Gloucester on a Budget: 5 Days of Adventures

Experience the charm of Gloucester without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploring Gloucester

Check-in at City Lodge Guest House, a budget-friendly option with a central location.
Visit the historic Gloucester Cathedral, where some scenes from Harry Potter were filmed.
Wander through the charming streets of the city center, taking in the Tudor-style buildings and independent shops.
Indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea at The Fourteen Locks Café, complete with scones and clotted cream.
End the day with a pint of locally brewed ale at The Fountain Inn, a cozy pub with a friendly atmosphere.

Day 2

Discovering the Cotswolds

Take a day trip to the nearby Cotswolds, a picturesque region of rolling hills and picture-perfect villages.
Visit the colorful village of Bibury, with its famous Arlington Row of 17th-century weaver's cottages.
Explore the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, known for its antiques shops and quaint cafés.
Stop by the stunning Bourton-on-the-Water, dubbed the "Venice of the Cotswolds" for its quaint bridges and riverside walks.
End the day with a hearty pub meal at The Old George Inn in the village of Barnsley.

Day 3

Art and Museums

Spend the morning at the Gloucester Folk Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the city's history and culture.
Visit the Museum of Gloucester and view its collection of Roman artifacts and local artwork.
Take a stroll through the beautiful Gloucester Docks, home to art galleries and trendy cafés.
Discover the work of local artists at The Guild at 51, a contemporary craft and design gallery.
End the day with dinner at Greek on the Docks, a family-run restaurant serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

Day 4

Nature and Wildlife

Take a trip to the Slimbridge Wetland Centre, a nature reserve home to over 100 species of birds from around the world.
Enjoy a scenic walk along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, which winds through the countryside and is a popular spot for birdwatching.
Visit Prinknash Abbey, a Benedictine monastery set in beautiful gardens and wooded grounds.
Take a guided tour of the Cotswold Falconry Centre and watch birds of prey in flight.
End the day with an authentic Indian meal at Voujon, a highly rated restaurant that serves a range of curries and tandoori dishes.

Day 5

Local Traditions and Farewell to Gloucester

Explore the historic Gloucester Farmers Market, which takes place every Friday and showcases local produce and crafts.
Visit the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway and take a trip on a vintage steam train.
Stop by the The House of the Tailor of Gloucester, a museum dedicated to Beatrix Potter's famous tale.
End the trip with a farewell meal at Cote Brasserie, a French-inspired restaurant that serves classic dishes with a modern twist.
Enjoy the last night at City Lodge Guest House and reflect on the discoveries and memories of the last few days in the heart of England.

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.