Gloucester Adventure: The Ultimate 4-Day Getaway

Discover historic charm and seaside beauty in Gloucester, UK.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, Gloucester offers an exciting mix of medieval and modern architecture. Visitors enjoy exploring the historic docks and taking a canal boat ride through the city, while also experiencing the vibrant local arts and culture scene. With its proximity to the Cotswolds, Gloucester is a perfect base for excursions to the beautiful countryside, ensuring a memorable trip.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrive in Gloucester:

  • Check into The New Inn a cosy hotel featuring traditional English decor and friendly staff.
  • Explore the historic Gloucester Cathedral dating back to 1089 you may recognize it as a filming location from Harry Potter.
  • Sample some local brews at The Tank Inn, a pub with a rooftop terrace overlooking the picturesque Gloucester Docks.
  • Walk around the docks and see the historic ships and boats that were once used for trade and the transportation of goods.
  • Feast on a hearty dinner of classic British cuisine at The Fountain Inn, specializing in pies and ale.
Day 2

Discover Gloucester's History:

  • Visit the Gloucester Folk Museum, housed in an iconic Tudor building, providing a glimpse into life in years gone by.
  • Explore St Mary De Crypt Church, where Edward Jenner (the inventor of the smallpox vaccine) was baptized in 1749.
  • Check out the Gloucester Waterways Museum, dedicated to the city's maritime history, including the famous Tall Ship, the KC.
  • Take a stroll around the picturesque Blackfriars area, once the site of a 13th-century monastery, still partially intact today.
  • Dinner at the Greek on the Docks, enjoy some mouth-watering Mediterranean delights overlooking the harbor.
Day 3

Cotswold Tour:

  • Drive to the picturesque Cotswolds, and spend the day exploring the breadth and beauty of the stunning countryside.
  • Just 10 miles out of Gloucester, take a special sightseeing tour in a jeep, taking you to places the big buses can't reach!
  • Stop for lunch in the charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds."
  • Take a visit to Snowshill Manor and Gardens, wander around the quirky and eclectic home of eccentric collector Charles Wade.
  • Head back to Gloucester, and sample the perfect Italian cuisine at Trattoria Settebello
Day 4

Relax in Gloucester:

  • Take a lazy stroll to Gloucester Retail Park where you will find a plethora of shopping choices in modern surroundings.
  • Check out the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, dedicated to those who served in this regiment of the British Army.
  • Relax your mind and body with a relaxing spa treatment at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel where you will also find a unique and whimsical garden bar.
  • End the trip in style by going for a meal of local and seasonal ingredients at The England's Glory restaurant & bar.
  • Until next time, Gloucester, it’s been a pleasure!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Gloucester

Welcome to the city where every local accent sounds like an audition for a Shakespeare play. If you're feeling lost, just ask for directions in their native tongue: Ow a' be then, my lovely.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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