Things To Do In Gloucester: Historic Sites, Festivals & Museums
Gloucester is a lovely place to visit, with plenty of things to do locally, from sightseeing to more adventurous activities. Throughout the year, Gloucester has many events, including a choice of festivals.
I have lived in or near Gloucester for over 30 years, on and off, with stints in other places in the country. It is the principal city of the rural county of Gloucestershire in the South West of England.
Architecturally, the centre has many historically significant buildings. The city dates back to the Roman era, when it was called Glevum. It also played a significant role in the English Civil War.
Things To Do In Gloucester
If using the city as a base camp, you have many day-trip options by train.
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Visit Gloucester Cathedral
The Cathedral is at the top of the list; it is a magnificent building in the city centre. On a visit to Gloucester Cathedral. You can enjoy guided tours, learn some history or walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter in the Cloisters. The cloisters, organ and the secret garden are my favourite parts to visit. They often hold events here, including during the main Christian festivals.
Relax and explore the Historic Docks
Gloucester Docks are a hotbed of restaurants and bars, and the go-to place to have a drink or eat out. The area includes the Gloucester Quays shopping centre with a variety of shops near the city centre.
The Docks host many events throughout the year, the pinnacle of which is the biannual Tall Ships Festival. They host regular markets throughout the year, including many foodie events.
National Waterways Museum
In the docks is the informative National Waterways Museum, which covers canals and rivers. The Victorian Llanthony Warehouse, where the museum calls home, was built in 1873 and was used by corn merchants. This museum has lots of interesting exhibits, including many canal boats, cranes, tugboats and even a steam-powered dredger.
River Severn & Severn Bore
The Severn bore is a tidal bore seen on the tidal reaches of the River Severn in the county. Formed when the rising tide moves into the funnel-shaped Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary. Then the surging water forces its way upstream in a series of waves, as far as the city and beyond.
You can watch the wave along the river, but in the city, Over Bridge and Lower Parting are the best spots IMO. Further upstream, visitors can watch the wave at Minsterworth, Stonebench or Epney, to name a few. The bore is best watched when it is predicted to be a higher 4- or 5-star rating during the day. However, nighttime waves are enhanced by the quiet, making it more of an auditory experience.
Museum of Gloucester
The museum tells the story of the city, originally a Roman settlement, and its subsequent development through the Dark Ages and the Medieval period. There are many Roman artefacts, including a preserved section of the old Roman city walls.
Watch a game at Kingsholm Rugby Stadium
The home of the Cherry and Whites, the local Premiership rugby team, and a vibrant place to be on a match day.
For non-rugby fans, it is an experience to feel the atmosphere, even if you don’t understand the game or the passion. On a home match day, the city turns cherry and white and has quite the atmosphere.
Gloucester Goes Retro Festival
Gloucester Goes Retro is a car show and a historic festival all rolled into one. You can see hundreds of retro cars from different eras. You can also see some live entertainment and other historical displays. This takes place in August 2026
Folk of Gloucester Museum
The Folk of Gloucester, in the city centre, is housed in two of the city’s oldest timber-framed buildings. This includes a 16th-century Tudor merchant’s house and a 17th-century townhouse. The museum tells the city’s story from the Tudor era to the present day. You can find out more on their website.
The Tall Ships Festival
Every two years, Gloucester Docks hosts the Tall Ships Festival. You can look around many of the tall ships and see historical displays throughout the docks. The next Tall Ships Festival takes place in 2027. You can purchase tickets and find more details on their website.
Enjoy A Ghost Tour
The city has quite a history, and there are many options for ghost tours in the city and nearby. This includes a general town centre tour and one focused on the haunted hotel, The New Inn. Haunted sites in the city include the New Inn and Gloucester Prison.
Robinswood Hill
There are lots of pleasant walks to enjoy on the hill. It has many trails. The hike to the trig point at the top is very nice, through some beautiful countryside. Views from the top include the entire city, the Severn Vale, and the Cotswold Hills.
For wildlife lovers, the park offers varied habitats, and many species call Robinswood home. The hill is also home to the ski centre and a golf course.
