During a recent visit to Bristol, I was looking for a short day trip and thus stumbled upon the lovely city of Gloucester. Small, yet full of charm and history, Gloucester is famous for its stunning cathedral (its cloister was even used as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies!) Beyond its magnificent cathedral, Gloucester is full of things to do and see. Read on if you want to discover my 5 favourite free things to do in Gloucester!
Currency: British Pound (£)
Language: English
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Summer
Suggested Visit: 1 day
The name ‘Gloucester’ is pronounced ‘Gloster,’ the ‘ce’ being silent (most visitors get it wrong the first time!) This odd pronunciation comes from the Old English ‘ceaster,’ which means Roman town or fort — a little reminder of the city’s long history.
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Gloucester Cathedral
Built in the 11th century, Gloucester Cathedral is one of the city’s greatest landmark. Famous for its stunning medieval architecture, which includes a mix of Norman and Gothic styles, its cloisters are particularly beautiful and were even used as a filming location for some of the Harry Potter films (specifically Philosopher’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets and the Half-Blood Prince for you fellow fans!) The cathedral itself is free to visit, but there are also guided tours of the crypt, tower and library (although these do come at a cost). I haven’t done them myself (yet!), but they look fascinating and are worth having a look on the official website for photos, opening times and tickets.
Gloucester Docks
Going for a walk along Gloucester Docks is perhaps one of my favourite memories of the city. When I first saw the red brick warehouses, I was immediately reminded of Liverpool Docks, which I absolutely adore and therefore instantly fell in love with. As you stroll along the water, you’ll discover the charm and beauty of Britain’s most inland port. I’d recommend walking around for a wee bit and then stopping at Wetherspoons — or ‘Spoons,’ as we call it here — and grabbing a refillable cuppa and one of those pub classics while watching the boats go by.
Gloucester Greyfriars Ruins
Gloucester Greyfriars was founded in c. 1231 for Franciscan monks, who were known as ‘grey friars‘ because of the simple grey clothes they wore. While most of the friary is now long gone — dissolved under Henry VIII’s rule in the 16th century — you can still see parts of the old church today. What remains are sections of the stone walls and some beautiful arches, left behind right in the city centre. I find it fascinating to imagine how big and important this place once was. The ruins are free to visit well worth stopping by if you’re interested in Gloucester’s medieval past.
Westgate Street
Westgate Street is one of the city’s main historic streets and a great place to wander if you want to explore the city’s long past. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD, Gloucester showcases a fascinating blend of architectural style. On Westgate Street, timber-framed houses remind me of Chester, the red-brick buildings recall the North of England, and the stone churches feel a little like Scotland. Filled with small shops and cafes, this is the perfect place to do a bit of window shopping or stop for a traditional afternoon tea.
The River Severn
The River Severn, the longest river in the UK at 220 miles (354 km), plays a crucial role in Gloucester’s heritage as it shaped the city’s development and trade. In 1580, Queen Elizabeth I granted Gloucester port status, which allowed the city to trade with foreign ports and greatly increased its maritime importance. The river played a crucial role in this as it was a vital route for transporting goods, therefore supporting the local economy and helping connect Gloucester to the rest of the world. Today, the Severn is a great place to go for a walk and reflect on the city’s history.
Gloucester may be small, but it’s full of things to see and do. Whether you’re into history, architecture or nature, there’s something here for everyone, and while some attractions cost a little, many of them are free and you can easily spend a day out in Gloucester without spending a penny. If you’re interested in discovering more hidden gems, check out my guide to the Top 5 Things to Do in Tewkesbury, another charming and often overlooked town in the British Isles.
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