Gloucester Things to Do Tips by aaaarrgh Top 5 Page for this destination

Inland port on the River Severn

Miles inland, far from the sea, but Queen Elizabeth I declared Gloucester a 'port' in 1580. In 1827 an 18 mile stretch of shipping canal was opened and big sailing ships arrived in the city. Gloucester made its fortune exporting grain to the rest of the UK.

These are serious Victorian dockyards ~ massive brick warehouses, one after another. It is nice to see that they are not all used for posh housing these days. There are a number of office headquarters. And a medium sized shopping mall with cafes, pizza bars and craft shops.

Here at the Docks you can find the National Waterways Museum and also Gloucester Antiques Centre, four floors of antique stalls and art galleries.

And a small Tourist Information Office, also open on Sundays, run by local volunteers (closes 3.30pm).

Address: Gloucester Docks

Directions: Downhill from the city centre along Southgate Street

Gloucester Cathedral and Monks' Cloisters

Gloucester Cathedral is a mixed bag, some bits quite plain and uninspiring, other corners are delightful. There are some ancient tombs (including England's Edward II) which are in beautiful condition. And the 650-year old Great East Window is so massive it is difficult to see all at the same time.

The most delightful part of the Cathedral for me were the fourteenth century Cloisters. These are a quadrangle of 'fan' vaulted corridors around a green courtyard. The ceilings are quite wonderful and intricate, lit by the soft warm daylight. These apparently are the best (and oldest) in the UK, which I am sure is true.

A 3 GBP donation is requested at the door to the cathedral, which sounds very fair for Gloucester's main attraction. Their are friendly, knowledgable staff who wear red sashes, easy to spot. And a big shop with some nice souvenirs. For all you early birds, the cathedral is open each day at 7:30am!!

Address: College Green, Gloucester

Directions: Off Westgate Street. Very well signposted from all directions. Also very tall tower, hard to miss.

Phone: 01452 528095

Website: http://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk