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 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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Our holiday cottages are located across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds and boast an array of… Our holiday cottages are located across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds and boast an array of memorable stays including family sized cottages and romantic cabins for two.
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…
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Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025
Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a vibrant celebration of all… Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a vibrant celebration of all things vintage with the much-loved Gloucester Goes Retro Festival.
Dates:
26th May 2025 - 26th May 2025
One of the UK’s most legendary and eccentric events, the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling returns to… One of the UK’s most legendary and eccentric events, the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling returns to Cooper’s Hill for another adrenaline-fuelled day of thrills, tumbles, and…
Dates:
30th May 2025 - 30th May 2025
Join us in the Apple Barn for real barbecue goodness. Quality food cooked over wood & charcoal Join us in the Apple Barn for real barbecue goodness. Quality food cooked over wood & charcoal
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…
Unlock a world of winter wellbeing in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley, from yoga and forest bathing retreats, to the the healing power of art, we've carefully curated a range of activities that will take you on a journey to a healthier, happier you.
If you love art, space and beautiful architecture, then we have a celestial day out that is guaranteed to be out of this world. Gloucester and Hereford Cathedral each have events showcase some artists inspiring work of lights and outer space
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