Best 20 things to do in Gloucester, United Kingdom

Welcome to the quirky and charming city of Gloucester, where the locals sport an accent that sounds like a delightful mix of Shakespeare and a tea kettle. First on your must-do list is visiting Gloucester Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and possibly holding the key to the whereabouts of Harry Potter's invisibility cloak. Don't miss out on the Gloucester Cheese Rolling Festival, where you can witness brave souls chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill, proving that not all heroes wear capes (or have edible footwear). Finally, wrap up your trip by exploring the scenic Gloucester Docks, where you can pretend to be a pirate for a day, or at least dream about finding buried treasure.

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1. Nature in Art

4.6 (460)

Wallsworth Hall, Gloucester GL2 9PA, UK

Welcome to Nature in Art, where the beauty of Gloucester's enchanting landscapes meets the creativity of artists in a truly "nature-ific" way! Prepare to be blown away by the breathtaking artwork that captures the essence of marshes, forests, and rolling hills. As you meander through the galleries, keep your eyes peeled for sculptures that make rocks come alive, paintings that make you want to dive into the sea, and installations that make you feel like you've been transported into an enchanted forest. Nature in Art is an experience that will leave you thinking, "Who needs a passport when you can explore the wonders of Gloucester right here?"

www.natureinart.org.uk

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2. Gloucester Quays

4.3 (10193)

St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SH, UK

Welcome to Gloucester Quays in the wonderful city of Gloucester, where the charm of yesteryears collides with a shopping extravaganza! Prepare to be whisked away by a delightful fusion of history and retail therapy. Wander through the charming cobbled streets, where waterfront views and quaint buildings create the perfect backdrop for your shopping adventures. Don't forget to fuel up at the delightful eateries; trust me, they know how to satisfy your hunger pangs in a way that'll make you forget you came to shop in the first place!

www.gloucesterquays.co.uk

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3. Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery

4.3 (244)

Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, UK

Welcome to the Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery, where history meets art in a delightful collision of culture! Prepare yourself for a stroll through time as you navigate this quirky museum, adorned with the finest collection of archeological finds since your grandma's attic. Step inside and marvel at the vast array of artifacts, each one more puzzling than the last – caution: attempting to decipher the complex historical tapestry may result in you scratching your head so vigorously, you'll be deemed a walking exhibit yourself!

www.museumofgloucester.co.uk

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4. Gloucester Cathedral

4.8 (6001)

12 College Grn, Gloucester GL1 2LX, UK

Welcome to Gloucester Cathedral, where history, faith, and architectural marvels converge in a truly uplifting experience. Behold the grandeur of this medieval masterpiece, with its magnificent stone walls that have witnessed more centuries than your great-aunt Ethel. From the stunning stained glass windows that soak the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors, to the stunning arched ceilings that provide the perfect echo chamber for any questionable singing attempts, you'll feel closer to heaven and perhaps closer to being the next Pavarotti. So, grab your camera, your sense of humor, and be prepared to explore a place where legends are made and Instagram moments are a-plenty!

www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk

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5. Gloucester Park

Gloucester Pk, Gloucester GL1, UK

Welcome to Gloucester Park, a quirky little oasis in the heart of Gloucester! This charming park is a perplexing blend of picturesque beauty and slightly puzzling perplexity. Take a leisurely stroll through its winding paths, but don't be alarmed if you end up completely turned around – it's like a real-life game of hide-and-seek where the park wins every time! As you marvel at the park's enchanting flora and fauna, keep an eye out for elusive squirrels that seem to have taken inspiration from Harry Houdini, forever vanishing at the precise moment you spot them!

