Nature
Through The Local Lens: James Kelly-Smith
Post date:
4th November 2025
Through the Local Lens: Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographerJames Kelly-Smith. Hidden gems and local insights.
- 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 | 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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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!
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:
£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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Arts
Advent Carol Service
Dates:
30th Nov 2025 - 7th Nov 2025
A beautiful candlelit service marking the beginning of the new Christian year. A beautiful candlelit service marking the beginning of the new Christian year.
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!
Dates:
5th Dec 2025 - 5th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm… The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night! Experience the festive charm of Gloucester Cathedral after dark at these special evening events.
Families
Carols On The Hour
Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
Carols on the Hour returns for another year, and our Cathedral choirs are ready to lift your… Carols on the Hour returns for another year, and our Cathedral choirs are ready to lift your spirits with joyful festive music!
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
6th Dec 2025 - 6th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
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Families
Meet St Nicholas at Gloucester Cathedral
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
Enter the enchanting world of Father Christmas and meet the man behind the…
View Event
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
13th Dec 2025 - 13th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
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Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
15th Dec 2025 - 15th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
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Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
17th Dec 2025 - 17th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
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Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
19th Dec 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Families
Meet St Nicholas at Gloucester Cathedral
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
Enter the enchanting world of Father Christmas and meet the man behind the…
View Event
Families
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night
Event Dates:
20th Dec 2025 - 20th Dec 2025
The Cathedral's beautiful decorations shine their brightest at night!…
View Event
Arts
Cathedral Carol Service
Event Dates:
21st Dec 2025 - 21st Dec 2025
Special service are filled with traditional readings, much-loved carols…
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Arts
Cathedral Carol Service
Event Dates:
22nd Dec 2025 - 22nd Dec 2025
Special service are filled with traditional readings, much-loved carols…
View Event
Families
Family Carol Service
Event Dates:
23rd Dec 2025 - 7th Nov 2025
Enjoy beautiful music, traditional readings, and plenty of festive cheer,…
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Families | Foodies | Groups
Christmas Macarons
Event Dates:
7th Dec 2025 - 7th Dec 2025
Make your own delicious range of Christmas Macarons
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
Plan a festive or winter getaway in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley. Discover cosy stays, scenic walks, Christmas markets, and seasonal adventures.
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Dogs
Leaf Peeping in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley: Best Autumn Colours in the UK
Post date:
1st October 2025
Discover the best places for autumn colours in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with our leaf peeping guide, tips, and local highlights.
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