St Oswald’s Priory
Another nice place to visit is St Oswald’s Priory. Lady Aethelflaed of Mercia, daughter of Alfred the Great, founded St Oswald’s Priory around 900. The site has an interesting history, including involvement in the English Civil War.
building. Nowadays, the priory ruins are in a park, where you can see them up close. The park is nice, and you can also see views of the cathedral. The priory is a Grade I listed building.
Llanthony Secunda Priory
Llanthony Secunda Priory is a ruined former Augustinian priory founded in 1136. You can walk around the priory ruins and grounds for free at any time of the day
Here you can see medieval ruins and some of the oldest Tudor brickwork in Gloucestershire. The Priory has been recently restored and hosts various events throughout the year. You can find out about these on their website. Visitors can also arrange a tour of the historic site.
The Ruins of Greyfriars
Greyfriars is a stunning example of a 13th-century medieval priory site, near the market and library. Thomas of Berkeley founded Greyfriars for a community of Franciscan friars in 1231. They closed the monastery in 1538 during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. You can see the ruins of Greyfriars for free at any time of the day.
St Mary de Crypt Church
St Mary de Crypt is a late 15th-century church on Southgate Street. Inside, you can see some nice features, including an impressive organ.
You can also see the old school features at the church or enjoy a drink in its cafe. At the rear, there is a graveyard next to the popular Cafe Rene pub.
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is in the city’s docks area. Visitors can learn about the entire history of the local regiments over the last 300 years. This includes details of campaigns in the 2 World Wars, the Napoleonic Wars, and modern-day conflicts.
Jet Age Museum
Enjoy a museum dedicated to the history of Gloucester’s aviation industry. The museum features aircraft and exhibits related to the jet age. While at the museum, you can see vintage planes & aviation artefacts and guided cockpit tours of jet fighters & an airliner.
Tubing On The Dry Ski Slope
Another fun activity is to try tubing at Gloucester Ski Centre. It is a great place to enjoy winter sports year-round. On arrival, the first task was the safety briefing and checks to ensure we were wearing suitable clothing, including the compulsory gloves.
The aim is to reach the top of the dry ski slope while dragging the inflatable ring. The views from the top were pretty special, and I could see the whole lit-up city below. At the top, you sit in the tube and wait for the marshal to signal when the slope is clear and safe to descend.
St Nicholas’ Church
St Nicholas’ Church is an interesting place to visit on Westgate Street near the Cathedral. The church dates back to the 12th century and was a sanctuary house. Highlights include the church’s leaning tower and the sanctuary knocker that warns of the perils of wine. It’s no longer active as a church and is open for tours only.
On my visits, I’ve found the guides to be very knowledgeable. If there are no tours, you can apparently collect a key from the folk museum. You can find out more about visiting on their website.
The House Of The Tailor Of Gloucester
The House of the Tailor is a Beatrix Potter-themed museum and shop in College Court. College Court is one of the city’s most photogenic streets. The museum is free to enter and tells the story of the book, The Tailor of Gloucester. The museum has books, old soft toys, and needlecraft on display.
A Boat Trip In The Docks
You can rent an electric boat for 8 people from Gloucester Boat Rental to explore the docklands. You can rent one for a quick trip or a longer 3-hour session to explore the canal.
Watch The Sunset
The docks are a fantastic place to watch the sunset. The colourful skies certainly add to the historic ambience. There are plenty of places on the waterfront to sit and wait, including pubs and restaurants.
Walking Tours
On a free walking tour, you can learn about the city’s history. You can download these. Other tours are available through The Civic Trust, which also offers a variety of guided walks from its home in St Michael’s Tower.
Mariners Church
Mariners Church in the docks opened in 1849 and served dock workers and crew from cargo ships visiting the city. It’s a small church set against a backdrop of Victorian warehouses. It has many original features, including the pulpit, pews and other fittings.
Dine out or Enjoy Drinks
The city has many great restaurants, including Greek on The Docks and Nepalese Chef. Many of the city’s bars are dog-friendly. Many of the best restaurants in Gloucester are in the Docks and Quays area.
