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 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…
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,…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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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.
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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