Gloucester

Gloucester nestles within the handsome rural county of Gloucestershire and is situated just 43 miles North East of Bristol. The county is an area of natural beauty, history and abundant traditions. From castles and cathedrals to cheese rolling and real ales. the city and surrounding area has everything to offer you a traditional 'heart of England' experience.

Attractions

Gloucester is Britain's furthest inland port and its docks thrived with commerce during the Victorian era. Today, the Gloucester Docks have been transformed into an attractive waterfront packed with restaurants, bars, shops and museums, including the interactive National Waterways Museum. There are also boat tours in the summer months.

The city is filled with fine religious architecture. Most renowned is Gloucester Cathedral, built between the 11th and 14th centuries. Its beautiful cloisters are also now famous for making appearances in the Harry Potter films.

The 16th century Dominican Priory of Blackfriars, ruins of the 13th century Greyfriars Monastery and the Llanthony Secunda Medieval Priory, are all found along the Via Sacra, an ancient pedestrian route, which links up the ecclesiastical buildings within the city.

Nearby highlights include the ancient Roman city of Cirencester with its stunning Roman ruins, the well preserved 12th century Berkeley Castle and the regency city of Cheltenham with its stately Georgian architecture and lively shopping centre. Cheltenham is also host to the famous Cheltenham Literary Festival, held annually in October.

If you time your vacation just right, you can also make the annual cheese rolling at Cooper's Hill, a traditional event where competitors chase a giant round cheese down a very steep and slippery hill. Expect there to be casualties!

Shopping

There are two shopping arcades in East Gate and Kings Walk, as well as a range of modern shops on Westgate Street. There is also an all year round indoor market where local produce can be bought and sampled. The Merchant Quay shopping centre at the docks is host to a number of specialist shops including an antiques centre.

Nightlife and Eating Out

The docks house a number of modern bars and restaurants. The Guildhall contains a concert hall, theatre, cinema and cafe-bar. Visitors should also take the opportunity to sample traditional local ales at one of Gloucester's many pubs and inns. Try the 17th century Fountain Inn on Westgate Street, for its huge selection of cask ales.

Tourist Information

28 Southgate Street Gloucester GL1 2DPTel: 01452 396572tourism@gloucester.gov.ukOpen: 10.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Saturday Open Sunday 11.00am - 3.00pm (July and August only)Also visit: www.gloucester.gov.uk/tourism

Airport

The nearest airports are Birmingham International and Bristol International.

Trains depart direct from Birmingham New Street every hour and take approx. 50 minutes. Trains also depart from Bristol Temple Meads every hour and take 45 minutes.