Explore Gloucester and discover some of the best things to do in the historic city. Some of the best Gloucester attractions include Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester Docks and a range of museums and galleries. Discover fun for the whole family in Gloucester. 

Discover Gloucester Attractions

Located near the rural Cotswolds with convenient transport links, Gloucester offers a fantastic base for exploring the region and has plenty to see and do. Discover pleasant walks in the open countryside and an escape from the hustle and bustle. The city also lies on the course of River Severn, Great Britain’s longest river, which has shaped Gloucester’s landscape and heritage as an inland port. 

Gloucester Cathedral

The 11th Century Gloucester Cathedral is an impressive sight! People from around the world visit the cathedral as it is one of the finest examples of Romanesque and Gothic Architecture in the UK. The place of worship ignites the imagination of all who visit and has been a site of continuous Christian worship since 678-9 AD when a Saxon abbey first stood here. It is also the burial place of King Edward II. 

More recently, the Gloucester Cathedral cloisters were used as a filming location, acting as a Hogwarts corridor, in two Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

You may also be interested in visiting Gloucester’s oldest church still in use. St Mary de Crypt Church was first recorded in 1140 and has also played an important part in the city’s history.  

Gloucester Docks

A wander along Gloucester’s historic docks lets you imagine the bustling inland port of centuries past. Today the restored Victorian warehouses house cafes, shops and museums rather than grain, timber and iron. You can also visit the Mariners’ Chapel and explore the dry docks displaying fascinating evidence of Gloucester’s shipbuilding heritage.

Gloucester Quays

Looking for some retail therapy? Shopping at Gloucester Quays is a must. Gloucester Quays outlet shopping centre sits on former docks land. As well as over 30 big name stores, it hosts seasonal events, children’s activities and waterside dining options. Nearby Antiques Centre houses over 60 dealers under one roof for vintage treasures.

Barn Owl Centre 

This avian conservation charity breeds endangered British barn owls on site. Visit the Barn Owl Centre in Gloucester to see magnificent birds up close in free flying displays and handle feathered friends on special experiences. The visitor centre and nature trails teach all ages about protecting birds of prey.

Gloucester Museums & Art Galleries

Choose from various museums and galleries illuminating Gloucester’s heritage. Gloucester Folk Museum’s recreated Victorian streets will transport you back in time. Explore fine decorative arts at The City Museum & Art Gallery. The Museum of Royal Gloucester displays 7000 years of local history.

Museum of Gloucester 

The Museum of Gloucester presents the city’s history in an engaging way. Fantastic exhibits, hands-on activities, costumed interpreters and audio tours cater to all learning styles. Key collections include the world-famous Birdlip Mirror, ancient Roman tombstones and the oldest complete backgammon set in the world, known as the Gloucester Tables Set.

National Waterways Museum Gloucester

The National Waterways Museum at Gloucester Docks celebrates the city’s industrial past with canal boats and interactive exhibits. The museum portrays Gloucester’s canal and river trade history through boats, artefacts and interactive displays. Walk the docks, enter historic narrowboats and a 1930s working boat cabin. Events, mooring and children’s activities make it a family day out.

Nature in Art Museum and Art Gallery

Surrounded by lovely gardens, the Nature in Art Museum and Art Gallery displays works depicting nature by great artists from Van Gogh to Barbara Rae. Special exhibitions change regularly, from David Hockney to emerging contemporary artists. The on-site cafe makes an artistic pitstop.

SureStore Gloucester – Self-Storage Facility 

Aside from attractions and landmarks in the historic city, Gloucester is also home to an innovative self-storage facility, offering home and business storage units to customers in Gloucestershire. 

Our new location offers home and business storage solutions, including professional office space and trade counters.

Whether you’ve recently moved to Gloucestershire or you’re a long-established local, you’ll always find something fun to do. For more information regarding our new SureStore self-storage facility, contact our friendly team or use our booking tool to book self-storage in Gloucester today!   

Find SureStore Gloucester at Units 6a & 6b, The Peel Centre, St Anne Way, Gloucester GL1 5SF.