A Celestial Day Out, Discover Art, Space and Architecture

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 that synergise well, showcasing some artists inspiring work of lights and outer space. Read on to discover this carefully curated itinerary combining two extraordinary events.

Spend the Afternoon at Gloucester Cathedral

Start your day at the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, which boasts an impressive 1,300-year long history and is world renowned for its architecture. Once you step inside the cathedral you will be transported to another world with Luke Jerram's awe-inspiring Mars: War and Peace artwork. This is a 3D masterpiece, seven-metre sculpture of Mars. This has been created by imagery from NASA and rotates gracefully to an immersive soundtrack while being suspended in the heart of the Cathedral Nave. 

Mars War & Peace Echibition at Gloucester Cathedral Credit Dave Parry, Press Association.

Once you have taken your photos and come back down to earth from the experience, it’s time to grab a drink. 

The on-site café, known as the Monk’s Kitchen is well known for quality coffee and a delicious cakes. The peaceful ambiance and delicious treats provide the perfect place to have a bite to eat and drink before your next stop.

If you can’t make it in the evening don’t worry, you can still see Mars during the day, with entry by voluntary donation.

Travel to Hereford: Connecting the Dots

After leaving Gloucester Cathedral, make your way to Hereford, where an impressive  light and sound installation awaits. Convenient bus and train connections are only a short walk away and make the journey nice and easy. All you need to do is enjoy the journey and get ready to enjoy the next experience. 

It takes 1hr 40 mins approx. on the train from Gloucester to Hereford with a change in Newpot. Or you can catch the 33 Stagecoach bus from Gloucester Bus Station which brings you to Bridge Street, a few minutes walk from the cathedral, this takes about 1hr 40mins as well. The last bus for Gloucester departs Hereford shortly before 8pm.

Hereford Cathedral: SPACE - a spectacular sound and light show by Luxmuralis

As the evening sets in and the night sets in, Hereford Cathedral transforms into a stunning destination for a light show and e are counting down the days until Luxmuralis’ Space launches.

Luxmuralis’s Space at Hull Minster 2023

From Wednesday 16 – Saturday 19 October, the inside of Hereford Cathedral will be transformed through a series of light and sound installations which will invite visitors to experience the cathedral in a whole new way as they walk amongst the stars and planets.

Entry times are all pre booked and run between 6.20 PM and 9PM. To avoid disappointment, remember to book your tickets in advance as many slots have already sold out – you won’t regret it! Tickets cost £9 for adults, £6 for children (3 – 16), with free tickets for under 3s. Tickets are selling fast with many slots already fully booked, so get your ticketswhilst you still can.

Space is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

To celebrate the arrival of Space, the cathedral has launched their season of Space & Other Worlds. These events and activities feature music, lectures and liturgy which explore our relationship with our own planet, outer space and other worlds. Click here to read more.

Delicious Dinner Time 

If you’re feeling peckish before or after the show, you can enjoy mouthwatering burgers from The Beefy Boys, who will be conveniently located on the West End of Hereford Cathedral (Wednesday 16^th October – Saturday 19^th October, 6-9pm).

On the 18^th of October, they will be joined by Origin Pizza who will be serving their range of delicious wood-fired pizzas on the Cathedral Close (6-9pm).

Don’t forget to take a look in the Cathedral shop for souvenirs to take home with you. The Cathedral Shop will be open every evening, offering space and light-themed gifts alongside its usual selection.

You can always extend your stay to enjoy more of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley by staying the night. There are a range of different accommodation providers in the area that are well worth looking at and enabling you to explore this beautiful area. The Green Dragon is located just down the road from Hereford Cathedral and is one of the many other charming accommodations in Herefordshire.

This is a day out that art lovers and space enthusiasts won't want to miss! Enjoy entry with a voluntary donation to Gloucester Cathedral or book your tickets to Hereford Cathedral, plan your journey, and prepare to be blown away by the wonders of the cosmos in these unique exhibitions.