Gloucester

Travel Guide

Gloucester showing street scenes, a city and heritage architecture
Gloucester showing a city and signage
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum which includes military items, interior views and a statue or sculpture
Gloucester Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, religious aspects and art
Regiments of Gloucestershire Museum which includes military items, interior views and art

Medieval monuments, energetic docklands, museums, live music and exciting rugby make the largest city in the Cotswolds an attractive destination.

Gloucester is an absorbing blend of history, entertainment and recreation. Discover centuries-old landmarks, watch concerts by international acts, dine at waterside cafés and shop at contemporary retail districts. Settled in Roman times and captured by the Saxons, Gloucester became an important medieval wool-trading center and was the site of an English Civil War battle. Today, it’s a lively university city in the picturesque Severn Valley and surrounded by the Cotswold Hills.

Get around Gloucester’s city center comfortably on foot. It centers on two crisscrossed pedestrian-friendly streets. Admire the beautiful 1,300-year-old Gloucester CathedralOpens in a new window, which holds the tomb of King Edward II and was a filming location for the Harry Potter movies. Ring the church bells of 15th-century St. Michael’s Tower. Visit the ancient ruins of St. Oswald’s Priory and the timber-roofed Blackfriars Priory, established in 1239.

Spot dinosaur fossils, paintings by J.M.W. Turner and Roman-era relics at the Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery. Learn about Gloucester’s industrial heritage and social history at the Gloucester Life Museum.

A short walk from the city center is Gloucester DocksOpens in a new window. Once a shipping wharf and Britain’s most inland port, its Victorian-era merchant warehouses have been converted into waterfront museums, restaurants and shops. Learn about the military history of area citizens at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire MuseumOpens in a new window. Do some shopping at the Gloucester Quays shopping village.

Explore the city’s selection of traditional pubs. The New Inn dates back to the 1400s. Shakespeare’s company may have performed here.

At night, attend concerts at the intimate Gloucester Guildhall. Previous performers include British rock bands Oasis and Radiohead. Alternatively, watch a match featuring Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm Stadium.

Located in southwestern England, Gloucester has direct train links to BirminghamOpens in a new window, BristolOpens in a new window, CardiffOpens in a new window and LondonOpens in a new window. It’s also a gateway to several natural and outdoor attractions. Follow walking trails in the Forest of Dean, hike to the summit of Symonds Yat Rock and kayak along the Wye River.

Holiday Inn Gloucester-Cheltenham by IHG
Holiday Inn Gloucester-Cheltenham by IHG
4 out of 5
Crestway, Barnwood, Gloucester, England
$77 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$93 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (470 reviews)
"It was great"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Holiday Inn Gloucester-Cheltenham by IHG
Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa
Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Down Hatherley Lane, Gloucester, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$127 nightly
The price is $153 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$153 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa country house in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (572 reviews)
"Lovely hotel and had some really good facilities (spa & gym)."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa
Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel
Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel
4 out of 5
Bondend Lane Upton St Leonards, Gloucester, England
$96 nightly
The price is $115 total per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
$115 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (677 reviews)
"staff very helpful"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Friary House Serviced Apartments by Roomsbooked - 24Hr Reception
Friary House Serviced Apartments by Roomsbooked - 24Hr Reception
3.5 out of 5
46 Southgate St, Gloucester, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and balconies. Popular attractions Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Quays ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
"Spacious and well-equipped apartment. Comfortable and quiet."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Friary House Serviced Apartments by Roomsbooked - 24Hr Reception
The Judges Lodgings Boutique Hotel
The Judges Lodgings Boutique Hotel
2 out of 5
29 Spa Rd, Gloucester, England
Stay at this aparthotel in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Gloucester Quays and Gloucester Docks are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
Good location but bathroom needs a clean
"Great central location, easy parking and spacious airy accomodation with kitchen and dining area. However, the bathroom was a bit grubby and in need of a deep clean. The extractor fan had a build up of dust and looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in a very long while."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

The Judges Lodgings Boutique Hotel
Indoor heated swimming Pool,  Hot tub sleeps up to  30..Amazing Riverside House
Indoor heated swimming Pool, Hot tub sleeps up to 30..Amazing Riverside House
Nr Gloucester
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Gloucester. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Gloucester Quays and Gloucester ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"Fabulous place. Celebrated a 90th birthday. Facilities great, house clean and tidy on arrival, garden with hot tub was well used. We hope to return one day!"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Indoor heated swimming Pool, Hot tub sleeps up to 30..Amazing Riverside House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Gloucester

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 10%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

janetsmith

We were born in Gloucester and moved to America 30 yrs ago so Gloucester will always have a place in our hearts

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Gloucester Cathedral was AWESOME!!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The area that we stayed in seemed relatively safe, but it also felt like we weren't welcome in the town. There was a bit of a negative vibe.

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