Although Gloucestershire is full to the brim of scenic villages, and quaint historic towns, it also offers visitors the chance to sample some city life as well in the so called ‘county town’ of Gloucester. The city lies close to Wales, The Cotswolds, and the Malvern Hills, and can be found on the east banks of the River Severn.
This riverside city has one of the most inland ports in the country, and the docks that run alongside it are a focal point for both residents and tourists. Some of the Victorian warehouses still exist, with restaurants, the Waterways Museum, and Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum among its attractions. Gloucester Docks has also proved to be a fine film location, with many TV and Film Companies setting up their cameras here. These include the teams behind Vanity Fair, Colour of Magic, and Outlaw. The impressive site of Gloucester Cathedral is also popular as a Film/TV location, with the grounds recently seen in Doctor Who, and the interiors forming part of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter Films. It seems the town has inspired some literature too, as well known author Beatrix Potter based her tale the Tailor Of Gloucester on a true story from the town.
Elsewhere, visitors can escape outdoors and take a cruise down the River Severn or Bristol and Sharpness Canal, or follow a guided Ghost Walk around Gloucester. Shopaholics haven’t been forgotten either, with the Gloucester Quays Designer Shopping Outlet, with the remainder of the shopping areas divided into Northgate, Eastgate, Westgate and Southgate Quarters. Northgate is where visitors will find the Kingswalk Shopping Centre, the more traditional Cherry and White Market, and an open air events space hosting activities all year round. Eastgate is where you will find a selection of high street stores, the City Museum and Art Gallery, the Gloucester Guildhall Music Venue, and a lively nightlife, while Westgate offers a selection of independent shops, gift outlets, and cafes. Finally there’s Southgate quarter, a bustling mix of the familiar and the independent, it’s also the place to find St Michaels Tower Heritage Centre, and the traditional weekly Farmers Market.
The fun doesn’t start and end with shopping and tourist attractions either, as the City has a comprehensive events program throughout the year, which includes Gloucester Carnival Procession, Beach In The Park, and Gloucester International Rhythm and Blues Festival in the Summer, Fireworks in the Autumn, and a Magical Winter Wonderland as part of Gloucester’s Christmas Program.
Just like the buildings and attractions in the town, the eating and drinking facilities in the City are a heady mix of the historic and modern, and can be found throughout the City. Accommodation is equally as varied, with camping and caravan pitches available in Slimbridge, a traditional Wool Merchants House Hotel in The Cotswolds, and a range of Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouse, and hotel accommodation to suit all needs and budgets.
A fascinating place to visit then, and with so much to see, do, watch, and experience, and great rail and road links, there’s no excuse not to visit Gloucester next time you take a trip to the South West of England.
