Adventure
Christmas Gift Guide
Post date:
6th December 2025
Find the perfect Christmas gift with local experiences, creative days out and unforgettable adventures across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
- Locations
- Gloucester
Visit Gloucester
A city where history, culture, and waterside living meet
Gloucester is a vibrant, multicultural city that blends stunning historic architecture with a dynamic mix of attractions, festivals, entertainment, and shopping. Whether you're visiting for the day or planning a longer stay, Gloucester offers a unique city experience with easy access to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley countryside.
The History of Gloucester
The cathedral city of Gloucester, nestled between the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean along the River Severn is Britain’s most inland port, rich with history dating back from Roman times to its Victorian docklands. During its heyday, Gloucester’s docks bustled with the trade of timber, corn, metals, wines and spirits, with the sight of towering ships on the River Severn a familiar scene.
Today, Gloucester’s historic Victorian docklands are beautifully restored. The redbrick warehouses house museums, restaurants, shops, and cafes, all set around the impressive Gloucester Docks and the Gloucester–Sharpness Canal. The city’s proud military and industrial heritage is celebrated through its many museums and events.
Things to do in Gloucester
- Gloucester Cathedral: A true masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, Gloucester Cathedral is a must-visit. Known as the coronation site of King Henry III and the burial place of King Edward II, its stunning cloisters also famously doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
- Historic Gloucester Docks: The docks offer a vibrant waterside experience with independent shops, bars, and restaurants, alongside the award-winning Gloucester Quays Outlet for shopping lovers. Explore the Gloucester Waterways Museum or simply soak up the lively atmosphere. All foodies need to visit the Gloucester Food Dock for some of the best local producers, eateries and bars.
- Sports and Stadiums: Every sports fan needs to feel the roar of the crowd at a Gloucester Rugby match at Kingsholm Stadium. It's a must to experience the legendary atmosphere of ‘The Shed’! Football fans can catch a match at Gloucester City AFC’s new stadium.
- Festivals and Events: Gloucester hosts an exciting calendar of events year-round.
- Gloucester Tall Ships Festival: Celebrate Gloucester’s seafaring heritage with stunning tall ships, live entertainment and family fun.
- Gloucester Goes Retro: Step back in time with a city-wide celebration of classic cars, vintage fashion and nostalgia.
- Gloucester History Festival: Critically acclaimed and packed with fascinating talks, tours and exhibitions.
- Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market: Experience a magical festive atmosphere at one of the UK’s best-loved Christmas markets.
Visit Gloucester from the Dean Wye
The city is easily accessible from the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and a day trip would take in many of the highlights of the city. Or you could make Gloucester the base for your city break and explore the spectacular countryside of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley from there.
Gloucester is around a 15 minute drive from the Forest of Dean, see our Getting Here page for information on travel.
Interested in combining historic sightseeing with countryside adventures? The Gloucestershire Way, a fantastic national trail, links Gloucester with the Forest, offering a brilliant off-road walking route for those keen to explore on foot.
For everything you need to plan your trip to Gloucester, discover more at using the Visit Gloucester website linked here.
Businesses related to Gloucester
Foodies | Accessible | Dogs
The Forest Larder
The Forest Larder is an eclectic collection of food and drink from the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley… The Forest Larder is an eclectic collection of food and drink from the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and beyond.