Gloucester Prison
Gloucester Prison is a historic site that you can visit by arranging a tour. The site has been used as a prison since the Norman era and has been rebuilt since then. The site has a dark past, and 123 people were executed here until 1939. Visitors can choose from various tours, including a historical tour or a ghost hunt. You can find out more on the prison’s website. If you don’t fancy visiting inside, you can still walk the perimeter and see the buildings.
Bishop Hooper Monument
If you’re into places with dark histories, the Bishop Hooper Monument fits the bill. The monument is in the gardens of St Mary de Lode Church, a short walk from the cathedral. It’s a rather nice 19th-century structure. They built it to remember Bishop Hooper, whom they burnt at the stake here in 1555 during the reign of Queen Mary I. Bishop Hooper’s charge was heresy, AKA being Protestant.
St Mary’s Gate
Between the Bishop Hooper Monument and the cathedral grounds is St Mary’s Gate, which is rather nice. St Mary’s Gate dates from the 13th century, when it was part of St Peter’s Abbey. You can also still see some of the old wall on the road. This is a Grade I-listed building and worth a look. Next to the gate are some nice Tudor-style houses.
Gloucester Park
Gloucester Park is the largest open space in the city centre and a good place for a walk. The park has a war memorial and a statue of Robert Raikes. Throughout the year, the park hosts many events, including the Gloucester Festival and a funfair. For fun, there is also a children’s play area, skate park and tennis courts.
Hillfield Gardens
Hillfield Gardens is a nice place for a walk and has some interesting features. St Magdalen’s Chapel is in the gardens. It is one of the city’s oldest buildings. It was originally a 12th-century leper hospital. The building also has some medieval graffiti.
Other things to see in the gardens are Hillfield House and The King’s Board. Hillfield House is a Grade II-listed building built between 1867 and 1869. The King’s Board is a nice gazebo-like structure. It has had many functions since its earliest mention in 1455.
Walk Along The Gloucester to Sharpness Canal
The canal is an excellent walk that can start at the Docks. It is 16 miles long; thus, you can enjoy a short or all-day walk. The towpath is easy-going and flat, following the waterway.
Enjoy A Concert at The Guildhall
The Guildhall is a pleasant venue on Eastgate Street and offers a good range of performances, including the annual Underground Festival. They also host dance events and show various movies at their cinema.
Enjoy The City’s nightlife
Gloucester has some good options for a night out. The most popular night bar is Butlers in the city centre. I prefer smaller pubs like the New Inn, which often have a great vibe, especially on match day. Café René also hosts various events on weekends. Another fun night out is the weekly karaoke in The Doctors pub.
Festive Markets
Each year, in the few weekends before Christmas, Gloucester Docks and Quays are home to the Orchard Street Market. Local producers also run lots of food and craft stalls.
The area also offers entertainment, with outdoor bars serving seasonal drinks. It is also home to the city’s popular ice rink during the festive period.
Retail Therapy
Gloucester Quays is a large shopping centre and a restaurant district. There are many in-store options, including some popular international brands. The local rugby team also has a fan shop where you can purchase kits and other clothing. Many restaurants line the quays, including the popular French restaurant chain Côte.
What’s Nearby
There’s lots to see and do in Gloucestershire and the surrounding countryside. The Cotswolds are a picturesque region of hills and villages popular with walkers, foodies, and artists. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a stunning ancient woodland and river valley that is a national landscape. If towns are your thing, then Cirencester, Cheltenham and Stroud are easy to reach.
Where To Stay?
The city offers accommodation to suit most budgets and tastes. Many Airbnbs, chain hotels, and independent hotels like The Edward Hotel and the New Inn are close to the city centre and the main attractions. The best place to find hotels in the city is on the Booking.com website.
Is Gloucester Worth Visiting?
There are some interesting things to see for first-time visitors to Gloucester; thus, it’s well worth a few days’ visit. The cathedral and the docks are the main attractions. If visiting, one of the best times is when a big festival is on, especially Gloucester Goes Retro or the Tall Ships Festival. The city hosts many events, including top-level rugby and gigs.