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GloucestershireGloucester

Originally known as 'Glevum', the city of Gloucester was established as a garrison by the Romans to guard the lowest crossing point of the River Severn. 

After the Roman city was abandoned it was revitalised as an important Saxon royal burg or fortified town. The Norman kings often made Gloucester their residence and it was here that William the Conqueror decided to carry out the Doomsday survey. William also ordered the construction of a new abbey church at Gloucester's Benedictine monastery.

  St Peter's Abbey became an important place of pilgrimage after the murdered King Edward II was buried here in 1327.  A great phase of building work in the 14th century produced the earliest example of Perpendicular architecture in England. 

In 1541, following the Dissolution of the Monastries, the abbey church was saved when King Henry VIII established it as a cathedral. 

In the Middle Ages Gloucester became a signficant inland port. Iron ore was transported from the nearby Forest of Dean and the port was vital to the city's medieval wool trade.  owever, its importance was undermined by the rapid growth of nearby Bristol.  To revive Gloucester's fortunes artifical docks, and the Sharpness and Gloucester Canal linking them to the mouth of the Severn, were opened in 1827. 

No longer used for shipping the Victorian warehouses at Gloucester Dock mark Britain's most inland port.  Today, the 15 buildings house award-winning museums, specialist shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and make a facinating day out for all the family.  Highlights include the National Waterways Museum, Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, Antiques Centre and Merchants Quay Shopping Centre. Guided walks in the summer and boat trips from Easter to October. 

Gloucester's main thoroughfares still follow the old Roman roads and meet at the Cross. The current street plan of the city is a direct legacy of the Saxon occupation. 

The chief glory of Gloucester is its cathedral. The east window is the largest medieval stained glass window in the world.  The cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral were used as locations are familar to Harry Potter fans as parts of the films were shot here.

Two miles north of the city at Twigworth is 'Nature in Art'.  Housed in a fine Georgian mansion, this is the first museum in the world to be dedicated exclusively to artworks inspired by nature.  

South of the city centre lies the 250 acre Robinswood Hill Country Park. 

Crowds often gather south of Gloucester to watch the dramatic Severn Bore. This surge wave, up to 2m in height, regularly forms in the Severn Estuary and travels upstream in three or four unbroken waves.

      Location Map of Gloucester
What To See -

Gloucester Tourist Attractions

 
East Gate Viewing Chamber,  Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1HP, this underground chamber reveals the remains of defences and the Eastgate of the city since it was established as a Roman fortress in around AD 68. The site includes Roman remains, the base of a 13th century tower and the Tudor 'horse-pool' where wagons and livestock were washed.  Open: May- Sept: Sat only.  Tours starting from Gloucester City Museum & Art Gallery, Brunswick Road Tel: 01452 396131 for times
 
Gloucester Antique Centre,1 Severn Road, Gloucester, GL1 2LE, follow tourist signs from M5 to Historic Docks, with 5 floors, housing over 140 dealers, an extensive collection of antiques and collectables.  Jewellery, porcelain, lamps, brassware, clocks, stamps, railwayana, collectable toys, books and  pictures. Browsing makes for a full day's entertainment.  Open: all year, Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00  Sun and Bank Holidays: 13:00-17:00 (  charge at weekends and Bank Holidays )
 
Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1HP, housed in a Victorian building in the heart of the city, the museum has been collecting archaeological finds, fine and decrative arts and natural history specimens since the 1860's.  Roman artifacts on display include the Rufus Sita tombstone, the Birdlip Mirror and the world's oldest complete backgammon set. Hands-on exhibits and interactive computer displays. Paintings include works by Gainsborough and Turner. Exhibitions and events. Open: all year, Tue-Sat: 10:00-17:00 Tel: 01452 396131
 
Gloucester Folk Museum, 99 - 103 Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2PG, dedicated to social history, the museum is housed in three historic timber-framed buildings.  Nos. 99 - 101 is a late-15th century merchant's house and the arched oak beams of the original shopfront can still be seen. Exhibits include Gloucester bank notes, civil war relics and children's toys. Buildings house a Dairy, Ironmonger’s shop and Wheelwright and Carpenter workshops. Exhibitions, activities and demonstrations throughout the year.Garden and courtyard. Open: Tue-Sat: 10:00 17:00 Tel: 01452 396868
 
St James City Farm, Albany Street, Tredworth, Gloucester, GL1 4NG, at this inner city farm visitors can enjoy hands on contact with farm animals such as pigs goats, sheep, rabbits, ducks and geese.Several rare breeds including the local Gloucester Old Spot pigs and curly Cotswolds Lambs. Outdoor picnic area.  Open: Summer: daily Apr-Sept: 09:30-17:00, Winter: Oct-Mar Tue-Sun 10:00-16:00 Tel:  01452 305728
 
Nature in Art , Wallsworth Hall, Twigworth, GL2 9PA, on the A38, 2 miles north of Gloucester, opened in 1988, Nature in Art was the first museum dedicated exclusively to fine, decorative and applied art inspired by nature. Temporary exhibitons, artists in residence, art courses and events. The museum is housed in Wallsworth Hall, a Georgian mansion. Open: Tue-Sun and Bank Holiday Mon, 10:00-17:00. - Closed 24-26 Dec Tel: 0845 450 0233 Admission Charge
 
Robinswood Hill Country Park , Gloucester, 2 miles south of city centre, off A4173, 250 acre country park with walks with views of the city and surrounding countryside. Nature, geology and horse trails and a guided walk programme. Rare Breeds farm.  The Gloucester Wildlife Trust has a visitor centre in the park with an exhibition and shop ( 09:00-17:00 Tel: 01452 38333 )  Open :daily all year.  Closes at dusk.
 
Westbury Court Garden, at Westbury-on-Severn, GL14 1PD, 9 miles south-west of Gloucester on A48 , the water garden at Westbury Court was created between 1697 and 1705 - the layout is still as it was originally planned. . A programme of renovation by the National Trust has restored the garden .Admission Charge Westbury Court Garden info
 

Where To Stay in Gloucester

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Hotels


Holiday Inn Gloucester / Cheltenham Crest Way, Barnwood Gloucester GL4 3RX MAP
Situated just off the M5, this contemporary hotel offers modern accommodation and an extensive range of leisure and business facilities.

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The Cheltenham Chase Hotel - A QHotel Shurdington Road Brockworth Gloucester GL3 4PB MAP
In a spectacular setting at the foot of the Cotswold Hills, close to junction 11A of the M5, this hotel is also ideally situated for visitors to Cheltenham and Gloucester. Just 1.

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The New Inn 16 Northgate Street Gloucester GL1 1SF MAP
Situated right in the heart of Gloucester, the New Inn is the perfect place to stay. Fully licensed restaurant, comfortable rooms and a traditional Gloucester welcome.

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Express by Holiday Inn Gloucester South Waterwells Business Park Nr Quedgeley Gloucester GL2 4SA MAP
Stay Smart at the Express in Gloucester! Great value for money and conveniently located.

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Ramada Bowden Hall Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards Gloucester GL4 8ED MAP
An elegant country house on the outskirts of Gloucester, the hotel is surrounded by acres of beautiful grounds, yet only minutes from the M5.

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Hatton Court Hotel Upton Hill Upton St Leonards Gloucester GL4 8DE MAP
This hotel is tucked away behind a bank of trees, on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment, between the city of Gloucester and Painswick. A former splendid Cotswold home, at Hatton Court you will feel eminently comfortable.

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Ramada Hotel & Resort Gloucester Matson Lane Robinswood Hill Gloucester GL4 6EA MAP
Stay at the Ramada & Resort Gloucester and experience everything you'd expect from an international hotel company. 3 star property. Sebastian Coe Health Club, 2 ski slopes, golf course, breakfast inclusive rates now available.

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Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels


Watersmeet Motel & Angling Centre Gloucester Road Hartpury Gloucester GL19 3BT MAP
Accommodation at Watersmeet has recently been refurbished. Three stock ponds are now providing an abundance of home-reared fish which are being stocked annually.

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Dark Barn Lodge  Rudford Barbers Bridge, Rudford Gloucester GL2 8DX MAP
Over 400 years old, this listed barn had been carefully restored to offer modern facilities whilst retaining the charm of yesteryear.

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Holiday Cottages


Cottage Ref: 2749 Gloucester GL1 2LE Tel: 01244 357717  MAP
This delightfully welcoming holiday property offers cosy accommodation including three bedrooms, a bathroom with an attractive roll top bath, two sitting rooms with open fires, original wooden floors, and a dining room that overlooks the River Severn....
Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 350.00-800.00
Sleeps up to 6 in 3 bedrooms.

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Around The Gloucester Area


Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:

Painswick (5.98 miles) Cheltenham (7.68 miles) Stroud (8.49 miles) Tewkesbury (9.52 miles) Ledbury (13.99 miles) Ross-On-Wye (14.73 miles) Cirencester (15.73 miles) Lydney (15.91 miles) Tetbury (16.19 miles) Wotton-under-Edge (16.45 miles) Malvern (17.26 miles)

Info
Tourist Information Centre

Where To Stay

What To See

Around The Area
Information Centre
. 28 Southgate Street
Gloucester
GL1 2DP
Tel: 01452 396572

Featured Hotel

Premier Inn Gloucester (Longford)
 Premier Inn Gloucester (Longford)
Tewkesbury Road Longford Gloucester
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