Foodies | Accessible | Families | Dogs | Groups | Relaxation
Harts Barn Cookery School
Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many… Cookery experiences for all. Holiday activities, parties, fire cooking, world cookery and many more. Bespoke experiences for family groups & friends are. Venue hire & meeting…
Adventure | Nature | Arts | History
Newnham Private Hire
Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Prices from:
£29.00
Dogs | Families | Groups
Bracelands Camping
Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on… Bracelands Campsite is a spacious, family- and dog-friendly camping, caravan and glamping site on the edge of the Forest of Dean. Open year-round, offering panoramic…
Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in… Fun, photographic training, group guiding, photography mindfulness sessions and Photo holidays in the heart of the forest and valley with pro photographer, David Broadbent.…
Dogs | Families | Nature | Accessible
Leaf Creative
Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant… Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous & unusual plant specimens that can inject instant structure, colour & texture into your garden. We pride ourselves on…
Arts | Nature | Groups
David Broadbent Photography
David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and… David Broadbent Photography produces cutting edge and on trend work in stills, video, drone and time-lapse to communicate your business message effectively with over 30 years…
Adventure | Groups | Dogs | Families
Way2Go Adventures Ltd
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and…
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
The Red Hart Inn
A warm welcome awaits at the Red Hart Inn, a 16th-century village pub in Blaisdon. Enjoy the charm… A warm welcome awaits at the Red Hart Inn, a 16th-century village pub in Blaisdon. Enjoy the charm of a traditional inn paired with a fresh, modern menu, real ales, and a…
History | Groups
Gloucester Cathedral
A warm welcome awaits you at Gloucester Cathedral. Proudly sitting at the very heart of the City of… A warm welcome awaits you at Gloucester Cathedral. Proudly sitting at the very heart of the City of Gloucester is one of the finest medieval buildings in the country where…
Foodies | Families | Groups | Dogs
Sabo Yes - The Kings Head, Blakeney
Sabo Yes is a family run coffee shop and licenced restaurant in Blakeney. We take pride in offering… Sabo Yes is a family run coffee shop and licenced restaurant in Blakeney. We take pride in offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious meals…
Nature in art is unique - it is the world’s only museum dedicated to art inspired by nature.… Nature in art is unique - it is the world’s only museum dedicated to art inspired by nature. Displays embrace two and three-dimensional work in all mediums and styles,…
Prices from:
£100.00
Families | Dogs | Groups
Broom Hill Retreat
Discover Broom Hill Retreat: luxury glamping (carriages Daisy & Doris) & The Annex in Royal Forest… Discover Broom Hill Retreat: luxury glamping (carriages Daisy & Doris) & The Annex in Royal Forest of Dean. Enjoy nature with home comforts, hot tubs & more!
Prices from:
£18.00
Families
Forest Gate
A small family camping and caravan site in the grounds of a Victorian rectory. Electric hook-ups,… A small family camping and caravan site in the grounds of a Victorian rectory. Electric hook-ups, toilets and showers. Convenient for the Royal Forest of Dean and the Severn…
Business Directory
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust are a community development charity and over 20 years we will plough… Gloucestershire Gateway Trust are a community development charity and over 20 years we will plough an estimated £10 million into sustainable community projects through our…
Events awarded Gloucester
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Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Champagne Brunch
Dates:
1st Jan 2026 - 1st Jan 2026
Join us on New Year’s Day for Champagne Brunch Join us on New Year’s Day for Champagne Brunch
Families
The Good Tidings Family Trail
Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 4th Jan 2026
As you explore the beautifully decorated Cathedral, help the angels share the joyful Christmas… As you explore the beautifully decorated Cathedral, help the angels share the joyful Christmas Message and bring good tidings to all!
Families
Family Carol Service
Dates:
24th Dec 2025 - 24th Dec 2025
Enjoy beautiful music, traditional readings, and plenty of festive cheer, all within the stunning… Enjoy beautiful music, traditional readings, and plenty of festive cheer, all within the stunning surroundings of the Cathedral.
Dates:
31st Dec 2025 - 1st Jan 2026
Best of British Menu followed by Punk Pop Party Best of British Menu followed by Punk Pop Party
Arts
Britten's Ceremony of Carols
Event Dates:
11th Jan 2026 - 11th Jan 2026
Experience the beauty of Britten's Ceremony of Carols, sung by Gloucester…
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Adventure | Dogs | Families
Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling - Date TBC
Event Dates:
26th May 2026 - 26th May 2026
One of the UK’s most legendary and eccentric events, the Gloucestershire…
View EventTrails In Gloucester
The Wysis Way starts at Monmouth, where Offa's Dyke crosses the River Wye and heads east across a… The Wysis Way starts at Monmouth, where Offa's Dyke crosses the River Wye and heads east across a tract of the Forest of Dean and the Leadon Vale to Gloucester, which fully…
The Gloucestershire Way is a 100 mile (160km) long-distance national trail which crosses almost the… The Gloucestershire Way is a 100 mile (160km) long-distance national trail which crosses almost the full width of Gloucestershire from its westerly border with the Welsh town…
Our latest Gloucester blogs
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
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Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
Read more
Discover top Bonfire Night 2025 fireworks displays in and around the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Check timings and details before attending.
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