the scene of a rebellion in 1216 against King John, and in the 14th century it was the southern base for the campaigns of Edward, the Black Prince.
The town suffered during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, but recovered in the Tudor period to become an lively centre of trade and culture. A number of famous people were born in Gloucester, including the poets Edward Thomas and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and the painter Sir Thomas Lawrence.
The industrial revolution brought changes to Gloucester, with the development of the docks and the growth of industries such as engineering and shipbuilding. The 20th century saw the decline of the docks and many of the traditional industries, but Gloucester has reinvented itself as a thriving shopping and tourist destination.
Vacation in Gloucester
Gloucester is an English city located on the River Severn, roughly equidistant from Bristol and Birmingham. It has a long and rich history dating back to Roman times and today is home to a beautiful cathedral, a thriving docklands area, and a number of museums and other visitor attractions. Gloucester also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside of the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean, or for enjoying a variety of outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and canoeing. Here are just a few ideas for interesting things to do on a vacation in Gloucester.
Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral is one of the most important Gothic buildings in England and well worth a visit. The present building dates mostly from the 14th century, though parts of the underlying structure are even earlier. Highlights include the magnificent west front with its three huge porches, the cloisters, and the Lady Chapel. The Cathedral is also home to the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world believed to date from around 1300.
Gloucester Docks
The Gloucester Docks were once one of the busiest in the world and today they have been regenerated to provide a mix of businesses, shops, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities. The Docks are also home to the National Waterways Museum, which tells the fascinating story of Britain’s canals and rivers. Visitors can take a boat trip along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, or try their hand at canoeing or paddleboarding.
Kingsholm Stadium
Home to Gloucester Rugby, Kingsholm Stadium is one of the oldest and most atmospheric rugby grounds in England. The stadium dates back to 1891 and is renowned for its passionate supporters, who are known as ‘The Shed’. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium, including the changing rooms and pitch, or enjoy a meal or drink in one of the bars and restaurants. On match days, there’s nothing like getting caught up in the atmosphere and watching some of the best rugby players in the world in action.
Gloucester Folk Museum
The Gloucester Folk Museum is located in the heart of the city and tells the story of the people of Gloucester from Roman times to the present day. The museum is located in a series of historic buildings, including a Tudor merchant’s house, an 18thcenturyinn, and a Victorian schoolhouse. Visitors can see a variety of exhibits on topics such as local crafts and traditions, social history, and the city’s role in the English Civil War.
The Step Back in Time Trail
The Step Back in Time trail is a great way to explore Gloucester’s history and architecture. The trail takes in a total of 20 sites, including the Cathedral, the Docks, and Kingsholm Stadium, as well as a number of historic buildings and monuments. Free trail leaflets are available from the Tourist Information Centre.
These are just a few of the many things to see and do on a vacation in Gloucester. With its rich history, beautiful architecture and great location for exploring the surrounding countryside, Gloucester makes a great destination for a memorable vacation.
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