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6. Blackfriars Priory

4.5 (225)

Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellegate St, Gloucester GL1 2HN, UK

Nestled in the charming city of Gloucester, lies the cheekily enchanting Blackfriars Priory. If history had a sense of humor, it would have been born here. Visitors will be delighted by the striking medieval architecture, where the blend of beauty and crumbling stone walls creates a charming backdrop that screams "Instagrammable!" Step back in time and bask in the ambience as you wander through this ancient priory, where even the resident ghosts seem to have a knack for comedic timing.

www.gloucesterblackfriars.co.uk

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7. Greyfriars

Greyfriars, Gloucester GL1, UK

Welcome to Greyfriars in Gloucester, a place where history and humor collide! Prepare yourself for a rip-roaring stroll through the remnants of this 13th-century Franciscan friary. Be ready to catch a glimpse of the ghostly friars who may or may not have a penchant for telling dad jokes. And if you're lucky, you might even stumble upon some medieval graffiti that'll make you chuckle and let out a hearty “LOL”! So grab your sense of humor and let's dive into this hilarious historical gem in the heart of Gloucester.

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8. Dick Whittington Family Leisure Park

3.5 (225)

Little London, Longhope GL17 0PH, UK

Welcome to the magical realm of Dick Whittington Family Leisure Park! Nestled in the charming land of Gloucester, this extraordinary park will transport you back to a time when entertainment revolved less around gadgets and more around silly laughter. Prepare yourself for a whimsical journey filled with thrilling rides that make your stomach do acrobatics, delightful shows that will make you laugh till your sides ache, and an array of scrumptious treats that will leave you plotting ways to smuggle them home in your suitcase.

dickwhittingtonpark.co.uk

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9. Gloucester Guildhall

Guildhall, 23 Eastgate St, Gloucester GL1 1NS, UK

Welcome to Gloucester Guildhall, where history meets entertainment, and a dose of delightful quirkiness! This charming venue, nestled in the heart of Gloucester, is a cultural hub that will have you tapping your toes, nodding in approval, and scratching your head all at once. With its impressive architecture, a dash of eclectic charm, and an events calendar that could give a hyperactive squirrel a run for its money, this place is truly a hidden gem worth exploring.

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10. Cattle Country Adventure Park

Cattle Country Adventure Park, Berkeley GL13 9EW, UK

Welcome to Cattle Country Adventure Park in Gloucester, a udderly fantastic destination for all animal lovers! This unique park is not just another run-of-the-mill farm experience; it's an udderly hilarious adventure! Get ready to be moo-ved by the delightful assortment of farm animals, thrilling attractions, and a surprising number of cow puns scattered throughout the park, making it a "moo-tastic" day out for the whole family!

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11. Jet Age Museum

4.9 (213)

Meteor Business Park, Cheltenham Rd E, Gloucester GL2 9QL, UK

Tucked away in the charming city of Gloucester lies the Jet Age Museum, a place where aviation enthusiasts and plain old curious minds collide. Prepare to be whisked away into a world where aircraft reign supreme, and your nostalgia for outdated technology is reignited. From the roar of the engines to the awe-inspiring displays, this museum will have you soaring with knowledge and cheesy airplane-related puns in no time.

www.jetagemuseum.org

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12. Eastgate Shopping Centre

3.9 (3866)

22 Eastgate St, Gloucester GL1 1PA, UK

Welcome to Eastgate Shopping Centre in delightful Gloucester. Here, retail dreams come true, and with its innovative design resembling a labyrinth, you'll absolutely need a compass (or maybe Sneezy the squirrel) to navigate through the abundance of shops. Don't be alarmed if you find yourself trapped in an endless quest for the perfect pair of shoes; just remember to bring snacks, a charger, and a sense of humor!

www.eastgateshoppingcentre.co.uk

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13. Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

4.5 (266)

Custom House the Docks, 31 Commercial Rd, The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2HE, UK

Welcome to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, where history buffs and military enthusiasts can rifle through fascinating exhibits and march through time. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of the brave souls who proudly wore the Gloucestershire regiment's uniform, helping you understand why they always marched with a spring in their step (or at least a sturdy beat). With displays that could make even the hardest soldier crack a smile, you'll discover an army of artifacts just waiting to be deployed into your curiosity.

soldiersofglos.com

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14. Robinswood Hill Country Park

4.6 (1354)

Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, UK

Nestled in the charming city of Gloucester, Robinswood Hill Country Park is a hidden gem that promises visitors a truly wild and wacky experience. As you embark on a stroll through its lush greenery, be prepared to encounter some alarmingly friendly squirrels that could potentially steal your heart (and your snacks). Don't forget to keep an eye out for the park's resident herd of curious cows, who may have secretly formed a bovine poetry club - remember, it's udderly breathtaking!

www.gloucester.gov.uk

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15. Gloucester Docks

The Docks, Gloucester GL1, UK

Welcome to Gloucester Docks, where the charming collision of boats and barges will make you feel like a pirate without the risk of scurvy! As you wander along the historic quays, be prepared to spot some eccentric ducks engaging in their own version of synchronized swimming. Don't be alarmed if you overhear locals debating whether a boat is a floating abode or a fancy hat – the Docks possess a peculiar sense of humor that mirrors the quirkiness of its surroundings.

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16. Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre

4.5 (227)

Matson Ln, Matson, Gloucester GL4 6EA, UK

Nestled amidst the charming hills of Gloucester lies the epicenter of winter excitement - Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre. With slopes that suspiciously resemble a molehill, this ski resort promises a unique experience for beginners and avid skiers alike. Don't be fooled by the quaintness of the venue; their ski instructors possess an unparalleled ability to transform even the clumsiest of humans into graceful snow-dancing unicorns.

www.gloucesterski.com

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17. Rococo Garden

4.5 (1531)

Gloucester Rd, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6TH, UK

Hidden away in the charming Gloucester countryside lies the delightful Rococo Garden, where Mother Nature plays dress-up like a diva from the 18th century. Stroll through this whimsical wonderland and be prepared to be dazzled by fanciful follies and shrubberies that wouldn't look out of place at a royal tea party. Don't forget to curtsy or bow to the nature gods when you come across the extravagant ornamental gate – it's the polite thing to do!

www.rococogarden.org.uk

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18. Gloucester Waterways Museum

4.2 (298)

Llanthony Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2EH, UK

Welcome to the Gloucester Waterways Museum, where you can take a delightful dip into the fascinating world of boats and barges. Prepare to be swept away by the riveting tales of Gloucester's maritime history, as if you were sailing on a sea of hilarious anecdotes. Be amused and amazed as you navigate through refreshingly quirky exhibits, where even the most stoic traveler can't help but unleash a tidal wave of laughter.

canalrivertrust.org.uk

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19. Gloucester Folk Museum

4.7 (100)

99, 103 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PG, UK

Welcome to the Gloucester Folk Museum, where the past comes to life and the exhibits are as lively as a cheeky squirrel on a caffeine high. Wander through its quirky rooms and witness the tales of Gloucester's locals, who seem to have had more adventures than a melodramatic soap opera. Get ready for a time warp that will leave you entertained, educated, and possibly questioning the sanity of the town's inhabitants.

thefolkofgloucester.co.uk

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20. Gloucester Antiques Centre

4.5 (234)

26 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2NG, UK

Welcome to the Gloucester Antiques Centre, where time travel meets treasure hunting! Nestled in the heart of Gloucester, this quirky place is a haven for antique enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike. Prepare to be lost amidst a labyrinth of unique artifacts, where you never know what hidden gem or oddity you may stumble upon - the only rule here is expect the unexpected!

www.gloucesterantiquescentre.com

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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.

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Gloucester, located in South West England, is a historic yet affordable destination. Visitors can explore the city's rich history with free entrance to Gloucester Cathedral and soak in the scenery with a stroll through the nearby Cotswolds countryside. To keep costs low, budget accommodation options include hostels and campsites while dining options range from street food markets to traditional pubs.

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Gloucester Getaway: A 2-Day Family Adventure Extravaganza!

Gloucester, United Kingdom offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with its rich history, charming atmosphere, and exciting attractions. Visit the stunning Gloucester Cathedral, famous for its medieval architecture, and explore the interactive exhibits at the Gloucester Waterways Museum. The kids will love exploring the Gloucester Docks, home to the National Waterways Museum and a variety of family-friendly activities, making it a perfect destination for a memorable family vacation.